Sending you all an evening greeting from La Libertad, El Salvador!
It’s been a lovely first few days of ministry and life on the World Race. While we have had access to internet for a few days, to focus and “be present” where I am and what I am doing I will only be checking in every week or so. Please be patient, I promise I’ll continue to update you with many more stories and photos!
Our first few days in El Salvador have been – HOT! Thank goodness it’s the dry season so humidity is not as prevalent as in the rainy season. I know many of you back home are knee-deep in snow and below freezing temperatures. To remind you that summer will come again I’ve included some photos to share the warmth!
Sunset at the beach after ministry
Beginning Monday our team has been helping out at the Children’s Development Center. The kids and teachers who attend only speak Spanish so it’s been a great challenge and delight to spend several hours talking with and teaching them. A few youth who are bilingual volunteer throughout the week and have been a huge blessing to our teammates who are learning Spanish.
Day one took me a little by surprise. I didn’t expect to teach right off the bat but those surprises are all part of the World Race. I was given a pre-made lesson over the book of Jeremiah and worked with the older students (10-15yrs) for their afternoon Bible lesson. It went better than I imagined and I was delighted to have some interaction with the kids as I asked questions and they gave their response. Once the lesson was over we attempted to play the “the human knot.” Safe to say my Spanish prepositions could use a little work. No one was hurt in the attempt but I can tell you we certainly didn’t succeed. For the next few days I think we’re going to play it safe and stick to playing Uno, practicing colors and numbers in English.
Each night we get together as a team and take time to reflect over the day giving feedback that encourages and challenges one another in their work and spiritual growth. As we’re only on day 4 (entering day 5) it still hasn’t quite hit me that this is my life for the next 11 months – speaking Spanish on a regular basis, serving and loving our ministry contacts, students and teammates. I look forward to sharing more with you as we complete our first few weeks of ministry and sharing just how God is at work in the lives of those we serve and in my own as well! Below is just a peak into the beginning of this 11 month journey through Central and South America.
Flying companions as we await a 4 hour plane ride taking us to the first of our 11 countries!
We have a great bunch of guys on our team. They volunteered to cooks the ladies breakfast on our first day in town!
Katrina supports Coca-Cola, we think Jeff does too…
Prayer requests:
– Health and safety. The water here is not safe to drink (but we do have access to purified water) and the temperatures are quite warm. No one has been sick yet but there is always an adjustment in a new country and food.
– Prayers to fight homesickness, adjusting to a new community lifestyle and unity in our team and those we minister to.
– Perseverance and peace for those on our team who are learning Spanish. It has been a challenge working in an all-Spanish environment. They are taking initiative and doing great for day 4 but it can get overwhelming by the end of ministry
– Continual opportunities to share Christ and boldness to do so when the Spirit speaks
