On Sunday (the 11th) my team and I arrived in Arroyo Cano just in time to catch the end of the church service. I feel like I’ve lived a lifetime since then. My days have been filled with translating and spending time with my team (getting to know them better) and with the members of the church here, especially the pastor. Life here is so much more relaxed, with afternoons open to rest, playing games, quite time and chatting. The kids are quite taken with us and hardly leave us alone, to be honest this has been really hard to adjust to, always having kids peek into the windows at us and yell ‘americanos’ without letting up.
Translating hasn’t been as difficult as I perceived but I know it’s because of the continual prayers (that I need) that have gotten me through. I’ve been grateful for the relaxed atmosphere because for me the downtime has been much needed to regroup and give my overworked mind a rest. Yes, I feel like I’m living in the land of spanglish. But God is good and there is good communication thanks to His help.
One perk to me being the translator is that I’m included on all conversations with the Dominicans. Yesterday afternoon Pastor Gregorio shared his heart with us about his church and this community. It was awesome to hear his passion and hear his thoughts on this community and the surrounding ones as well. One thing he said that really made an impact on me is this, “I like it when groups like yours come here, because it motivates me to wake up each day and share about Jesus to those around me.” I think those words will stick with me for a long time.
