Imagine this…you’re standing in the moonlight on a beach and the waves are rolling in, sometimes splashing the water on your feet. You’re worshipping, singing along with the guitar playing in the background, and there are others there with you, but all you feel in that moment is Jesus. Suddenly, he starts dancing with you, yes dancing, right there on the beach with the moonlight, waves, water, and guitar. It’s one of the most beautiful moments in your life and you hold on tight because you don’t want to let go.
This is how I spent an evening in El Salvador…
So far this month has been incredible! I haven’t written a blog in about 2 weeks and so I have a lot to catch you up on, so here it goes…
El Salvador:
Population 6 million…living in Santa Tecla…San Salvador is the Capitol…three big malls…restaurants…laser tag…Wal-Mart…across the street from malls are the slums…industrial, yet poor.
Ministry:
Mi Casa International…orphanage which they call a hogar (home)…17 kids…Tios and Tias…contact is Bob McDonnell (wife Maricela)…a loving and safe home for abandoned, neglected, and abused children…two homes – one for girls and one for boys…homes are right across the street from one another…11 girls (including 2 babies) and 6 boys…God’s vision became a reality with Bob…work includes painting walls, Facebook pages for kids, painting murals, creating Power Points and videos, loving on kids, building relationships, and learning Spanish. He has developed this place to be a home of love, joy, and hope! It’s amazing to hear the stories of these kids and see how happy they are everyday.
Daily Life:
8:00am – morning prayer…9:00am-1:30pm – work…1:30-5:00pm – help with homework and hang out with the kids…6:00-8:00pm – dinner some time during these two hours…9:00pm – team time…10:30pm – bedtime! (daily schedule varies...)
Blessings this month:
weekend camping trip with kids…hiking up a mountain and being in three countries at once (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador)…roasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate…Sunday morning service at the campground…Beach weekend with Bob…gorgeous, private beach house…boogie boarding with Bob…playing in the ocean with my team…falling asleep in a hammock…worship on the beach…great conversations with team mates…eating out…laser tag…overcame fear…created my very own Little Mermaid moment on the rocks.
Kids at Mi Casa:
Gaby…Aga…Angelica…Brisa…Rosa…Julia…Rosita…Ceci…Lili…Fatima…Mary…Javier…Nestor…Juancito…Juan Carlos…Irvin…Kevin…JOY…laughter…playing soccer…watching Disney Channel…singing Adele…playing at the park…tickling…eating meals together…playing mica (tag)…keeping them away from our electronics…eventually giving in and letting them play with our electronics…hugs…kisses on the cheek…having a hard time understanding each other…learning Spanish…learning English…homework…more hugs!
Personal Growth:
God working like crazy…pre-WR: “I know there’s more to life, but what is it?”…on the WR: “oh, WOW There is totally MORE!”…stretched…pushed…challenged…stripped down…facing fears…learning how to be who I am in Christ…encountering the Holy Spirit…everyday…bold…courageous…strong…hungry…fearless…confident…filling up with more of God and less of me…WHEW!
That’s about it for now…I will do my best not to wait so long in between blogs next time. I appreciate you reading my blogs and please feel free to share my stories with friends and family. It’s exciting to have this place where I can testify to the awesomeness that God is doing all over the world.
OH…and I'm having trouble with the Internet and pictures right now, so there will be an all pic blog coming soon!
GOD BLESS! 😀
