Paula's Exciting Experience

There is so much to say about my time here so far and not enough space to write. I have fallen in love with the people here in Guatemala! The children especially have become so very precious to us. We all have had the privilege of interacting freely with all of the kids, even during classes, and it's been wonderful. The only challenging thing I've encountered so far is communicating fluently with many here. Only a handful know how to speak English fairly well so it's been a great amount of exercise for me to do my best in speaking Spanish with those that don't. I was telling the other girls that I have spoken more Spanish here than I ever remember speaking before! In the past it has seemed a chore for me to try and communicate with my Hispanic relatives, but here it's become a blessing to be able speak with these wonderful people even though I am limited.
I can't begin to express the joy that I've experienced in being able to be a light to so many here. I've had the privilege of talking and sharing with one of the teachers here, even though she doesn't speak English Lizbet and I were able to have an amazing conversation about the things we're both so passionate about, the work we do with young people. It was so encouraging to me to meet someone who shares the same faith and has the same passions as I but lives in a totally different part of the world. One of the other highlights of my journey thus far is my encounter with the 9th grade class. These teenagers will forever have a place in my heart! The first time I walked in their class I was able capture their full attention because the teacher they were supposed to have for that period was unable to make it that day.  I was able to interact with them without any distractions and communicate without any trouble because the only kid in the whole school that  speaks English just so happened to be in that class! It was such a blessing to have her aid in in translating the things I could not say in Spanish. I've had such a wonderful time playing games with them, doing my best to get to know all 23 of them, and answering their questions(some of them serious ones). I pray that God would take my humble efforts in reaching out to all of these young people and work in their hearts and lives in a way that only He can do.
It's going to be difficult when the time comes to say goodbye. :(
There is so much more to say but it's getting late and I'm getting tired.
Until next time,
Paula