I've been writing about the fun and exciting things happening here, but this week has been the hardest week so far. We haven’t been doing as much physical labor. We’re still working in the garden and kitchen; weeding, watering, and taking care of tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon, plantains (they look like a banana but they’re hard and taste like a potato), etc. This week we worked in the morning until lunch and then had free time/ quiet time. We’re mostly doing this because our team has dominated all of the work that the orphanage had for us to do—they thought we would take longer doing the work, but we have been working so hard and finished early. We are currently working on how we can interact with the kids here more. There is a school that Cicrin runs, but not all of the students are from the orphanage. It would be a great opportunity for us to minister in the school since not all of the students know who God is. We are also making efforts to hold conversation with the older kids. I wish I were able to hold a conversation with them, but I can really only ask basic questions. It’s made me realize that I want to learn the language to wherever I will go on the missions field in the future, before getting there.
So during the free time I have been filling it with finishing up a job application, listening to sermons, journaling, and reading Job and Hebrews. I have been struggling with fully realizing that God is all I need. I want to be at the place where I don’t need anyone else—where I don’t turn to anyone else for encouragement, comfort, or have anyone else control my emotions. It’s awesome to have the encouragement and comfort here, but ultimately God is all I need. I’m not at that place yet, but filling my free time with listening and learning about Him is helping. I’ve been focusing on things back home, where I’ll be working when I get back, and the moment when I get home, but that’s not what I should be focusing on. I need to be in the moment here, concentrating on what I’m doing at the orphanage and enjoying the people I am around. I’m definitely in the midst of learning a lesson on perseverance.
Some of the cool things I’ve experienced are leading a Bible study on Hebrews 1 with our group. (Everyone I think will have a chance to lead a study. We just finished Daniel and are now going into Hebrews 2 tomorrow. I’m enjoying learning more about the Bible and am excited to be doing this.) Oh! Also, one of the boys here, Hilario, is doing so well. He was acting out and struggling with a lot of behavior issues due to his past, BUT he listens a lot better, doesn’t act out nearly as much as when we got here, and he loves hugs. He’s truly a sweet kid. Something else that’s come a long way since we’ve been here is the garden. It’s growing like crazy! Oh, something else that’s crazy is its winter here. And it’s really hot. The pastor the other night said that it doesn’t really get much hotter in the summer here, it just rains less then. Weird. I am looking forward to going to a lagoon on Saturday with a large majority of our group and Natalia. It’s supposed to be a really pretty view, clear water, and good food. I’m ready to see more of this island for sure.
