It has been 8 years since our first daughter, Esther Nina, was born and passed away during our time in Guatemala. For the first time since we initially left Guatemala, we are here again for Easter. After praying about whether or not to travel 2 ½ hours from Canillá to Chichicastenango where Esther is buried, God provided us with a reliable truck and a place to stay for two nights.
While we were there, we had the opportunity to visit some of our missionary and Guatemalan friends. It was a blessing to see them again and have the opportunity to share stories about what God has done and is doing in their lives and the people around them. Their families have grown. Many of their children are now involved in the ministry.
Eight years ago, during the days around Esther’s birth and going to be with the Lord, these brothers and sisters in Christ from different parts of the world surrounded us with their love and used their different gifts and abilities to carry us during this time like a perfect example of the Body of Christ.
It has been several years and many of them have moved on to different places and ministries. And many of them are going through their own trials but they continue to be firm in the Faith. We now share in the burden of their difficult situations. We are thankful that these circumstances will not last forever. Jesus has already overcome each one of them.
Jesus said:
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33, ESV).
A lot of things have changed since we left in 2011. Some roads are awesome. Some are better. And some are a lot worse. The towns are getting more populated and the streets seem to be getting smaller. The little kids that we used to know are growing up. The cute little gray pigs that we used to see on our drives to the clinics are now elderly sows.
However, a lot of things are still the same. The locals still stare at gringos (and Mexican gringos like Areli). There are still a lot of speedbumps--even on roads that are so bad they are clearly not needed. You still have to give your (or anyone else’s) tax ID number to get a receipt at many places.
We are thankful that we could go back to Esther’s grave with her two sisters. God has been good to us. He has given us so much more than we deserve. We are thankful that even through a difficult situation, God showed His love, peace, and strength in our weakness. For when we are weak, He is strong.
Even though many people have now left the area or even the country, we praise God that He put each and every one of them in the right place at the right time when we needed them most. We will never forget this and we will be forever thankful of how God cared for us through them.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)
Here are some pictures of our time visiting friends:
