Chapter 32- Adventures of a Gringo

Yes, miracles of miracles I am blogging and from El Salvador no less. I couldn't let the opportunity pass to fill you on one of the grandest adventures yet. I mean, my blog is called "In Search of a Story" and this qualifies as quite the story, si?

I've only been here two days and already this trip seems full. We got in yesterday at 7:40AM after taking a red-eye flight and everyone was delirious with exhaustion. We went to our host homes and napped and then Mario our host took Erick and I out "on the town" for some ridiculously good sushi then down to a beach town to see fireworks, eat ceviche, watch some UFC and sit by some of the most incredible waves I've ever seen. I learned that El Salvador has one of the top ten beaches for surfing. So last night really felt more like a vacation than a mission. But it was much need to recharge and be ready to give this morning.

Erick and I woke up and had an amazing breakfast prepared for us by Carmen, Mario's in house maid (we are staying with one of the more wealthy brothers). Huevos and frijoles con queso with steamed milk kinda like hot horchata and Salvadoran tortillas. We headed to service and were bombarded with love and welcome from all the brothers and sisters. I was a little overwhelmed and forgot any Spanish I knew and just nodded and smiled. The music was amazing. I sat there with a big grin on my face as they sang some familiar tunes in spanish and some new ones as well. I didn't understand everything but the heart was golden. Jay preached a powerful message on what true freedom is and how we have to come to terms with how helpless we are to fully experience freedom. Afterward we had some time of fellowship. I did the best I could with what little spanish I know. I said "Mucho gusto" a lot.

After church we went to eat some amazing steak and then headed out to visit some of the poor families in the church. The first was Inez who is battling cancer right now. The joy that her and her family has is remarkable and humbling. They all live in a tiny space yet they opened up their home and treated us with such amazing hospitality. We got to give them clothes and also let Ynez know that the Turning Point family is providing for her to continue radiation treatment for her cancer. She was so moved and grateful for the generosity and how God has blessed her. One thing she said was "Even though I am sick, I know God is making me perfect."

Next we visited Christian and Noemi and their family. They have been Christians for a little over a year and also live in humble circumstances. Christian shared with us how he was brought out to church. He was so touched that we would take the time to come visit him. I asked him what his favorite scripture was and he said Revelation 3: something about "the time is now and those who have ears let them hear." He said we need to hear with the ears of our heart and not our head. He mentioned the scripture in Revelation about "I stand at the door and knock" and how we need to close the doors to what is bad and start opening the doors to the good.

The last home we visited was William and Gloribel. It was truly third world living conditions, yet the joy was so apparent on their faces. William even shared his favorite scripture from proverbs about how God knows exactly how much to give us so we don't struggle. That was so powerful considering where we were standing. Their shower and kitchen were outside. They basically cook on top of corrugated metal. Their kids are adorable. Steven is a character and definitely likes the spotlight. I felt I identified with him a lot. Emily is just too cute for her own good.

All of these families we got to give clothes and other things to and also pray for them. It was very moving and I'm still processing it all, but I am already feeling more connected and convicted about continuing to help my family here.

I have to admit, I had some feelings of insecurity mostly due to the language barrier. It was hard to connect sometimes and I felt helpless. I am a very performance oriented individual so I wanted to do something and not knowing exactly what was very frustrating. What was tough for me to wrap my mind around was that I could be encouraging and beneficial by just being there. There was so much gratitude for us just being present and it was quite humbling to experience that. It's also amazing to know that I represent something much larger than myself. I represent the love of a family 6,000 miles away and am just a vessel, a symbol if you will, for that love and God's love here in El Salvador.

The people are just incredible here and I can't wait to get to know them more and more. Tomorrow we are going to a coffee plantation which is very exciting for me being a master of coffee and all. There is so much more I could write but then it'd be a book. I am looking forward to the impact God is going to make using us here. It's just beginning.