My Argentinian life is coming to a close and I can’t believe month two is almost over! I’ve been on the world race for fifty-four days and I wish I could freeze time and live in this moment forever. This year full of crazy adventures and growing closer to Christ is flying by and I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to say goodbye.
My time in Mendoza, Argentina has been full of growth in so many ways I never expected. I’ve learned that when the going gets tough, to find thankfulness.
This month, I started my days by crawling out of my tent and having coffee surrounded by hammocks and trees.
Although I had a difficult time getting used to the contestant mosquito bites and feeling dirty from head to toe, I grew to love living this day-to-day camp life and even washing my clothes in the sink began to feel normal.
My team and I had some incredible times ministering to street kids in the surrounding area and providing love to little ones who rarely receive it elsewhere.
The time we spent with these children and in local churches were some of my most treasured moments in Mendoza. Playing with little ones and serving the community fills me with joy. This is what I love and what my heart is drawn to.
The difficult parts of this month manifested in what we did with the rest of our time, manual labor. My team is one of only two teams on the squad with men so we were tasked with multiple manual labor projects. Day after day we scrubbed the bottom of a giant pool, hacked down brush with a rusty hoe and dismembered a green house. In the hot sun and covered with mosquitoes, this became very challenging for me. I tried to power through the sweat, cuts on my legs and constant dust in my contacts but mentally I wanted to complain. Yes, I chose the world race and yes I made the decision to leave the comforts of my nine to five back home but this decision became a reality when I wasn’t doing only the tasks I loved. Instead of dwelling on the negatives of my situation, I decided to think about the things in my life that I am thankful for. It didn’t take long to form a list in my head of all the ways I have been blessed. I have an incredible family, arms and legs that function to complete these tasks, food in my stomach, a roof (or tent) over my head and I’m living out a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel the world.
Wow, how can I dwell on negatives when I have so much to be thankful for?
I was able to shift my perspective and focus on thankfulness in the times of discomfort. I know with certainty I will have many jobs and conditions throughout this year that will be difficult for me. But starting this month, I am challenging myself to always choose thankfulness. Negativity is a choice and I want to live in freedom from the conditions of life controlling my outlook and attitude.
I am thankful for Argentina and everything The Lord has used this country to teach me.
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
On Wednesday I’ll be heading to El Alto, Bolivia where I will be working at a rehab facility, helping individuals struggling with addictions on their pathway to recovery. I’m super excited for this new ministry and will update everyone when wifi allows!
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