Only 3 more days!

 I can't believe that it's actually happening- my dream of spending my summer after graduating high school in another country doing missions work.  I'm a little nervous, but full of joy and thankfulness at what I have been able to see God do to work this whole trip out.  He has provided for me in so many ways and I am confident that this is His will for me this summer.  I am going to miss my friends and family like crazy- that is going to be hard for me.  This morning at church, I said my good-byes to as many friends as I could (some I didn't get to- I'm sorry! Here's a hug!).   I wasn't super sad saying good-bye today because I'm just so excited, but I know that Thursday morning going on the plane I'll have to battle some tears- especially leaving behind my precious family and my dear baby sister Holly at the airport.  But this is all worth it!  I am ready.  I get excited as I picture in my mind the first sights I had of Guatemala last October- the familiar and welcoming face of Mr. Ruano, the city, crazy car drivers, even crazier mopeds, the mountains, and the people walking along the streets.

 I have always been interested in Guatemala- both my parents have gone on mission trips there and we have connections with the mission organization Servants 4 Him which was started by my first church.  I will be staying with the Ruano family who I got to work with last October on the week long dental mission trip I went on.

The Ruanos

  Let me do a quick intro to each of the Ruanos, so that you will know who I'm talking about later in this blog.  Doctor Dennis Ruano leads the Servants 4 Him dental ministry, providing free dental clinics in villages throughout the country. I had the privilege of assisting him while he worked on patients in the mountains last October.  Not only is he a dentist, but he is a musician and singer.  His wife, Chochy, is a talented singer as well.  She tours around with her band, singing, dancing and sharing Jesus at evangelistic concerts all over Guatemala.  They have three children.  The twins, Rossanita and Dennis, are 14 and the youngest, Bryan, is 12.  Also in the photo to the left is Mr. Ruano's cousin Jose, who lives with them while attending medical school.  

I'm excited for future posts on this blog, hopefully I will have time to write.  I hope I won't let you down!  Thank you for your interest in my trip and for your prayers, I couldn't do it without you!