Random updates from me

Last week, my blog was a bit on the heavier side, and now I feel like I have to one-up it, haha. I spent a while thinking about what to write for this blog and decided to make it a more lighthearted one. I’m going to share a bunch of random stuff that has happened so far—think of it as a behind-the-scenes or inside look! If you haven’t read my last blog, please do! Thank you so much to everyone who reached out and shared how it encouraged you. That was super encouraging to me! So, here we go:

In no particular order:

•I accidentally called a little girl Chinese in front of all her friends when I was trying to repeat her name. (Her name is literally Christi…)

•I’ve tried a lot of really good Guatemalan snacks. My favorite is these little chocolate cookies called Chikys. However, I’ve eaten so many that I’ve started eating beans and chips instead. I know it sounds crazy, but don’t knock it until you try it. (The beans may come from a bag and be cold.)

•I’ve ridden on a lot of super-crammed chicken buses. These always include sitting a bit too close for comfort with strangers. But hey, that’s one way to get to know someone.

•I celebrated my 19th birthday with my squad! My only birthday wish was for a pineapple… I got two and flowers!

•I’ve been to McDonald’s quite a few times with my amazing ministry hosts. There’s never a dull moment with them.

•I’ve learned to slow down in life! I’m starting to actually appreciate tanning and just relaxing in general.

•FOUND CHINESE FOOD (literally my favorite food ever).

•I accidentally spent $8 on gummy bears at the mall (exchange rates are hard sometimes, okay?), but we got some cute photos in a candy store.

•Discovered I actually like avocados! Check out the beautiful meal from Sabbath.

•Found a church to go to each week in Antigua! It feels so much like home.

•Got the 5q ice cream from Dunkin’. Ice cream is literally the best thing everrr now.

•Babysat two really cute kids from a village and did a Bible study with them. We took some really good notes…

•I think he likes me, but I don’t know…

•Hung out with our amazing leader, Jack Boone, who showed us a video of people sacrificing a goat for him. I think our faces say it all for this one.

•Had an amazing one-on-one day with my teammate Natalia! We went exploring and stumbled upon a Catholic procession.

• Went to Hill of the Cross with some people from my squad!

•Of course, we had to get a euchre group picture.

•Found a banana tree at the children’s home, and Chicho wanted a picture.

•I beat a Guatemalan in soccer! Well, not actually—he was totally going easy on me, but there’s video proof, so I’m going to take it.

•Beautiful sky with a volcano erupting in the background.

•We hosted a kite festival for all the village kids at the base! I cannot fly a kite…

 

•We never have Wi-Fi, and the coffee shop decides randomly to close, so yes, we’re standing in the rain just to text people back for a bit.

•We ride in the back of a truck for ministry! (Don’t worry, Mom—we’re careful.) And yes, when it rains, you get pelted in the face with raindrops. On top of that, Abner takes fabulous pictures of you, like this one.

 

Ok that’s all for now! See ya next week 🙂

With love,

Ashlyn