When we first arrived in El Salvador and I found out we were living with a family, I was pumped. I had been craving a relationship that would challenge me and nurture me. In Guatemala, our location was beautiful, yes, but we were on our own. I didn’t bond with any one (Guatemalan) person, and didn’t necessarily feel a connection with the country. This time around, things were going to be different, I could feel it.
And then I met the Santos Nunez family. Mariela, Alberto, Christian, Tanya, David, Danny, Attacko (dog) and Rooster (rooster). God could not have picked a more loving and fun family for us to join. And when I say join, I mean it. We are not treated as random missionaries living in their home. We are a part of their family. And even though there’s a language barrier, we understand each other (even their corny jokes). They have provided a safe place for us to lay our heads, share our meals, worship, pray, laugh, snuggle and just be. They mind our space, but ask us how we’re doing if we seem sad or upset. “Por que triste?” Madre gives us back massages and Padre drives us 2 hours to the lake, then 2 hours back, then 1.5 hours to San Salvador for church, then back. He never gets tired!
Then, last night, they sat us down to pray and speak life over us. Alberto started with scripture, and then told us his testimony; we sang worship songs and then Alberto and Mariela, one by one, washed our feet. Tears flooded the room. I couldn’t believe it. This family has opened up their home and hearts to us and now they are cleansing out feet! It should be the other way around, right? But it was such a spot on representation of their servant’s hearts. My heart saddens at the thought of leaving them in just a few days, but I can’t wait for the next WR team to meet them!! (Whatever team is next, get ready!) They have truly become a family to us, watching and encouraging us along the way. Through them and their ministry, we were able to worship with prisoners, pray over sick children, entertain students (both young and old), improve the aesthetic value of their church, nourish the homeless through food and prayer, and evangelize in the streets. Not only has my understanding of El Salvadorian culture developed (due, in part, to a very rowdy soccer game), but also my ability to recognize God’s work, and FEEL God’s work! So cool.
So the time has come for us to venture off to Nicaragua. We’ll be in Managua for a few days, then in a small, somewhat isolated town for the rest of the month (so not sure about internet…). We will be working with Camino Global – a nonprofit organization focused on discipleship training. Pretty perfect, don’t you think?
So let me leave you with my top 20 moments from El Salvador (it was originally 10, but I couldn’t narrow it down) … here we go…
#20. Singing worship at church
#19. Belting out Celine/Mariah/Aretha on 'Vh1 Divas' with the Santos Nunez family
#18. Waterfall tunnel
#17. Music video creation with rooster
#16. Sharing my testimony in front of 8,000 people
(sorry, no pictures)
#15. Alberto’s crazy driving/lame jokes… actually everything about him
#14. Seal Pig (aka Charlie)=cutest dog in history
#13. Q&A on live TV
#12. Chocolate bananas
#11. Mercedes
#10. Church kids (love them!)
#9. Black sand beach/chatting with surfers about our mission
#8. Children’s festival
#7. Ridiculous soccer game
(video coming soon)
#6. Baby Darling!
#5. Adam and Eve skit practice
(video coming soon)
#4. Personal Bible study during 2-hour long, Spanish sermon (twice daily)
#3. Cleansing of our feet
#2. Sharing my testimony at prison/prison worship
#1. Witnessing to Gil, a local
Honorable Mentions: George (cat), rooster, spontaneous trips everywhere, Alberto (a different one) the homeless mathematician, Travis’ courageous driving skills, Dimples, Liz’ awesome Spanish speaking skills “Mucho gusto tu frijoles”.
It's been a great month! Can't wait for the next one!
