naomicornett - Refined in his presence

I truly fell so deeply in love with Guatemala the culture, the people, and everything in between. Guatemala is a place many missionaries go to, and it can be easy to approach it casually, thinking, “Oh, everyone goes there.” But it is so much more than what people perceive. Guatemala is truly BEAUTIFUL in a way that’s hard to put into words. From the street dogs wandering the roads, to quiet moments in the prayer room filled with worship and intercession every part of it carries something unique and meaningful.

The people are some of the most incredible I’ve ever met. They carry such a genuine fire and awe for the Lord that’s honestly rare. Being surrounded by that kind of faith shifts you it challenges you, inspires you, and calls you deeper.

We had some amazing opportunities, like hiking Acatenango. It was HARD one of the hardest things I’ve physically done but it was so worth it. Standing at the top, seeing the view, reminded me that sometimes the most beautiful moments come after the hardest climbs. We also hiked Fuego, an active volcano, and got to watch lava spew out. It was wild, powerful, and honestly such a picture of how alive and active God is.

Guatemala was filled with so much joy but it wasn’t easy the whole time. There were moments where I didn’t feel or hear the Lord, where the enemy’s voice felt louder than anything else. But even in that, the Lord continually reminded me of His love. He showed me that He wouldn’t leave me where I was that He has so much more for me. And He has so much more for you, too.

One of the most impactful things I learned was the power of prayer and intercession. When you pray for someone, your heart changes. You begin to love them differently, to see them the way God sees them. Prayer isn’t “just a prayer” it has the power to shift things, to soften hearts, and even lead to salvation. So pray boldly. Pray for your family, your friends, your school, your church, your city, and even people you’ve never met. It matters more than you think.

One of the sweetest gifts of this season was getting to see my parents after seven months. Just saying that feels crazy. It was more than a reunion it was a gift straight from the Lord. Leading up to their visit, I had been praying for them for deeper dependence on God, for open hearts and minds, and for them to be overwhelmed by His love. The Lord didn’t just answer those prayers He answered them in abundance.

Getting to serve alongside them was so special. They were able to step into my everyday life here meeting the people, seeing the ministries, experiencing what God has been doing. It felt like two worlds colliding in the most beautiful way.

One day at a care point, we fed kids breakfast and spent time pouring into them. We asked them to share something they were afraid of, and one little girl said, “I’m scared of losing someone else that I love.” Her mom had recently passed away. Hearing that broke me. No child should have to carry that kind of weight. As I prayed for her, I could see the Lord softening all of our hearts mine, my parents’, everyone’s. It was a hard moment, but also such a holy one. What a privilege it is to be invited into someone’s story like that.

Another ministry, Reindom, became one of my favorites. It was full of joy worship, dancing, laughter, and learning more about Jesus. Watching these kids grow in their faith was so special. And one of my favorite parts of the whole trip was watching my parents fall in love with ministry and the nations the same way I have. Even without speaking Spanish, they showed that love truly does transcend language.

During PVT, every night was filled with worship, testimonies, or messages but one night stands out the most. A house of prayer came and led worship, and it was so powerful. I found myself interceding for my parents, speaking scripture over them. Then my dad knelt down and started praying over me, and my mom joined him. It was such a beautiful moment one I’ll never forget. The Lord was knitting our hearts together in a deeper way than ever before.

We also had so much fun riding ATVs, freezing cold showers, inside jokes, coffee shop runs, the market, even late-night Taco Bell runs after curfew. Ministry was incredible, but so was the joy in the little moments. PVT is something I’ll carry with me forever.

Guatemala is a beautiful place but it’s also broken. There are people searching for worth in what they do or how others see them, when all the Lord wants is their hearts. Every flaw, every insecurity, every sin He wants it all. And He wants the same for you.

He wants to meet you in your pain and celebrate with you in your joy. He wants to walk with you, laugh with you, cry with you He wants to be your closest friend. But you have to let Him.

The Lord moved so much in me during my time in Guatemala, but the beautiful thing is it doesn’t stop there. There is an invitation for Him to move in your life too, right where you are. Whether you’re at home, at school, at work, or in a completely different season He meets you there.

So whatever season you’re in whether it’s full of joy, stuck in repetition, or heavy with grief bring it to Him. He just wants your heart. Your surrender. Your honesty. Let Him use you. Let Him shape you. Let Him love you. It will change everything.

At the end of it all, Guatemala didn’t just change my location it changed my heart. And the truth is, you don’t have to be across the world for God to move in you the same way He moved in me.

There are people all around you who need love, who need hope, who need someone to see them. There are opportunities every single day to pray, to encourage, to serve, and to reflect the heart of Jesus right where you are.

So don’t wait for a “mission trip” or a big moment to start living on mission. It starts in the ordinary. It starts with obedience. It starts with saying “yes” to the Lord in the small things.

Pray for people even when it feels simple. Love people even when it feels inconvenient. Trust God even when you don’t feel Him.

Because He is moving. He is working. And He wants to use you.

So wherever you are today, whatever season you’re in lean in. Surrender again. Let Him meet you there.

And watch what He does.

Here are a few verses that I love that related to Guatemala.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God this is your true and proper worship.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬ ‭

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Luke 9:23

“Devote yourselves to prayer being watchful and thankful”

Colossians 4:2

Prayer requests: