*”Cumpleanos” is spanish for Birthday*
Today is a good day. For 1, It’s my
birthday, and 2, I am seeing the goodness of my Creator all around
me. I would have never imagined that i would spend my 25th
birthday in the Amazon Jungle of Peru. Praise God for He never ceases
to amaze us.
This morning, I was awakened by the sun
beaming on my face at about half past 6 am. When I sit up on my bed I
have a panoramic view of the Amazon River. It looked especially
beautiful this morning. I have to admit that life on a barge,
stationed at a village in the jungle has been much more pleasant than
I expected. No roosters, dogs, or goats to break the morning silence,
even though space is cramped for sleeping and eating, it has truly
brought the team closer together in our hearts. I experienced this
love first hand this morning as I turned from my panoramic view of
the river to a sign hanging on my tent that read “Wake up sleepy
head, it’s your birthday!” and then more so when i found that the
entire boat was decorated with signs, ribbons and balloons expressing
pure excitement for the celebration of the day that I was born 25
years ago. How great is my family of 27 racers??. Today is the day that
I found that unique family connection with my team mates, and oh how I love
them!
My time so far in Nauta has been almost
indescribable. And by “almost” i mean that I get the feeling that
I am really only seeing a glimpse of the wonderful things that God
has planned for the people in Nauta and along the river. 
For example,
I met a man and his wife on the street the other day who speaks English, and long story short, he expressed his desire to know more
about God, dedicate his life and family to serving Jesus, become a
missionary and translate for other missionaries. The man’s name is
Hilton and he speaks altogether 9 languages, 7 of them being native
languages from untouched villages along the river. In part, I can see
and hear his desire to communicate the grace of our Creator among his
people, I may see him come to know God more intimately in the next
few days, I may play a part in encouraging him to reach for his
dreams and passions and make them reality, I can imagine his life in
a few months or years and how he has impacted the lives of some
untouched people bringing them the hope of eternal life, but in
reality I will probably never actually see it with my eyes. My heart
understands what God is doing in Hilton’s life but today my eyes only
see it in part. For God is doing a great work in Hilton’s heart.
Hilton and his wife Darlene both know that God is calling them to a
life lived abundantly in his unfailing love and they are willing to
give up comforts and pleasure to spend a lifetime restoring and
rebuilding the Kingdom of God.
Hilton is not the only one benefiting
from our presence in Nauta. The children and teenagers are getting
most of our attention. As in every culture, every nation, and every
village, children need to be loved, built up, accepted, and
nourished. Here we have an incredible opportunity to strengthen the
hearts and souls of hundreds of children. Daily we hold a program
called “Fiesta Con Dios” which translates, “Party with God”.
I would bet almost 200 kids come out for the fun! We do things like
singing, dramas, games and just all out getting silly. Our team has
really come to life with this group. I have seen my team mates
jumping in with all they have to make these kids laugh till their
bellies hurt. 
Laughter is healing to the soul. Most of these kids
suffer from the same problems kids in North America face,
dysfunctional homes, abuse, bullying and most of all the effects of
an impoverished economy. I can’t change a government and I cannot
tell a community how to live but I can bring laughter and love on the
scene just when someone may have thought the world has forgotten how
to smile. The same goes for our teens, we have created a Youth Group
type of event that goes on daily with games, teaching, and outreach.
Nauta has our undivided attention and I believe hearts will be
softened and turned toward the love of Christ that they feel flowing
through our hearts for them.
