This month has changed my life in so many ways and it all started with a love that I will never forget. Part of our ministry for the month was at Puerto Barrios local trash dump. The idea of going to this place terrified me, it isn’t something or somewhere I would ever do or go to but God had a plan. A plan that would show me just how deep and wide and unconditional His love for me truly is and how He is allowing me to share my story with the world. The goal behind this blog is to show you that God’s love for you is real and He desires nothing more than for you to experience this love and joy with Him forever!
Meet Wendy!
On October 9th I found myself wandering around the local trash dump in search of whatever God had for me that day. I admit that I was super uncomfortable, I was feeling guilty about all the blessing that I have, and I was heartbroken but I continued to walk through the heaps of garbage. As I was about to head back towards the Pavilion something caught my eye. It was a sweet little girl covered in mud from head to toe with the biggest smile on her face standing barefoot in the trash. Before I knew what was happening I had swooped her up in my arms. We didn’t understand each other but we smiled and laughed like we had known each other our whole lives.
The first day I met Wendy!
The moment I held Wendy in my arms I fell in love like I never have before. She instantly became my daughter in my eyes and in my heart. I wanted nothing but to wash the dirt away, to brush her hair, feed her, protect her, and love her with every fiber of my being. Each week I waited anxiously for Thursdays to come so that I could see her again. Nothing could change the way I felt about her. I prayed for Wendy in a way that I have never prayed before. My heart was broken at the end of each day as I left to head back to my nice, clean room and she remained in the dump.
This is Wendy’s house
I began to ask questions about what living in the dump looked like. These are the facts…
– Over 90 families live at the dump
– There are 80 children living there, 40 are ages 5 and under
– There are 20 babies living there
– None of the children go to school because they can’t afford it
– Sexual abuse is a major problem at the dump, but the government wont remove the kids from their parents therefore there is nothing anyone can do.
– Families make maybe 7 dollars a week by working at the dump by sorting and collecting trash.
Knowing this was the life my sweet Wendy was living in opened my eyes to the many blessings that I have. The world we live in now is always seeking out opportunities to have bigger and better things. It’s all about our wants and not our basic needs. I am just as guilty but it now hurts my heart to see how little Wendy and her family has but see how much joy is in their hearts and then see people wanting more clothes, massages, to get their hair or nails done, to have a better car, or a bigger house and never finding true happiness. The Lord is teaching me how to be content in all situations, with all my belongings, and with my time.
As Paul says in Philippians 4 verses 11-13, “ Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situations I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
I’m praying that through this story it will encourage others to be thankful for the things that the Lord has given them because He can easily take it away.
“ The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.” – Job 1:21
Last week we were having a worship time at the ministry when the Lord spoke to me. He drew me away from the crowd and brought me to my knees in tears over Wendy. My heart was already breakings knowing that I had one more day with her. The Lord began telling me that He wanted me to share with the world the conditions His sons and daughters are living in. He then told me that He wanted my current teammate and leader to be the one to help me with this project. It surprised me but I knew it was for a purpose and I was glad to ask for her help. You see Brittany and I have had a crazy relationship these four months on the race. We are so different and have such different likes, hobbies, and perspectives but this month the Lord has removed all the differences and shown us each others heart. It was such a blessing to be able to do this with her and she put together the most beautiful feature of Wendy and I that I will cherish forever.
Saying goodbye to Wendy was the hardest things I have ever done. The moments I got into the van the tears flooded down my face, I felt as though I was abandoning my own child. My heart was broken but I trust the plans that God has for Wendy. Seeing how heartbroken I was over a little girl I have only known for 3 days showed me just how much the Lords heart break when we walk away from Him. He loves us so much, more than I could ever love Wendy. He is constant, faithful, and the same yesterday, today, and forever. Jesus loves us unconditionally no matter what trash or mud we are walking around in. He desires to swoop you out of the dump and take care of you.
Wendy was Jesus, she was a joy, she was love, and she changed my life. I’m praying that the Lord will protect her, provide for her, and continue to send people to love her. I will remember every moment I had with Wendy and I will never forget the things that the Lord revealed to me. I’m hoping this story hit home with some of you and I pray that you continue to pray for the relationships and the people that we are touching on the World Race.
I still need 4,500 dollars by January 1st. I would love nothing more than to seek out more loves like Wendy. Be in prayer over my journey and if you would like to keep me on the Race visit my support tab to the left of this page! Thank everyone so much for the help and prayers for these four months! God has a plan for me and I can’t wait to see where He leads me!
Enjoy our Video!!
The World Race: Kelsey and Wendy from Brittany Obee on Vimeo.
