I laughed when the girls asked me, as we were eating at KFC, ¨Do you have things like Kentucki and Pizza Hut back home?¨ Tee hee. I said yes and in fact they first started in the US and then expanded to Central America and that actually.. KentuckY is a state from where the name comes from! It´s funny to see into their heads and from there point of view.
How we got to Kentucki is a story in itself. A reward for having completed a certain number of chores without being told and in a timely manner was an outing to KFC, or Kentucki (El Salvadoran spelling). Four out of seven girls completed the task and went out to lunch with me. It was cute watching them in a new environment not knowing what to order, how to order or what to do with the tray so you can fill your own fountain pop. They couldn´t eat all of their food but played around awhile on the jumbo playground fortress and made room for ice cream cones. The girls had fun and were appreciative. I´m pretty sure all seven will make the next trip this time around. I wasn´t sure how this positive reinforcement system was going to work out with the girls. A few of them told me they didn´t want to participate or they hated the idea, but I´m seeing the light at the end of the tunnel because they keep talking about what they want to do for their next outing and they all have been diligent about doing their chores according to my requests. I´m so glad it´s working because I don´t have to hound them, they don´t have to hear me, noone gets frustrated, we enjoy each other more and then we celebrate at the end! It´s been a pleasant journey with them that will end too soon...3 weeks. I have had the chance to see into their little lives and know which one likes the Jonas brothers, which one wants to play guitar, which ones rock at soccer, which one is the brainiac and which one will dabble in creams and hair products for the rest of her life!
One of the psychologists said at a meeting last week, ¨You never know what is happening beneath the soil while you are planting seeds, it´s our job to plant good seeds and God´s job to water them¨ Sometimes it´s hard to know if you´re doing the right thing moment by moment or if your methods will make a positive impact or fail. Raising a child in a biblical way is the only assurance we have that we are doing the right thing. I have learned that you may not always see the results you want to see right away or at all, but you can be steadfast to God´s principles and be a light in that way. I have felt many times that I have no idea what I am doing, therefore I have needed to trust God more to give me grace in an area in which I don´t feel so confident. Although it´s a hard place to be in, I actually see how I need to be there more so that I can see Him work and pull through in ways I was originally doubtful.
We just got word that the kids are out of school another 2-3 weeks in addition to this past week due to the H1N1 virus. Actually, two kids at their school have it but noone is sick at the home. I think it´s interesting that the majority of my stay here has been teaching them while school is suspended. Good thing I´m a language teacher! It´s a little hectic trying to keep track of all the subjects and homework they have but it gives me more time one on one with them too. Chaito and blessings to all!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Salvadoran Softball and Lions of Judah
As many of you know, one of my favorite pastimes is fast-pitch softball. The other day I was walking behind the home and came across a field of Salvadoran women playing fastpitch softball!!! I stopped to watch and then asked if I could play. A handful of Americans were with me and we quickly worked out a deal with them to play Americans vs. Salvadorans and they would give us their gloves when we played defense. It was fantastic! We could only play 2 innings due to time but it was so neat walking through the streets of sheet metal homes to come across a game of softball. Although the ball was water-logged, the gloves flimsy and me in my ¨ginas¨(flip-flops), I loved sharing this game with my new Salvadoran friends.
The American team just left today and they were certainly busy doing many fun activities with the kids, youth and community here in Nejapa. We went to the Honduran border for a fun-filled weekend of youth retreat activities. I was quite impressed with the entire weekend and even won a medal for third place with my team - The Lions of Judah. Thank goodness that there were some pretty daring teen boys on my team who volunteered for all the eating contests - there was no way I was going to do it! Can you imagine eating an entire onion, drinking a bottle of hot sauce, downing cat food and devouring an entire watermelon? Me neither. Guacala! My favorite was having to lay on our backs in a circle and balance a caserola of water with our feet in the air. We lasted for 15 minutes...thanks again to the guys on our team!
My on days with the girls have improved. I am getting the routine down and feel pretty adjusted to the schedule and the girls. I enjoy the one on one moments with them when they snuggle under my arm and I explain homework to them or when we all sit around in a group and talk about our favorite things. They often ask about what I would be doing right now if I were at my house. I like these discussions a lot for many reasons, one, is that I seem to know all the vocabulary and verb tenses to talk about that really fluently, two, it´s something they are interested in and three, telling them about my life is like teaching them about a life they can have too which is one purpose of this ministry. I haven´t realized until now how odd it might seem in this culture for an adult woman to not be married and have a job, home, car and life on her own. I want them to know that it´s possible!
