It is almost surreal. I have been thinking about ways this experience has been different from the first time of going, as much as I can see similarities, too.
This time of preparation to go has flown by, I think in part because of how busy my spring was. The last time I went, I went in February, which is a much slower season of life for me. So it has made some of these details a little fuzzier.
But God is in the details. Every one of them. Whether I see them yet or not, I am certain that in weeks to come, I will see more of those details.
Getting away from home, from the every day, from work and routines, tends to open the eyes on many levels, and it is my prayer that my eyes will be opened once again, however the Lord would like me to see. Getting out of my comfort zone has a way of reshaping me and growing me yet again.
What do I most look forward to? I think right now, as I sit and write this, I most look forward to reconnecting with the people in the little village of Brisas del Mar, who have become an extension of my heart. I can't wait to sit face to face with them again and converse and share. (I hope that my Spanish hasn't gotten rusty.... although it is my major in school, I have to get all these basics out of the way, and haven't had the opportunity to immerse myself in it yet) . I look forward to getting to know my team more. When I went last year, I didn't much know my team, since I lived an hour away from them. I don't know my team much this time, either. A few of them, yes. But not the full team. So I look forward to seeing how we work together and how God uses them in my life.
What am I most nervous about? Well.... probably giving the youth lessons. Teaching is not my gift, really. Getting up in front of all the kids isn't really, either. But I will be giving youth lessons twice. I pray that my words would not be mine, but God's through me. that it would touch the youth. I think I am nervous as I leave my family this time. Strange... I didn't feel that way last time. But this time around the kids have so many activities going on and our family is awaiting some answers on a few things as well, so parting ways with them this time is harder for me.
What will I learn? Who knows... only God does. But you know I will come back and blog all about it.
I will dance with the kids and not care how white American I seem.
I will speak the language and learn new words and probably make mistakes but I will laugh at myself in the process.
I will get dirty on the construction site and be grateful for the little bit of water available to shower myself.
I will have an open heart and mind to what God wants to do.
The rain there has been very bad, which may or may not affect our construction. But I am anxious to see what is there this time compared to last time I was there.
This journey to this trip has been similar and yet so different. And in about 10 days I will sit here and share with you all about it. In the meantime, I will take in lessons and moments one day at a time....
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