Alright so once again I have made it to the coffee shop with internet! :) funny to think it wasn't that long ago when Internet didn't exist let alone become so vital. Anyhow I just wanted to give you guys an update, the building is very much still a work in progress and we appreciate prayers for that and for the finances to continue. God has been working on me so much over the past 3 weeks, on patience, on compassion, and just simply remembering that my identity is in Him.
I've been reading the book, “The Alchemist” (shout out to
the Green’s Thank you so much!!!) It is so interesting… For those of you who
haven’t read it; it is basically a book about one’s personal journey. The main
character is a young boy, a mere shepherd. As he lives out his life he runs
into many different circumstances only to find out that each situation
furthered his journey or played a part in making his journey. I Love how at first he doesn't even know what
his journey is or what his goal is. But as time goes on things become clear.
Through every trial he faces he is able to see the good it brought about because
he so clearly knows what he’s after and that nothing can stop it from happening
(well except for him that is).
That is how I want to
look at life as well. It is one grand journey and there is purpose in
everything. This week has been an interesting one to say the least; I had
thought I lost my purse with a couple hundred soles in it on Monday. Great way
to start off the weak haha, but again I could clearly see Gods providence in
it. So I realized it was missing Monday night and I had just come in from town
so I knew exactly where I was and where it would be if I had misplaced it. So
Tuesday morning I set out by myself I got tired of waiting for a combie (public
transportation) so I started walking. As I walked I had plenty of time to think
and to pray. My prayer was something like this, “Lord, I know you know exactly
where my purse is, please let me have it back, the money is yours to begin with
it, so if it’s not for me then let whoever has it need it more than me”, said
with a heavy sigh. As I walked about 20 minutes a combie finally came and I
jumped on, I was squished in the back with some of the ladies that worked up in
the mountains so I opened my Spanish Bible and asked the lady sitting next to
me if she knew of John 3:16 she said she did but it was obvious she was annoyed
with me I asked her what she thought eternal life was, she wouldn't respond so
I read John 17:3 and then I was silent and so was she… As I got off that combie and caught the next
one that would take me to Banos del Inca (the city I was in the day before) I
was trying to prepare myself for the worst.
I asked the store clerk if they had seen my purse and he knew what it
looked like but he thought I left it in the taxi, in other words it’s gone.
I stepped outside and cried… I felt so stupid, I am normally
on top of these types of things, and I clearly remember making sure I had
everything with me…. Oh well I had to
move on, “He gives and takes a way…”
right? So I finally pulled myself together *and bought some ICE cream J then waited for a
combie again to go home… I waited for 40
minutes and during that time I met a guy my age named Roman. We talked about
the city, the mountains, and how bad my Spanish is but I was also able to
invite him to church (our church used to be a bar called the Chilling bar so it
is super easy to invite people because everyone knows where it is!) He told me
he is coming! I am so excited! I had to think, “If I lost my purse just in
order for one person to come to church then hey that is totally worth it.” Well
after that I realized no combies were coming so I had to take a Taxi I normally
don’t take Taxi’s especially by myself but this was a rare case. I found a Taxi
who gave me a really good deal and during the 25 minutes we had the best
conversations ever. He liked to read the Bible every once in a while but he had
no idea what eternal life was. He
thought it was similar to how we live now. Again I shared John 17:3 and I tried
my best with the Spanish I have to explain that eternal life is wrapped up in knowing
God, that it is about a relationship not a religion. After he
dropped me off I felt such peace and contentment knowing that if I hadn't lost
my purse I would have never had those conversations or met those people. God is
good. Now the next thing to happen was completely off my radar.
One of my
friends, Paula told me she thinks she found my purse in her room. I was super
excited but at the same time I didn't want to get my hopes up because well, to
be honest I didn't really think it would be there and plus I've been on way too
much of an emotional roller coaster lately. To my surprise we walk in and there
it is… My purse with all the money in it… I have no idea why I brought it in
there and left it in there but all I could say was, “Thank you Jesus!!!”
So crazy… and I’m so thankful. He is teaching me so much
right now and stretching me like crazy. Please pray for boldness in my faith
that I would trust Him entirely. And if there is anything I could be praying for you for feel free to leave a comment or message me I would love to be able to lift you up in my prayers as well. :)
Each morning when I wake up I look out at most amazing view and I am completely aware of God's presence. It truly is incredible, and for that I couldn't be thankful enough... I think about where God has me right now and the blessing of being supported by so many loving friends and family and I am speechless. There are so many more things I want to share but they will have to wait until next time I have internet. For now I would just ask that you could pray for us living here for heart changes, for action, and for all the kids on the street for protection, love, and salvation. Thank you all! Rest in His presence today.