I cannot believe our time in Peru is almost over. I have enjoyed ministry this month. The after school program not only helped the children but also has helped me. The kids have taught me what patience, honest laughter, and true love means. From day one arriving at the site, those kids just took us in with a warm hug. As the days go on, the welcoming hug just makes my day. These kids have touched my heart in a way I cannot describe. When they get to the after school program they are ready to do their homework. But not only do they learn school things, they have become interested in the Bible. The other day as we arrived, one of the other teachers said the children had been asking if Cal and I were going to show up. It was raining that day so we arrived right on time. Normally we arrive a bit early and meet up with children outside. Well they were so concerned because they wanted to hear Noah’s Ark story we had told them we would share with them. How Awesome it was to hear that these kids who really do not get talked to about Christ much, were interested in hearing about the Bible. Just when you think they are not paying attention, you realize they can tell you something about it.
I have been stretched out of my comfort zone this year. Loving on these children has been a wonderful experience and teaching them has definitely been a challenge which has been all worth it. I have tested my drawing skills. When they ask you to draw something, you cannot tell them no. It is when you just pray and hope your drawing makes sense. What I like most is that they think it is beautiful. They do not judge.
I have learned not to be so hard on myself and with that I can pour out some truth into their little lives. When they believe, their drawing is ugly or believe they are not able to reach what they want, I can tell them we are God’s children and he created us to his image. God created us just the way we are and we need not to try and fit into someone else’s shoes. I could share some truth with a beautiful little girl named Rosy. She is 10 years old and very knowledgeable. She is very interested in learning English. The only problem is that she had another little boy who told her she cannot learn English until she learns her native language Quechua. When he told her this, she put her head down and got a bit sad. I told Rosy there was nothing wrong in trying to learn English. I explained to her that as much as her native language was very important, English was also important due to one day she made need it. I explained that Cusco has many tourist and most speak English. I told her if it was her wish to learn, to not let anything or anyone stop her. She could do whatever her heart desired if it is kingdom minded. God will back her up and help her through the way. I told her to not ever think she was not worth it or able. That is one lie the enemy tries to put in our heads often. We need to see past the obstacles and check out what God wants from us. Like Rosy, sometimes we let others determine our future instead of seeing what God has planned. Do not let Satan store lies in your head and your heart. Always put God first and he will direct our path.
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
This verse has touched my heart since day one I considered this mission trip. God told me to trust him. To be obedient and that he would provide. When sharing the verse, I had totally forgot this was for me as well. I typed it and began crying because it hit me that whatever I was sharing goes for me as well. The past week I have been struggling with trying to figure out how I am going to come up with the rest of the fundraising money. I was thinking of how it is not easy from where I am at to raise the funds and actually do something about it. But as I was doing this blog and shared this verse with you, I remembered of the first day that I went into panic mode back on July 4, 2016 telling God that I would not be able to pay for all my stuff and money needed for my trip. That same night God reminded me of how I said I would give up everything for him and surrender to his calling. That very night after tossing and turning for about 4 hours he just told me to do his will and he would take care of the rest. Then I realized that I could do whatever my heart desired and God’s will if only I trusted and put my complete faith in him. That same way I just realized that I am trying to figure this out on my own again and not trusting in him. He has this situation under control. He has brought me here and I need to continue trusting in him. At this moment, I cast out any lies from the enemy in Jesus name and let God direct my path. I choose to stay in the present and not miss out on what God is doing here in Cusco with all the people. I had the opportunity just to be led by the Lord and pray for some locals and I do not want to miss out because of the lies the enemy is trying to put in my head. I will not let him gain victory and I will continue obeying the Lord and be used by him. I do not want someone to miss out on their blessing because of my selfish thoughts.
I will continue to stay in the present and trust in the Lord. Seeing nature and God’s creation is nice, but seeing all the miracles and what God is doing is a GREATER JOY. Even when just sitting on a bench and able to share a smile with a local and watch them dance is very satisfying.
This little boy was dancing. He fell, got up and smiled. He continued dancing and did not let a simple fall bring him down. It taught me to keep on moving and not quit regardless of any obstacle.
