Hey Guys! My name is Maria Guzman! So the whole where I’m from thing is kind of confusing… I’m Colombian. Born there, parents are Colombian… the whole family! My family and I moved to the States when I was 3 years old. I’ve lived in Charlotte most of my life, except for two years that I lived in Mexico. So I guess Charlotte would be my home, or at least the place where I’ve lived the longest.

I go to Liberty University. I just finished my second year there. I absolutely love it. It’s an amazing place, where God has showed me and taught me so much about himself. Oh and I’m studying Interior design. I do not work, except for my parents business whenever I’m home. The parents are a huge blessing! I love art. I love to paint, make stuff out of nothing, pretty much anything crafty I love to do. My friends and I usually just hang out, I don’t know play games, if it’s nice go outside and play soccer. Oh and I grew up with 4 guys, and they are all soccer players, so I absolutely love soccer. I played when I was in high school, but now just play for fun. I love it though. I love the passion, and just the power it has to bring people together. It’s such an awesome tool for ministry!

I’m bilingual. I’m overly obsessed with playing the laughing game, I love rice; I could have it for every meal of the day. I’m not a huge fan of hearing people chew on their food with their mouth open.

 I’ve been on several mission trips, To Mexico and Ecuador. I did this through Liberty, and it was really great! However I have traveled a lot, I guess my parents always wanted us to be fully exposed to everything. On every trip we’ve taken, we’ve always made it our goal to share the love of Jesus. These have truly been the greatest. I think the best one was when I went backpacking through Europe with my brother and cousin right after my high school graduation. It was honestly one of the most amazing experiences! We stayed in hostels, met people and just had such amazing opportunities to share the gospel with strangers. Any trip can be a mission trip if you dedicate it to Jesus.

Ever since I got to Liberty, I wanted to go to the nations. I knew I was going to take some time off, and God just truly opened up this door and I’m so excited. I’m excited that it’s Guatemala, where I’ve never been, but also that they’re Hispanic! I just love Hispanic culture. Honestly I’m nervous to not be able to be in touch with my family. I’m really close to my family, and It’ll be hard to not see them for 3 months. Obviously all worth it, but It does scare me. I know I’m supposed to let go of everything, and I know that’s why God has called me to go on this trip! I can’t wait for God to unite us as a team, so that people might not only see his beautiful love through what we do and share with them, but also in the way we love each other! 

Okay So here is a picture of Me! I took a bunch of pictures last week with different signs for this flyer that I made to send out to my supporters for the trip!