There are so many things that go on here on the mission field, and generally each one could be its own blog post. But this week I wanted to write sort of a compiled list of the things that stood out to me the most, because though I’m not going to make a full post for each, I want to share them all with you.
- This week one of my squadmates and I partook in the restoration and drug recovery program with the women at Ciudad Refugio. It was an opportunity to experience how they live while intentionally seeking healing. These women wake up every morning at 4:45am, spend an hour in the Word, and then several more working in the kitchen, doing Bible studies, English classes, chores, and more. There were so many rules we had to follow while living with them, rules that at first glance felt excessive or confusing. But after hearing the reasoning behind them I realized how thorough and intentional the program is to bring about the healthiest, best, and most protected versions of themselves. It took me a few days of reflection to really figure out what I got from the program. It wasn’t difficult per se, but I also had to realize that I was only seeing a snippet, and that these women are there every day. I think my biggest take away was just how proud of the girls I am. I cannot fathom the strength it takes to be there, and they do it with such grace and beauty. They were so welcoming to us sleeping in their rooms and eating their food, even though they knew we weren’t there for the same reason. We closed out the week with an outing to a “water park” (a park with some water fountains coming out of the ground) which was such a precious cap to our time with them. So much joy and laughter as they pulled us and each other into the water and ran through it themselves. I genuinely enjoyed my time with them, and I’m so thankful we were given the opportunity to be humbled by the different experiences of others.
- I made a video! I’ve been taking video footage of just about everything since training camp, and I’ve decided to try and make a video or two about each ministry we work with. (Now that I’ve put it in a blog, y’all will have to keep me accountable to that.) The one I completed is a glimpse into what training camp looked like, and I’d love for y’all to check it out! Let me know what you think and what you’d like to see more of.
- My squad is currently at debrief, and our team mentor and team parents (coaches) are here with us! We’re staying at a cute hostel with a fun terrace – where I’m writing this blog currently – and it’s been amazing to just rest and sit in fellowship and in God’s intended Sabbath. Feeling especially grateful that the first thing on the agenda isn’t until 10am, the employees let us use the aux cord for the terrace, and there are HOT SHOWERS.
- Last but certainly not least, I found dress code appropriate shorts!! Whoo! Turns out I don’t function super great in the intense humidity (why I’m moving back to Georgia, I couldn’t tell you) but on a serious note, that has been an internal struggle of mine recently. It’s hard for me not to be distracted from the physical aspects of how I’m feeling when I’m melting in my long pants. I hated how reluctant I was to do prayer walks in the heat or walk to ministries because of something as ridiculous as being hot. Thus began my hunt for long shorts. I was actively looking in every boutique we passed and making trips solely to look for shorts long enough to be approved by our dress code. I can’t tell you how excited I was to find THREE pairs today! Honestly, praise God in the little things.
So that’s a recap of the last week. As always, God is moving in Medellin and it’s some really good stuff. Stay tuned for more updates and links to some fun videos that’ll allow you to see how things look on our end.
Thank you forever for your support. God bless!
Emily
