Looking back at my journal from this week, I realized I did a lot of whining and griping. I wasn’t satisfied with the amount of ministry happening (or lack thereof). I was irritated with the same questions and same answers. And there are only so many times a person can play Bananagrams with a smile. Little did I know, God was giving us those days of down time to prepare us for the days to come. God’s timing is perfect. And I’m an impatient loser.
The week started with sports ministry at the park. I can’t even put into words the joy I felt when I spotted “my family.” And I really can’t explain the amount of hugs. Incredible relationship. And hearing the mom pray as we all stood together after the game… Ah! If I’m rejoicing this much for them, I can only imagine what’s happening in Heaven!
Tuesday was my first experience in a dump. Nothing like I expected. Haven’t decided if that’s good or bad. People of all ages were working and I felt awkward interrupting. But thank God we did. Seeing the hope in people as they made their way into our prayer circle was encouraging. I saw some of the most beautiful people that day – especially a little boy with big, round eyes and a shy, but curious, smile. He sits under a tree and guards his family’s bags.
Thursday we met up with another American team to do a full day of various ministries. We started at the orphanage. Loved on and prayed for some very lovable kids. Those relationships will only continue to build and the love of God will become more and more apparent as we go back there often. Next, we went to the nursing home. 1) Old people are hard to understand. 2) Add Spanish. All I can say is “laughter is the best medicine.” Most of the women come to my belly button but that doesn’t stop the hugs from coming. And most are missing 95% of their teeth, but that only makes their smiles more beautiful. Et, Olivia, Leigha, and I were kneeling by a woman’s bed laughing and having a nonsense conversation when Pastor Ronnie tells us we’re frightening her because she thought we were angels. Bless her heart. But you know we all had a good laugh. Including her. She was still laughing. We’re not awful people. Later that night the rains came (they come every day, actually) (every. single. day.) and a group of us decided to try out our raincoats and go for a walk. What better time to praise God and take a free shower than in a torrential downpour? We stopped several times to talk to people we saw sitting outside. Most people are surprisingly inviting as we creepily peer into their houses in passing. And it’s fun meeting people who like to practice their English. We’re learning ministry opportunities are everywhere.
And I'm learning quiet days are good because being mentally, physically, and spiritually exhausted creates cracks for the enemy. So when the day is empty and I'm feeling homesick, I remind myself God knows what's best.
An odd list of American thankfuls I never thought to be thankful for:
Weedeaters and lawnmowers vs. the machetes people use here.
Air conditioned bathrooms. And being able to flush toilet paper.
Washing machines vs. the pila.
Hiland dairy products
Traffic laws.
Packaged meat rather than hanging market meat.
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