“Her mother is/was a prostitute in La Paz. She was sold by her mother for two bottles of beer because she had heart defect and only a couple of weeks to live. Even after she received heart surgery, the diagnosis was still just a few weeks to live.”
That’s what was told to me as I played with and swung around the little 3 year old in my arms. That was also a couple of years ago. That was supposed to be the extent of Peniel’s life.
Clearly the Lord had other plans as today she is as happy as can be living at Casa de Esperanza in Caranavi, Bolivia. I only got to spend a small handful of days at the ministry site, and it was only part way through when the two of us crossed paths right before lunch one afternoon. Of course I’m always a sucker for kids, but I was pretty instantly captured by the joy in her eyes. It didn’t take long for us to develop our own little inside joke/running dialogue of “Ciao.” – Me and “No Ciao.” – Peniel. That was always about the extent of what she told me. “No goodbye.”
Sadly, after a few short days I had to for real. But dang if she didn’t capture my heart during that time.
These stories. These moments. They make it all worth it to me. The exhausting days of travel. Being violently ill with only a squatty potty to work with. Picking up and moving every couple of months since the spring of 2011. All of the tough conversations, problem solving, and prayers for God to intercede because I feel way in over my head as a squad leader make it worth it.
As an SQL, I don’t get to be involved in the day to day ministry all that often. Part of me really misses it, while the other part sees the blessing in getting to spend most of my time with the other Racers on Y Squad. I’ve just been realizing this past week how much I really love the life I’ve been blessed with and currently get to lead. It is not an indefinite thing. It may not be the most conventional. I’m not too keen on all of the fundraising. But the breakthroughs on Y Squad as a whole and individually make this worth it. The little but powerful stories of incredible kids and adults I meet along the way and seeing God in all of it make it worth it.
Today I’m just feeling incredibly thankful to God for it all and for all of you that continue to show all of your love and support too.
Come this Monday, we’re busing at least 24 hours to Lima, Peru. Prayers always welcome!
