Hey everyone! This past weekend I didn’t blog or post any pictures because we took a trip to an indigenous area called Suiri. This area is home to one of our YWAM staff members Steven. We got to meet much of his family whilst we were there which was such a blessing. There was no service however so that meant no posting.
To get there we took a 45 min bus ride up a beautiful bumpy mountain, a boat ride across a river and a kaboos truck ride the rest of the way. We stayed from Thursday the 18th to Monday the 22nd. We went in 2 teams, one being a combination of Team Zao and Team Mesa and the other being of Team Fervent and Team Quo Vadis.
I named this blog Sweet Suiri because I had such a sweet time there for many reasons. Here are a few:
Note: The first night was rough because I had nightmares but the next day I prayed hard and the rest of the trip was wonderful. God is so Good!
- It was nice not having the whole squad around. Sometimes all 30 of us can be overwhelming for ministry. It just being 15 of us was a nice change. We also got to know each other better this way.
- It was nice having some solitude. We had the choice to sleep in a hut with others or our tents. I decided to bring my tent and it was so nice having my own space to retreat to.
- Our hosts were phenomenal! We came to serve them but instead they served us. They made us feel so welcome. I didn’t feel homesick once in Suiri because they made us feel like we belonged there. I didn’t feel like a white missionary in their presence, I felt like family. I felt so loved. Also they served us a lot of yummy food. 🙂
- The atmosphere was very relaxed/peaceful. There was no stress. Our ministry Friday was manual labour and then our ministry on the weekend was leading kids ministry, a youth service, a church service and a women’s service. This may sound like a lot but it really wasn’t. We had so much time and so many breaks I was able to take almost 4 naps each day. One after breakfast, one before lunch, one after lunch and one before dinner. Even with everything we did, I rested so well in Suiri.
- The church was alive in Suiri. They truly love the Lord and it was beautiful to see how they worshipped and praised Him.
- There were so many kids! It was so fun having them around all the time. I also love how there are no language barriers with children. They don’t understand you and you don’t understand them, but they will just pull you around and you will still have fun. We sang, danced, played games, made bracelets and did lots of face paint. 😀
- The Pastor’s house was just a tiny ways down the road and he owned a little store. We were spoiled and bought ice cream like twice a day. It was nice because it was so hot. Suiri was like a desert. Hot during the day but then chilly at night. It was very nice snuggling with my blanket at night 🙂
- Last but not least the dogs were adorable there, especially Max! He was my favorite. He was a little one so he gave me a taste of home and my little puppies.
Over all I loved Suiri. We made relationships there within just 4 days that will never be forgotten. We did ministry, we worked hard but we also rested and refreshed ourselves. Suiri was so sweet.
Lord I pray blessings over Suiri.
I pray you bless the pastor and his family.
I pray you keep them healthy and safe.
I pray over your church which is so alive.
I pray it continues to grow and blossom.
I pray over the children of Suiri.
I pray they continue to love you and trust in you.
Continue leading and guiding them into their teenage and adult years.
I pray over the people in Suiri that do not know you.
I pray that they come to know you.
I pray all things of the enemy away in the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen!
Thanks for reading everyone! I’m posting one more blog this weekend and you will definitely want to check it out. It’s some exciting updates about what’s coming up next on the race. XD
Lots of Love,
Alex Paige
