It seems crazy that I just finished my 1st month of ministry. God truly blessed our time in Palenque. Ministry was not what I expected it to be…but I am thankful because it was a perfect start to the year. It was a calm month of ministry beacuse most of the time we would just attend worship at Ingles Salim. But in the calmness God taught me lessons that will make the rest of the year easier.
 
1.) God’s love always translates: I struggled with knowing no Spanish and not being able to pick up quickly like my teammates. But through that struggle God taught me how to love even when words can’t be spoken. I saw God’s love flowing out of so many and I soaked it in. God’s love filled me this month.
 
2.) I am learning SLOWLY about my new identity in Christ: Feeling like a stranger in my own skin was difficult because ‘who am I now?’ has been the question I’m asking God. God has been answering me and telling me I am His child, His beloved, accepted by Him. A peace has come over me in this realization. God is changing me but I am thankful for this change because I feel like I am drawing closer to who God created me to be.

 
 

It is ok to change again. I want to change again. I need You to change again Lord. I have to in order to have a new heart. It is ok not to know who I am becoming. I wait patiently. With each tear falling you are washing away the old and bringing in the new. I do not have to have it all together. You are not asking that of me. You are just asking me to love and then love more. Teach me to love like you Lord.
 
3.) God is binding my team 5 Alive together:  I feel so blessed to have these 4 amazing women on my team. We are all so uniquely different but our hearts are becoming one. Every morning we gather together to pray and hold each other accountable. In those moments God draws us closer to each other than I could have ever imagined. I am truly falling in love with these women. Thank you
Lord!

Ministry might not have been what I expected but it is exactly as God planned. It has been a month of learning to love God more, myself more, and others with all my heart. My heart is full and thankful. Can you hear it beating? The beating is strong, smooth, and peaceful.
 

Palenque has been a month of Love. God sized love.

 PS: We cam in 4th on the race. It was an eventful day of travel. I am currently in Antigua staying at the YWAM base until Sunday at 3am. We will then be on a 39 hour bus ride to Nicaragua. WOW! Please pray for our travels. Love you al!