I know it’s just days before Christmas. I should be typing a Christmas newsletter. Or finishing writing addresses on the huge stack of Christmas postcards that need to be sent out! But at this point – expect to see them in the New Year.
Life happened.
It’s been brought to my attention that I haven’t updated since my recent trips. Today – I’ll share about the last Guatemala trip. Eventually, I’ll get to Cambodia and the Philippines.
Let’s talk about Guatemala. Have you been? Yes? Well isn’t it lovely! No? I’m sorry to hear this. It’s easily in my top 5 countries I’ve been spent time in.
It was a custom trip for a friend and her daughter. Both individuals are amazing women who love the Lord, love travel, love people and beautiful things.
Because it was just the 3 of us… we paced ourselves as the Holy Spirit lead. Which meant, some meals…we sat for hours laughing and talking with our new friend at a local restaurant. We we enjoyed their company so much, we returned several times.
Other days, when we had an agenda – we found ourselves distracted and lost in the streets, taking in God’s beauty and people. The sights, the sounds… all speak to the creative in the 3 of us. Alycea, has an eye for interior design. Her and her husband own – The Ark on lake Lanier and another VRBO, The Chateau. These beautiful homes are often used for Kingdom work. A place for reunions, celebrations, retreats, corporate trainings and more. I could see the “wheels turning” as Alycea walked.
We visited Purchase Effect artisans in the city, on the streets, in markets, on the lake. Unfortunately, there just wasn’t enough time to visit them all. Shopping funds were low – and not as many purchases were made. Instead, friendships went deeper. Conversations were honest. “How’s business?” they would ask me. “It’s been slower”, I would respond then ask them the same question. Their response would often be the same.
One friend and artisan shared about how God used another pastor visiting Guatemala to encourage him. Just when things couldn’t get tougher…and money ran out, the Pastor walked in to his booth and bought $300 worth of items. I love that not only do we share a partnership, but also our struggles, our joys and with many, the same God.
Being that this was the first trip for Alycea and Brit, it was fun watching them experience Lake Atitlan and surrounding villages for the first time. We went from one village to another visiting friends and artisans. We sat in to watch a demonstration of how the cotton is dyed with plants, bugs etc… God’s creation continually overwhelms me.
Brit walked away, being lead to change her major. Law with the idea of representing women in business.
This trip allowed me to dream further and plan for the future. I’m looking forward to sharing more about what that looks like for 2020. There are changes. Good changes. As I grow in faith, knowledge and experience – so does Purchase Effect.
And oh – there will be a trip, or two, maybe 3 in 2020 back to Guatemala. Are you interested? Contact me!
Again, thank you for your support thru Adventures in Missions – allowing me to do BAM (Business as Missions).
