My first week in El Salvador has been full of blessings and lessons. The Lord has painted a beautiful portrait for me of what community “the church”, and service actually look like. So what lessons has the Lord taught me this week?
Lesson # 1- Vulnerability-
I am pretty good at hiding my feelings, and holding back the “real me” until I feel the time is right. Let me tell you people, when you go 36 hours without sleep, you can’t hide anything! People see a side of you they were not expecting.
( anyone who knows me, knows
“The crazy fun me”, the side of me that’s not so quiet.) Haha That travel day sure was fun.
I prayed for Him to make me vulnerable and He did.
Lesson #2- Acceptance-
This month, we have beds, functioning toilets, a shower, an abundance of amazing food, great weather, ideal community and the list goes on. We have been teaching English to people of all ages, and it’s fun!
We have been tremendously blessed this week. Today I felt the Lord tell me that even though we are on the mission field it’s ok to accept blessings as they come. It’s ok to enjoy life as long as we don’t get complacent. My team and I know that, not every country will be like this one. So we will give thanks to the Lord, accept our blessings and give all the glory to God! Not just this week but every week, in every situation.
Lesson #3- I am a Vessel-
Since day one my team and I have been fearlessly accepting anything that comes our way. I am impressed at our obedience, and I know our Father has smiled a lot this week.
We have been asked to be a worship team, a drama team, to preach, teach, clear land for a community park, give public testimonies and go house to house inviting youth to church. We never hesitated to say yes. Yesterday I preached my first sermon! I never felt more peace than I did standing there in front of that church. As I prayed throughout the day I realized I am just an empty vessel. I am willing to allow God to use me any way He chooses. I have given God a blank check.
Last night I didn’t preach, God did.
So those are a few lessons and reminders I’ve had this week, it’s been great. I absolutely love the people and food here! We are blessed for sure but I don’t want you to think we are in a 5 start hotel here.
We have a roof over our head and that’s enough.
We have a shower (small pipe that pours water).
A toilet (which is in the shower stall)
And a kitchen, which is also the classroom.
It’s all outside and I absolutely love being in the sunshine all day, hearing the birds, and chickens, ending the days watching the rain pour down and the view of the volcano.
So here’s a few more lessons I’ve learned this week ….
bugs and geckos like to play in your room
Roaches like to cuddle
Always start your day with Jesus and mosquito spray
When it rains it pours, literally. (Check for leaks)
It’s been a good week and I am beyond excited to see what the Lord has in store for us. Please continue to pray for us! Also feel free to check out my teammates blogs and subscribe to us!
