My Ministry: In the mornings I went to the all girls orphanage. In the afternoons I went to the burn unit. Once a week I served coffee in the hospital where we were staying. I also made personal visits to patients staying there. And of course, loving anyone and everyone… My favorite thing to do! 🙂
(Samuel, Carlos, and Erika)
(Lizeth and I at the girls orphanage… This is the very moment that I contracted lice…)
Favorite Moment: I brought surprises for the kids in the burn unit. Three of them where sitting on the bed, looking at me with eager eyes. When I pulled notepads and colored pens from my book bag, all three of them simultaneously jumped up and down, clapping and laughing. Who knew pens and paper could bring so much joy… For them and me!
(Samuel with his new colored pens, notebook and Bible in Spanish)
(I already miss them)
Hardship of the Month: Being emotionally drained! I LOVE my ministry this month, however it has been very difficult. There have been nights where I have cried myself to sleep for these children.
Cultural Norm #1: Almost ALL women wear the same outfit here: A short velvet skirt with
a large bustle underneath, a lacy short sleeved top, two perfect braids down the back with tassels on the end, a straw hat (usually white with fake flowers on the rim), and a large colorful blanket with a baby inside.
Cultural Norm #2: It is very acceptable to blair your own personal music on modes of public transportation. Today’s top pick: “Apple Bottom Jeans”.
(Step one when catching a truffi: Hide in the bushes, or corn… what ever is around)
(Step two: One person flags it down while the rest of the party waits in the corn, appearing
to only have one person needing a ride)
(Step three: Jump on even if there aren’t enough seats before the the driver realizes what
hit him!)
Verse of the Month: “A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around to them and said, “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison- your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters- yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. and if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple”- Luke 14: 25-27.
