Walking by Faith, Part 2

Hello everyone!

If you haven’t had a chance to read, “Walking by Faith, Part 1,” please do so.

As I mentioned earlier, I currently live and serve full-time in Guatemala with a nonprofit organization/ministry called, Sin Limites. But not long ago, I had to make a decision that would truly change my life. 

A Quick Recap

Basically, I had to make a choice about what I wanted my life to look like. I had one month to think and pray about the decision. 

The first option was to leave Guatemala and move back to the United States or the second option was to stay in Guatemala and start my own nonprofit organization. 

During that month of thinking and praying, it was hard for me to decide what to do. I shared with others, explaining the choice I was facing. Some people were excited and encouraged me to start a new nonprofit organization. Others, however, didn’t quite understand. They asked questions and offered advice out of love, and I knew they only wanted the best for me. 

One day, while I was stressing over this decision, I felt God say to me, “Stay. Your work in Guatemala is not finished, and I need you to be obedient to Me, even when others do not understand.” 

Since that day, I have felt peace about starting a nonprofit organization and staying in Guatemala. I didn’t let the concerns and fears of others get in the way, because I knew it was important to be obedient to Him. 

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.”

Booking a Trip to North Carolina

Recently, I traveled to North Carolina for nine days. It wasn’t a planned trip, as I had already traveled home in March and August, and would be going home again for Christmas. But it was necessary and let me explain. 

During the month I had to think and pray about the decision, my parents were fully aware of the situation. They offered advice and supported me as best they could. Ultimately, they encouraged me to continue to keep my faith strong and pray.

As I began leaning towards the decision of starting my own nonprofit organization in Guatemala, I knew that there were proper guidelines, rules, and paperwork that should be followed. It was something I didn’t know much about and neither did my parents. 

Graciously, my mom offered her support and began searching for attorneys in North Carolina who specialized in starting nonprofit organizations. It helped me tremendously because I was here in Guatemala. But there were days and weeks that went by when she had no luck finding an attorney.

The Day that Changed Everything

I’m only sharing this story because this was the day I knew I had to travel home. 

On Thursday, October 16^th, the day started out normal for me. I went to the gym and did the elliptical (usually I run, but I had sprained my ankle a few weeks earlier and it still hadn’t healed.) To be honest, I was kind of in a funk, and during my workout I tried to think positively and told myself, “This is going to be a good day.” After the gym, I headed out to buy bread for breakfast and like always, I called my mom. 

When she answered, there was a tone in her voice that I was not expecting. I tried to hang up as fast as I could, but she said, “Wait, I have some stuff to talk to you about.” I started to listen, and she said, “Madison, I don’t know what else to do. I can’t seem to get in touch with attorneys who specialize in nonprofit organizations. Sometimes we don’t always get what we want… I’m sorry, but please know that I love you. Tearfully, I answered her, “Yes, I know and understand. Love you too.”

I could tell in her voice that it was starting to stress her out, and I didn’t want that for her. Especially, since this was “my” thing. She didn’t need to feel the pressure and I knew it was time for me to come home soon. 

Thankfully, the next day, October 17^th, my mom called me and with some encouraging news. She was able to get an appointment for November 4^th with an attorney in Greenville, NC, who specializes in starting nonprofit organizations. That was really encouraging, and I said, “I guess I need to book a flight.” 

A few days later, I booked a flight and traveled home from October 26^th to November 6^th. 

Don’t miss the next and final blog, “Walking by Faith, Part 3.”

XOXO,

Madison Archer