nitty gritty

We got to sleep in today, which was good because the large Nazarene Church 1 block away had revival services until approx 2:30 AM!  So, I needed the beauty sleep.  The good news is that my room mates who are both notorious for snoring have been sleeping quietly and soundly (if that makes sense.  So as I woke to the sound of the city on a Sunday morning I had a great anticipation for what the day would bring.

After getting dressed and ready for church, one of my good friends Karen arrived!  Karen is a Sister in CHrist who serves with joy and selflessness.  She translates for us and quickly becomes one of us.  I realized that she is truly a daughter of the Most High which makes her a Princess in His court.  Her example and contagious joy is refreshing.  

Suddenly, Enrique & Cesi arrived.  You will not meet more royally robe CHrist followers!  They are know all over Guatemala City… kinda like rock stars.  THey guide us, help us and always got tour favorite restaurant with us (more to come on that).  Enrique & Cesi lead us to our place of celebration & fellowship.

We drove past the city dump to the church we call the dump church but is actually named Christ is the Way Baptist Church.  We got our of the van and we were instantly surrounded by a great number of Brothers & Sisters who served us bread and coffee and welcomed us to their sweeeeeeet fellowship.  In the Summer of 2009, we were invited to got to a baptism celebration with this church… it was very encouraging.  This morning we sang and laughed and visited and read scripture aloud with many who are royalty in His Kingdom.

As we pulled away from the dump church we headed to another place of royal lineage.  The CHINA QUEEN!  Possibly the best chinese food in the world (ironic that it is in Guatemala).  We shared a great meal, with Princess Karen and Knight Enrique and Miss Cesi.

Then, it was time to be ushered into the presence of one of those rarest of the human race.  Mamma Carmen in perhaps among the selfless ranks like that of Mother Teresa.  Maybe not the scope, but definitely the heart.  She truly is a Queen of a saint!  She takes the unwanted, the rejected, the cast-off children of the city and loves them like her own.  Her effectiveness is uncanny.  Her orphanage is a thing of chaotic beauty.  It takes your breath away to be a part of her journey even if it is for only a few hours a year.  I think she will be greatly honored on this side of heaven and in His presence.

It struck me as we pulled into the compound tonight, that we had a literally royal day.  To be surrounded by such generous, selfless people is humbling and invigorating.  It is my prayer that you get the chance to have just one day like this in your life.

Tomorrow we will go to work and love in La Limonada.  You won’t want to miss the stories and reflections from your gringo princes.