I don’t know how to put some stories in words. How does one describe real joy? Can it actually be put in words? I’d argue that it can’t. Thus, I will try to describe the joy I felt during my encounter today the best I can. 

Going into this mission trip, I did not feel like I knew enough in order to evangelize. Honestly, I still believe that but I know that evangelism is so much more than just words. Like I learned in psychology, 80% of our communication is nonverbal. Thus, you don’t need to know all the right things to say in order to show people the love of God. 

Today, Wednesday the 14th of September, I got the opportunity to meet two incredible people at a restaurant I went to for lunch in Antigua, Guatemala. Their names are Nathan and Maelys. I felt initially drawn to Maelys and to speak a bible verse over her, which I hesitantly shared and next thing you know, I joined them for lunch. Nathan asked me such insightful and deep questions. He is a deep thinker and incredibly smart! I came to realize I don’t have the right words to say or really any answers that will suffice but I do have God’s love. To my surprise, that was more than enough at that time. Maelys believes in the power of the universe but welcomed Jesus into her heart at the end of the conversation, while Nathan said that his view on religion was drastically altered. The love he felt from me had a huge impact on his view! I went there to encourage and love on them, yet left with them loving on me and encouraging me. Odd! But so so good!! Thank you God for showing your love for them through me. Thank you for giving me a heart to love them and the courage to talk to them. Thank you God for giving me the opportunity to be here in Guatemala and to grow with you more each and every day. Thank you God for loving all your people unbelievably well. Thank you God!!