Well just like that, month 1 of the World Race has come to an end. This first month has felt like a year and a day at the same time! My team and I have been staying with another team at the YWAM base here in Chiriqui, Panama doing many types of ministry. Usually that was performing skits at nursing homes and orphanages, doing vbs for children of nearby villages, or cleaning and doing manual labor around the base that we are staying at. Before ending this month, I wanted to reflect on a story that I feel like the Lord wants me to tell you all.
Two days ago, our host Andrea wanted to treat us all to a day at the beach as a little send off before leaving Panama. And so we all got to enjoy a couple hours lounging at the beach, knocking coconuts out of palm trees, and swimming in the most clear waters I have ever seen! We all had the time of our lives, so much so that we all didn’t think to reapply sunscreen. Needless to say we all woke up the next day as world race lobsters! And so when I woke up the next day and was told that we would be spending all day out in the sun doing ministry, I was not thrilled. I was sunburned, I had a headache, and I didn’t feel like being around anyone. But I dragged my little booty out of bed, drank some coffee, and reluctantly climbed into the hot, overly crowded van. The whole ride I couldn’t shake this terrible mood that had suddenly come over me. Even when we arrived on the mountain and the children started to greet us, nothing changed. All I wanted to do was crawl back in the van and go back to the base – and that was when the moment the Lord stepped in. I looked across the road and saw two little girls walking over to join the rest of the group. The second I locked eyes with one of the girls, she let go of her sister’s hand and came and stood with me. From then on we danced and played and sat together the rest of time we had with them. It’s as if the little girl’s presence completely changed the atmosphere that seemed unshakeable.
When it came time to say goodbye, it felt like my heart was breaking. I had not experienced that kind of sadness when it came to leaving the people that we have met along the way until that moment. As the van started to pull away, I turned around to look out the back window only to see that same little girl waving goodbye to me. I knew in that moment I wouldn’t ever see her again. I wouldn’t be able to see her grow into the woman she would grow to be. I wouldn’t be there see her through the struggles that she is bound to face in life. I also realized that had I chosen to stay in bed or decided that ministry wasn’t worth it, I never would’ve met her. I wouldn’t have been able to see her shining smile or felt the pure joy that exuded from her hands when she held mine. I wouldn’t have been able to be loved by her. That’s when I knew that I wasn’t meant to be there to love on that child, but I was meant to receive the Lord’s love for me through her.
It’s easy to let our circumstances determine what our day is going to look, like or how the Lord is going to move. It’s only when we realize that God is bigger than whatever situation we may be facing – even if it seems like the day is ruined before it has had a chance to start – it’s never too late to let the Lord move. The only thing you have to do is open the door to your day and allow him to move.
