Cancabella :): ...See ya later!

....Before I jump into the explanation of this post's title, let me give you all a recap of the last 8 months (yeah it's been that long!). So as my last post mentioned, I took off to Guatemala last year in May with Abby for 6 months. It was crazy and amazing all in one! We were serving in San Jose Poaquil, the indigenous village throughout all of the 6 months. We had the opportunity to really immerse ourselves in the culture and learn from the locals. To be able to preach to them we had to learn their language which is Cakchiquel, and forget everything we knew about English and Spanish. It was definitely a challenge but with Jehovah's help we were able to give the message to the locals and help the local congregation.

We kicked off our adventure with the Special Day Assembly the very first day. I honestly didn't understand squat. But I am glad we went for two reasons, first because it was amazing to meet friends from different parts of the world who are there trying to help the Cakchiquel circuit! I was also able to reconnect with a sister who is very dear to me, she is a Special Pioneer whom I have to say I learned a lot from during my first trip to Guatemala. The second reason I was glad we made it to the Assembly is because not being able to understand the talks made me frustrated. Sounds weird, I know. But the frustration made me want to know the language even more! I became so determined to hit the books and study so that by the next assembly I would be able to actually understand what was going on! Ill honestly never forget that Assembly haha

The following week we had our first meeting and .... participation in the meeting! The brothers asked us to present the Watchtower and Awake magazines --mind you that we know nothing of the language! At first I thought, "these brothers are crazy!" But I also thought to myself, "well if I am not here to help then why did I come?" We agreed to present the magazines even if that meant we would literally just read from the Kingdom Ministry word per word. And so with all my nerves going haywire and my stomach in a knot, I read the suggestion of the presentation for the Watchtower in Cakchiquel. I have no idea what I said... And I don't think the brothers did either haha But they were all really happy to see us try our best and of course gave us a big round of applause and a lot of hugs after the meeting. Needless to say, it was another unforgettable moment :)

Okay so back to the language... It is so hard! There are sounds that I didn't even know a human being can make that are the basic vowel sounds! Learning a new language takes a lot of effort, time, and energy. I started to realize that after a long day in service, personal study, preparation for the meetings (which takes 3 times as long because it's again, a different language!), and house chores, I did not have any energy left to study Cakchikquel. So I decided it would be one of my priorities of the day. I started to set my alarm at 4am so I could study when it is all quiet and I have no interruptions. It was hard at the beginning, I love sleeping! But I also wanted to see the difference in my ministry. Soon enough I was able to do my own presentations in service, read the publications to the house holder, and conduct studies. Jehovah blessed my efforts without a doubt, with his help I was able to establish 24 studies!

Even with all its challenges, my ministry was amazing! I had never enjoyed service more and even when I was exhausted after walking for hours to get to a study, I had a huge smile on my face. It was at this point that I started to already dread the day I had to go home. Initially, I had thought this was my last trip to Guatemala. I thought okay, I will go serve one last time and go home and move to another circuit that needs help. I remember I had even talked to my family about moving to a Native American reservation to help in the Native American Languages. I had found information, which states they were located in, how I could find a job there, etc. But while in Poaquil and fully enjoying all of my studies and ministry, the thought of starting over elsewhere just didn't seem right. I didn't want to start over because I felt like I wasn't finished with Poaquil, I had just started there too! This going back and forth about what I was going to do bothered me for the next 2 days. After those 2 confusing days, the Elders / Special Pioneers had a little chit chat with me about my spiritual goals and what I was going to do next. I explained how I was looking for a territory that would check off my list of requirements.
They kinda laughed at me and said, "Don't you think you found it?"
I said, "Yes, I do and that's why I don't want to leave but there is another detail... I want to go to Evangelizers school and that is why I am going home so I can apply because my publisher card is over there and the elders in my congregation back home know me and can send in my application." Then they told me, "Well, first of all we can get your publisher card sent over here. That's an easy fix. And secondly, we know you too. We wouldn't be trying to help you if we didn't believe in you. It all goes down to you and what you want to do. Put it in prayer and see what Jehovah says."
I did as they said, prayed, looked up info, read scriptures and experiences. Later that week, during a late night clean freak frenzy I came to a conclusion. Crazy how cleaning does that to you huh? Anyways, my conclusion was that I shouldn't be looking for something Jehovah already gave me. It doesn't make any sense. Jehovah had given me this amazing opportunity to serve him where the need is great, in a different language, and make amazing friendships. He had given me more studies then I could handle and a new passion for my ministry. I also now had the privilege to work in a new circuit and congregation with tons of virgin territory. What else do I want? Evangelizer School is a privilege no matter what country I am privileged to attend. The elders here are some of my best friends and have taken seriously the job of helping me get settled in a new place and preparing me for other territories and privileges. It's kind of a no brainer from here... I will be relocating to Guatemala :)

A lot of friends and even family said they saw it coming, but I sure didn't. I really never thought I would relocate to any other country unless it was an assignment. I always pictured myself going to serve different places for 6months at a time but always go back home to Cali, well I was wrong again! haha. And honestly everything turned out perfectly, everything has been falling into place thanks to Jehovah. I found a house I am renting which is pretty beautiful compared to the other places I have stayed (yes I have paid my dues!) There is a sister who has also moved away from her hometown to serve in Poaquil who will be my housemate so I won't be completely alone and most importantly I will have a service partner. I have been able to keep my job even abroad (thank you Skype!) and my whole family is on board and supporting me, even my father who is not in the truth! (that's a whole other pretty amazing experience, maybe a future post?....) My old congregation ( that sounded weird!) Leland has also been extremely supportive. I can't even begin to express my gratitude for all the help and support they have given me. Many friends have offered a helping hand but most of all their kind words of encouragement have been a blessing. :)

These last months have gone by so fast, it all seems like a blur now. I have never enjoyed being back home like I did these past months. I was able to hang out with all of my favorite people and strengthen my friendship with many. My best friends have been there with me through all the chaos that comes with moving abroad and without complaining once! Thanks guys :) It's been an emotional journey as you all can imagine filled with anxiety and excitement. Although I feel like if I am beginning a new chapter in my life which is totally exciting, I also feel like I am closing another chapter. It's an emotional rollercoaster to pack and get everything together. For Example, something about having to choose what you will pack and leave behind is sad! It is as if you are choosing what items from your current life are special enough to take with you to your new life. But even throughout all that I kept it together, even as I told my mother at the airport, "See ya later Mami, i'll be back..." I felt strong, like nothing was going to break me down. Then I boarded the plane and it took off. As the plane started to circle around in the air and go higher and higher, I could see the golden gate bridge and the city become smaller and smaller. I could see all of my favorite places of the city and I remembered how in all those places I've had some great memories with my best friends and family. ....And that is when I broke down and cried ...and cried! haha Poor passenger next to me, he didn't know what to do with this crying lady next to him haha So for all of my friends and family, you know who you are; turns out I did cry! And a lot! haha

Goodbye's are never easy no matter how you go about it, that's why to all of my loved ones I refused to say goodbye more like, "...See ya later!"

I will miss you guys so much but 5 years goes by quickly when your busy and focused on the right things. Thanks again for all your love and support, i'll see ya later!