The Joyful Journey

Good day, Brother and Sisters...

I have the desire to give thanks to God for the blessings in my life right now, and have decided that one of the best ways for me to do that is to show love to those around me here. And, it is not only our words that count, but our actions. Everyone needs affirmation and to be acknowledged as a beloved child of God. I like Romans 12:10..¨."love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor". If we are the body of Christ, God`s hands here in the world, the tools for God`s Shalom plan for the world, then we need to first show that love to those around us. It is easy for me to live being helped and blessed by God through the people around me, and be too lazy or distracted to really realize that God inhabitats those people. What an opportunity there is to come into union with God if we can love and honor God by loving and blessing those around us--our family, mentors, pastors, caring neighbors, strangers who help in times of need. I`ve been realizing that my serving is empty if I am not in a loving, seeking relationship with God. And my relationship with God is blocked if I am not in loving, giving relationships with my fellow companions here on earth.

God has been blessing me during this time of my life, as always. I praise Christ, because lately I`ve had some more awareness of those blessings. The blessing of being able to communicate in Spanish (understanding the sermons more!), and have friendships that are becoming more meaningful. The news from Caleta Olivia (where we went on our week-long evangelistic trip) that the small congregation down there has been growing and blossoming rapidly, with great joy and praise to God. Coffee and prayer time with my fellow RAD friend Leah Yoder, and new friend Danielle, a high school junior from Wakarusa who is here for 6 months attending the secondary school. Small reminders of God´s love like the little kids all around the city that seem to know my name and come up and give me kisses. Letters and emails of encouragement from friends back home. An afternoon by the river with a friend who confides in me. Laughing and bonding with the boys and two men from the church with whom we are constructing a new church building. Hugs and wet kisses from my three-year-old hermanita (little sister).

Borrowing from the imagery of a friend of mine, God is an ocean. The tides come and go--leaving the shore dry at times. But, if I just sit in the sand long enough, the water of the Spirit will once again wash over me. To let God´s presence wash over my life, I must come into the presence of the Creator daily...waiting, thanking, praising...faithfully.
That is the kind of worship God desires. Praise-giving that seeps into every ascpect and second of our lives, and isn´t confined to Sunday morning thanksgiving-times.

May God give me the strength to love and the patience to wait.
--Andrea