You know what, I was looking back to see when I wrote my last blog and it was in August. I was thinking to myself, yep it is time to write a new post. There has been so much that’s happened in my life the last four months.
For that, the title is called, “Long Time No Talk, Part 1”.
New Followers
If you are new here, let me introduce myself. My name is Madison and I currently live and work full-time in Guatemala with a non-profit organization/ministry called Sin Limites. I am their program coordinator and if you are new here, please check out my first blog!
I have been serving in Guatemala full-time since November of 2022… It’s hard to believe that it has already been two years. If you have read my previous blogs, you know my journey hasn’t been the easiest.
When I officially moved to Guatemala, I had an idea of what life would look like for me. I was really excited about work, hanging out with my friends, and living in this awesome city. Well, when I returned, some of my friends moved, things were changing, and it wasn’t the same. I questioned “why?” on many things and I was given a big responsibility that I didn’t think I could handle…
That was my first big test in Guatemala. I had to learn how to navigate on my own and that was the most difficult for me as well. Because in N.C., I had my family and I had my friends… I had left everyone behind and everything that I was use to. That was the most difficult transition for me because my heart was in two places at once, but I knew God placed the passion in my heart for a reason.
Ever since the very beginning and still to this day, when I have questions of, “Why this?” and “Why that?”, I refer to the very well known verse in Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 29:11- “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
Simply Amazed
Sometimes I look back on the very beginning of my journey in Guatemala and I’m just amazed of how far I’ve come.
Like I mentioned above and maybe in some previous blog posts, this journey has not been the easiest. There have been a lot of lonely times, questions of why this is happening, friendship breakups, disagreements, and I know that is when the enemy attacked me the most… But I never tried to let that stop me.
Let me be honest. If I would’ve let the enemy won, I would’ve packed my things and came home in December of 2022. I would’ve resigned from work and searched for a “new passion” in the United States.
But look, I’m still here in Guatemala serving and I have a feeling that I’ll be serving here for the next several years.
Surrounded by Special People
As you can tell, I’ve learned a lot and I think I’ve matured in many different areas of my life. I’ve found out that not everyone is in your corner and not everyone will support you. Which is completely okay because I have family, friends, my church family, and others who are in my corner and will support me.
I’ve had some amazing friends who have stuck by my side. I’m sure it was difficult for them when I moved initially. It was hard for me and to this day it still is hard. You know, I’m not in the same city as them and I can’t just call them and ask if they would like to get lunch/dinner. But we can message, talk via facetime, and catch up on everything. I treasure those phone calls and it helps me a lot. it makes me feel like I’m home and still part of things.
I’ve had some great family members who have supported me throughout everything. Shout out to my aunts, uncles, and cousins who have messaged me and checked in on me. It’s special to know that they support me. Also, shout out to my brother, I know you miss me, hahaha. I wasn’t quite sure how you felt when I moved to Guatemala, we never really talked about it. But I think now you realize how much I love my work and helping others. I think you’re happy to know that I am happy and doing what I love. For that, I am thankful to have your support.
But ultimately, I would like to give a shout out to my parents. They taught me to try and do my best in everything. They were good role models for me and demonstrated how to live out a Christian life. They weren’t perfect, but they did their best and that’s all that a child can ask for. Ever since I can remember, my mom has always told me and tells me to this day, that she has and will always pray for my brother and me. I’ve witnessed her do this every day early in the morning. They have been great Christian examples in my life and I am forever grateful.
When people pray for me, I think that is so special and needed in this line of work that I am in. Sometimes it can be extremely overwhelming and difficult, but to know that I have her and many others that pray for me daily is amazing. Without a doubt, I know God protects me daily and He is using me in so many ways. He is constantly teaching me new things and my faith continues to grow stronger every day.
In Conclusion
As you might see in the title, it says, “Long Time No Talk Part 1”. Yes, this is the first part and the second part will be coming out soon.
Like I’ve said, there has been so much has happened within the last four months and overall this past year. I will talk more about how God is changing my life and perspective, teaching me patience, and overall, how much He has blessed me.
Numbers 6:24-26- The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
XOXO,
Madison Archer
