SENT

Thursday, July 16

Today's Journey

Today our mission team departs Boston for Guatemala. After arriving in Guatemala City, they'll travel to the beautiful colonial city of Antigua, where they'll spend the night before continuing to Lake Atitlán tomorrow.

This is the first step in a week of learning, relationship-building, and partnership alongside ODIM Guatemala.

Why This Matters

This week isn't simply about where our team is traveling—it's about who they'll meet.

For decades, ODIM Guatemala has worked alongside Indigenous Maya communities around Lake Atitlán through healthcare, education, nutrition, environmental health, and community development. Their work is rooted in partnership, responding to needs identified by local communities themselves.

Throughout the week, our team will have opportunities to learn from ODIM staff, community leaders, artisans, healthcare workers, and families while participating in ministries that improve health and strengthen communities.

If you've noticed the unfamiliar symbols throughout the Prayer Partner Guide, they represent the names of each day according to two traditional Maya calendars—the Tzolkin (260-day sacred calendar) and the Haab' (365-day solar calendar). The names are written in the Tz'utujil Maya language spoken around Lake Atitlán, reminding us that we are entering a place with deep cultural and spiritual traditions that long predate our visit.

Reflection

Every meaningful journey begins long before the suitcase is packed. Mission begins with prayer.

As our team travels today, we remember that they are not carrying God to Guatemala. They are traveling to meet people among whom God has already been faithfully at work. May they travel with humility, curiosity, and open hearts.