Pt. 2
We learned that most teams that hike 60+ miles only stay for 3 days. And most Pastors that are even remotely close to Mojos are actually to afraid to hike out there to visit these 15 families. Pastor Luciano shared that he feels marginalized and that Mojos is a forgotten community. They receive visitors about once a year so this week meant the world to them.
Our team decided we would just do life with the people of Mojos, whatever that entailed. Man, it was the best decision we made because we had once in a lifetime opportunities everyday.
First, we spent a day dedicated to the children of Mojos. We sang songs, taught them English, (and Spanish since they speak Ketchuwa), shared snacks and stories. Finally we ended with a short play of the story of Jonah. We asked the kids if they wanted to act it out for their parents the next day at church and they ALL jumped out of their seats!! The shameless joy they carry is unmatchable.
Next, we felt God leading us to bless the women of the community. So we had the 2 guys on our team make house visits one afternoon to minister to the men and invite the women to our Women’s Day of sorts. As the women gathered in the Pastors backyard they saw we had buckets to wash their feet in. They began to sneak out and go wash their own feet so they were more presentable for us. I quickly realized what was going on and immediately walked out to the water spicket and very firmly told them to stop! They giggled because of the shame I saw all over their faces.
This is when God nudged me. I spoke to the women as we began to wash their dirt caked feet and shared with them about how Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. They were shocked, unprepared, and even refused the humble act. Yet, we have the privilege to wash each other’s feet everyday as sisters, literally and figuratively.
Tasting the selfless love of Christ only propels us to share that love. As we braided their hair in a way they’ve never seen, and painted their nails, the PURE JOY began to shine on their faces. These women work tirelessly for their families and NEVER receive this kind of service and love.
When we realized how meaningful these acts were – we couldn’t stop. We hiked throughout the week to chop down firewood, squeeze sugar cane, and visit a family that is completely separate from the community of Mojos with a handicapped child.
I tell you these stories because THIS is life. THIS is community. THIS IS LOVE.
My prayer is that you would walk with others in their shoes, through the muck and the mud of their lives because LIFE IS TOUGH. Its grueling hours of climbing and overcoming mountains and valleys TOGETHER. But man Miley was up to something when she said ‘but the view is great.’
Go love someone and enjoy the view.
