Some basics for those of you just now dropping in: My sister and I are on an 11-month Christian mission trip to 11 different countries across 4 continents. We’re headed to: Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Cambodia, and Thailand. The work will range from country to country in partnership with established ministries in each area.
It’s month 3. My team is in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.
We’re working with a Compassion International center.
Hello, everyone! We are now in Bolivia. We’re teaching English at a Compassion International center. And I love Bolivia. I can’t exactly explain why. It just happened. I love this country. It should be mentioned, however, that the journey here was not exactly ideal. You can read all about it here (thanks, Katie). Be forewarned. The story is not for the faint of heart.
I’m sure I’ll have lots of Bolivian stories to share, but for now I’d like to go back to Argentina one more time. I need to talk about something very, very important. I need to talk about my hair.
I gave up a lot of things for this trip: job opportunities, time with my family, my bed, seeing my little sister graduate bible college (YAY EMI!). And all of that was hard. But I’ve learned that living in complete abandonment leaves room for so much joy. Every small gift is a grand blessing. Katie sprung for some expensive conditioner, and I thought I was at a spa.
And when Becca cut my hair, I thought THIS IS THE HEIGHT OF LUXURY! Becca is a cosmetologist on my sister’s team. And she brought all of her tools. In a 35 lbs bag, every extra item is a sacrifice. Bringing those tools was an act of obedience, a sacrifice she made so that others could be blessed through her gifting. And I have been so, so blessed. I’ve never felt so blessed by a haircut. And Becca has cut hair for 52 people since leaving America 67 days ago.
So, I don’t know. Draw your own grand conclusion from this blog. Maybe you’re me: needing to live with less so that God can bless you in the little things. Maybe you’re Becca: living a servant’s life, letting God use you. And you need to know that you are appreciated. You’re appreciated, Becca. Or maybe you just needed a reminder that it’s time for your next trim.
P.S. Happy Hanukkah, Papa Lew and Nana Dee.
