So we just had our Friday morning intern meeting, and unlike last year we began a new tradition where a staff member has the opportunity to share something he or she either thinks is very important for us to hear, or is something that they wished they had known as a youth. So this morning one of my favorite staff members, Juan Porto, presented on seeing God’s plan and leadership, and something he said just struck me upside the head. At some point he said that we shouldn’t pursue leadership, but rather we should let our passions bring us to it, and develop into leadership. Why did this strike me so oddly? I have been pursuing and practicing my leadership gifts for the past two years pretty intensely, but at the last worship service at college I felt like God was telling me two things, 1) Don’t focus on leadership at all for the summer and 2) seek out the orphan child. At that point I was kind of confused about both and what exactly they would look like, but now it just seems so clear…so much of my leadership has been in things in which I am not truly passionate about, and it is just so clear in how difficult it is to stay motivated to lead. I know that God brought me those opportunities to learn a lot, but my direction seems so clear now that I really do need to pursue my passions, and be much more careful about just doing things because they are leadership opportunities.
Another thing that I felt God speak to me this morning came after Greg and I talked about our day at Manantial de Amor yesterday, and how he ended up going back later that day (from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.) to finish up some concrete work that the mason failed to finish even though he said he would. Greg mentioned how one of the boys that he was close with seemed to REALLY appreciate the fact that Greg came back to actually follow through and kept giving him back rubs and things to encourage him. Take a second to think about how many times these orphans are promised something and it never comes to fruition and how much it breaks their hearts. Just think about the way we can minister to their hearts by finishing strong for these children and how much love it speaks. A verse that has been in the back of my head for the past couple of weeks comes to mind. Luke 8:15 says “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Notice how this verse implies that we must persevere to produce a crop, not that it just comes to fruition while we sit and watch. After listening to Greg’s thoughts and reflecting on this verse I thought about my day, and I was instantly drawn to a moment at the very end of the day where I was one of the last people cleaning up, and this child came running up to me to offer me some very cold and refreshing coke. It didn’t strike me until later that this little boy ran all the way from a birthday party the group members were throwing to come show his appreciation by offering coke…I’m sure that he, too felt so loved that we took the time to finish what we set out to do.
So those two things God spoke to me awhile ago seem so clear to me. Right now I just want to minister to these children’s hearts by loving them in every possible way I can, especially by standing firm, giving everything I have and finishing strong each and every day. Each and every little act of love we do for these orphans is a step to renewing their hearts and ushering in the healing that God has planned for them. I feel so free to be able to step back and just act within my passion, and wait to see the leadership God will usher in. I can only hope that that principle will transition back to the states with me in 7 weeks.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Manantial de Amor
So yesterday was just such a great, yet entirely exhausting work day. After the 8 A.M. staff and intern meeting we all knew it would be a bit chaotic with 25+ group members and a tight space to work in, but it just all came together so well. We worked on one main project where we needed to bust up a concrete floor and re-pour it to fix a leaky issue that was causing the existing floor to wash out. It took us all day, and a lot of teamwork, but The Lord just provided for all of us so much throughout the day. I feel like the interns and staff just meshed SO much. I thank God for all that He did through us and know that without His hand in it, we never would have accomplished more than the main project we set out to do.