One goal we have all been working on is getting our chores done when we´re supposed to and without being told to do them. I set up a point system with some rewards for perfect points. I told the girls when they all achieve a certain amout, we´ll go out for pizza and a movie or something like that. It´s been hard to encourage them to work toward a reward. Little by little I can see them getting used to it and changing their attitudes about it. One challenge for me is not getting ticked off when they totally ignore me and don´t do it! I guess I need to let it go but it´s pretty hard when it happens 3x a day!
On my day off I went out with my new friend Britney. Praise God for Britney! She has been a wonderful blessing on this trip. She is a permanent missionary here from Ohio. She and her husband live in Nejapa and are connected to the Love and HOpe Church across the street. Britney realized that I didn´t have much to do on my off days so she invited me to go out once a week and go and do some fun things. Today we went to Pizza Hut and Super Selectos. We jumped on a bus for a quarter and headed to the next town. I grocery shopped for some lettuce (I crave my daily spinach salads) and common North AMerican diet products. I have been suffering from a combination of a stomach illness going around and too much fried food. The Salvadorans can ¨stomach¨it better and although I love the food, my digestive system hasn´t agreed with it! I went through a 48 hr. bug with horrible stomach pains everytime I ate. Argh! so, my plan was to make some common meals for myself when the home is preparing something my stomach will rebel against.
Oh! I also really enjoy getting to know and develop relationships with the Salvadoran ¨hermanas¨or the women who take care of the kids here. Since I speak the language I am able to connect with them more. One, Delmy, who works in the kitchen, often asks me to help her with some of her tasks. The other day we were husking corn from the garden and then we were taking it to the molina down the road. After she separated the corn from the husk, she put all of it in a container and carried it on her head as we walked down the dirt road to the press. I thought how weird I must have looked standing next to her. The press mashed the corn into a paste like texture for 90 cents! When we left, I told Delmy that I wanted to carry the big container on my head. I wish I had a picture! I felt every eye on me walking back home. I think the Salvadorans have something with carrying big containers on their heads. Just think about how many of us Americans throw our backs out by trying to carry things in our arms. Hmm.... makes me want to change things back home!
A book I´m reading now called Crazy Love has been a great inspiration to me while here. It´s a book about God´s love and it has opened my eyes to so much during my time here. It has helped me to pursue love and kindness as a goal with the girls although the job makes me irritated and annoyed at times. It opens my eyes to how God must see me everytime I ignore him and choose to do things my way or not at all. And, there´s a question he asks and I want this to be something I ask myself everyday...¨What are you doing right now in your life that is requiring you to live by faith?¨I thought about it and wanted to challenge myself more. God wants us to live by faith instead of by comfort and I think when I pursue comfort and safety more than sacrificial giving of my time, money and love...then I don´t see God and His goodness around me. I want to pursue the true satisfaction that only He can give a person here on this Earth and that means that I have to put myself in some situations that aren´t so comfortable and require having faith that God will show up to provide. I have seen that in Rachel´s life and Britney´s life. I want more of that and I encourage you to ask that question too....
Hasta pronto!
The American team just left today and they were certainly busy doing many fun activities with the kids, youth and community here in Nejapa. We went to the Honduran border for a fun-filled weekend of youth retreat activities. I was quite impressed with the entire weekend and even won a medal for third place with my team - The Lions of Judah. Thank goodness that there were some pretty daring teen boys on my team who volunteered for all the eating contests - there was no way I was going to do it! Can you imagine eating an entire onion, drinking a bottle of hot sauce, downing cat food and devouring an entire watermelon? Me neither. Guacala! My favorite was having to lay on our backs in a circle and balance a caserola of water with our feet in the air. We lasted for 15 minutes...thanks again to the guys on our team!
My on days with the girls have improved. I am getting the routine down and feel pretty adjusted to the schedule and the girls. I enjoy the one on one moments with them when they snuggle under my arm and I explain homework to them or when we all sit around in a group and talk about our favorite things. They often ask about what I would be doing right now if I were at my house. I like these discussions a lot for many reasons, one, is that I seem to know all the vocabulary and verb tenses to talk about that really fluently, two, it´s something they are interested in and three, telling them about my life is like teaching them about a life they can have too which is one purpose of this ministry. I haven´t realized until now how odd it might seem in this culture for an adult woman to not be married and have a job, home, car and life on her own. I want them to know that it´s possible!
