Incredible mountain views, even more incredible people, a Pastor who understands freedom in Christ and truly loves the Lord, critters, kidsssss, the Holy Spirit, 14 people in the back of a pickup truck up steeeep mountain roads, sincere worship, ribbon/praise/downtown dancing, cooking, acting, 6am prayer walks, bucket showers (cold for them, but ya girl heated her water), tea of death, sunrise prayer hike, tanning at the river, intercession, healing, teaching basketball, translating, relationship building, laughter, fire rescue/witnessing God's amazing power firsthand…THANX DR! You were A-MAY-ZING!
It's been so hard trying to figure out what to blog about. I typically just write as I'm inspired to do so; when the Spirit moves. I realize I need to be a bit more intentional about it now that I'm actually out here on the field with people back home wanting to know what's up. Usually I write when I have a message to share, some inspiration to pass on, a challenge to issue…It's difficult to just write basic/general updates, but I'mma try to do better.
SO DR was incredible. Arroyo Cano (minus the ridiculously beautiful mountain views) reminded me of home- storefront church, corner stores, loud music, CPT…I felt right at home. One of my squadmates helped me realize that the ability to just fall in and feel comfortable and at-home whenever I am is a gift from God. I never looked at it that way, but that's so true. My comfort zone is HUGE and as my momma says "I've never met a stranger"! This will be an incredible tool during this journey. I just pray it doesn't turn into a hinderance. I want to be challenged, to be uncomfortable, to stretch and grow. I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities for that though! :o/ lol
So what did we do? We lived in the sanctuary of the church where we served. We played with the kids, began repairing a playground (some teammates painted a bomb mural on the playground walls), taught English classes, participated in church services (preaching, sharing testimony, worship, praise dancing…), coached the city basketball team a few times, early morning prayer walks, laid hands and prayed healing over community members, covered the city in prayer during an early morning prayer hike, developed incredible relationships…and so much more. The little things meant the most: the ladies doing our hair, playing cards with our Pastor every night, teaching the kids random English words/phrases, talking with strangers about having a real RELATIONSHIP with God, creating bonds within our team… It was an incredible start to what is clearly going to be the journey of a lifetime.
Now it's off to Ecuador! Stay tuned…
QotM:
"Focused on the shadow with my back turned to the light; too intelligent to see it's me in the way. What a paradox having God trapped in a box. All this time professing to be spiritual." -Lauryn Hill
SotM (English lyrics):
