I love reading anout Paul’s missionary journeys. It was so much more than points on a map. At each stop (and even along the road), he left a piece of his heart. I feel that way often. I think back to my Missouri Famiy and have left such a huge piece of my heart there. I was reading in Acts 21 today where Paul had ‘torn themselves away’ from the Ephesians that he loved edearly to continue to Jerusalem.
My time in New Jersey also has taken a piece of my heart. There is so much left undone and I long to see the Holy Spirit finish the work He began there.
Fast forward to today… I have been sick since the weekend but was feeling up to ministry today. But after lunch, I could hardly keep my eyes open. I sat on the couch as we waited for Pastor David to return, and I fell esleep. I awoke to the distant sounds of ministry, and a hot cup of ginger tea with honey and lime. Our gracious hosts insisted I rest. As I lay, listening to the sounds of ministry, my heart is full of joy. Like a dream sequence in a movie, the sounds are all muffled as they swirl up to the second floor of this humble church/home. Half spanish, half english, bangs, sanding, cars motoring by, and laughter. I love to hear the laughter. Yes, I am sure I will leave a piece of my heart here too. The most important thing to these beautiful people is realationship. How much painting or sanding we get done is not important. I remember early in our time here when Julio (the youngest son) drew us all away from our work to play. I inquired of Rene (the oldest son) if it was ok that none of us were working. His reply “you are here to minister, and right now, you are ministering to Julio:. Today, they ministered to me. After I awoke, I ventured down to the commotion but was scolded for working too hard, for needing my shoes on, and for needing a jacket. Swirled by Huggs and Kisses and ‘Te Amo!” (I love you). Ues, they have my heart…..
