Over the last two weeks since my last update, and throughout the course of our month-long adventure, I have learned so much about my heavenly Father, and His heart for me and for others!
A few things I learned…
about my God:
-He is a God of rest. Being the Lord of the Sabbath, He wants to replace my heavy burden with His light one (if I’ll only let Him). I can walk into this next season of life feeling completely refreshed, because missions trips do not always need to be “go, go, go”. Matthew 11:28-29 promises me restorative, rejuvenating, and lasting rest found in Him alone!
-He really, really values one-on-one time. Not just with me, but intentional time spent between me and another one of His children makes Him smile.
-He sticks closer than a brother. I never understood what a great friend Jesus truly is until I had no choice but to trust Him wholeheartedly on this trip in out-of-my-comfort-zone situations.
-He provides His kids with what they need when He knows that they need it. He is definitely not worried, so why should I worry?
about myself:
-I seek truth in everything, and the Holy Spirit is evident in my life.
-I was bought at a high, high price.
-I make all feel welcomed and comfortable. I bring a sense of home with me wherever I go.
-I was given a spirit of power and of love.
-I do have child-like faith and joy!
-I should pray whenever I am given the opportunity, because I can PRAY.
-I can cultivate change wherever I am.
-I can be present where my feet are.
-I can hear the Lord’s voice, and I know to follow it.
-That was really hard to do ^ but I am learning that affirmations abolish lies, and I am free from lies. Yay!
about life:
-The cave (my intimate relationship with the Lord), the table (my community/ people I do life with), and the road (my mission) is a 3-legged stool. I cannot excel in one without the other two.
-Spiritual discipline isn’t as scary as it sounds, once I can learn to fall in love with being in the cave.
-Pressing into community in the midst of the business of life is essential. Honoring those I do ministry/ life with will in turn fill me up, so we can be world-changers together.
-Coming empty to the Lord is actually ideal, so that He can fill me up by His own methods.
-Freedom is mine (and yours!) for the taking.
To finish off my last blog, I wanted to share a few unedited journal entries I made during our final few days in Guatemala! I enjoy reading entries that I made to my journal during my time on the field, because I always wrote in it with such abandon. That was probably because I knew that no one else would ever read it. But now, I feel challenged by the Lord to let you all in on a few specific moments as we prepared to head home after a totally transformative month:
7/27/21
“Celebrate the King, seated on the throne.
Celebrate the Son, look at what He’s done.
Looking back on this past month this morning, our last morning in Panajachel.
Celebrating what the Lord has done in all of us and through Ricardo, Zamira, the ministry, all the kids, all the sweet new friends we’ve made.
Reflecting on the work He accomplished in me, and recognizing and trusting that He’ll be faithful to continue that well into me being home.
Grieving leaving this place and going back to familiar…not knowing if I’ll ever be back in this country again.
Looking forward to life beyond this trip, and community that will last well past this month. Feeling encouraged to continue walking in FREEDOM when i return to my ‘normal’ life.
Counting every blessing, because I’ll never get this specific space back, with these specific people, in this particular place, under these same circumstances.
It definitely feels bitter-sweet. But mostly sweet…
Sweet to return home to loved ones.
Sweet to bring new friendships home and keep them up for the long run.
Sweet to implement every new thing I’ve learned and every new revelation He’s been good enough to reveal to me here in a home back in Colorado that needs a fresh fire.
Sweet to walk in freedom forever.
Sweet to have these memories and little moments shared with the Lord here forever and in my heart.
Sweet to have my mind saturated with His unfailing tenderness and just overwhelming passion for me. His new mercies that shower me daily. I can’t think of anything else anymore. I can’t remember life before feeling this way.
Sweet to think back on a time spent in Guatemala with no regrets, but only fondness.
Sweet to leave this place feeling ready to go, and not at all remorseful or thinking of ‘if I had only…’. Because He’s good and faithful.”
7/28/21
“Regardless of what happened, and regardless of what happens, God was good through this, from start to finish. From fundraising, to trip change, to trip change, to transitioning to a new place, to now. And He is good now, as I prepare to leave early tomorrow morning. and He’ll be good in this next season of life, whatever it may look like. And He’ll be good forevermore.
Job 1:21″
7/29/21
“I can’t believe it’s been a whole month. Guatemala has my heart.”
And now it’s August! How is it already August?? This last month really flew by, so I wanted to make sure I stopped to say thank you one last time to my supporters; I could not have gone on this trip without you!
Please, feel free to stay in touch with me at [email protected] or on Instagram @_caylarenee_ .
With love & gratitude,
Cayla
