The first three months of the World Race have literally flown by. It feels like just yesterday we were in Atlanta about to launch, and now I am sitting in the airport about to head to the airport for month 4. The months have gone fast, but they also feel so long because they are so packed with memories. We are about to start a new season of the Race in Africa, so I want to give you all a recap of what has happened in Central America.
Month 1:
My team, 4:31 Influence, worked alongside Free to Be at Heart of Christ orphanage in La Ermita, Honduras. Every day we assisted in the school for the kids or the kitchen. There was a baby class, toddler class, elementary class, and special needs class. I loved spending time with the special needs girls. We got to love on the thirteen wonderful children who live there and build relationships with their teachers and caregivers.
The Lord taught me about standing in the gap for people. He stirred up a fire that was already in my heart for fighting against sexual abuse and human trafficking.
On our off days we usually went to Talanga, a larger town near La Ermita, but we also got to visit Tegucigalpa and the Valley of Angels.
Month 2:
The beginning of month 2 started in Antigua, Guatemala for debrief. We spent four days in Antigua with the whole squad having Bible studies and worship together with our squad mentor and coaches. The whole squad did ministry together at Hearts in Action in Peten, Guatemala. We were deep in the Mayan jungle doing everything from clearing trees, harvesting rocks, remodeling the library for the Jungle School, and more. I loved our hosts reaction when we finally finished the library. It was amazing to be a part of bringing first-generation literacy to the people of Peten. We also assisted with/participated in La Gran Comision, a missions training conference.
The Lord taught me the importance of children in ministry. Even though I did not interact with any children that month, our host Mario and Suzanne instilled a passion for teaching children about Jesus because they can have such an impact on His Kingdom.
We had Thanksgiving with the squad, and we made a traditional Thanksgiving meal for the Latin Americans in attendance of the missions conference. On our off days we went to Flores, a town on Lake Itza Peten. We also got to visit the Mayan ruins in Tikal.
Month 3:
Month three was in El Tunco, El Salvador. 4:31 Influence went solo this month serving at La Red Church. Four days a week we helped with the church’s children’s summer program, La Casita. We assisted with art, English, computer, and life skills classes. We also helped at Remar Orphanage. We assisted with women’s ministry and Christmas parties for the kids.
The Lord was working on my heart to leave behind the self-doubt that carry and walk in confidence knowing that He will use me. He challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and be bold for Him.
I didn’t need to go anywhere because we were on the beach. Praise Jesus, because the beach is my favorite thing. I swam just about every day. We celebrated Christmas with movies, brunch, and secret santa. This was my favorite month so far.