One goal we have all been working on is getting our chores done when we´re supposed to and without being told to do them. I set up a point system with some rewards for perfect points. I told the girls when they all achieve a certain amout, we´ll go out for pizza and a movie or something like that. It´s been hard to encourage them to work toward a reward. Little by little I can see them getting used to it and changing their attitudes about it. One challenge for me is not getting ticked off when they totally ignore me and don´t do it! I guess I need to let it go but it´s pretty hard when it happens 3x a day!
On my day off I went out with my new friend Britney. Praise God for Britney! She has been a wonderful blessing on this trip. She is a permanent missionary here from Ohio. She and her husband live in Nejapa and are connected to the Love and HOpe Church across the street. Britney realized that I didn´t have much to do on my off days so she invited me to go out once a week and go and do some fun things. Today we went to Pizza Hut and Super Selectos. We jumped on a bus for a quarter and headed to the next town. I grocery shopped for some lettuce (I crave my daily spinach salads) and common North AMerican diet products. I have been suffering from a combination of a stomach illness going around and too much fried food. The Salvadorans can ¨stomach¨it better and although I love the food, my digestive system hasn´t agreed with it! I went through a 48 hr. bug with horrible stomach pains everytime I ate. Argh! so, my plan was to make some common meals for myself when the home is preparing something my stomach will rebel against.
Oh! I also really enjoy getting to know and develop relationships with the Salvadoran ¨hermanas¨or the women who take care of the kids here. Since I speak the language I am able to connect with them more. One, Delmy, who works in the kitchen, often asks me to help her with some of her tasks. The other day we were husking corn from the garden and then we were taking it to the molina down the road. After she separated the corn from the husk, she put all of it in a container and carried it on her head as we walked down the dirt road to the press. I thought how weird I must have looked standing next to her. The press mashed the corn into a paste like texture for 90 cents! When we left, I told Delmy that I wanted to carry the big container on my head. I wish I had a picture! I felt every eye on me walking back home. I think the Salvadorans have something with carrying big containers on their heads. Just think about how many of us Americans throw our backs out by trying to carry things in our arms. Hmm.... makes me want to change things back home!
A book I´m reading now called Crazy Love has been a great inspiration to me while here. It´s a book about God´s love and it has opened my eyes to so much during my time here. It has helped me to pursue love and kindness as a goal with the girls although the job makes me irritated and annoyed at times. It opens my eyes to how God must see me everytime I ignore him and choose to do things my way or not at all. And, there´s a question he asks and I want this to be something I ask myself everyday...¨What are you doing right now in your life that is requiring you to live by faith?¨I thought about it and wanted to challenge myself more. God wants us to live by faith instead of by comfort and I think when I pursue comfort and safety more than sacrificial giving of my time, money and love...then I don´t see God and His goodness around me. I want to pursue the true satisfaction that only He can give a person here on this Earth and that means that I have to put myself in some situations that aren´t so comfortable and require having faith that God will show up to provide. I have seen that in Rachel´s life and Britney´s life. I want more of that and I encourage you to ask that question too....
Hasta pronto!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
I stink at mopping!
Love and Hope just welcomed the summer team from CVC who will be staying for 2 weeks. In perfect timing, school was cancelled until July 9th due to many illnesses and the swine flu scare. So, this week the kids are working on a demanding load of work that they must complete at home but have enough people around to receive as much one on one tutoring as they need.
Last night I had a pajama party with the girls. I promised that we would have one if they all completed a little assignment with the American team members in English. So, we ate icecream, did belly smackers from the top bunk on to the mattresses below, played beauty salon (and i did not come out looking like a beauty, i must say!) and challenged each other to a lime eating contest. Since I did not want to do that, I ended up getting lime squeezed in my hair, down my shirt and salt up my nose! A much needed shower came shortly after. It was nice to have that time with the girls after a lot of homework and chores.
In addition to making sure they complete their routine for the day, I wash/fold their clothes and mop the floors. I can fold just fine but mopping is one thing I just dread. They use a towel and drape it over a broom in order to mop. I have watched the others complete this task beautifully but I just flat out stink. I´m amazed by the efficiency of others around here but my ability to get the girls up, showered, chores done, ready for breakfast, clothes washed and hung on the line, floors mopped all by 8am is just impossible! ha ha. i guess you can imagine how clean my house gets...
