My One-Year Anniversary

Hello. September 2nd marked my

one-year anniversary of being in Guatemala! I cannot believe how the time has flown!

In the past year, I have seen God do so many things, beyond my wildest imagination!

First, He provided an appartment before I ever got to Guatemala. It's a cute building, with three bedrooms and sufficient space for me and the guard dog, Sydney. I have a gate I can open and close with a remote, which provides for better security. Also, it's located very close to the Darby's house and our office.

January and March, I had company. What a blessing it was to first have my spiritual parents, Dr. D & Pastor Marilyn Deaton stay with me for a few days. We had a great time shopping, scowerying the countryside of Guatemala (not the plan, but getting lost was good). In March my parents came for 5-day weekend. We had a great time visiting the most beautiful lake in the world, Atitlan. Atitlan has three volcanoes surrounding it... all viewable in the above photo. We had a great opportunity to minister to some kids from an orphanage by taking them to McDonald's - a rare treat.

I've also learned that Guatemala does Holidays like no one else! Christmas Eve at midnight, the WHOLE city, around 7 million people, light off fireworks of every size and color. It's spectacular!

Another thing that God has blessed me with is the ability to learn Spanish. Now, I am not perfect - not even close. Nontheless, I am able to communicate, hopefully what I want! The picture to the left is of my class.

And, to the right, is a picture of me with one of the cutest little girls I have EVER seen! I was working at a Children's Hospital. This girl has a disease where certain limbs could possibly fall off. She is missing part of her finger. I'm not sure what it is called, but it's contagious. Therefore, no one is supposed to touch her. She's cute a cuddely and loves to touch everyone! So, maybe foolishly, we loved on her, hugged on her, played with her! Of course, we sanitize, but hopefully we are successful in displaying the Love of Jesus to her.

So, as I end this, I want you to know something! First, God is so good. A year ago, I was scared to death of what the first year in Guatemala would be like. In my obedience, I have done so many things I never thought I would. I've stepped far out of my box. With the grace God has given me, I do not regret trusting Him.

Second, I have definately had my ups and downs - in every facet. God has never left my side. He's never let me down. Tho I have doubted Him, He has never given me reason to! He has stretched me, taught me and used me. I look forward to another year of serving in Guatemala. Thank you for a year of prayers and support. I am excited about what God has in store for all of us, as we work together to impact the world!

~Sarah~