“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.’”
Exodus 14:15-16
Hi friends! H Squad finally made it to Guate! I cannot believe we have already been here a whole week! The Lord has truly been so good to us. On November 5th, the squad boarded a plane ready for what the Lord has in store for us. Being in the welcoming country of Guatemala has been so tender. The people here are ready to love us and invite us into their lives the second that we walk through the door. Their hospitality is something that is almost unexplainable.
As I walk into this season, my prayer has been that I would act on the prompting of the Lord, big or small, and growing my “faith muscle” is a priority of mine. On November 4th, one day before leaving the country, I walked my phone and laptop to a friend’s vehicle, set it down, hugged said friend, and walked away. While we are all called to a life of abandonment, this is what mine currently looks like. The Lord was kind in how He has worked with me on thisone. He continuously prompted me in “little” things in life- therefore strengthening my faith muscle for the “bigger” opportunities to live in abandonment. For the next 7ish months I have been called to live without technology. Thankfully, I have sweet squadmates that allow me to borrow their computers to write blogs. It brings me peace knowing that the Lord is not only parting the sea for me, but also being so intentional and thoughtful to dry the ground where the sea once was.
You may be wondering why I put little and bigger inside quotations. I did that because in the grand scheme of things, it is all the Lords to begin with. There is a Hebrew word that has been mentioned quite a lot since being on the World Race. That word is hineni; it is Hebrew for “here I am.” Walking in a lifestyle of hineni is saying “yes” before the Lord prompts. It is deciding that when He asks you to do something you will immediately respond with “yes” instead of having a conversation with the doubts that creep in seconds later.
I want to encourage you to read the story of the Israelites in Exodus. Their story is a reminder to me to focus on the Lord no matter my circumstances, and to remind myself of how God has already provided in my life. So with that being said, I want to walk with hands wide open ready for all that the Lord has in store. But in this, I have to continue to remind myself that just because the Lord called me to it does not mean that it will be easy. On the hard days I get to experience the sweet moments of bringing the hard things back to the Father, and Him meeting me right where I am. Each struggle prepares me and gets me ready for the next opportunity to say, ”yes.”
For a little ministry update:
On Monday/Wednesday/Friday we work with a ministry called Lugar De Promesas which means Place of Promises. When with this ministry, my team walks in being as flexible as air. Most times there is an approximate plan, but it changes quite often. Any given day with this ministry could look like house visits, soccer games, teaching English, or painting the church!
On Tuesdays we work with a more scheduled day. After breakfast, we have a little over an hour drive to Acatenango! There, we teach English, play games with the kiddos, and get our butts kicked in soccer. (they like to put me as the goalkeeper, but I don’t mind. It is kinda fun!)
I am expectant of the Lord. I know He is doing big things in Guatemala, and He is allowing H squad to come alongside Him in it! And He is wanting to invite YOU into what He is doing where your feet are. I implore you to grow your faith muscle and say, “yes.” Go through the day with open hands ready to act on His prompting. Let’s grow the Kingdom!
God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.
Much love from Guatemala,
KJ
I LOVE reading your updates! I am so thrilled to hear about all that God is teaching you and all the ways He is using you! Love you bunches!!!!!
You’re intentionality in saying “yes” is seen by Him and by others. Living in reckless abandonment doesn’t mean we live reckless, but that our actions and lives don’t rest well in worldly norms. We can trust and say yes to when He calls and leads us as the Good Shepard He is!
I was thrilled to hear about all that is going on this far! I have no doubt God is using your team to make Him known!! Thank you for challenging us to be more like Christ and grow our faith muscles. Much love snd prayers from the Clark’s. We love you big time!
I was so excited to see your update in my in box!!! Blessings as God uses you in Guatemala! May your words and actions be His hands and feet to those who need Him!
Ah, Katelyn, I have prayed for you since you first mentioned leaving behind your phone and your laptop. Not easy sacrifices, but you will be set free in all the “little” and the “bigger” ways you can’t even yet imagine. Yes, in the grander scheme of things, you are spot on. Your words gave me pause, and I think I need to consider what I’m holding onto a bit too tightly. What part(s) of my lifestyle do I need to release and respond to the Lord with “here I am?” Thanks for the bold way you are walking out this season, and for being open and vulnerable about it.
I am super proud of you, but I am even more blessed by your faith journey. This journey is just getting started and is already producing so much fruit in you. I cannot wait to see what happens next! I love you
Hey, Deana!!
Thank you!
I love you bunches!!
Dawn!
A week until the big day!! I am SO excited for your girl!
Thank you for taking time to read my blog! I am also looking forward to what is yet to come! I love YOU!!
Don!!
I agree! That is a good word. He is quite the Good Shepard. I cannot wait to see you and Heather sometime soon! I miss you both!
Much love!!
Love reading your heart!!! I pray that the Lord will continue to use you and your team!!
Much Love to You!!!!!