The truth is that I have been absolutely spoiled rotten when it comes to the men that the Lord has put in my life – both here on the Race and in my “normal” life back in the States. For those who don’t know, last year was the first time I have ever had a date on Valentine’s Day – a few of the wonderful men of Cru at UNCC took all of the senior girls out on a wonderful group date last year complete with being picked up from our apartments, getting dressed up, a delicious dinner – the whole nine yards. I look back on pictures from that evening and can’t help but smile because each and every one of us ladies are absolutely glowing. It was one of my favorite memories of last year and by far the best Valentine’s Day I’ve ever had. Being on the Race, I didn’t expect much for this Valentine’s Day…but you know what they say about having expectations on the Race!
Let me tell you, the men of P squad are some of the most thoughtful, intentional, bold, strong, loving, passionate, and courageous men I have ever had the privilege of doing life with. They are truly incredible, and their desire to love and serve us women is so evident in the story I’m about to tell you about how I spent Valentine’s Day in Peru. The women were told to be down in the courtyard of our compound, dressed up (a relative term on the Race), by 6pm on Saturday. In spite of limited wardrobe options, an extreme shortage of mirrors, and an even more extreme shortage of outlets and any kind of makeup or hair products (unless you count the layer of dust that constantly coats every inch of our bodies – #desertlife), we ladies managed to be mostly ready by about 6:20 and our gentlemen patiently waited on us. We there then told that we are loved, respected and admired by the 11 men on our squad who courageously take on life alongside 47 women every.single.day.
Our incredible men then proceeded to inform us that they were going to serve us by washing our feet, AND massaging our feet, AND painting our toenails! It was one of the sweetest and most humbling experiences of my life. Afterward, the entire squad had the privilege of eating dinner with some youth from the neighborhood where our compound/church is located and I got to put my Spanish skills to good use by interpreting a short sermon on godly relationships from English to Spanish. When the youth had dispersed and the dishes were all cleaned, we were all prepared to thank our men profusely and then go about with our normal evening routines, but the men had still more planned for us!
They came downstairs singing “My Girl” and holding handmade cards and roses for each of the 47 women on our squad and that was about the time we all started crying. 😉 In all seriousness though, it was a beautiful evening that left the ladies of P squad feeling so, so loved and incredibly grateful for our men!
Spending all month living in one compound and doing ministry every day with 56 other people is hard sometimes…but nights like Valentine’s Day remind me just how grateful I am for all squad month and this sweet, sweet community. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend full of love and joy! One of my favorite sayings- no matter what, always, always, ALWAYS assume that you are loved. As always, thank you so much for your love and support, friends! Hasta pronto!
