Hello supporters, family & friends,

Happy 250th 4th of July. I am glad to be back home after what has been a rewarding but exhausting month away. Much has happened, spiritually and socially for us.

We ended with a 3-day debrief in Antigua. We stayed in a hostel in the north part of town, not a 20-minute walk from Cerro de la Cruz. All three mornings, I took advantage of this. I had plenty of me-and-God time on that hill, and it offered a nice stroll up and down.

The first full day in Antigua, we had team debriefs, which were great for us to process what happened. Overall, the sentiment for us in San Antonio Aguas Calientes was that we had too much time that went unscheduled. We loved every minute of working with the missionaries, house visits, kids ministry, Fútbol Fridays, etc. However, there was too much free time, such that we found ourselves bored and struggling to thrive. For the first week-and-a-half, this was our experience. When we got more involved, became more vulnerable and lived more intentionally, we were better able to carry out the purposes that God had for us. Especially, we did a group fast our last week, which really boosted team spirit. After this, we were refreshed enough the make it through debrief.

As well in the first day, Luke and I had a 2-on-1 with Kevin. We processed this conversation we had two weeks prior in Antigua. Luke and I had been evangelizing to a street guitarist from New York named Brandon. He had been Christian himself a long time ago. I had spoken before with people who had hardened hearts to the truth, but not like him. We went in circles of empty talk for about two hours before deciding to end on a good note. When Kevin and we dissected this conversation, he said we likely were engaging with demons speaking through Brandon. This makes sense, as speaking with him greatly confused and provoked our spirits, and we didn't feel this way until we spoke of Jesus and the Gospel. We continue now to pray for him. That chat with Kevin was thus very helpful for us in our understanding. I myself am not used to viewing conversations through this spiritual lens, so my worldview was shifted in that way.

The second day was much more nonchalant. Several of us went out in Antigua, and simply explored. Luke showed us a hole-in-the-wall chocolate shop at one of the nicest hotels in Antigua. Later that day, I had a free evening, so I decided to just ask God what to do. I had my mind set on talking to people in the park, so I started walking in what I thought was south. I realized I was walking east, and Iglesia de la Merced caught my eye. So, I chose to use the time to look around, pray and go up to the roof. On the way down, I was able to briefly speak with one man who offered to take some pictures of me. His name was Cristiano, and he (as was common) was a Catholic. I happened to have some of those tiny rubber Jesuses on hand, so I gave him one and went on my way.

The third day was our last day in Guatemala, so we wanted to make the most out of it. My 1-on-1 with Kevin was very informative. The group did quite a bit more walking around. Luke and I looked around the art museum in the square. He was later interested in going to Iglesia de la Merced, so we went up there. At Serve Hope Coffee, most of us went to the worship session that evening. It was very emotional for many. I went to be alone on the roof terrace to think and pray for a short time.

The group left from the Hostel at 11 at night. We shared many last-minute stories, and simply enjoyed the last few hours together. The other missionaries from Arizona and I arrived at PHX around 8:30. We said our final goodbyes and went our separate ways.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how God used me on this trip, and have gotten more than a missions trip out of it. Back in the spring, my father told me that Guatemala would change me in ways that neither of my shorter trips did. In hindsight, I see how that was true. I would certainly return to Guate if I came across the chance, but I still have another year before I consider it. Next year, My youngest sister will be 18, and I would much like to serve abroad with either or both of my sisters if they are interested.

Thank you again for your patience with me. I want you to feel that this has not just been my experience, but yours too as you have followed what God has done recently in my life.

Walk in truth with grace,

Daniel J. Bruso