Howdy there!
This past week has been one of the best weeks on the Race both spiritually and physically. I want to say it is weird that this is the very first time I spent a Halloween outside of the States. And quite frankly it wasn’t that bad I had a blast at our Fall Ball. On Monday we went to this place kind of in the slums which was pretty amazing to see because it was something that I have been wanting to see. It might sound bad but im just being honest. It was a beautiful thing to experience. When we first walked in I was kind of shocked because the houses that people live here are small and made out of sheet metal. I just felt convicted because it made me think of my house back home. Although my house isn’t the biggest or the nicest ever it made me think that my family is so blessed to have the home we have. We entered this barrio called The Sun Valley. And the kids are walking around barefoot outside in tough gravel and who knows what is on the floor. And let me tell you the kids here are tough warriors. I have seen kids slide tackle and do bicycle kicks on concrete at like the age of 5. But anyways going to this place made me think man this truly is a beautiful place. You have to really look deep into the people and the things around you. If you just look at the neighborhood you wouldn’t think much. But the people are so happy and just love on you. We met this woman who can not hear and my brother Tyler is fluent in sign language. And even though Spanish sign language is slightly different that English sign language he was still able to communicate with her and we got to pray for her and her son. It was a good day.
The next day Tuesday was our off day and it was great as well. Cy, Alex, Logan, and I went into town to San Jose and it was great that we got to spend time with each other. It is so funny when people approach us and start talking Spanish to us because they think that I know Spanish lol. I can understand and I am starting to speak it some more but I usually look to Logan because Logan can speak good Spanish boii. And Then Alex and Cy just look at each other lol. Before we were getting ready to go home we decided to go to treat ourselves to Pizza Hut. We were really hungry. God had our back because it was but one large pizza get one free so then we got two which was Delicious. After that we decided to try and find a bus to take back home because it would be cheaper. We stood at the bus stop and watched like 500 busses drive by because we can’t really tell which bus we need to catch because the signs are in Spanish lol. That day was pretty amazing just being able to spend time in San Jose with my brother in Christ.
That night I decided to watch Black Hawk Down for the first time. I am so thankful that my friend Alex has it on his flash drive because the whole movie is a big reminder for me. While I was watching Black Hawk down it really made me think more about all of the people in our United States military. It really opened my eyes and made me realize how Humble, Brave, and Honorable the soldiers in our military are. Our soldiers are literally willing to risk their lives for people they have never met, for their families and for our freedom. I started like crying (but not like a lot a lot) in my bed. I have always wanted to be a soldier in the military because of how Tough, Humble, Brave, and Honorable they are. I just don’t think I would get accepted because of my eyesight and also because I am a crybaby in a way and don’t think I could hurt anyone (even though I might try to act like I can sometimes,,,, I cant.). While I was in my bed tearing up I felt God telling me that I am a soldier! God took me in to be a Soldier and I will not fight alone. Jesus didn’t think “ Moncho you aren’t strong enough, humble enough, brave enough, smart enough”, He didn’t think any of that. He took me as I am it is a blessing that no matter what Jesus will always take us in. I was laying in my bed watching the end of this movie with a smile on my face because I am so happy to be a soldier for my Lord. It brought me to [Ephesians 6:10-20] ( I typed Ephesians 6:10-20 at the bottom of the page for ya), Then the movie ended shortly I was going to bed with a fat smile on my face because I know that I am a soldier for my Lord and I do not only fight alone I have 8 brothers that fight with me!
[Ephesians 6;10-20]“ Finally, that you may be be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against the flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take u the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the Helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
-Monchito
