It is the third week that we have been here in Antigua and it feels like it has just begun. Working in the hospitals and in the “abuelo” houses has been amazing and challenging. The hospital was intimidating and forced me to be timid and fearful at first because of the severe conditions that the kids were in, and the grandpa houses were tough because of the language barrier. However, God has shifted my perspective and my heart by giving me freedom in both of these places. I have fallen for many of the kids at the hospital and my heart is set on a few of the abuelos as well
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My friend elmer who yells "binney" every 5 seconds 🙂
Maynor, one of our faves across the board, giving me hugs and kisses
One of the things we commit to as “racers” is to do feedback every single night. Feedback is essentially speaking LIFE into someone, empowering them to become the man or woman of God they could be, and to confront/challenge them in a loving way. These are sure fire ways to develop intimacy and authenticity. I have grown more from three weeks of feedback than anything else on this race so far. When you look someone in the eyes and speak Life into them and see them for what they could be instead of what they are, God moves, and lives are changed.
My team has spoken deep truths to me, they have encouraged me, and they have challenged me. When you put six powerful, strong, independent, gifted, and passionate women in a room and let the Spirit loose…man, some sick crazy stuff goes down. Visions have been seen, prophetic words have been spoken, and our lives are literally changing. It is only the third week! Speaking life is one of the most powerful weapons that I have gained in this first month. I am bold and just speak regardless of what it is or if it is jumbled or whatever. I no longer have the cajones to hold back what the Lord puts on my heart.
We started teaching biblical principles and values in the schools this week, and man oh man it is mi casa. I am so free and get so much life from the kids it is insane. I have no reservations, I do and say whatever comes to mind, and I don’t care about how silly I look or feel after. Today we went to a school and taught about values, where they come from, and then talked about the story of David and Bathsheeba. I had to summarize the story, and talk about values you get from your amigos, all with our crazy translator and contact Luis. It was a very long day, but I felt so alive. Teaching the kids about biblical principles sets my heart on fire. I could definitely see myself doing that long term, here in Antigua. Cool, I may have found part of my calling in just the first month of the race. Thanks Lord!
Our crazy and spunky contact Luis Castillo in the middle of a class
We only have about eight days left here in Antigua and I have already learned so much. The girls I am surrounded by challenge me and sharpen me to the point of tension, but it’s so good! The way my mind works is completely different from theirs. My convictions and my character aren’t even close to theirs. We are all SO different, but I can already tell that I am going to be a better woman and servant of the Lord because of it. Thank you Lord for tension and growth, it is only mesa uno and I am already being molded. Bring it onnnn!
Just a little update for you all. Miss your faces!
Me at the top of the Picaya Volcano…thanking God for His blessings, His beauty, His creation, His provision, for all of you, and for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this crazy world race! 😀
