Finding Joy in the Car Wash Basin

Learning to rest as a team of 10 in the same house with two different cultures has been difficult.

Our ministry is 5 days a week. We always look forward to Saturday, our sabbath, for time to rest with the Lord and decompress. 

The other week, Bilsan, the director of One Way Community, came up to Petén to see the new ministry here. That week was also his birthday. They celebrated by welcoming the whole OWC team to visit a nearby city for two days to rest and have fun. 

We saw the beauty of God’s creation in the peaceful lakes, hundreds of hills, and miles of canopy. I enjoyed so much time with God along the lake and in car rides. 

Before heading back to Poptun after a night in Flores, OWC took us to Tikal. One of the main locations to see Myan ruins. Alyssa, my teammate wrote an awesome blog about that specific experience. You can read it here. 

That last ride in the pickup back to Poptun was very memorable. A tropical storm made its way to Guatemala that morning, and it had started to rain as we explored Tikal. By the time I hopped in the back of the pickup to ride back home, my pants and shoes were soaking wet. (I’m very thankful for my rain jacket. I will leave a good review on their website). 7 of us huddled together for the three hour drive to Poptun. The rain was coming down hard as we drove 80 mps along the (thankfully) paved road. 

I spent some of my time singing with teammates or listening to them chat. Most of it I spent in conversations with God. I am so thankful for His peaceful presence during that adventure. He reminded me of verses I’ve memorized and song lyrics. He gave me clarity in thought, as opposed to the other car rides where I’ve been distracted and my mind goes everywhere. I got a lot of thinking done! I like to use my time well, so I am glad God helped me be efficient. He provided warmth when I started shivering, even when my environment didn’t physically change. He gave me joy in His presence and also through my teammates. I’m learning to abide with Him even in places where I don’t naturally find solitude.

By the time we climbed out of the truck three hours later, each article of clothing was dripping wet. (I might include that in my rain jacket review too). Soon after a rinse and a late dinner, I got into bed and enjoyed sleeping in. 

We can always find joy in the Lord. He should be the first one we go to. Seek His presence in the moments where it’s easy to find joy, and also the times of sadness, grieving, disappointment, and frustration. 

General ministry update:

Going to Flores was refreshing, but we are still working as a team to make the new ministry here sustainable. We are working hard but need to find the balance to take care of ourselves and be a better support of each other. This last week was rough for me because I was overwhelmed to where I couldn’t love others well. God has helped us communicate better, and I’m seeing healthy changes. I am excited to keep serving with this amazing team. 

The ministry here is fairly structured, and I’ve found it’s hard for me to give room for the Lord to work. We are working on restructuring our preparation time so we can give a day to the Lord. That day will be for asking Him what He wants us to do. We will be listening to His guidance for our time, energy, conversations, money, and friendships.

It’s a blessing to work alongside the OWC team. Some of them have joined our daily team time and feedback sessions. We get to hear many of their testimonies and praise the Lord together. 

Samantha, a squad leader, has joined our team for the remainder of our time in Petén. She is a joyful and calming presence. She did the world race last year, so she has been sharing insights as we live here. 

We only have 2.5 weeks left in Petén 🙁 Then our squad will meet up in Antigua for two weeks of debrief and teachings. Usually the World Race only spends a month in each country, which feels crazy short. I am glad I have these extra weeks to bond with the kids, OWC team, and get to know the culture. 

Prayer Requests:

• Find rest in the Lord.

• Listen to the Lord so we can love others well.

• Growth in Spanish fluency so we can make deeper connections with the locals.

• Praise: all of the team has been physically healthy recently!!!

• Praise: We are learning to communicate better, and growing deeper as a team!

• Praise: I am continuing to practice praying in the loud 30 minute car rides, and I feel closer to the Lord!

• Praise: There is a good traditional ice cream shop not too far from the house. Great treat for the hot weekends! 

Not my will, but His,

Sarah

(p.s. with the help of google translate, the term “car wash basin” was used to describe the back of the vehicle on our way up to Petén, specifically because of the chance of rain.)