Whoops, I got bronchitis.

Hey everyone!

Sorry that you haven’t heard from me in the last 2 weeks. As you can tell from the title of this blog, I got a bit sick and managed to get bronchitis.

Symptoms first showed up exactly a week ago and we first believed it to be covid (I have since received 2 negative test results so we know for sure that is not the case). Since I was experiencing covid symptoms and chest pain, AIM and leadership made the decision that I should move locations and be somewhere we knew that I could receive proper treatment. Obviously I didn’t argue, you don’t mess around with lung stuff, you know. Thanks to one of our other teams and their host that is located in Mixco, near Guatemala City, they helped arrange transportation, a covid test, a doctor and somewhere for me and my squad leader (who came with me) to stay. HUGE shoutout to the ladies of the Mosaic Daughters (loooove you). 

Since arriving here last Saturday, I have been focusing on rest and healing. At the initial doctor’s appointment I received 2 shots (IN DA BUTT), one antibiotic and steroid, and plenty of meds. I was given the warning that things would get worse before they got better, though I am glad to say I am definitely on the other side of that. I would say that early this week, like Monday and Tuesday were the hardest. I am still experiencing some symptoms. There is still chest tightness and a burning sensation in my lungs, especially if I push myself too hard. I get quite fatigued in the afternoons and if I don’t sit/lay down then I can experience fever symptoms. With all that said though, I am in a good mood. Tomorrow I will get to rejoin my team in Chichi. We have arranged so I will be able to sleep indoors and avoid the cold night air, which is one of my doctor’s biggest concerns for me. I will continue taking antibiotics and using an inhaler for the next week and not participating in the manual labor that my team does, no more moving dirt or mixing cement or plaster for me (for now :D). We have a week left at our hosts so I am really looking forward to getting to wrap up our time there with my team. They have been so sweet to us and it’s been so special to be apart of their ministry so I’m really glad I will be able to say a proper goodbye to them. On the 20th our whole squad will regroup for 2 weeks for debrief, training and preparation for travel. Our next stop is Costa Rico!

It has been really sweet in the ways God has provided during this time. My squad leader and I have been staying with my doctor’s parents since Monday. I am so grateful to them for opening their home to us, taking in strangers and caring for us. For the first time in almost a month I got to sleep on a bed, take a warm shower and use a laundry machine!

During this whole experience, I can’t help but feel so full of gratitude and joy. I am so happy to be here. I am so grateful to be on the World Race, in Guatemala, serving God. 

Sorry that this is a little bit all over the place, just wanted to give you an update. I pray that all is well for you. I will try to have another blog out here soon, probably more ministry related from pre-bronchitis. 

In areas of prayer requests, obviously there is the prayer for my continued healing but also in the area of funding. There is exactly one month left until my final fundraising deadline (March 12th) and if I don’t reach my goal, I will go home early from the race. I have $4,031 to raise to reach my $9,900 goal. Please join me in prayer for funding to come in.

Thank you.