Guatemala - Before the "Big Move" - Finances

As with any move, there are a lot of expenses that come into play.

Besides the monthly support that I need to raise, there are some other "pre-move" expenses that have to be covered and planned for. There is the training, the shipping of my items, and various legal fees. I also will take some intensive Spanish training when I first arrive to Guatemala, so I have to have those fees covered. I believe that about $1500 will cover all of that.

In addition to that, I have to find a car...

I need a car while in Guatemala for obvious reasons, I have to go places... It is not safe for me to ride on the buses there, and I am not allowed to travel alone, unless I am in a car.

I need to get a car that is in good condition and that can withstand really bumpy, often unpaved roads. The driving there is pretty crazy, and so I would like to get a SUV, so that I feel more protected, and so that I can sit higher up and see what is ahead (to change lanes there, you just pass in whatever lane you want going whatever direction and I will be living in the mountains, so it's curvy, therefore I like to know what's ahead). I would also like to get a Toyota, Nissan, or Mazda, because those are common cars there, and so I can get them repaired or worked on more easily, without having to ship parts from the states.n I think my ideal car would be something like a Toyota 4Runner.

I can either buy a car in Guatemala or in the states. There are pros and cons to both. Buying a car in Guatemala will cost more than it does here, plus, there is no way to research if the car has had any issues in the past, but there is less paperwork to be done, and I don't have to pay the high tax fee to bring it in from the states. Getting a car in the states means that there is more paperwork, and the car has to be paid off before it can be taken out of the country. Plus, I have to pay the taxes and shipping to get it into Guatemala. But, the cars from here usually cost less and they can be checked out more thoroughly. So, I am weighing the options. I believe that I will look for a car in the states, and see what I find... I know that God will lead me to the right one for the right price and it will all fall into place, and that He will provide for all the needs.

I really am learning to trust A LOT. I know I have said it over and over, but His faithfulness is so great and I love the fact that we can be led by His peace! When we know we are in His will, then we can trust confidently that He is faithful who promised and that He has it all worked out!