I have been humbled quite often by the honesty of these girls. They seem to want to tell me my every flaw, mistake and who is better than me at whatever. I have to admit it hurts! But, after talking to Rachel, Alyssa and Kirsten, I get a little more perspective about how to swallow their comments and how to talk to them about them. I remind myself that this is part of the job and we are all learning how to love one another better when it´s not so easy. This experience is changing my perspective as a teacher too. I already have seen areas that I need to change in order to make a relationship more loving, safe and compromising.
Well, I could go on but I´ll save more for later. Tomorrow we head to a teen retreat with the church youth ministry for the weekend. Three of the girls and I are going and our team will be there too. Next week we hit the beach with the 28 kids and the team. Fun times. For now, I´m getting back to playing dolls and kicking the soccer ball around. Enjoy!
Last night I had a pajama party with the girls. I promised that we would have one if they all completed a little assignment with the American team members in English. So, we ate icecream, did belly smackers from the top bunk on to the mattresses below, played beauty salon (and i did not come out looking like a beauty, i must say!) and challenged each other to a lime eating contest. Since I did not want to do that, I ended up getting lime squeezed in my hair, down my shirt and salt up my nose! A much needed shower came shortly after. It was nice to have that time with the girls after a lot of homework and chores.
In addition to making sure they complete their routine for the day, I wash/fold their clothes and mop the floors. I can fold just fine but mopping is one thing I just dread. They use a towel and drape it over a broom in order to mop. I have watched the others complete this task beautifully but I just flat out stink. I´m amazed by the efficiency of others around here but my ability to get the girls up, showered, chores done, ready for breakfast, clothes washed and hung on the line, floors mopped all by 8am is just impossible! ha ha. i guess you can imagine how clean my house gets...
I have been humbled quite often by the honesty of these girls. They seem to want to tell me my every flaw, mistake and who is better than me at whatever. I have to admit it hurts! But, after talking to Rachel, Alyssa and Kirsten, I get a little more perspective about how to swallow their comments and how to talk to them about them. I remind myself that this is part of the job and we are all learning how to love one another better when it´s not so easy. This experience is changing my perspective as a teacher too. I already have seen areas that I need to change in order to make a relationship more loving, safe and compromising.
Well, I could go on but I´ll save more for later. Tomorrow we head to a teen retreat with the church youth ministry for the weekend. Three of the girls and I are going and our team will be there too. Next week we hit the beach with the 28 kids and the team. Fun times. For now, I´m getting back to playing dolls and kicking the soccer ball around. Enjoy!
Friday, June 26, 2009
I finally found the internet cafe in Nejapa! I have spent one week and two days here and it feels like many more. So far there have been many ups and a few challenging moments.
I am living in the missionary quarters with Alyssa and Kirsten. I love the many moments of heart to heart conversations that we share throughout the day, it´s truly a blessing to be with them.
I work 24 hour shifts every other day from 8am to 8am. The challenging part of the day happens when they come home from school and have to do chores and homework. In just several shifts I have already experienced the challenges of young girls who wait until bedtime to do poster projects due the next day, those who absolutely refuse to wash the dishes or obey my telling her to do them right now and of those who are sick and can´t go to school. I want my moments with them to be great, fun and happy but most times showing and developing character is difficult. I realize my time with them is going to have more challenges than I originally thought because learning to obey the things you don´t really want to is never fun or happy, for them or for me. Some of you parents just said "now you know what my life is all about!" Rachel is very encouraging and helps me press on when I´m overwhelmed. I am determined to be humbled, to surrender, to stand firm, to speak up and to be quiet... all to show the character of Christ in this endeavor and the ones that come after.
1 Cor 2 "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him".
I am living in the missionary quarters with Alyssa and Kirsten. I love the many moments of heart to heart conversations that we share throughout the day, it´s truly a blessing to be with them.
I work 24 hour shifts every other day from 8am to 8am. The challenging part of the day happens when they come home from school and have to do chores and homework. In just several shifts I have already experienced the challenges of young girls who wait until bedtime to do poster projects due the next day, those who absolutely refuse to wash the dishes or obey my telling her to do them right now and of those who are sick and can´t go to school. I want my moments with them to be great, fun and happy but most times showing and developing character is difficult. I realize my time with them is going to have more challenges than I originally thought because learning to obey the things you don´t really want to is never fun or happy, for them or for me. Some of you parents just said "now you know what my life is all about!" Rachel is very encouraging and helps me press on when I´m overwhelmed. I am determined to be humbled, to surrender, to stand firm, to speak up and to be quiet... all to show the character of Christ in this endeavor and the ones that come after.
