At training camp and launch, we were encouraged over and over to seize every moment. During times when we have half a day of ministry, or free time, instead of a nap or watching a movie, go out into the community that we live in and get to know the people. Use every second as ministry to love every one. Someone quoted, “Your ministry is the person in front of you.” Before I even left, I determined to do this. I wanted to be the person who was the first to volunteer for everything and not use much time to rest like I would in the states (I’m an avid nap taker), but take every chance to serve every person I could.
Two specific times stick out in my mind where the Holy Spirit prompted me to say “yes” first before I knew the outcome. Both times have been two of my favorite days on the Race. The first was in Quito, when I volunteered to help in the kitchen our second day at COVi. The day I spent with Robyn and Maria in the kitchen was the spark of relationships with two beautiful people. I got to know both of them and they later became my favorite people in Ecuador and the hardest to leave.
The most recent was today. Last night, after a 30 hours on buses from Baños, Ecuador to Trujillo, Peru, our host asked for six volunteers to help at a partnering ministry on our day off. We had no clue what to expect, were given no description of our duties and were exhausted. Six of us raised our hands, almost reluctantly, but for better or worse, we were committed. We woke up this morning and the group consisted of members from three different teams. We waited around for this pastor to come pick us up from our host home. As Auden introduced himself with perfect English, started a phone conversation with “Hey Beautiful!” to his wife on the phone and told us about his family and ministry on the drive there, I knew this was going to be a good day. He is Mexican, his wife is American and they met and live in Peru. They have an amazing church, La Iglesia del Atorcha, that also provides a preschool for the community around them. In one short day, we made crafts for a school classroom, passed out flyers at the market for English classes, VBS, and evangelistic services, hosted a birthday party and played pato, pato, ganso (duck, duck, goose) with kids in children’s church.
The best part of the day was getting to know Auden and Wendy. They have a heart to go wherever the Lord leads them. They have been in Peru nine years together and truly are making an impact on the community around them. Most of their church is made up of families that have been immediately effected by their preschool. I loved asking them about their favorite parts about Peru, the tough parts of ministry in Trujillo and how they need help. It’s so cool to serve alongside a couple doing something that you can picture yourself doing someday in the future. The entire day, I just kept thinking about how nice it would have been to rest and join the others with coffee and internet, and how if I hadn’t said “yes,” I wouldn’t have been able to meet these amazing people and serve them for a day. Some days, the former may be just what I need. But God’s plans for me are always better than my own. I’m thankful for that because I know I will never regret today.
Here’s my challenge to you (and the old Karissa). Instead of taking a nap, go talk to your neighbor. Take the long way home from work with a better view. Instead of waiting silently in line with your headphones in your ears, start a conversation with someone in line with you. Tell people “I’m proud of you” and “I love you.” Be the first to volunteer. Live the life you always wanted. Say “yes” today and live with no regrets.
