This summer, we’re thrilled to welcome Natalie to the GSG team. Natalie is a certified nursing assistant interning with us before she begins college this fall to pursue her nursing degree. For the next six weeks, she’ll be serving alongside our clinical team in the villages — and sharing her journey with you here on the blog. This is her story, in her own words, after her first week in Guatemala.
It is scary to begin a life-changing experience. To start a new job, to move from one home to another, or even to share the Gospel with a stranger. Leaving my job to begin a medical internship in Guatemala fell into the life-changing category for me. At first, I was nervous to even consider the idea.
As I contemplated embarking on such an adventure, a multitude of “what if” questions had me staring at the ceiling at night. What if I forgot or lost my passport while traveling? I had never struggled with motion sickness, but what if I did in Guatemala? What if I accidentally insulted someone while trying to speak Spanish? What if my naivety jeopardized the mission team’s connections in the field?
Thankfully, God’s call was stronger than my fears. Almost before I knew it, I was waving goodbye to my family and boarding a plane with the McClarans from Kansas City to Miami. Roughly ten hours later, we arrived in San Lucas — my home for the next six weeks.
At 6:15 the following morning, the clinical team piled into the white ministry truck and left for the scheduled village.
I tried hard not to make assumptions about Guatemala before living here. However, having been in the country approximately twelve hours, I began to notice the differences between Guatemala and the United States.
As we drove toward the village, I was surprised by the creativity of drivers in Guatemala. Road markings seem to be suggestive rather than legalistic. Drivers weave around each other with alarming ease and frequency, narrowly avoiding the numerous motorbikes. And yet, despite the constant commotion, car horns rarely sound.
On a more cheerful note, I was also amazed by the vibrancy of Guatemala. America’s cities and neighborhoods favor neutral, somewhat expressionless colors. In contrast, Guatemala’s homes and businesses feature every color of the rainbow. Together with the country’s breathtaking landscape, the colors make Guatemala a beautiful sight to behold.
I was unsure what to expect when we arrived at the village. Although I am a certified nursing assistant, I have never experienced healthcare outside of the United States. In any case, I came away from my first clinical thinking not about the vitals I took, but about the Guatemalans we served. Despite my ineptitude in Spanish and the awkwardness of a first day, the people were kind and generous. I am so excited to visit them again.
At the conclusion of my first week in Guatemala, I feel grateful above all. I am very thankful for my supporters — known and unknown — whose prayers and financial support have brought me here. Without a doubt, your prayers have made the impossible possible. I am incredibly grateful for Jeff and Esther McClaran for their unceasing patience and care as I attempt to help with their mission work. Most of all, I thank God for working all things together for good, opening the doors for me to be in Guatemala. Even as I make plans, I know that His are so much deeper and greater. I can hardly wait to see how He continues to change lives!
Natalie will be sharing more from the field throughout her internship. Want to follow her journey — and the stories of the villages she serves? Subscribe to the GSG blog so you never miss an update.
