The Passion I Rediscovered!
Debrief gave us a little time to relax and reflect by ourselves on how we were adjusting to this thing called the world race. While we were out looking for somewhere to sit and process we came across this really cute and unique coffee shop. It wasn’t just a coffee shop, it also had a small library in it, as well as a art and jewelry shop. It was owned my Nunu and her husband who had a passion for all of these. Now they have a place where a variety of people can come and share the same interests. From the moment we walked in she was just so kind and welcoming to our squad. For those of you who know me know that I love to draw, paint and try new art techniques. I use to draw all the time for myself, for fun and to just find relaxation. It was normal for me to get my supplies together and sit down to draw for hours. Over time I had individuals asking me to paint them pictures for a price. I was excited people loved my artwork and couldn’t wait to do something for them. After doing a few paintings for people and trying to find time to get them done it just became a hassle. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to do them anymore, rather it became more of a job than a hobby. Instead of sitting down to do it for fun, I was dreading that I had to make time to do it. At times it came down to me not finishing them when I wanted to or took me longer than I expected and then I would feel bad when they didn’t get them sooner. For me art was a relaxing gift God gave me but because of the time constraints it was becoming something that was no longer relaxed. I lost my love and excitement in it.
While at training camp I remember talking to Carson (she’s on our training team), she had mentioned how she bought a sketch pad while on the race but wish she had bought it sooner. After talking to her I really wanted to do this and get back into the art I once loved. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the time to find one or really the space to pack it before launching. I decided to go without, it wasn’t something I ‘had’ to have anyways. Once we got to Colombia I decided that I still really wanted something I could do art with. Anytime we went out I started looking for a sketchpad and color pencils. Not once did I ever find what I was looking for. After we left Colombia we met back up with our whole squad headed to Banos, Ecuador. I began to talk to a few other girls who also love art. We got to talking about how they use their art to journal and just capture things God has put on their heart. Ah perfect, a way to use my God-given gift to connect with the one who created me with it. I was now even more anxious to find art supplies to begin this new journey of connecting with God. The day we found the coffee shop I was overjoyed to see the art supplies. There wasn’t a big selection and it took me a little time to decide if I really wanted to spend a little extra money and take up that much more space in my pack. I spent most of our time there just looking at the different art supplies. She only had one sketch pad, some pencils, markers, pens and a few other things. After going over the different items, trying them out and putting them back multiple times. I of course decided to give in and get a few things. Let me tell you, I don’t find it to be a mistake at all.
I have found so much peace and relaxation through my art again. A little determination to get a project done once I start it but I enjoy every bit of working on it. I haven’t had my supplies for long and there’s so many other things I want to do with them but what I have had the chance to do has been incredible. I’m looking forward to getting closer and connecting with God more and more on a deeper level through my art. There’s far more I can do with it then I was even expecting when buying them. While going into the coffee shop a couple times to get different supplies, I was able to chat with the owner. No matter what she was always coming over right away to help me in any way possible. One night we were walking back to the hostel when I just got this idea/ feeling to paint something for Nunu. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to paint and I only had one day left to do it but I knew it was something I needed to do and would regret if I didn’t. I began to think on what it was I wanted to paint. The next day we had our adventure day with the squad. After that we went to another coffee shop. We sat down and I worked on a few things. Then I got my art supplies out and began to paint. I decided on the scripture verse Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I’m with you”. I didn’t know much about her but this is one of my favorite verses. To me it just reminds us that we’re not alone and God is by our side at all times. Always to remember to stop and be still and let God handle things. I just really felt like this is the one I was suppose to use and went with it. I didn’t have a lot of time to paint it since it was literally our last day here. I used watercolor pencils and a black art pen to create it. After I was finished, Kirsten and I walked to the coffee shop to give it to her and to get a couple more supplies. When we walked in she was smiling as always and welcoming us in with such a warm heart. I gave it to her and she said thank you and gave me a hug. I went on to tell her I wanted to get a couple things and she helped me do so. While I was looking at things she kept glancing at the picture. As I went to pay she told me that it was free. I told her thanks but I could pay and she said no you brought this picture to me and I want you to have them. That it was such a nice and thoughtful gift. She told me it would have a spot somewhere there in the coffee shop. I gave her another hug and told her how nice it was to meet her, that I would think of her and pray for her. Then we left and only saw her in the distance one other time.
Its crazy how God brings people into your life. I’m not a huge coffee drinker but I went so I could be with my team, relax and process. Because of that I not only found someone that I was able to talk to, even if only for a little bit, but I was able to find something I once loved and bring life back into it. This time bringing it back to life with a completely different meaning behind it. I found a way to bring more purpose to the gift God had blessed me with. Now I have discovered that this is a way I can bless someone else with my God given gift. In the end I’m being blessed just as much if not more by giving my art away. I believe God puts people in your path for a reason and I am blessed that Nunu was one of them. Don’t give up on your gifts and passions because God gave them to you for a reason. Sometimes we just have to find a new meaning behind them.
P.S. If your ever in Banos, Ecuador, I encourage you to go and find her coffee shop. Sit down and have a conversation with her because she is one of the sweetest ladies you’ll meet. If by chance you do see my picture hanging up, feel free to send me a picture of it. 🙂
In order for me to make these connections and spread Gods love, I have to raise the money to stay on the World Race. I am still in need of financial help! On September 30th I have a deadline to have $13,000 in. If you would like to partner with me so I’m able to continue to show Gods love around the world, you can hit the donate tab on my main page. Thank you all for all of your love, support and prayers! It truly means so much to me and I wouldn’t be here without all your help.
Love Always Paxtyn <3