1 Cor 2 "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him".
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
El Salvador 2009
Today I am grateful. Grateful to have a job that offers 9 weeks of summer break. Grateful to know the Spanish language. Grateful that I enjoy traveling to foreign countries. Grateful that I have a heart for the children and ministry at Love and Hope in Nejapa, El Salvador. Before I knew who Jesus was and what He did for me (and you) on the cross, the Lord had already created these specific desires of mine to be used for His glory. I am grateful to Him for this next journey. Won't you join me as I blog about the next 2 months at Love and Hope?
Lately I have heard several different sermons speaking the same message to me. Two words sum up the message well, "CHANGE" and "LED". (I'm not talking President Obama's kind of change!) I want to fulfill the God's purpose for my life, this summer, in El Salvador and this day. In order to do that I must continue to CHANGE and be LED by Him through His Holy Spirit. Here are some scriptures that are helping me CHANGE and be LED.
"I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD's hand, and my reward is with my God." Isa 49:4
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor 15:58
'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. Zech 4:6
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. Psa 127:1
When I think about how much time I have wasted just doing things that have no eternal purpose or value, it makes me sick! The scariest part is to think that I was actually doing something that mattered and to realize that maybe it was in vain and not aligned with God's purpose for me. I am focusing my eyes on His work by His spirit while I am away and when I return. Pray for me about these things if you feel so LED.
Lately I have heard several different sermons speaking the same message to me. Two words sum up the message well, "CHANGE" and "LED". (I'm not talking President Obama's kind of change!) I want to fulfill the God's purpose for my life, this summer, in El Salvador and this day. In order to do that I must continue to CHANGE and be LED by Him through His Holy Spirit. Here are some scriptures that are helping me CHANGE and be LED.
"I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD's hand, and my reward is with my God." Isa 49:4
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor 15:58
'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. Zech 4:6
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. Psa 127:1
When I think about how much time I have wasted just doing things that have no eternal purpose or value, it makes me sick! The scariest part is to think that I was actually doing something that mattered and to realize that maybe it was in vain and not aligned with God's purpose for me. I am focusing my eyes on His work by His spirit while I am away and when I return. Pray for me about these things if you feel so LED.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Cuba 2008
Hello family and friends!! I wanted to share with you about my trip to Cuba. Many of you have received snapfish photos but I wasn't able to share the intimate stories and other moments that I didn't photograph.
Day 2 - Havana, Cuba
We decided to get to know the history of this country by taking a walking tour through the capital city and its infamous Old Havana section. In a nutshell, the 30s-50s were a time of dictatorship yet a flamboyant culture of much prostitution, drugs and mafia related deals occurred during that time leaving Cuba's people to know nothing else but a destructive lifestyle. Fidel Castro, inspired by Jose Marti, along with Che Guevara tried relentlessly to take over the government with aspirations to create a culture of dignity, fairness and education. He succeeded in 1959. He immediately took over property belonging to the USA which created a bad relationship leading to a political embargo that has never ended. Castro received financial aid from the Soviet Union in order to support his socialist/communist idea but in the 90s when USSR fell apart Cuba was left self-sustaining and many Cubans experienced a devasting period of poverty. There hasn't been another country to come to Cuba's aid and Castro is firm in his approach to government so nothing has been done to help this country. It has so much potential but sadly, many buildings have not been kept up and most people live in unsafe conditions.
This day was quite frustrating! We needed to secure a rental car for our trip to Matanzas province. We were quite tired from the relentless heat/humidity and had given into the reality that we were going to have to feel like dirty, wet dishrags throughout the trip as we endured the weather conditions. We continued to pursue finding a car but in a communist country, it seems like customer service isn't much of a concept and of course, neither is competition. It became pretty apparent that only God was going to work out this situation for us. Finally, we were able to solidify transportation. In the evening, we attended Ana's "house service" which was basically a church service in a neighbor's house. The government requires that special permission be obtained in order for families to have "gatherings" of this sort. The house was filled with many passionate Christians. Monica and I shared our testimonies in Spanish and enjoyed the experience of the Cuban church. Ana told me later that in all her years she hasn't seen the church as big, motivated, passionate and moving as it is now. Praise God!!!
