Seed Growers

These past weeks have been nothing short of a whirlwind. You could've stuck me in a time machine traveling from two weeks ago to now and I wouldn't have felt a difference. They have felt exherting and tiring with the development of the english program, and leading devotionals in the midst of long workdays. When you put together the little sleep had, little coffee drunk, and in raw truth--little room for personal time with Jesus, it was my homemade recipe for exhaustion. This is in the process of change, as I organize my time into something a bit more sustainable for five months; prioritizing faith first, and responsibility second.

This is how life is looking right now. The mom of my fellow volunteer here has helped to teach sewing classes the past month for two days a week. As she didn't know or speak spanish, I acted as a translator for these periods, and utilized my--very limited--sewing knowledge from that one class I had in eighth grade, to help in the sewing as well. They were fun-filled, and at times overwhelming periods, but her light spirit and consistent patience were such a positive example to me of what a treasure those times were. As I began devotionals, I realized I held a lot of irrational fear in my heart as if I was really the one leading and speaking to these girls. My words are so superficial but the spirit is carrying to their hearts what they need, and it quickly became more comfortable with a stronger confidence in God. Still, it will be a learning process with many imperfections and that is okay. As for english classes, the girls have a strong desire to learn and their eagerness will asist greatly in the process; so far it has been fun and a bit crazy with them learning grammar and vocabulary through games and activities. I will be beginning a couple of new things this next week. I will be working to raise funds for Dunamis, first for the girls' soccer program and then for some larger projects; translating a couple of grant proposals; and possibly starting weekly baking classes with the girls (which I am very excited about)!!! Though I have been worn out at times, I am reminded of why I am here and all there is surrounding me to be deeply grateful for. :)

People say social work takes a special kind of person. One who can sustain the work of healing broken people. I think it solely takes a strong heart, and one that is filled with strength from Christ. Working in a social work setting that actively encorporates ministry has shown me that these people are tired bodies with incredibly strong hearts. They allow God to do the healing and the growing of the seeds they sow. This is how they continue. I have seen how discipleship for Christ falls into two categories. Seed growers, and seed sowers. The sowers bring the word of Christ to people who are lost, or have never heard the word; the growers work to cultivate their active relationships with Christ as they develop. I have friends that are sowers that have the confidence and ability to disciple for Christ in ways that are not my strengths, because I am a grower. These past two weeks, I have felt the power in cultivating relationships with these girls that give me opportunities to encourage them in faith each day. To see the girls that had no knowledge of faith before coming to the safe house, now wrapped up in the blanket of God's love, is eye opening. It entirely changes their state of being and perspectives in life, and shows me the complete reality of God and of His power. I had a conversation with one girl that recently returned to the house. As she recounted her story to me, we talked about the burdens she was carrying that she needed to release to God, and what she plans to do once she leaves. I felt deeply blessed to simply be present with her in that moment. Not every day has moments like this, but I have found my sowing to be active in teaching them, working to build their confidence in their own intelligence; in making jewelry and dresses with them, that they learn to express themselves creatively and individually; in praying for them in the quiet before going to sleep; and in working to live as a reflection of Christ in my own words and actions, each and every day.

Discipleship is not individual to sharing the word of God with strangers, or serving in missions, because every corner of the world has broken people. Every corner needs healing in its own way, and in every occupation and office and school--there is social work to be done. Social work in God's name. I am not so worried about seeking what God's exact purpose for my life because I am assured that my purpose is to love. Wherever I am, I can be a vessel for Christ and that is all he asks. With my whirlwind of responsibilities, there comes great peace in that one simple command. Its not easy to remember in the moments of exhaustion, of fear, and of frustration; but I come back to it to recognize I am present here to love, and nothing more.

Highlights:

- climbing an inactive volcano with a large cross at the top--and then climbing up that cross for the most incredible view

- having an intentional time of prayer and having the opportunity to pray over two of the girls

- taking care of Sofia, one of the babies who just celebrated her first birthday, and has the brightest smile when you spin her around that you can't help but reciprocate

- going to Otavalo, a city nearby with a very large artistic market, and spending time with my sister for her birthday; then making lasagna with her the next day to celebrate with her host family

- making three pies in two weeks??? I've been informed I need to open my own pie shop here

Prayer Requests:

- For the two girls who are preparing to return to their families soon, that they would continue to be lights for Christ

- prayer of thanks in finding a church community to have fellowship and mutual encouragement in faith every week- and prayer for those new relationships

- For the upcoming projects I will be engaging in-- to be equipped and that God's provision will show through

- For the other social workers that persevere tirelessly in all the work that they do

Con Cariño,

Sara