Hello friends, family, fabulous supporters!
It has been too long since I’ve last updated this blog, and for that I can only give my most heartfelt apologies. I have wanted to, but being without a personal laptop as well as unreliable wifi access has made it difficult. But I know many of you are curious about what I have been up to the past month and a half, so I will try to satisfy as much of that interest as best I can!
Month 2: El Puente, Bolivia
The name of the camp we lived and worked at last month was El Puente, which means “The Bridge”. We worked for Hermano Lucho, the director of the camp, who had such a cheerful and gentle spirit of love and humility and zeal for Jesus. It was an all-squad month, as I think I mentioned before, which ended up being a greater time than I’d originally anticipated (aka feared). Living in tents was also significantly more enjoyable than expected, largely due to the fact that we were set up on concrete under a shelter (so no mud/dirt or getting rained on, hurray!) and that my tent became my own personal space (almost like having my own room again!).
The ministry for our month in Bolivia was strictly manual labor focused. The relational aspect was in our relationships with each other, our fellow team and squad-mates, and with Hermano Lucho. The work we did was transferring rocks from the river to the grounds and then we began laying the rocks down to create paths within the grounds. Honestly, there were many moments and days when I felt weary and well, bored, with the tedious and monotonous nature of the work. But they served as good growing and learning opportunities for myself, and I believe for others as well. Learning a little more of what it looks like to truly be faithful in the little tasks, and fighting against the fleshly inclination and instead choosing joy and diligence in working as if working for the Lord and for His glory. It was also a physical reminder that the work the Lord is doing in me, in laying a foundation of Rock and not sand, in laying out a path for me to stand and walk firmly upon, is an arduous process that takes time and patience and commitment.
All in all, it was a good month. (:
Month 3: Trujillo, Peru
We are now a week and a half into our month of ministry in Peru (we had a few days in Lima at the start of the month for leadership development). In quite a departure from last month, it is just my team this month, working with Savage Ministries. So far, we have helped at the school (which is in the compound we live at), which is from 8am to 12pm, Monday through Friday (except for our free day which can vary from week to week). We have also been preaching at the various church services in the evenings throughout the week. That’s been quite the push-me-out-of-my-comfort-zone experience. But good. We also teach English everyday during the week, minus our off day.
Our time here has already been quite full, with events as well as growth in relationships and individual journeys. And by growth, I refer to the muck and the beauty because there’s always both.
That’s my update for now, and I will make a genuine effort to be more diligent about updating, even if it’s brief. Because I am truly appreciative of all of you who have been and are supporting me, with your prayers and your giving, and I do not take that for granted. I think of you, individually and as a Body, quite often and wish I could more adequately convey my thanks and love.
Your prayers and encouragement mean everything to me, and I have no doubt that the Lord has been and is hearing your prayers and answering. Because, let’s face it, I am constantly and desperately in need of prayer. Every day.
A specific prayer request for this month is that I step out in courage and obedience in following the Lord where He leads me, in my own personal walk as well as in my relationships with my teammates and ministry hosts and the children and Peruvian people I encounter and minister to. That I will be rooted in His love – for me and for others. And, getting a little more vulnerable than I like here, but something I talked about with a teammate the other day was the struggle to love myself. That is a big part of my journey this year, learning to see and love myself as the Lord does. Not in a vain and self-boosting way, but in a deep-abiding and healthy way, so that I can more fully and truly and effectively love other people. It’s not really the most fun process, so prayers for me to be bold and intentional about pressing into this will be GOLD. Thank you (:
And another semi-pressing prayer request as well as practical request is for my fundraising. The next deadline for me is December 1, by which point I need to have $11,000 raised. Currently, I am about $400 short of that deadline and about $5,500 of the full amount, which I need to be able to continue on this race. Despite the moments of doubt and uncertainty I’ve had, particularly in my times of struggle and weakness, I am absolutely confident that God has called me to this year on the World Race for a purpose and that His heart for me is to finish it out. There is still so much more for me to see and learn and grow – of Him and His heart, and in that, of who I am. So I ask you right now to rise up as prayer warriors and intercessors for me, that funds will be raised far beyond the next deadline. And I also challenge and invite you to be a part of this story, and to give as you are able as an investment into this journey that the Lord is taking me on. Especially with today being 11/11/2014 (hehe) how fitting! If everyone can donate $11 today in support of the 11n11 Race (11 countries in 11 months), that would make a HUGE dent in my funds! WE CAN DO THIS! (:
Again, the links are in several spots on my blog page (sidebar, top, bottom) – orange “Support Me!” button.
Thank you so much!
Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure!
View at night from the roof of our hostel in La Paz, Bolivia.
View from our gondola ride, La Paz.
Group of us at the top of one of the viewpoints, La Paz.
Grocery shopping at the market before going to El Puente.
The river under the bridge leading to the entrance of El Puente. (Wooden, swinging bridge. ACK.)
Welcome! (:
Our little village for the month.
Hammock time was a big thing, thank you to our charitable squadmates who shared their hammocks.
(Ben, my teammate, and Sarah, my sister)
View from our home. Breathtaking, EVERY.DAY.
Working on the path! Ben, our master path-layer and Megan, our ray of sunshine.
Cuties working on the center circle where all the paths meet (=
In Coroico, where we spent our off days! (Nearest town/city at the top of the mountain). Part of Team Hope Awakening enjoying chocolate-covered-frozen-bananas.
Adorable Kaycie, as we walk through Coroico.
THE GIRLS. <3 At Carla’s Pub in Coroico – cutest little place with a gorgeous view. But the best part was spending time with these ladies who have truly become my sisters. <3
Getting ready for a yummy lunch served by Hermano Lucho and his wife on our last Sunday at El Puente!
The food was so good! Their hearts of serving and loving are too beautiful. Love them.
Some fabulous ladies (:
On the drive from El Puente to PERU!! Thanks for a great month, Bolivia! <3 (Also, it was one of the most beautiful and breathtaking scenery driving out of there. SWOON-WORTHY.)
Peru pictures will come later!
