This month we are working with Mission Adulam which is a Christian organization in El Alto which is 45mins outside of La Paz. The mission exists to help individuals to be free from substance abuse and destructive life patterns. There are 3 drug rehab centers; a girls home for 14-18yr olds, a boys home for 14-18yrs and a couples/family home. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first but I am loving the ministry! The first day we were here, one of the boys was going from one level to the next and they had a celebration over lunch. A few of us went to help celebrate and meet the boys. It was the sweetest thing! I am not sure if it was just a combination of a 24hr travel day and being emotional or if it really touching but I had tears in my eyes as some of the boys and leaders were saying words about Jimmy. Even though it was in Spanish and I couldn’t understand it all it was such an impacting moment of seeing such a young kid be encouraged and loved on by this family setup.
There are 12 of us between the two teams and so we split ourselves between the 3 houses. We all have fallen in love with the residents in our respective houses. I am with my teammate Karli and then Allie and Katie from team Psalmo 45:11 in the boys house. There are 7 boys between 14-18yrs. We do maintanence on the house in the morning, eat our meals and do activities with them in the afternoon. I have already been grasping more Spanish and the boys are pretty forgiving! Most of the boys have professed to be Christians and opportunities have already been opened to disciple the boys and point them back to Jesus. Obviously they are a rough group due to their past but it has been so cool to be a much needed big sister to them even if it is for a short time. This morning my squadmate, Allie presented a small devotional about being men of God and treating women with respect. We have huge influence here! Most of them are really gifted in making bracelets (manillas) and have been trying to teach us! It has been really fun to sing, play guitar, make bracelets, play volleyball, soccer, and just get to know the boys. I am really loving ministry this month! I am looking forward to seeing what God does in my life this month and how He continues to use this ministry in the lives of the residents and my new little brothers.
