We
got a visit from our awesome squad leader, 
Billy, this last week. As always, he did an amazing job pouring into
and encouraging each of us but he also blew us away with some BIG news. Apparently it wasn’t a secret but for some
reason my team was not aware team changes would be occurring at the end of our
time in Bolivia – a little over a week away.
I’d like to think our ignorance can be attributed to how well we’ve all
gotten along and how much we really enjoy being together on a team. In fact we just came out of a squad gathering
in Puno, Peru where we all saw characteristics in other teams and other squad-mates we really desired and were motivated to implement and cultivate in our team. Personally it was
simple but important stuff like praying for my teammates every day and reading their blogs
(thanks Lauren Erb). In addition, our
ministry here at Monte Blanco in Bolivia has renewed our souls and provided our
team many opportunities to further bond as a family – a huge answer to prayer. The evening Billy left all 5 of us crammed
into three awesome hammocks on our dark front porch under the stars, talking
and sharing until 12:30AM. Perhaps being
in the dark added a new level of safety, because my Powerful Whisper family
(team) started opening up and letting each other in like never before. So with all this said, I’ve been anticipating
much sadness at the end of our time here in Bolivia. Not only will I have to say goodbye to the Monte
Blanco family I instantly fell in love with, but potentially I will also be
separating from my Powerful Whisper family who I continue to fall in love with
more and more each day.
As
I write this, I am in one of the before 
mentioned hammocks on our porch in the
bright rising sun alone with God’s word.
I’m struck by a verse in Galatians about trying to win the approval
of men (including oneself) instead of God.
“If I were trying to please men, I would not be a servant to Christ” Gal
1:10. This verse made me realize as much
as I love this ministry and my team, the person I am, here in this moment, is
because of Christ. Trying to imitate
Christ, I have come to serve not to be served and with that comes a willingness
to let go or hold loosely that which I love, that which fills my heart with
joy, that which brings a smile to my face. I am trusting God knows what
is best for me and my team. Trusting He
has a plan not to hurt me or take away my joy, but to grow me. So I will continue onward with open arms
today, tomorrow and always excited for what God has in store for me, and my
Powerful Whisper family; confident whatever it is will grow us all and His
Kingdom!
I’ll
stand with arms high and heart abandoned.
In
awe of the One who gave it all.
I’ll
stand my soul Lord to You surrendered.
All
I am is Yours.