Day 1 - Havana, Cuba
After clearing customs without any baggage inspected or medical supplies confiscated, we traveled to the home of Ana Badel Moore (neat last name, eh?). Monica and I, the girls of the team, stayed at this home. Two 30 something daughters also lived at the house so it was a perfect fit. Being a Christian home, we connected with these women instantly and wasted no time sharing our testimonies and single status stories! It's so neat how God really provides companionship for me on each one of my trips. There is always someone I meet who is in the same stage in life going through the same things. I really connected with the daughter Aymara, a 34 year old doctor (second from left). Together we had many concerts singing songs by our favorite Spanish Christian artist, Jesus Adrian Romero. That evening, Ana (first from left) and I had a heart to heart about how we came to know Christ. She confirmed some truths about God's word that spoke so clearly about my life. She touched my heart with her tenderness, kindness and certain faith of who God is and how He works out his promises. I also became victim to their plumbing issue and as embarrassing as it was, I am sure it was even more for them. I came to learn that they do not have the money to replace a toilet that hasn't been updated in 30 years. Although everyone in the family is a doctor, they make about $1 a day and it is only enough to pay for their basic needs. I asked about the cost and knew that I had the money on me to pay for it. God started speaking to me.......
Day 2 - Havana, Cuba
We decided to get to know the history of this country by taking a walking tour through the capital city and its infamous Old Havana section. In a nutshell, the 30s-50s were a time of dictatorship yet a flamboyant culture of much prostitution, drugs and mafia related deals occurred during that time leaving Cuba's people to know nothing else but a destructive lifestyle. Fidel Castro, inspired by Jose Marti, along with Che Guevara tried relentlessly to take over the government with aspirations to create a culture of dignity, fairness and education. He succeeded in 1959. He immediately took over property belonging to the USA which created a bad relationship leading to a political embargo that has never ended. Castro received financial aid from the Soviet Union in order to support his socialist/communist idea but in the 90s when USSR fell apart Cuba was left self-sustaining and many Cubans experienced a devasting period of poverty. There hasn't been another country to come to Cuba's aid and Castro is firm in his approach to government so nothing has been done to help this country. It has so much potential but sadly, many buildings have not been kept up and most people live in unsafe conditions.Day 3- Havana, Cuba
We met with the Hernandez family that was hosting the men on our team, a man named Pepito who received 3-4 months worth of colostomy supplies from us and a woman named Cecilia who is national representative for a Christian organization. With each family that we visited, we were able to leave behind 3-4 month supplies of vitamins, aspirins, ointments, toiletries and any special requests that they may have had. With every visit, we spent several hours getting to know each person and in some special way each one of them left a stamp on my heart. I felt so blessed to have the ability to speak their language and received such a blessing by understanding what each and everyone of them had to say! Maria Hernandez (picture) was another tender soul who really took time to get to know my heart. She took such an interest in my singleness and wanted to spend so much time encouraging me and giving me hope. It brought tears to my eyes to see her care about me in that way. Another personal experience was to see Pepito receive the colostamy supplies. My mom was able to get two boxes worth of supplies from her hospital and knowing how much it meant to this man was priceless!!!
Day 4 - Havana, Cuba
This day was quite frustrating! We needed to secure a rental car for our trip to Matanzas province. We were quite tired from the relentless heat/humidity and had given into the reality that we were going to have to feel like dirty, wet dishrags throughout the trip as we endured the weather conditions. We continued to pursue finding a car but in a communist country, it seems like customer service isn't much of a concept and of course, neither is competition. It became pretty apparent that only God was going to work out this situation for us. Finally, we were able to solidify transportation. In the evening, we attended Ana's "house service" which was basically a church service in a neighbor's house. The government requires that special permission be obtained in order for families to have "gatherings" of this sort. The house was filled with many passionate Christians. Monica and I shared our testimonies in Spanish and enjoyed the experience of the Cuban church. Ana told me later that in all her years she hasn't seen the church as big, motivated, passionate and moving as it is now. Praise God!!!Day 5 - Road to Matanzas
We traveled about an hour on the coastal highway east of Havana to a province called Matanzas. In this province we would visit two families and a church. Our travel included some neat photo opportunities of the coastal highway and its smelly oilfields along the way. Of course, Cuban propaganda fills up the billboards promoting socialism and putting down America...well, Bush, to be specific. I became aware that Cuba has no idea what the rest of the world looks like, they have no access to it. When the government limits internet use, advertising and controls the media...it controls what they know and have access to. Thank God for His word...because only through this can they find out the truth! I pray that the people of Cuba would not be brainwashed by Castro's idealism. He may have lofty ideas that have yet to come to fruition, but he is not the way, the truth or the life!! Praise God that He is! And in Him we have hope!!
