Day 1 | Arrival in Guatemala

This morning, as we headed for the airport our spirits soared. We would be in Guatemala tonight. We packed up the van with our luggage and piled into the 15-passenger van and set off for the airport. After arriving we unloaded our stuff and filed into the check-in line. While we were standing waiting for the last of our group to get checked in we realized that one of the girls on the team, Ada, wasn’t there. She had been in line before me but as I looked around I couldn’t see her. It turned out that there was a misunderstanding about a Visa for Guatemala. Ada had visited an embassy in California prior to coming on the trip and was told that she did not need a visa since she was from Hong Kong. But the airline would not let her on the plane without a visa. So we all gathered around and prayed for Ada. We were not sure how much time it would take to work out a solution, so we left two of the leaders to stay behind and help Ada and we went through security. After eating lunch we found out that the airline would not let Ada fly without a visa, but they were willing to let her fly the next day if she got a visa. So that was an answer to prayer.

The Lord blessed the trip and there were no significant delays or problems other than leaving Ada behind for one day. Our team was having a good time in fellowship together; we enjoyed our time together on the plane. Even though the difficultly of the morning there was a peace and a confidence that aired about the group. We knew that God was in control. We trusted that He would use even this unfortunate situation for good.

Upon arriving in Guatemala, we met Mr. Henriques and some of the other missionaries that would be helping with our trip. We all then piled into a couple of Toyota 15-passanger vans and headed to the place we would stay. I have never seen a Toyota 15-passenger van before and I didn’t know that they existed; but they do. After we arrived at Mr. Henriques home we were given a tour of the place. The Lord has blessed the Henriques with a home that allows them to host and serve many young people who come here for mission’s trips. It is a very beautiful place.

As I sit here and type this up I can’t help but wonder what God is going to do on this trip. What will He show us? What will He do? What does he have planned for this trip? I know that everyone on the team is eager to see what God will do. I can’t wait to see what God has waiting for each of us. I pray that we will all leave this place changed and more passionate for the Gospel.

Jerry Simpson