Although we learn something new and make an impact in each country, El Salvador will be one of those months that a lot of us look back on as one of our favorite. We took part in homeless ministry, construction at a boys home, and odds and ins around the ministry site to help keep things running. There were so many relationships built with those that we served and served with. The Lord stirred up new things in my heart that I look forward to pursuing. If we had been given a choice to stay there for the next 8 months or continue to the following countries, I would’ve stayed.
Our host
This couple blesses my heart by who they are and what they do for the sake of God’s kingdom. They felt a calling into missions even back before they were married but were patient in waiting on the Lords timing for that calling. After getting married, having kids, and climbing the cooperated ladder they felt that pull to go. Against the slack they would receive about making a move like that after the success and family gained, they were obedient in the Lords calling. That’s the type of faith I want to have, one that isn’t measured by the world’s status quo; the American dream.
The Lord had a reason for that season in their lives in the corporate world that would prepare them for that next step to El Salvador. It was all apart of the plan. Not to settle and be comfortable. It took a great sacrifice that most don’t have the will for. It’s their willingness that impacted me the most.
Ericka and Oscar
I’m going to miss these two! They have such a love for this ministry and the people they reach out to. The love of the Lord shines through them even when they are having days where they are feeling frustrated.
All of our friends from El Faro (homeless ministry)
Sometimes, being as fortunate as a lot of us are we tend to look down on those who live in homelessness. As if they chose it and they are nothing but dirty lazy people who chose to live that way. They are so much more than that. They are chosen and need people like some of us to get over ourselves to see that. Yes, maybe poor decisions led some to where they are, but who are we to turn our nose up? Let’s be real. Our hearts are filthier than the people on the streets may ever appear. That’s where the hope and grace of God steps in and makes us white as snow. We’re called to be like Jesus right? Time to get off our high horse and show them that same grace, love, and HOPE.
Hope is what I want them to receive and the Lord has it to give. Just like we invite them in on Tuesdays-Thursdays for a shower, clean cloths, food, and fellowship, the Lord offers that same invitation. We didn’t ask them to get right first for them to receive their cleansing. Same with the Lord. He invites us in just as we are where He then cleanses us and makes us more like Him as long as we are willing to take that first step into obedience. The Lord definitely gave me a heart for those who are facing homelessness and I will cherish the friendships we made with those in San Salvador.
Last but not least, I want to mention Cor Adamantis.
The past three months have been awesome and we became like family. This past month we were able to have our first month to ourselves, apart from the rest of the squad. We got to know each other on deeper levels and have made so many memories. I was super blessed to have had a team of brothers and sisters who encouraged me daily. They encouraged me to step out and reach that full potential that the Lord has placed in me. They play such a huge part in a role I have stepped into for the following months, one that required me to leave the team and join another. Until that blog rolls around, I want to share a few team photos from the moment we found out we were a team at training camp, to the day we found out we would have to move on to a new season of changes.
(photo’s coming soon)
