This is actually difficult to write. Trying to sum up so many different experiences from the past three months in one blog seems to not give that precious time in my life justice. But, I’ll give it a shot. I’m reading back through my journal entries amazed at what the Lord has done in such a short amount of time.
South America has a good part of my heart. I started in Chile as a Fancy Dog and ended in Bolivia as a Jungle Cat. There’s a lot in-between that I’m going to try and fill in.
Chile-
We worked with teenage girls without parents in a home setting. Our mission was to disciple and teach tasks of daily living. We spent hours in prayer over the girls and leadership. I observed the dedication of ministry leaders, and the choice they have to make every single day to intentionally serve God.
I learned:
- true intimacy with the Lord. An intimacy that I had desired for so long.
- to recognize the manifestation of the Holy Spirit at work through me.
- the importance and benefits of spending 1:1 time with God.
- how to share my story.
Argentina-
All-squad month. We did physical labor around the YWAM base we stayed at. We also spent time in the community doing house visits, praying over people and music ministry with the kids.
I learned:
- abandonment of things at home and how the Lord can bless through that.
- how to determine a desire versus a need.
- how to live healthily in community with vulnerability and give feedback in love.
- my identity and confidence of who I am in Christ.
Bolivia-
A month not quite as structured as Chile and Argentina. We had tentative plans but no real agenda. We trekked to Mojos 32 miles there, 32 miles back through the Amazon. While there, we encouraged the Christian community, prayed, did Q&A sessions, worshiped and preached. A LOT. There was a hunger and desire for more knowledge of the bible and testimony of who Christ is from the people.
- patience.
- physical endurance.
- supernatural strength from God.
- power of prayer.
We got to do and see some really cool things. God revealed so much of His character. I’ve laughed really hard and have been deeply challenged by my sisters. The honeymoon is over and some days are rough. Believing lies to simply missing things at home can be struggles. Through that, I choose to believe that God is faithful and good yesterday, today and will continue to be tomorrow.
