1. This month, I solidified my bucket shower technique. At Heart of Christ, we didn’t have running water, so I learned the best way the clean myself with minimum water loss. Thanks for the preparation, Training Camp!
2. The Lord created me individual and special. I have no reason to question or compare the skills, abilities, or characteristics that He’s blessed me with. (more about that one here! Comparison Blog!)
3. I love 3PM coffee hour. Hondurans enjoy coffee everyday at 3, and I think my body has developed a little bit of a dependency on this afternoon treat… oops!
4. I learned Spanish!(?) This month, I’ve learned to conjugate verbs and I’ve learned a lot more vocabulary! I’m basically fluent… (but only when talking to 5 year olds).
5. I learned how to feel again. I am such a feeler, but I didn’t realize that most of the emotions I feel are for others. When it comes to my own problems and emotions, I tend to sweep them away and remain numb because I don’t know how to sort them out. This month, the Lord revealed this to me, and He helped me begin the process of identifying, verbalizing, and releasing my emotions. Emotions come from the Lord, and we feel them because they tell us about the state of our hearts and minds. Emotions are important, and working through them brings me closer to other and closer to the Lord.
6. I learned how to use a power saw and mixed an insane amount of cement. We had the amazing opportunity to work alongside Heart of Christ in the building of their new children’s home. With the help of Juan and Alan, I got to hone my construction skills this month! After many wheelbarrows of dirt, I’m leaving this month feeling stronger and accomplished!
7. Christmas takes on a new meaning when you take away all of the extra things. It’s my Savior’s BIRTHDAY! This was easily one of the most special Christmases I’ve ever experienced, and I attribute that wholly to the shift of focus from myself and gifts to Jesus’ arrival to this Earth. Christmas is a day to celebrate my Lord, and that is something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life!
8. I learned that rain is a blessing. Since we didn’t have running water this month, all of the water that was used for hygiene, washing dishes, and laundry was captured in barrels and cisterns. Honduras is supposedly in it’s dry season, but we saw PLENTY of rain this month. Whenever it rained, we were outside transferring water to other buckets that were under covers. We love rain here!!
9. Community is so great, and vulnerability is even greater. I feel like I will always have a lesson about community, but it grows deeper and deeper by the month. This month, I’ve left everything on the table for my team. I desired growth more than anything this month, and so I practiced complete vulnerability with my team. The Lord saw this, and He opened up the opportunity to grow alongside others despite any baggage that I have. I’m so thankful for my team and for the feedback and love that they have given to me in these past 3 months!
10. I learned some key water conservation skills from JKing. Jordan is our resident water guru, and she’s got some great tips if you ever need them!
11. I learned how to make tamales, pumpkin pie, and the best dang banana bread ever. Preparations for Christmas were insane! We celebrated Honduran style on Christmas Eve and American style on Christmas Day. Preparations were hectic, but I felt right at home as we helped with the holiday cooking! It’s good for the soul.
My heart is so sad to leave Honduras, but the Race must go on! My squad is heading into Antigua, Guatemala on Thursday, December 29th! Prayers for safe, eventless travel!
Adios,
Jor
