In March this year, we were off to Peru! My team lived in Pacasmayo for the month, where we worked with Iglesia de Antorcha. Here we had the opportunity to partner in several ministry aspects such as painting, cleaning, organizing suitcases upon suitcases of medical supplies, teach English and help children with homework in their after-school program, dance and do street evangelism with the youth, lead regular English classes for children, youth, and adults, share our testimonies over a bonfire, and more. All the people we met were so incredibly loving and kind. It was also great to be within 10 minutes from the beach, where we got to spend our off days and even learn to kneeboard surf! I thrived this month because I love dancing, teaching children, and found a new love for teaching English as a second language! We had wonderful hosts as well who made us feel like family! And I have to say, with all the responsibilities we had, my team rocked it this month!
One thing that…
- Made me feel alive: Spending more time with my team. We had loads of time to talk as we swept, sorted, painted and planned lessons and I really feel like we came together better this month than ever before. I love these girls like sisters! This month was a time of really opening our hearts to one another to be encouraged, challenged, and loved.
- Was difficult this month: Choosing ministry when it got tiring, the washing of walls didn’t seem to make much difference or we couldn’t see the final project completed of our hosts’ eventual goal. We had to choose each other and we had to choose to work with joy even when we weren’t building relationships with those in the community.
- Broke my heart: Hearing the tragic story of the man I met at the beach who had lost his family and injured his back, putting him out of work. However, I got to pray healing over him and it ended up being an amazing testimony, which I wrote about in my blog: The Man of My Dream.
- Has been revealed about my calling: that God has given me a gift of prophetic dreams and healing which He wants me to use, as well as taking the time to hear people’s stories.
- I am thankful for: all the people who made us feel like family… Julio, Graciela, Auden, Wendy, Betty, Betsy, and others. Also thankful to be near the beach for off days!
To everyone I met and exchanged countless smiles with in Peru, thank you for your open arms and everything you do! I pray the Lord’s blessing upon your ministries, your families, your finances, your dreams, your goals, and your communities! I look back at my time in Pacasmayo with joy and know that if the Lord ever brings me back, I will most definitely pack-a-smile and wear it every day!
“Mira que te mando que te esfuerces y seas valiente; no temas ni desmayes, porque Jehová tu Dios estará contigo en dondequiera que vayas.”
~ Josué 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
~ Joshua 1:9
