On one of the first day in Azua, Pastor Raul told us that he has always thought of missionaries as being a lot like Rambo – you're dropped in the middle of no where, and you only have one knife! Quite simply, you must learn how to survive.
This month, our ministry experience involves utilizing whatever gifts or skills we can bring forth. Laura played drums for two years in middle school, so she teaching drum lessons; Monica is doing the same with guitar. Becky has a degree in English and will teach language classes to church members who want to learn. Karen and I have experience with volleyball and we are doing clinics with the church's youth volleyball team, and Liz is utilizing her newfound love for children to become the best and most willing playmate within our group!
We are simply using what we have, and in a country where almost no one understands my 1st language, I'm armed with very few physical aids, and I'm often walking or driving in the "middle of nowhere," it's sometimes easy to feel like I don't have much!
For instance, this morning, as is becoming normal, the Dunamisses arrived at Raul's school with no real plan or expecations for our day. Quickly, some of us migrated to the playground to help entertain the preschool and kindergarten classes during their recess/lunch time. Imagine 30 or so 2 1/2 – 5 year olds running like crazy, trying to share maybe 10 pieces of playground equipment, some looking for a spot to sit and eat, many biting, kicking, shoving and ultimately a few crying. You've got a pretty basic visual. No consider navigating and trying to help in this scenario with a VERY limited (but no less useful) Spanish vocabulary. When one little boy (er… chico) began crying after taking a swing to the chest, I knew nothing else to do but pick him up and sing. In ENGLISH.
Together, he and I waltzed around the playground, avoiding the gazillion other kiddos, while I sang "Nothing but the Blood," on repeat. He had no clue what I was singing, I'm certain, but over time his head fell to rest on my shoulder, his breathing soothed and his crying relented. In that moment, Raul's statement came back to me, but I recognized that unlike Rambo (awesome that Stallone may be), missionaries are armed with more than just one knife. Thankfully, I am armed with supernatural power the only God can provide! Whenever I feel like I have nothing, I know He will supply the will and the way, as long as I continue to go and serve in Faith!
How about it, Sly? Next movie in the series… Rambo on The World Race?!? 🙂
Be Blessed,
Ashlee
