When I stepped into the calling of the World Race, the adventure of a lifetime, a mission unlike any other – I had no idea what to expect. No one does, to be frank ; it’s a series of unknown and vaguely unplanned ministry, questionable means to get from country to country, seemingly endless days of travel and foods that may end up wrecking your system, much like dysentery.
As I scribble this blog out, it’s just past midnight on Valentine’s Day and we’re riding from Apolo to La Paz, returning from our week in the jungle in Mojos, a town of about 60 people. Situated on the ridge of a mountaintop 31 miles into the Bolivian jungle, team Freefall started the experience already a bit worn and haggard from the two days on the trail, literally blazing the way with a machete.
Upon arrival, we quickly discovered yet another hiccup in our plans – only a handful of the town speaks Spanish. The majority speak Quechua, one of the languages native to the indigenous people of this region of South America.
The next day, our bones ached for rest, but time was limited with four of the men that had accompanied us on the route, so we pushed through and chose to be interruptible for a few church services and impromptu worship sets for the village, made up of about 17 families – 14 of which are followers of Christ.
It’s hard to put words to articulate all Mojos taught us and brought out in us, difficult to recount stories that will forever change us and the way we live – so I’ll recap a few lessons team Freefall learned along the way and pray you can be encouraged to fall in love, exactly where you are.
- Ministry is anything from walking an hour to squeeze sugar cane to collecting firewood for the entire village. It is often sweaty and unglamorous, but always worth it.
- Youth are the greatest judge of character on this earth and can see your genuine intent and heart ; and in that, they deserve the world given to them beautifully and soaked in the greatest love.
- Moments are not to be wasted – savor every leaf, every taste, every laugh, every breath. Until you can live in this state of abandon and worship, I believe you will feel caged, trapped in the very box in which you try to fit God, the world or yourself.
- It’s worth a little bit of discomfort to love people to the best of your abilities – it is not worth pretending to be blind to the aching hearts of people in need.
Love is dropping everything for someone in need. It doesn’t have to be complicated.
Wash someone’s feet. Braid someone’s hair. Help cook breakfast before the roosters start crowing. Sing a song you don’t know in a language you don’t understand. Get your knees dirty getting biting fire ants off of someone’s feet. Stay up past midnight to talk about God under His full moon. Smile at the wonders and people that surround you.
The more I surrender my pride to the Father and leave prejudice and fear at the foot of the cross, the greater the degree of freedom I experience.
I used to think it took a long time to fall in love. I was wrong, so wrong – it doesn’t take any time, it takes a choice. It takes a willing and patient heart and a purposeful freefall into every moment.
So. Here’s my challenge to you : fall in love, to the very marrow of your bones. Fall in love with every place you go and every person you meet.
#bolivia #mojos #freefall #praise #11n11 #fallinlove
