During our training camp in July I discovered that our route had been changed. Originally, our first month was supposed to be spent in Guatemala. I’ve had several people tell me how excited they were for me, because Guatemala had been a particularly special place for them. So when I found out that we were headed for Panama instead I was a little disappointed. However, I thank God that I’ve been here this month. One of the greatest blessings at this location is the exposure to so many different types of ministries. Here is a short list of a few of the things our team as participated in this last month:
- Worked with kids (duh)
- Visited a retirement home
- Led several church services
- Visited an all women’s prison
- Visited a school for at risk teenage boys (I think this was my favorite ministry this month)
- Spent a week on the indigenous Ngobe tribal lands in the mountains
- Participated in Door-to-door ministry
- Prayed for local communities
- Passed out Bibles
- Helped our host with projects on their base
It has also been a wonderful experience getting to know the rest of my team. It is extremely clear to me that we all come from different backgrounds, and we all bring something unique to the table. We meet every night as a team to discuss how we’re doing. As part of that discussion we are asked to provide feedback to each other. The team calls out all of the wonderful things that we see in each other’s lives, and then also talk about the things that could change to bring us into a fuller relationship with the Lord. It’s hard sometimes, but we’re learning to offer and receive feedback as a precious gift. Everyone has felt the struggle of self reflection, but it gives me peace to know that it’s done in the sight of the Lord, full of grace and mercy. I was worried that our team time would start to feel burdensome after doing it every night; however, thus far I’m really enjoying it. I love the freedom that we all experience in discovering each other. It excites me that I feel this comfortable with everyone after month one. I can only imagine how rich the relationships will be come month eleven!
We will be leaving on Wednesday for Costa Rica! Please keep our team in your prayers:
- Safe transportation to Costa Rica
- Continued spiritual growth for our team
- Joy – everyday
- To see God move in a way that we never experience before
Costa Rica is ALL SQUAD month! This means that all six World Race teams will be together for the entire month. Until then HASTA LUEGO PANAMA!
