Sometimes I ask God for things, only to find out I didn’t actually want them. When God first answered my prayer for things to be a little more difficult…a “more genuine third world experience” by way of MamaTara Orphanage, I thought this was one of those times. In the past day and a half though, I was reminded of God’s promise to multiple in heaven the things that we sacrifice on Earth. That is great encouragement when I have to use a bucket of water dragged out of a well to flush a toilet, use that same bucket to shower myself, share a tiny bedroom with ten little kids and a woman who doesn’t always wear a shirt to sleep, eat beans and rice 3 times a day, or try to figure out a way to get 8 year olds to do their chores. The kids, though, are amazing and serving them really has become my joy.
Things here aren’t nearly as lonely (or English-free) as I expected. MamaTara (which means big momma) speaks some English, Scott and Lizzie are two other Americans who speak less Spanish than I, and Tara is a Canadian who knows almost zero Spanish. Gustavo is our saving grace, being fluent in both Spanish and English. He is fantastic with the kids. I do miss having the Julia and the GCC girls to hang out with as well as consistent internet access, but I’ve been able to spend a lot of time with God and that more than makes up for it.
As for work here, I really don’t know if there’s much for me to do. The construction work is being done by paid workers and I think it wouldn’t be right for me to take their work away from them by helping out. A volunteer team is coming down in a few weeks and will take care of the painting and ditch digging that needs to be done. All that’s really left is to play with the kids and teach Griselia Spanish and Tara, Scott, Lizzie, and Griselia do a great job taking care of the kids and Griselia is usually too busy to have more than short stints of English learning.
Yesterday, I was thinking that it was almost time to head back to Belfate because there was no need for me, but after being needed last night to convince Vinor (the oldest boy) to come back and sleep in his bed after he ran away from the orphanage and after finding a few other places that might need my help, I think there is reason enough for me to stay for at least a bit longer. I’m just seeking God’s will as for what to do and am content with that for now.
Things here aren’t nearly as lonely (or English-free) as I expected. MamaTara (which means big momma) speaks some English, Scott and Lizzie are two other Americans who speak less Spanish than I, and Tara is a Canadian who knows almost zero Spanish. Gustavo is our saving grace, being fluent in both Spanish and English. He is fantastic with the kids. I do miss having the Julia and the GCC girls to hang out with as well as consistent internet access, but I’ve been able to spend a lot of time with God and that more than makes up for it.
As for work here, I really don’t know if there’s much for me to do. The construction work is being done by paid workers and I think it wouldn’t be right for me to take their work away from them by helping out. A volunteer team is coming down in a few weeks and will take care of the painting and ditch digging that needs to be done. All that’s really left is to play with the kids and teach Griselia Spanish and Tara, Scott, Lizzie, and Griselia do a great job taking care of the kids and Griselia is usually too busy to have more than short stints of English learning.
Yesterday, I was thinking that it was almost time to head back to Belfate because there was no need for me, but after being needed last night to convince Vinor (the oldest boy) to come back and sleep in his bed after he ran away from the orphanage and after finding a few other places that might need my help, I think there is reason enough for me to stay for at least a bit longer. I’m just seeking God’s will as for what to do and am content with that for now.
"Jesus said, 'Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms for My sake and for the gospel's sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last, first.'"
thanks for the flattering picture daggett. i guess you found the gifts we left you on your camera :)
ReplyDeletelove the first paragraph on here. we'll be praying for your time in Mosquitia-- God's placed you there for a reason, I'm sure you'll be a huge blessing to everyone there.