Adjusting to Guate...

Well, the adjustment is beginning, and thanks to the Lord his grace over me!

Culturally...
I am getting used to greeting everyone with a kiss when I enter a place, and the little catch phrases are starting to come back to me.  Language has come very naturally this time around, though I could use a bit of prayer because my formal 'you' (Usted) form of speech is a bit rusty... and I want to be able to be polite!

Physically:
It's been beautiful weather, but you still gotta bring a sweater with you, and nights are chilly.
My stomach is not behaving... I managed to get some amoeba thing going on but they assure me with these particular meds it will be gone in 8 hours.
I am excited about the opportunities I have to walk from place to place, it's good excercise and a great way to observe the people and culture around me.

Spiritually:
God is faithful, although I am being pushed out of my comfort zone regularly! I am sure this will continue as I start visiting ministries the coming week.
My primary responsibilities in the next 2 months will be as a 'ministry liaison' between the grassroots (local) ministries and Estrategia de Transformacion(EdT). This means I meet weekly with ministry leaders, find out what their vision is for ministry, and how they're making it happen. It will also include coming to particular events and observing/participating to see what's really happening, as well as encouraging them in their work however possible. Out EdT network offers them leadership and theological training, and seeks to connect them to other grassroots ministries as well as partner them with organizations abroad. The end goal is self-sustainment for each of the ministries in the network.

I begin these visits on Monday, Lord willing. I am learning to drive stick-shift (thank you to my VERY patient boyfriend for the help with this!) and will be more mobile once I master the klutch and don't need to request rides from friends.

As for housing logistics, I will either be living in Pinula with a host family or in San Cristobal (sector of Guatemala city) with a few American gals. Both are reasonable options, and transportation will be the deciding factor.

Tomorrow night I will be going to a funeral for a pastor, "Azucar" (pronounced ah-SOO-kahr, meaning Sugar) who worked in a rough neighborhood here in Guate. He hosted a church in his home, and campfires in the street for the children on the weekends, among other things. He was loved by everyone in the community. He was shot unexpectedly and the community is devastated. His ministry was part of the EdT network and thus we are coming alongside them in their pain. Attendance at the funeral is expected to be max-capacity, and also presents an opportunity to share the beautiful hope that Azucar and many others can have, even in death.

Blessings to you all, and thank you for your prayers and support.
Kim <><

Travels!

Greetings!
My departure is scheduled for tomorrow...Jan. 25!!  I'll be traveling from about 10am to 10pm.. (Grand Rapids to New Jersey to Texas to Guate, for you frequent flyers).
I am spending the first 5 days in Santa Catarina Pinula where I interned this past summer, and being work on Feb. 1.
Please pray for my travels on Monday, and the adjustment as I enter a new culture and context!


I am very excited, but I also know that it will be a completely different experience than this past summer, and that there will be a lot more responsibilities on me (and learning required!). It sounds like my first week of work will be mainly ministry visits with other members of the EdT staff. This would be great, because I can watch, observe, and learn a little more. My goal as I enter Guatemalan communities is to 'be a sponge' and understand as much as possible. I do not presume to have answers or solutions. In the language of Estrategia de Transformacion(EdT), I'm entering into conversations. With an open heart. I believe it's what we're called to.

Thank you again to all who have supported me with your prayers, financial help, and encouragement. This opportunity would not be possible otherwise! I'm still in need of financial support, and currently a few churches are still in the process of deciding whether they are able to partner with me at this time.  Pray that God gives me peace in regards to his provision, means and timing!

In his steps,
Kim <><

2010!!

Well, this year is the beginning of many new things for many people... graduations, careers, weddings, babies... many of my friends and family members have exciting things going on.

I anticipate this year being one of extensive growth and change... I will be serving in full-time ministry beginning in February for at least a year!! I share in EdT(Estrategia de Transformacion)'s vision for community transformation among the least, last and lost.

I hope to explore the meaning and fruits of such ministry in this blog in the months to come. This may include prayer requests, theological reflections, and stories. My assumption is that you are reading this blog because you support my service in Guatemala. May I take a moment to say - Thank you for doing so!! The Lord has used his people to make this possible!

I thank God that he has given me the opportunity to fulfill one of my largest dreams... to serve in foreign missions in Latin America. Although I am only beginning this new chapter of my life, I can see that as I obey God's leading for my life, he also blessed me with deep joy. I pray that I can be as Jesus' disciple Mary, who chose the "one thing necessary". By seeking first the Lord, to truly find the desires of my heart fulfilled, and to honor him with my life.