As I reflect on our vision trip, I am simply reminded of how good God is. About 18 months ago, in the early stages of our mission journey, I was reading through the book of Deuteronomy. I told Josh that one of my goals was to pay attention in the pre-field season. We all need the exhortation of Moses to remember, but I didn't want to just look backwards and see the Lord's hand - I wanted to stay attentive and see it in the moment, gratefully and worshipfully so.
My sweet husband responded by reminding me that the Lord would always be at work, but we may not always be able to see it in real time. I probably sighed or rolled my eyes at the time, but alas he was right.
About 18 months ago, in the summer of 2023, shortly after Josh returned from his first trip to Petén, I began to casually research the area. I wanted to learn more about this place that had so captured my husband's heart. In my searching, I found Colegio Cristiano IBQ', led by Jimmy and Shelley Dinsmore. I was completely captivated by the work and the mission.
Simply put, education outcomes in Guatemala are dreadful. Public schools are only available to students in 1st through 6th grade, then families are responsible for paying for continued learning. Naturally, in the most rural and impoverished areas, school ends for most students right around their 12th birthday. This has a disproportional effect on girls and indigenous peoples. Indigenous adults, on average, have only 3.5 years of education. The literacy rate for indigenous girls is less than 40%.
Colegio seeks to end these trends. It's a ministry after my own heart.
About 18 months ago, Shelley realized that they would not be able to complete their work alone. If they were to see the fruition of their vision, they would need help. So, she started praying for someone who could come alongside them, with the knowledge and skills to facilitate learning for all students, with a passion for literacy, an ability to equip teachers, and a heart for their mission. She says that she realized that she was praying an impossible prayer. The person she was praying for would never be in Petén.
About 18 months ago, my principal pushed me to peruse a leadership position that I didn't even know existed, and I certainly had no aspirations for. I have learned and grown in my ability to work with and coach adults and I will be forever indebted to her for believing in me and leading outside of my comfort zone.
Last month, God answered my prayers for clarity and Shelley's prayers for help. He affirmed my husband's wisdom and His hand at work in my workplace. I couldn't see it all in real time, but it's not any less beautiful in hindsight. I have agreed to several things I said I would never do, and I've never been so grateful to have to have been wrong!
I said I would never be a principal and that I would never work in a middle school. In my own strength and in the states, those things may still be true. In the path of obedience the Lord has set before me, I will be the director of the middle school program at Colegio Cristiano IBQ'. My job will be almost exactly what it is now, but in the context of Christian education, at a school that seeks to bring equity, access, and the love of Christ to some of the most vulnerable students in the world.
As we prepare, and as we go, our greatest need is partners who will pray with us and provide financial support for the work that God is doing in Guatemala. If you are interested in being a co-laborer as we carry out the Great Commission, please visit our giving page.
Current elementary students, future middle schoolers!
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