"...la fe que obra por el amor"

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Felicidades a Guatmeala! Yesterday was Independence Day here- 189 years of freedom. This whole week, I have thought a lot about freedom. This week I went to Palabra en Accion for church with Julietta and Carlos from my house. It was such the perfect service for me to hear. The pastor was talking about the freedom we have in Christians. He talked about different ways that we respond to freedom. Some of us prefer to live under the law and make strict rules and standards for ourselves. Some of use our "freedom" to serve ourselves and do what we want to do. Some of us are able in some periods of our life to receive freedom in faith. True freedom is understanding that I am loved and worthy without doing anything. True freedom is expressed in love for the world and all who we meet.

"For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.... the only thing that counts is faith working through love... For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves for one another." Galatians 5:1, 6, 13

I have also been reminded of freedom because I have been so aware of the bondage of those in Guatemala I love. It is so evident that they have not experienced freedom or the perfect love of Jesus. Keep praying that hearts can be opened up to this love, and please pray for Christian community for me here. (BY THE WAY- I'm so excited to have Raina come visit me in LESS THAN A WEEK. It is definitely a much-needed visit from a beautiful friend.)

This week has been a little weird and way too low-key for my personality because there is no Caras Alegres, and Nuevos Horizantes was only open to volunteers Monday and Tuesday. I went to Nuevos Horizantes, and all the shelter was full with all the women there plus all the children as there was no school. This is a hard week for them I think as they do not leave the shelter much, and they are all in there for the week.

Other than that, I have been enjoying some of the festivities of the weeklong celebration of independence. I went to several parades with my host family (who I LOVE), watched fireworkers at midnight Tuesday night, and will hopefully go to the fair here tomorrow. Xela is the city with the largest celebration of Independence Day so it has been fun to experience this part of the culture. Somedays I will be walking, looking at the beautiful mountains and all the colors of Guatemala, and I think to myself, "I am so lucky to be in Guatemala." I am learning so much and having so many incredible opportunities.

I pray that all who are reading this are able to experience even just a moment of the freedom that living in the love of God brings.

Thanks for all your love and support- I am SO blessed by all of you.

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