Manatiales, Colombia
September 24, 2017
Dear family + friends,
Month one is almost over. Woah. Where did the time go? I guess time really does fly when you’re having fun. For those of you wondering, yes, the world race is all i thought it’d be and more. It’s so dreamy living, loving, and serving here. Sometimes its slow, and ministry isn’t big and flashy- but thats where the beauty comes in. I’ve been day dreaming about making the race a reality for yearssss. so, with that in mind, i decided from the get-go to live and love well in the “worldracey” moments and the mundane.
Since month one IS a technology fast, i wanna catch y’all up on some of those moments that made me sit back and whisper a prayer of thanks- for him allowing this to be my life. Oozing thankfulness in the big and the small.
Moment 1:
We went up up up into the mountains to spend some time signing and dancing with the abuelos y abuelas. And there, way up in the Colombian mountains, is wherei found this lil sugar pie. He had me absolutely head over heels for those cheeks and big brown eyes. For the next 30 minutes I got to not only snuggle sweet little Jefferson, but whisper prayers of strength and boldness over him. Cradling him in my arms all the while talking to papa God to raise him up a leader and guide each step he takes. It’s such an honor to be chosen by the father to pray for and serve the next generation of warriors.
Moment 2:
Before the race, I decided I wanted to play the ukulele. So, I grabbed one, and taught myself a nice handful of songs. Fast forward to world race launch- carrying an extra 7+ pounds in my hands on travel days seemed just about the dumbest thing i could do. So, the ukulele remained in the good ol USA. But, the songs came with me. It’s so cool how the Lord uses silly little things like the song riptide to open doors. I am now a smiling face with a ukulele playing the only song i can remember the cords to, on at least 3 Colombians Facebook pages. He works in the funniest little ways, doesn’t He? Ps- I’ll be releasing tour dates soon (;
Moment 3:
This is the bottom floor of the 5 story ministry building we live and work in daily. The bottom floor is a church 3 times a week, a homeless shelter every night, and a meeting place for small groups and processing delivers almost continuously. And its a place i’ve seen the Lord move. Once a week there is a church service for the homeless men and for the men in the rehabilitation program. And our squad was asked to put together our own little worship band with a song or two. With me being the only one who can sing and speak Spanish- i was an obvious choice. Instantly I was out of my comfort zone. To sing in my second language AND do it in front of a maxed out room was so intimidating. I thought about backing out over a million times. But, my sweet squad mates held my hand, prayed courageover me, and told me to get my butt up there and shine. So, I did just that. And truthfully it was one of the best moments of my entire life. I sang for an audience of one, and led those around me to encounter the spirit. I am so unworthy, but so thankful He continuously pushes me into beautiful growth.
Moment 4:
This is another sweet little one the Lord gave me to love on. I was in the group of about 7 North Americans who got to walk up these literally vertical steps into the little homes built into the side of the mountain. Our sole purpose: to collect kiddos and bring them to the center for a day of just being kids. And out of oneof these houses came Jonah. What. A .Heartbreaker. On the bus ride back he sat in my lap so silently, observing everything. But finally broke the silence barrier with a giggle after a few smooches, given by yours truly. Having Jonah in my lap, in a 150 degree bus, bo bopping down this rickety road with these big beautiful mountains on all sides was one of those moments i sat back and couldn’t believe this was what i got to do on a Friday morning. I instantly became overwhelmed with thankfulness and poured so many sweet prayers over Jonah and all my beautiful new friends in the bus with me.
Moment 5:
Truthfully, at the beginning of the month, I was dreading all squad month. I loved my team and had very little desire to know all 39 people on gap N. But man oh man, the ladies and gents of gap N have stolen my whole heart. I cherish each and every one of those weirdos. Specifically these two gals. Moriah and Sarah bring light to all rooms and you cant go anywhere, or do anything with them, and not beam with laughter. They, are, my , sisters. They held my hands when we got onto this air gondola & made me laugh through my fear tears. They’re my whole heart and my soul sisters for the rest of my days I thank Jesus every day for gifting me them.
I continuously have these moments where i almost can’t fathom how this is real, and this is my life. And that the Lord got me here. How faithful He is. How He desires to fulfill my deepest desires, and line them up with what He desires for me. He is a good dad. I was chosen to do this. To live, and love, and serve the sweet people of Medillín and Manantiales Colombia. So, I will wake up every morning with a heart posture of thankfulness. And carry that out with me in everything that I am tasked to do. In the big, and the small.
We are here to be a light for the kingdom, and boy has it been sunny lately.
Sincerely yours,
Gven
