- Ministry isn’t always what it seems.
One big thing that I learned was that ministry isn’t always what you imagine it to be. I initially thought that ministry was going to be a solid thirty to forty hours of my week. Ministry here changed day to day. We did spend a lot of time with kids from a local school and widows in the surrounding area. We also did other things like work in a wheelchair factory. Another type of ministry was as simple serving our host and cleaning around his house. I am thankful for this experience because it shows me that I don’t need to put a label on ministry and that I can be serving in any aspect I’m in, planned or not. Ministry is what you make it.
- Not to fear.
The Lord has taught me not to fear. I think it’s common for us in this day and age to fear things. In my life I didn’t always see myself as a fearful person but the Lord reveled to me areas in which I shouldn’t fear any longer. I don’t need to have fear of the future, fear of rejection, heartbreak and fear of being bound by shame. Early on in the first month I prayed to have less fear and God showed me that I don’t need to fear anything. The only thing I should fear is God and if I fear other things in my life that’s a lack of trust that God can provide me with comfort and peace and everything else I need. I am no longer a slave to fear.
- I miss my puppy.
The dogs here in Guatemala are a little bit obnoxious. They are literally everywhere and always following us wherever we go. They are also covered in fleas, and the fleas bite us. I have a great appreciation for my well-groomed and rather well behaved puppy back home. Also, they go to the bathroom everywhere. Gotta’ watch where you step.
- My story matters.
Sharing my testimony is something that is difficult. With my team I decided to be open and honest and share from the get go. It wasn’t easy but sharing the difficult parts of my life gave me healing. It also gave me relationships; I could relate to people and pour myself into people who have walked through the things I’ve walked through. Regardless of my sin and my hurt, the burdens I’ve carried, my team loved and accepted me for who I was. Seeing that light of Jesus through them made me realize that He accepts me, forgives me, and loves me regardless.
- I’m not expected to be perfect.
My identity was caught up in running and finding success in that. I still love running and the sport but I realized I felt like I had to be perfect and if I wasn’t I would be a disappointment. I don’t know why I put myself up on this pedestal of having to be perfect. Being in a setting where I could be me, the real me, with my identity wrapped up in Christ I learned that I’m not perfect. I wasn’t created perfect and that’s a beautiful thing. The people around me could look at me and know I’m not perfect and love me anyway. God sees me as perfect and worthy of his unending love. I don’t have to starve myself to be perfect, that’s not me, that’s not my identity. I am enough. I am no longer chained to the idea of having to be perfect.
- I love boundaries.
Boundaries are so important especially on the race. I have always liked setting healthy boundaries but I love them even more now that I’m on the race. It can be as simple as simply saying no to going on a walk to the tienda because you need to draw the line and create more rest for yourself. I talk about boundaries a lot and love to help people establish healthy boundaries in areas of their life.
- I am so thankful for my family.
In general I have had good relationships with family back home. Being on the race and learning about more of God’s goodness and love I have grown to be more thankful for the love I have been given from my family. My parents and brother especially, words can’t express how much I love them and appreciate the sacrifices they have made in life to love and serve me. It has made me realize I am blessed to have such a caring family; so many of the children I have met here don’t even have parents.
- Overwhelming joy is a thing.
Since being here I have experienced so much joy. I have never been happier. All around me I see joy. I see joy in the faces of the widows around the children and in my own teammates. I love seeing joy on others. When I see it, I can’t stop smiling because I know it’s from the Lord and there is so much power in the joy we carry.
- My teammates and I are all so different.
It seems like a pretty obvious thing but it’s something I have loved noticing. We are all so different but we have so much love for each other. I have enjoyed seeing all the different personalities and talents God placed before me in my team. We have an appreciation for the differences that we have.
10. A lot of people call me mom or grams.
I’ll take it as a compliment. A lot of my teammates have called me one or the other because I take interest in fixing peoples medical problems or providing an essential oil for this or that. I like to be prepared and I also like when I can help others feel comforted and prepared as well. It’s also a running joke that my team is actually my four generations… (LOL)
