Wow, the last month. God knew what He was doing putting me on my team, in El Salvador, in our ministry. We were in La Libertad, a beach town that had wonderful amenities (trust me, a grocery store makes a difference). Our host was amazing, and it couldn’t have been a better place or way to end an adventure of a year.
Even Good Expectations can be Bad
One of the things that AiM (Adventures in Missions) teaches is to not have any expectations for the race. I have to say that for the most part, I came in without expectations. However, when we switched teams, I realized that I brought along expectations of what our team should look like. They weren’t bad or unrealistic, but it stinted the growth and experiences I had on our team. This month though, I dropped them and was able to enjoy a beautiful team made up of wonderful women. Putting expectations on anything does not allow what is naturally there to blossom.
It’s in the Small Moments
We have been preparing for November 20th (our final day), but this month, I realized how much value there were in the small moments. Yes, the big adventure days where we sled down a mountain make for great pictures and stories, but it’s the small things, like going to the chicken restaurant down the street and playing cards for an hour that make up a beautiful life. It is the small moments I’m going to miss.
It’s Great to Not Be Needed
The ministry we were with this month was solid. They have a program, vision, volunteers, and resources. They aren’t operating outside of their means and still are providing an excellent ministry to their community. The people love Jesus and their work, and they are beautiful. And they didn’t need a thing from us. They weren’t barely surviving when we showed up. They could do everything they wanted to do without us. And that is great!
Not being needed means that God can really place us where he wants. We were free to jump in where we felt the Holy Spirit wanted us. We were able to step out in obedience instead of obligation. We were able to utilize the gifts we had instead of trying to make up stuff on the fly. We were never supposed to come into a country and save a ministry. We were always meant to jump in and encourage those who live and operate there day in and day out. This month, we got to do that.
I Really Love Birthdays
This month, my close friends Gabby and Lauren celebrated their birthdays. And I really enjoyed getting to celebrate them. I love seeing people happy and knowing that they are valued. We made a scavenger hunt for Gabby around the town and then for Lauren, we gave her a letter an hour the entire day. It was great and a memory that I won’t forget.
This is It
I can’t believe we did the thing. It’s month 11. We go home soon. It doesn’t feel like 11 months have passed. Traveling has become the norm. Everything about my life is so different than the U.S., and I am about to step back on a country where I understand people, and I don’t look like a foreigner. And even though I’m technically going home, it couldn’t feel any more stranger to me than it does. I don’t know what it’s like to function in the states, especially with everything I’ve learned this year. Wow. It’s over.
While the race is over, there’s still what Racers call month 12. That’s our first month back in the states. It’s going to be interesting. Everyone at home has been living their normal lives, and I haven’t. So please be patient as I come back because while you’ve been in the same flow, mine has been completely different.
