Nathan, the little guy on the right informed us that his secret ingredient in the cookies we were baking was love on our first day of Chikicampa. We cracked up, and fell in love with this smart little bilingual boy.
Puerto Rico was beautiful, as was the journey that God took 9 high school girls and me (and my co-leader) on over a quick 2 weeks. We were privileged to serve many people over our two weeks, and even squeezed cliff jumping, hiking, beach time, and salsa lessons into our busy schedule.
I fell in love with each of the sweet girls God placed on this team, and learned so much about pouring into them. I saw the struggles they are dealing with, listened to their stories, and spent time begging God to continue to cultivate the desires of their hearts to be centered and focused on Him. I was reminded yet again that He is the Healer, Fixer, Savior, Comforter. Holy Spirit gently reminded me and showed me that I can’t be those things to people, but that I can be someone who pushes them toward Him and hopefully enlighten them to the character of our God.
Over our time spent in Puerto Rico, many of our team members learned about the passions that God had created them with. Each girl learned about vulnerability and the freedom that comes with knowing Jesus as her Savior, and the power that each of their stories carry. I got to see each of them love each other well, despite flaws (and hormones and teenager things), and learn how to support each other and point each other toward Christ. On our last day, I even got to baptize one of the girls! Her decision to be baptized was a beautiful picture of God’s grace, her obedience and loyalty to Him.
Our contacts were the sweetest, they spent time each day pouring into us, even while their days were packed full of ministry to the people of Puerto Rico. We got to hear their stories, and see how God had worked to bring each of them to Juana Diaz.
I am so thankful to have been entrusted with this group of young people who chose to give up 2 weeks of their summer vacation to sweat in Puerto Rico with a bunch of strangers. My prayer is that they head into their next year of high school or first year of college with strength, boldness, confidence, and a knowledge of who they are and who’s they are. I pray that they will choose the less travelled road, and stand firm in the truths they know about God and the great plans He has for them.
A huge thank you to all who supported me- your obedience and sacrifice is, as always, beautiful and so very appreciated.
Arriving at Camp Caribe!
A little sandbox time at VBS,
and Alejandro sporting his crown- symbolizing our relationship to the King!
