Building Relationships

Building relationships can be intimidating when you are struggling with a language barrier. Much larger than a language barrier is cutting yourself off from others. I know that God wants each and every one of us to share our lives with each other, even the ups and the downs. We came from a world where we are accustomed to going directly from the car to the house, even avoiding our own neighbors. Here in Guatemala we walk most of the time to conduct daily personal tasks. Being in the street places us in contact with the people in our town, it makes us familiar with each other. Stopping to attempt a conversation in broken Spanish can let someone know you care. Hugs and fist bumps have become a very routine part of walks about town. We receive such a blessing when we are able to invite people into our home for dinner. Discipleship begins with relationships. Relationships begin with opening your heart to others.

                                                                    

1 Peter 2:11-12

The Message (MSG)

^11-12 Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.