Daniel
So I’m sitting in the main room on the campus which we call LDM (which stands for Lugar de Misericordia, or place of mercy) and we are in the middle of an ever so wonderful Mexican brownout right now. Thankfully I have some battery power and some free time so I can write about my friend Daniel from Rio 3, which is a terribly impoverished area where people make houses and their $2 a day living out of the garbage they are surrounded with. The other day I was serving at Rio 3, and at a point I went outside to join some group members in a game of soccer against the locals. After the game I began talking with one of the older boys named Daniel. Daniel is 18 years old, has 7 siblings (I met like 5 of them that day haha) and has just graduated high school. He currently isn’t doing anything with his life other than a little bit of work here and there and most likely caring for his family. What I thought would be a short conversation, blossomed into a two hour conversation about many things. At one point I invited Daniel to join us the following day in a work project that we would be doing at the Rio the next day. He was seemed excited, and then began asking me why on earth I, a white skinned gringo, was there serving. Many of the Mexicans in the area were clearly stunned at our presence. It was kind of cool. Nonetheless, this question lead me into a discussion about Back2Back, and eventually our Hope Program. When he heard about the Hope Program (which is a program that gives teens the opportunity to grow up in a family atmosphere and go to college) and that it may be an opportunity for him he got SO excited and asked me to talk to the directors of the Hope Program that night. (On a side note, the power just came back on. Cheers erupted.) Anyways, he said it was his dream to work with B2B, and I left feeling very uncertain about the whole thing as his chances weren’t good, and I didn’t want to get his hopes up, but my Spanish wasn’t good enough to downplay it like I needed to…nonetheless I returned the next day, and told Daniel that I didn’t get a chance to talk to the director, and he was okay with it. He joined us for the work day, and joyfully worked hard with us throughout the day. It was just such a blessing to be able to spend more time with him, and minister to him by spending time alongside him. At the end of the day I left feeling that God was 1) telling me “I told you not to worry about it” and 2) that my role was not yet done with Daniel. I don’t necessarily know where to go from here. I know how many things my flesh wants me to do, things that would emphasize my own power and abilities but I know that isn’t the right direction, so for now I am praying for Daniel each and every day claiming the God’s promises on his behalf, knowing that God has a plan for his life, and that Daniel will be more than provided for. I hope to see it unfold as I am here, but know that only time will tell. (The power just went back out, BOO) So as I head off for a bit of relaxation before tomorrow brings us new groups I invite you to come alongside me as I pray for Daniel and his family. God will work mightily through our prayers.
Daniel is the one in the middle =)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
A Typical Day
One of my friends did this and I thought it was a great idea. Here is a typical day in the life of a Back2Back intern not including Saturdays and Fridays which are different because we are receiving and sending off groups.
5:30 - If it is a running day this is when I wake up. I'm running a 10k race (in Mexico!) in July. Craziness.
6:30 - When I normally wake up, quiet time.
7:30 - Shower/breakfast
8:00 - Morning staff and intern meeting
8:15 - Morning preparations, such as preparing the groups food, water and necessary supplies for the day.
8:30-9:50 - Free time while the groups do their bible studies and stuff. Sometimes we leave early or have extra preparations. If I didn't make it out of bed for my quiet time, then I do it now.
10ish - Depart for the work day
11-4 - Work projects. Can't be too specific as this changes like every day.
4-5 - Travel back to campus or a restaurant depending on the group I'm with.
6 - If on campus, dinner, if not then probably still at said restaurant or possibly back and having free time before worship.
8-9 - Worship, YAY!
9-10:30 - I generally hang out with the jovens (teens in our hope program that live on campus and have the chance to go to college) or the other interns or group members.
10:30-11 - Bed time =)
That's a typical day, woot woot! Stay posted, I will write about my friend Daniel soon, AND I will have a picture for once haha.
5:30 - If it is a running day this is when I wake up. I'm running a 10k race (in Mexico!) in July. Craziness.
6:30 - When I normally wake up, quiet time.
7:30 - Shower/breakfast
8:00 - Morning staff and intern meeting
8:15 - Morning preparations, such as preparing the groups food, water and necessary supplies for the day.
8:30-9:50 - Free time while the groups do their bible studies and stuff. Sometimes we leave early or have extra preparations. If I didn't make it out of bed for my quiet time, then I do it now.
10ish - Depart for the work day
11-4 - Work projects. Can't be too specific as this changes like every day.
4-5 - Travel back to campus or a restaurant depending on the group I'm with.
6 - If on campus, dinner, if not then probably still at said restaurant or possibly back and having free time before worship.
8-9 - Worship, YAY!
9-10:30 - I generally hang out with the jovens (teens in our hope program that live on campus and have the chance to go to college) or the other interns or group members.