Day 6 - Varadero, Matanzas, Cuba
We visited a mother named Aymara and her two sons, Oscar and Abelito. Her husband is stationed in Peru for a year as a military doctor. Her parents and sister have fled to Miami. We were fortunate to meet up with them in Miami before we left and when we returned in order to take them some family gifts. They were such a sweet family who have yet to meet the two sons. It was such a blessing to be the link between them! We took videos and photos of the kids to give to the grandparents. They were so excited to see them!! While we were there, Aymara prepared us a dinner of pork, rice/beans and avocado with green beans. Our team decided that we had just experienced the best meal in Cuba!!! We enjoyed spending time there because her little kids were so active and provided much entertainment for us. Justin, one teammate, was real involved with the two boys blowing bubbles to the kids on the lower level. Bubbles just never lose their excitement!! This was also the night of the tropical storm. Aymara was glad to have us all there as she was preparing to pack the kids up and stay with some family friends to sit the storm out.
In addition to this family, we also visited the family of Tatiana in Varadero. Tatiana has two young adult children and has raised them primarily as a single parent. She had been going through some tough times with a death in the family and was so incredibly excited to see us. We left some special vitamins for her and toiletries for the family. Tatiana was such a delight because you could see right into her heart with the stories and tears that she shared.
Day 7 - Pedro Betancourt, Matanzas, Cuba
On this day we drove an hour south to a church in Pedro Betancourt. This church was the nicest in Cuba!! The government does not allow new churches to be built or added onto. They must simply use what they have and can make painting updates, etc. This church had a campus effect to it. I don't know how they came up with the results but they told us that 98% of their congregation tithes. It explained the wonderful looks of the grounds but it didn't explain how the people were able to because the town appeared very poor. The pastor even said that most people drive by and think the church is an embassy! We were able to attend the Sunday morning service and it was powerful. The pastor talked about "sicknesses" in the church and held an altar call for those who wanted to commit to ridding their lives of what gets in the way with their relationship with God. I prayed a lot personally about how this message speaks to me!
Day 8 - Return to Havana
On our return to Havana we prepared to take off to Miami after one more night in the capital. I decided to have a spa day in the girls' house which included manicures and pedicures for my Cuban hosts. They were so excited just to experience fingernail polish remover! (it's a really hard thing to find in the bare shelves of Communist stores!) We also took a walk for the last time to Old Havana and capture the sights of its people, cars and nature. In the evening, Monica and I were surprised by the family because they presented gifts to us! I had admired Ana's expresso sized coffee cup set and so they bought me one!!!!!!!! I was so touched that my eyes welled up! I couldn't express myself in Spanish (one of few times I was speechless)!!! It was then our turn to present the gift I had been preparing to give. A new toilet! I told Ana that if this were my house back home and it had that problem, I would fix it as soon as possible because it was a daily necessity and priority and I had the God given resources to do it so I would like to do that same thing for her. Aymara cried because they had prayed for so long for a new toilet and never could replace it. It brought so much joy to my heart that God could use me as an answer to prayer for this family! What a neat opportunity! How is it that God would let me have this blessing?!!? It made the trip for me because I felt that I had responded to the will of God.
I was captivated by the sunsets that occurred every night on the coast just one block from the home.
There is nothing like a sunset on the Havana coast I am convinced. I decided to thank God for the opportunity to be standing on Cuban soil and to be blessed by his great creation. One verse that I memorized for this trip and ended up not only praying it for me but for the Cuban people is this... "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and always faithful in prayer". I whispered it to myself when I was experiencing difficult situations and prayed this fervently for the people of Cuba. One thing they do not know because of Castro is hope. I noticed that many people did not seem joyful and it's because they have nothing to hope for if they do not know Christ's love. They have definitely lived through affliction and for those who have turned to Christ...they have SOOOO much faith! It is a beautiful thing to see!
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