The streets of Diabo are quiet but filled with people. Its an odd feeling to be honest, there are people everywhere but the chaos is not as overwhelming. Back home in the United States everything feels loud, people are always in a rush. Walking down the streets here, people take their time, they are sure to say hello and are up bright and early working before we even hear our alarms. We woke up early to start our evangelizing in the district down the road.. or so we thought it was early. The village was awake well before we were. As we gathered one another to start our walk through the dusty roads, we were all exhausted, some of us sick and most of us anxious about doing our best.
As I dragged my feet down the dirt road, avoiding the heaps of trash and attempting to smile and greet all the friendly faces as they passed; I rehearsed my spew of words I had been planning out in my head for the day to come. We were told that most people in this village have never seen a white person before in their life, so we have become accustomed to the stares, confused looks and laughing as we walked by. Most of the babies don’t like to interact with us, and some even cry when we try. But at the beginning of this walk, I was humbled by a little embrace. Between the time I was rubbing my eyes (partially still trying to wake up and partially trying to rid the dust that had blown into my face) I looked up to see a small white spec running in my direction. I was confused at first, wondering what was happening. But I soon realized that this baby girl was running with arms wide open. I didn’t know where she was going or who she was running to, but as she got closer, it seemed as though time slowed down. I watched as this baby who couldn’t have been over 2 years old ran towards us with a dirty white t-shirt, small gold hoop earrings and tiny tidy-whities on! She had the most beautiful and contagious smile I have ever seen. The type of smile that was missing teeth, and dirt all over but literally goes from ear to ear!! She parted ways from her companion (I believe it was her sister) and picked up speed as she was right in front of me. She was not stopping or slowing down, and so out of instinct I dropped to my knees and I accepted the most amazing hug from the sweetest babygirl. I have never been hugged so tight around my neck by someone so small and feel so much love and grace. I felt at peace and like this embrace lasted much longer than it did, until time returned to reality and we released from the hug and just looked at one another with a smile. But she didn’t stop there. She then went and hugged Hannah who was standing by my side. And She didn’t stop there either, she then walked on passed us and as she started to approach the next half of our group, her speed sped up, her arms spread wide and one by one she shared her little embrace with each and every member of our team! My heart melted and I believe it was what each of us needed that morning after a long and emotional day the day before and anticipation for the day ahead! But that hug…well that definitely put an extra pep in our step that morning.
I am new at evangelism, and had only done it once prior- the day before- I have gone to Honduras multiple times, participated in door to door ministry but was never asked to share the gospel and tell my story on how Jesus changed my life. Sharing the news of Jesus and explaining how He has impacted my life, challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and trust in the Lord to guide my words. I used to hide when it came to praying out loud due to being exremley self-conscious, and everyone knew that back home so they would never force me to do it. Stepping into the World Race has already changed my confidence and my faith in so many ways and it is only the 2nd week here! I am excited to see where this journey takes my faith and confidence. I am most excited to grow in my relationship with Christ and being able to share that love with everyone I encounter!!
Thank you as always for your continued support!! Due to limited Wi-Fi I will get my next post up as soon as we are able!! Love you all and miss you terribly!
