Part of the reason I wanted to go on the World Race was to learn more about myself and the world, I have been learning many things here in El Salvador.
I’m learning how to be thankful in every situation. I’m learning how to focus on positives instead of negatives in difficult situations. I’m learning how to live without running water. I’m learning to live with no mirrors- using windows, self-facing cameras, or hand held mirrors to get ready. I’m learning the most comfortable way to sit on the floor. I’m learning the most efficient way to do dishes using the least amount of water possible. I’m learning how to sleep in a room exposed to the outside- putting headphones in to drown out the sound of roosters crowing, sirens going off, and people yelling in the street early in the morning selling food- “Tamale”!!! I’m learning how to do laundry without a washing machine. I’m learning to bring toilet paper with me to public bathrooms because it is not usually provided. I’m learning how to live in an open and honest community, free of judgment. I’m learning to bring hand sanitizer with me wherever I go. I’m learning how to organize my years’ worth of stuff into my backpack so I can actually find what I’m looking for. I’m learning plans can and will change on a daily basis. I’m learning that it is always possible to fit “one more” person into a truck or bus even if I thought it was full 10 people ago. I’m learning how to take care of my body in a new environment. I’m learning how to trust God to take care of me. I’m learning what upsets me and how to help others who are struggling. I’m learning how to listen to the voice of the Lord. I’m learning how to admit that I’m wrong and receive correction from others. I’m learning how to speak Spanish. I’m learning how to live in the moment and be intentional in every situation. I’m learning how to live life in the here and now instead of just letting life happen to me. I’m learning to be okay with not knowing things and going with the flow.
I’m learning…. I still don’t have these things mastered and I have frustrations that come up when I’m pushed out of my comfort zone. Each day is a new challenge but I’m learning to appreciate difficult circumstances as a way to learn, grow, and overcome. Some of my proudest accomplishments in life have been doing things that were really hard. Being able to push through the difficulties and be able to look back and be proud of myself for doing it. Each difficulty I face is another opportunity to overcome something. This month the Lord has put on my heart to be a learner, there is so much I don’t know and can learn from others.
During ministry so far this month we have gone to a school and taught English and then sang songs and put on skits for the kids. We have gone to a hospital and prayed for the sick. We have gone into poor communities going house to house to see if we could pray for people and put on programs for people to come learn more about God. We have had the opportunity to love on so many people and show them God’s love through our actions. The people of El Salvador have a desire to know more about God. As my team went house to house in the communities we went to, many people had tears in their eyes as they asked us to pray for protection for their family or for healing for a sick loved one. I can tell that they really appreciate us praying for them and they give us hugs as we leave. The people here are so generous; we are constantly being blessed with meals when we go to minister to people. I feel like we are being given so much, when we are expecting to go and bless others we are being blessed instead.
Some pictures from this past week of ministry at the school and in one of the communities we went to.
** I am in need of raising $2,000 more before April 1st to make the next deadline, if you would like to help click on the support me tab on my profile!!
