It has finally arrived at the time, the time that our structured ministry would end and that all of P Squad would come back together for debrief and training. With all of the changes that have happened I find myself, and I’m sure many others, having an excitement for our reunion that is equally tempered by the sadness of having to leave our ministries and the people that we’ve all grown so close to.
For Lawn Chair Crisis, our farewell to Peten was divided in two parts. The first was our last day in the larger village. We began the day with house visits and I had the privilege of visiting one of the boys who plays soccer with us and his family. Little Tennyson (name change) is only seven and even as he plays hard, he has the cutest smile, one that surely warms the lives around him. It is such an essential blessing as he has been taken in by his aunt, who is also raising two other children away from their abusive fathers. Tennyson is so close to his older cousin, he refuses to let him go anywhere without him. The only time they are apart is when his cousin goes to a mountain to gather firewood and Tennyson cries most every time his cousin leaves. His aunt shared the struggles of raising three children on her own, but she wouldn’t trade them for anything, and she would do anything to fight to hold onto those kids. She struggles to provide for them and is thankful that Tennyson’s cousin, if he makes 50Q, would give 30Q to her before anything. They’re a beautiful family that exemplify fierce love and commitment to one another and it makes me smile to remember them.
Following that, we just spent a rainy time together with the kids. We did more Olympics underneath an overhang at their school. Even one of the older boys, Charles, who dominates on the pitch, stayed late with us and the kids. It was simply a time of unadulterated fun with everybody and there is nothing more to say than thanks be to God for the blessings He has lauded upon me.
The following day we went to our smaller site of ministry and if my heart hadn’t already broke, it certainly did driving away from there for the last time. We opened up with some Olympics, as per usual at this point. We had planned on doing house visits afterwards, but we instead just stayed with the kids in free time together to simply enjoy the blessing that is unstructured time together. Proffe Paps (Jaden) got to spend some time with the kids playing soccer and flying kites, Sarah got to continue in English and spending purposeful times with the moms of the village, we were all doing something different. I had the pleasure of being able to share photos of my family and my life back home before Sylvia started to give me flowers. I was covered in flowers that her and others had picked, and we did a mock-bridal shoot with the moms. All the while, Sylvia was just having the time of her laugh, she was smiling and giggling, and even as I sit here typing this, I am tearing up a little bit. Towards the end of our time together, I had the opportunity to try and teach the kids our favorite line dances: Copperhead Road and The Boot Scootin’ Boogie.
It was such a blessing to share with them, to pour into them, to plant those seeds regardless of our ability to witness the fruit that will come in their lives. I want nothing but the absolute best for them and I ask that all y’all would join me in praying for them. These are mothers and fathers, children, who need access to water, proper nutrition, education, but most importantly love. They are so worthy of love, and they shower it on anybody who’s lucky to meet them. Pray that they would continue to receive love from the Father, that they would continually find hope in Him, and that they would never stop praying and pursuing Him in intimacy and trust. I have been emotionally wrecked and spiritually transformed from the experience, but this wasn’t about me. This is about them.
I will miss them so thoroughly, maybe not the climate or the infrastructure, but I will without a doubt miss people whose hearts are enormous. I am also excited for Romania, for a cold climate and to serve and learn and love in a culture with which I am unfamiliar. May the Lord guide us as we seek to serve Him and expand the kingdom, and may the life He has planned and promised and brought about in us flourish.
I am so, so glad there are no goodbyes in the family of God. Eternal relationships, brothers, and sisters forever for sure. We will rule and reign together, have things to conquer, things to do, create, etc.
You are part Guatemalan now, increased, Spanish skills, and 100% for sure you left a huge part of your Corazon there with these kids and adults.
The apostle Paul talked about, pouring himself out like a drink, offering, and spending and being spent for the churches there. You too, my brother and I’m super proud of you. God will finish the work he started in all of their lives. I have no doubt.
“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”
??1 Thessalonians? ?5:23-24? ?ESV??
Thanks for sharing brother I almost teared up also 🙂