We have arrived in Guatemala! I am writing this blog from our debrief home in Antigua. It is beautiful here; calm, peaceful, perfect weather. I am enjoying the rest, but so looking forward to diving into ministry this month. But, while I have a few moments, I want to write to you about some things from my time in El Salvador.
El Salvador. Month 1. Unsung Heroes. January was a long, eventful, productive month. And, yet I find it hard to believe that month one is over. Leaving the new friendships behind was so bittersweet. It was sad to say good-bye, not knowing when we would see these loved ones again. But, it was also amazing to see how easily friendships are built when the body of Christ comes together. And to know that El Salvador is filled with incredible people–people with passion for sharing the Gospel throughout their country.
This past month we have met many people, partnered with numerous churches and ministries, forged our own paths, and come together as a team of sisters. If I could pick a favorite story, a favorite ministry, or a favorite day, I would tell you about it. But, I can’t. And, I wish I had time to write about them all. So I will begin with one that is fresh on my mind:
Yesterday we had the opportunity to serve with La Iglesia Cimiento Estable. The seven of us gals, along with our french friend from the hostal, came alongside this group of ministers and headed out into a poor community. We spent the afternoon playing with children, talking with parents, going house to house to share with those who lived in the neighborhood, telling stories of God, delivering food, and simply bringing light and love to the community.
I had a blast playing games, speaking broken Spanish, and laughing with the children. One little boy, Daniel, was fascinated with my sunglasses. He would put them on and I would say, “Que chivo!”, which (in El Salvador) means, “so cool!”, and he would bust out one of the best laughs I have ever heard. Then, he would put the glasses on me and do the same guttural laugh, before excitedly sharing the them with his friends.
What stood out to me the most from this day was the love from the members of this church. Most of them were young–either my age or younger. Most of them spoke English and were eager to help us improve our Spanish. And most of them made this outing a regular occurrence. They not only came into this village to bring joy for one day, but they continue to return. They know the locals’ names, their interests–they build real relationships with them. I was blessed to have been a part of their ministry for one day. Seeing the joy in that neighborhood, watching their faces as they excitedly tried to communicate with us, the children climbing on us as we were leaving, feeling the big warm hugs, getting that one smile from the child who sat in the back when we arrived–those things make my heart happy. And I am so thankful for the people of La Iglesia Cimiento Estable who will continue to be a part of those moments, building relationships, and furthering the Kingdom.
This is just one story from my time in El Salvador. There are many more. And, thankfully, my teammates are also sharing stories. So, please read through their blogs as well. 🙂
I am so thankful to be here. I am thankful to be on this Race, in Central America, in this time. I have not forgotten the many, many people who are supporting me! I would not be here without YOU! I think of you often and am still blown away by your giving hearts. ‘Thank you’ is not enough, but I will keep saying it: THANK YOU!!