10:30-11 - Bed time =)
That's a typical day, woot woot! Stay posted, I will write about my friend Daniel soon, AND I will have a picture for once haha.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Reign In Us
Just some lyrics I feel God put on my heart tonight...Reign In Us by Starfield
You thought of us before the world began to breathe
You knew our names before we came to be
You saw the very day we'd fall away from you
And how desperately we need to be redeemed
Lord Jesus come lead us
We're desperate for your touch
Oh Great and Mighty One with one desire we come
That you would reign that you would reign in us
We're offering up our lives a living sacrifice
That you would reign that you would reign in us
Spirit of the Living God fall fresh again
Come search our hearts and purify our lives
We need your perfect love
We need your discipline
We're lost unless you guide us with your light
Lord Jesus come lead us
We're desperate for your touch
Oh Great and Mighty One with one desire we come
That you would reign that you would reign in us
We're offering up our lives a living sacrifice
That you would reign that you would reign in us
We cry out
For your love to refine us cry out
For your love to define us cry out
For your mercy to keep us blameless until you return
Oh Great and Mighty One with one desire we come
That you would reign that you would reign in us
We're offering up our lives a living sacrifice
That you would reign that you would reign in us
So reign please reign in us
Come purify our hearts we need your touch
Come cleanse us like a flood and send us out
So the world may know you reign you reign in us
You thought of us before the world began to breathe
You knew our names before we came to be
You saw the very day we'd fall away from you
And how desperately we need to be redeemed
Lord Jesus come lead us
We're desperate for your touch
Oh Great and Mighty One with one desire we come
That you would reign that you would reign in us
We're offering up our lives a living sacrifice
That you would reign that you would reign in us
Spirit of the Living God fall fresh again
Come search our hearts and purify our lives
We need your perfect love
We need your discipline
We're lost unless you guide us with your light
Lord Jesus come lead us
We're desperate for your touch
Oh Great and Mighty One with one desire we come
That you would reign that you would reign in us
We're offering up our lives a living sacrifice
That you would reign that you would reign in us
We cry out
For your love to refine us cry out
For your love to define us cry out
For your mercy to keep us blameless until you return
Oh Great and Mighty One with one desire we come
That you would reign that you would reign in us
We're offering up our lives a living sacrifice
That you would reign that you would reign in us
So reign please reign in us
Come purify our hearts we need your touch
Come cleanse us like a flood and send us out
So the world may know you reign you reign in us
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I MADE IT!
I'm here!!! Thanks be to God for having all the traveling go oh so smoothly. Timing couldn't have been better at the Cleveland airport. I got to sleep in a little more than usual, and unlike past times, I got to the gate only about 5 minutes before boarding. It was so nice to pretty much just hop on the plane and go.
After landing in Houston, I started talking to a lady who had asked me about Grove City College (I was wearing a GCC shirt) and it turns out that she was also from Ohio, AND knew where Kidron was. Every time I talk about Kidron I basically hold no hope in people knowing where it is. She ended up being very knowledgeable about the whole area! It was such a nice conversation! Once I got off the plane I met up with a bunch of my past intern friends. I couldn't quite believe I got to enjoy the blessing of seeing them early.
Anyways, so the transition to Mexican life has gone super well so far, with the remainder of the day focusing on a lot of "get to know each other" games and a pizza party...This time around I knew pretty much all but 3 of the interns which made this day a lot easier. On the downside, though, my Spanish is SO bad right now! I haven't practiced in like a month or more and I am feeling rusty. I know it will come but boy are the wheels just not turning very smoothly right now.
Tomorrow is a day full of "intern training" from basically 8 am to 8 pm...it will be a long day of information giving and some practice for the incoming groups on Saturday. Thankfully we get to end the night in worship, which is something we do every night. As of right now it looks like I will be back at El Retiro Juvenil (ERJ) which hosts an awesome ropes course. I have a lot of relationships there that I can't wait to catch up on. I have missed that place a lot (I spent most of my internship there last summer). If not ERJ, I will be working a lot at a place called Rio 3, which is a very impoversished area. I also spent a good amount of time there last year...either way, it will be a blessing to get to work and see what the Lord will do.
On another note of blessing, I was hoping to find a way to keep myself in shape, basically for my return to biking in August, and I found two great running partners, both of whom are training for a marathon later in the year, so it will be nice to join them as that is one of my new goals for the near future (I know I'm a little bit crazy. I'm not denying it at all)...We'll see how tired this gets me! haha
Welp, it's about time I head to bed. I have a long day ahead...I will post an update again soon. Love you all!
After landing in Houston, I started talking to a lady who had asked me about Grove City College (I was wearing a GCC shirt) and it turns out that she was also from Ohio, AND knew where Kidron was. Every time I talk about Kidron I basically hold no hope in people knowing where it is. She ended up being very knowledgeable about the whole area! It was such a nice conversation! Once I got off the plane I met up with a bunch of my past intern friends. I couldn't quite believe I got to enjoy the blessing of seeing them early.
Anyways, so the transition to Mexican life has gone super well so far, with the remainder of the day focusing on a lot of "get to know each other" games and a pizza party...This time around I knew pretty much all but 3 of the interns which made this day a lot easier. On the downside, though, my Spanish is SO bad right now! I haven't practiced in like a month or more and I am feeling rusty. I know it will come but boy are the wheels just not turning very smoothly right now.
