While at training camp this past July, I heard God give me the phrase “love boldly”. At first I thought this phrase was just about how I should “do” the race but I soon found out that it was meant for so much more. In the days that followed at training camp and then at home He kept telling me that this was the way that I should be living my life. Love is a choice. I had to not only to choose to love but to do it BOLDLY. I can’t really tell you exactly what that looks like. I’m not supposed to know all of that yet, but I know God is revealing to me everyday how to live like this. Before leaving for the race I prayed God would show me how to do this. So here I am. My prayer is that this will not be the only blog I write about it. My prayer is that God continues to show me people personifying this whether it’s within my squad, team, ministry, or in the city I am in.
Have I seen it in Guatemala? Let me introduce you to Sally and Erv. Sally and Erv were our contacts for Agape in Action, the ministry we stayed at this month. The very first night we arrived, and I met Sally, she automatically made me think of my family. I’m not gonna lie, it made me a little homesick. Since meeting them, I have seen them both love our squad boldly. You see, the 55 of us “invaded” them on September 9th and from the very first moment they were always there for us. They took care of us just as if we were their children. Sally handled the logistics with all our ministry hosts and made sure that when people started getting sick they received the care they needed. She made sure we had enough toilet paper! She and Erv made sure we had propane for hot showers and cooking. The list is endless!
So how did Sally and Erv end up in Guatemala? What would bring a Puerto Rican woman and an American man with French roots to this beautiful country? Well…Jesus! Before they relocated to Guatemala five years ago they lived in Michigan for most of their lives. They were doing ministry there. They raised a beautiful family there. They have the cutest grandchildren there. They however heard God calling for them to do missions work overseas and they chose to obey. After much prayer and different doors opening and closing they were led to Quiché, Guatemala.
Now they did love us boldly but their love extends beyond. I had a chance to see this love personified to the indigenous people of Patzibal, a town about 30 minutes up the mountain from where we were. This is where Sally and Erv’s heart is. This is where they call home. You see Sally is trained in the medical field and is a midwife. Over a year ago she and Erv opened a clinic for the citizens of Patzibal. Every Tuesday, they show up early and wait to see her. I witnessed this on one of those Tuesdays. From the moment we entered the one room clinic Sally was nonstop. Her love for these people was instantly evident. She took no breaks knowing that if she did that would mean less time given to her patients. She took the time to educate them on their own health. She not only treated their physical symptoms but also asked how they were doing spiritually. Starting in January, Sally and Erv will be staying in Patzibal and ministering to the people there full time. Sally is planning on extending her clinic hours to twice a week. Erv is involved in building projects around Patzibal. He helps build homes for those who don’t have appropriate housing. They are 100% invested in this community. God gave them this vision over their lives and He continues to be faithful.
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
I am so thankful to have met Sally and Erv this month. Their love for God and for people has been a blessing in my life.
With love,
Paola
