Guatemala: Day 8 Reflections

Written by CTS Student Shelly Billiald

Today was our last official full day in Guatemala, and it was a lovely way to end our trip.   Reflecting on the week, I was brought to Revelations 7:9, “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” This week, we were blessed to meet many different people who serve the Lord across Guatemala in various ways, and who will be a part of that very crowd standing before the Lord.  As we leave, we are not saying goodbye to the friends we have made, but rather until we see you again.

Our last day started with a late breakfast and was a little slower and more relaxed, allowing us time to sort and repack ourselves as we began preparing to go home. Then we were blessed to take a trip to Yvon and Suzi’s off-grid, self sustaining, permaculture farm, they call “Mision Pacaya”. What an oasis!  Just being present on the farm was decompressing for many on the team.  They had all the animals, cow, pig, goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, and bees free ranging across the farm, with coffee and avocado trees, and a large garden.  All working together in harmony.

Yvon spoke of the many opportunities that he and Suzi take to invite people up to their farm, for a break or for training on one of the six stewarding principles. Each one having a whole system of techniques.  Teaching on the house, pain, soil and land, technology, financial and community.  Together the seek to build and establish a cohort of independent and interdependent building their own economy and enhancing the community. During the debrief many reflected on how amazing and inspirational this couple is, dreaming big and then stepping out to live those dreams in the context that they are in.

All week we saw many Guatemalans living incarnationally, using their gifts and callings in their own context.  God has shaped and formed these people throught the power of the Holy Spirit,serving now in the very spot they told God they didn’t want to serve in.  Yet still serving all-in with love, with a sense of belonging, hospitality and vulnerability, they all listen to the people that they are serving continually under the guidance of the Lord.

Now we get to go back, back to our own cities across north america.  After seeing what we have seen, and tasting what we have tasted and walking where we’ve walked, we go home to process.  To allow this experience to shape us and grow us, and allow the Lord through the Holy Spirit to continue to build us.  Reminding us along the way that it doesn’t matter how small or little our contribution, we all have a part to play, our part, and we need to be willing like all the leaders we met to take the risk and choose be incarnational.