Hello there sweet people! What’s up?! I hope this finds you all thriving! If you are in Minnesota, I hope you are enjoying fall! Man oh man do I miss the beautiful fall leaves and all things pumpkin! Send me some pics when you get the chance! Happy fall!!! :))
I want to bring you guys into a very special type of ministry that my team and I are apart of, HOUSE VISITS!
Every Friday and also a few other times throughout the week my team and I will go on a few house visits. When I first heard of house visits, I didn’t really know what that meant. We are gonna go to people’s houses and then what???
So let me walk you through what this looks like because this is something I have grown to love A LOT…
In San Lorenzo, our ministry village, we tutor kids and also take time to invest in their families and that is what house visits are all about. Our village has two parts and it is separated by this huge hill (our team calls it “the mountain”). This hill has some crazy inclines and it is actually incredibly difficult to climb up, but hey, it gets me my exercise for the week that’s for sure! Haha! Each week we go to new homes. These homes are spread out all through the village. Some days you go up the mountain, and some days you don’t. HAHA!
We start our journey by walking to a house with food sacks full of things like flour, oil, sugar, milk, and lots of other things. We go to a house and knock on the door, and the family comes and welcomes us in. I’m talking like anyone that is home, when we knock they all come and greet us. The most common phrase that we are greeted with is “Hola Seño” which translates to “Hello Teacher.” It is so cute!! They open the door for us and tell us to come in with smiles on their faces. After we walk in, they guide us into their kitchen or bedroom and immediately get us chairs. Some families will give us food or something to drink and show us so much kindness. As soon as you step into a family’s home, they make sure you feel so loved. They want us to feel comfortable. We all sit in a circle as we talk about life. When we talk, the entire family is usually there, including all the kids. Seeing the kids is so sweet because we see them each week when we tutor so when we get to meet their family we are all overjoyed. We simply just ask about their life and about their family. We mostly visit in the afternoon and most of the times only get to meet the mom and the kids because the dad is at work, and of course there are other situations too where the parents aren’t home-but that is just something that I have noticed. Most families live with extended family or in-laws in one home. Each home is beautifully unique and brings up different conversations. Once we are in their home and enjoying fellowship with one another we always ask what God is doing in their family and how we can pray for them. This moment is ALWAYS so special. These families are so open. They willing let us in to their home, love us, and accept the love that we want to give as well. It really is something that I am so humbled by each time we do house visits and honestly hard to put into words. Their hospitality and generosity is out of this world. It blows my mind every time because we are complete strangers and they invite us in, serve us, bless us, and wow it is incredible.
The conversations that happen in house visits are so intentional and heart felt. It is an amazing opportunity to know their stories and make them feel heard. I love listening to each story. The funny thing is that all this is happening in Spanish, so I have been learning so much spanish and I think I can confidently say that I have gotten so much better at it. THANKS GOD! After listening and just spending time with the family we pray over them. The whole time we are there I am asking the Lord “what do you say about this family?” and if He wants me to share with them I do! It just shows how simple fellowship and loving people can be. These families show me the love of God in an awesome way that I am so grateful for. They invites us in with open arms and they are so thankful. They are ready to receive and they are prayer warriors.
We usually go visit 4 families every Friday. The Lord moves in every interaction. It just started with them opening their doors and their hearts and I am always left in awe.
Supporters please be in prayer for the lovely families of San Lorenzo. Be praying for provision, healing, protection, wisdom, and comfort. They have touched my heart. They are special!!!
I hope this gave you a picture of what my Fridays look like here. Thank you for reading and supporting me. I am so thankful for all of you that have encouraged me and offered supported in any way. I ask that you prayerfully consider supporting me financially. I am not fully funded yet and I would greatly appreciate if you feel led to donate. The Lord is moving. For real though thank you from the bottom of my heart. This season of life has been incredible and I wouldn’t change it for the world. There is tons of love and gratitude in my heart.
With love & joy,
Leanna Murphy
This was my house visit team this Friday!! So much love!!!!
AMAZING PEOPLE. AMAZING TIME. <3