Tomorrow is a day full of "intern training" from basically 8 am to 8 pm...it will be a long day of information giving and some practice for the incoming groups on Saturday. Thankfully we get to end the night in worship, which is something we do every night. As of right now it looks like I will be back at El Retiro Juvenil (ERJ) which hosts an awesome ropes course. I have a lot of relationships there that I can't wait to catch up on. I have missed that place a lot (I spent most of my internship there last summer). If not ERJ, I will be working a lot at a place called Rio 3, which is a very impoversished area. I also spent a good amount of time there last year...either way, it will be a blessing to get to work and see what the Lord will do.
On another note of blessing, I was hoping to find a way to keep myself in shape, basically for my return to biking in August, and I found two great running partners, both of whom are training for a marathon later in the year, so it will be nice to join them as that is one of my new goals for the near future (I know I'm a little bit crazy. I'm not denying it at all)...We'll see how tired this gets me! haha
Welp, it's about time I head to bed. I have a long day ahead...I will post an update again soon. Love you all!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Ever So Close!
So I know I said I had a lot to write about, and I do, but I decided to hold off. To summarize a lot of what I was going to write about, I have a great brother, great pastor, and great church community. Basically I am SURROUNDED by great people! I am just so thankful for the role that each of you has played in my life. Thank you!
This will probably be my last post before heading out...I should probably start packing, but instead I am sitting here watching the Matrix (and loving it!) and I am finally starting to realize that I am ACTUALLY about to leave behind so very much for the next two months. It is going to be great! While a part of me wants to stay comfortable at home, the rest of me knows full well that God has great things in store for the next two months that far outweigh those other desires. I truly cannot wait!
I will send you all an update when I get in. The first day typically consists of a lot of training, and "get to know each other" activities as well as a lot of sweating throughout the whole process. I remember stepping outside of the airport last year, and the heat almost took my breath away haha. It was crazy! So once that is all finished up I will try to put up a quick post with pictures of my room and stuff so you all can see what my living conditions are like. Hopefully I will figure out what my role for the summer will be, too. That is the part I am most excited about. I have no idea what exactly I will be doing at this point, and you know what? That is totally okay.
Well...I should probably start preparing a bit since I will be spending most of the night enjoying my last bike ride for a while. Hopefully I can stay in shape over the next two months so I can come back and get some serious miles in and maybe even do a century or two (That's a 100 mile ride for those of you who aren't cycling enthusiasts). Only time will tell I guess haha. I just hope that I don't actually turn into a fatty (that one was for you, brother) from eating all of the incredible Mexican food =)
Anyways, until I write you next, I guess I will just leave you with a pretty powerful quote from the Matrix since I am watching it and all. Ciao!
Setting: Neo has just turned to face the infamous agent rather than running away like everyone else would...
This will probably be my last post before heading out...I should probably start packing, but instead I am sitting here watching the Matrix (and loving it!) and I am finally starting to realize that I am ACTUALLY about to leave behind so very much for the next two months. It is going to be great! While a part of me wants to stay comfortable at home, the rest of me knows full well that God has great things in store for the next two months that far outweigh those other desires. I truly cannot wait!
I will send you all an update when I get in. The first day typically consists of a lot of training, and "get to know each other" activities as well as a lot of sweating throughout the whole process. I remember stepping outside of the airport last year, and the heat almost took my breath away haha. It was crazy! So once that is all finished up I will try to put up a quick post with pictures of my room and stuff so you all can see what my living conditions are like. Hopefully I will figure out what my role for the summer will be, too. That is the part I am most excited about. I have no idea what exactly I will be doing at this point, and you know what? That is totally okay.
Well...I should probably start preparing a bit since I will be spending most of the night enjoying my last bike ride for a while. Hopefully I can stay in shape over the next two months so I can come back and get some serious miles in and maybe even do a century or two (That's a 100 mile ride for those of you who aren't cycling enthusiasts). Only time will tell I guess haha. I just hope that I don't actually turn into a fatty (that one was for you, brother) from eating all of the incredible Mexican food =)
Anyways, until I write you next, I guess I will just leave you with a pretty powerful quote from the Matrix since I am watching it and all. Ciao!
Setting: Neo has just turned to face the infamous agent rather than running away like everyone else would...
Trinity: What is he doing?
Morpheus: He is beginning to believe.
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