we’ve been in Guatemala for a grand total of 4 days now. We arrived after a crazy long travel day (13 hours total with flights, drives and waiting times) on the 15th. Energy was high as we arrived since we’ve been living out of a tent for almost 50 days. Here in Guatemala we have beds, a REAL BATHROOM (although I miss the porta potties because FUN FACT AB GUATEMALA: they don’t flush their toilet paper) basketball court type area, soccer field, and plenty of space to sit and talk, play sports, and just enjoy each others presence. J Squad already has been bonding more than ever before and for that I’m so grateful. We get to eat delicious Guatemalan foods for breakfast & dinner with a classic ham and cheese sandwich for lunches every day. Our first full day was spent getting to know the area, we walked to some of the tiendas, some people were able to dance with the locals, and we just got to finally relax. Day two we got to know our base hosts at Guatemala, an incredible group of god loving people devoted not only to serving us, but the entire population of Guatemala. Day 3 included getting to know our ministry hosts, getting to leave base for the first time & travel into Paramos, a city full of poverty, yet still so much life and love. No matter which way you look someone is wanting to talk to you, ask how your day is, and say hello, no matter the age, no matter what they’re doing. In all of our off time, it’s spent playing and practicing soccer for the J squad league, endless games of spike ball & bump, conversation and devotions & morning workouts. As for today, it was our first day of ministry! My ministry is called One Way. They’re devoted to creating an incredible safe space for children all over Guatemala. With over 750 children in their program, they do English and Math classes, followed by after school soccer practices. I got the opportunity to be Profe Jackson today, and coach kids ages 8-13 in soccer practice. Now those at home who know me are probably thinking: jackson you can’t play soccer to save your life. And you’d be exactly right about that, i of course got absolutely smoked by these kids. But nonetheless it was so incredible to see such joy and peace from all of the people I got to meet today. With still 2.5 months to go, I know this time will be filled with so much of God’s presence and I cannot wait to share these experiences with you all!
To those patiently awaiting the J squad journal, it’s coming as soon as we can get a computer on wifi, so probably Sunday!
Thank you to everyone from home who’s sending their love and prayers for me and my squad.
“got absolutely smoked by these kids” was my favorite line of this whole blog post i will not lie. but i’m so glad you’re having fun and have beds and toilets! you better be able to play soccer when u get back!
Great update bud! Love you and miss you and I’m so excited to hear more about how you impact the kids, and how all the people of Guatemala impact you!
Great update—and I got some chuckles about the port-a-potty, lack of soccer skill! But way to show them you can still have fun when you’re just an ok player ??. I can’t wait to hear more! God bless, Michele
i don’t know which is more impressive; that you got to be Profe Jaxson or that you put yourself out there to “coach” these kids in soccer when it is not your sport. Not many young men would be so humble and willingly put themselves in such a position. I am proud of you!