Wow! What a crazy few days our team has had. Five teammates left Saturday morning as they felt the Lord calling them home. I’m so proud of them for following God’s voice in their lives, even though many of them were uncertain what they would do when they got home. Friday night was our last night as a whole group, and so we decided to celebrate the time we’ve spent together and praise God for what He’s done in our lives.
Friday we went back to the neighborhoods we visit and said goodbye to the friends we’ve made. For those who went home this was goodbye, and for those of us staying it was more of a “hope to be able to see you soon” kind of goodbye. After that we went back to Castillo Del Rey (the church we attended and also where we used to live) and had a time of prayer and singing in the abandoned church. It was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I caught myself wondering if the church would be dead forever, or if one day people would be worshipping there together again. But then I realized something – Castillo Del Rey isn’t dead because Jesus still lives! Castillo Del Rey – the castle of the King, as it translates in English – is in each one of our hearts. Jesus isn’t confined to walls built by human hands. His home is in each one of us. The church is still alive because it lives inside of us. For me, it was a really neat time to reflect on what God’s done, what He’s doing, and what He will do. Later we all went to dinner at Bigo’s, one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. We spent the rest of the evening taking communion, encouraging each other, and spending time together as a family.
God has provided for us in ways that are more than we could’ve asked or imagined. We now have a new house and are in the process of moving. Monday we spent most of the day cleaning and packing at the church, and today we moved almost all of our belongings, beds, etc. to the new house. Tomorrow will be our first official day living there. The house is very, very nice and spacious. After living at the church, I would’ve been fine moving just about anywhere (not that the church was bad, it just wasn’t too luxurious), but the house is better than anything I would’ve asked for. God has been so faithful with us and His provision is so evident. I pray that our new home will be a place where Jesus is welcomed and honored.
I’m so glad that God knew about all of this before it ever happened – before I even signed up to come to Mexico. This isn’t a surprise to Him at all, and I’m looking forward to seeing how He uses these difficult experiences in each one of our lives. So for what He’s done, for what He’s doing, and for what He will do – praise the Lord!
Job 1:21 – The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.
Keep up the good work, and keep the positive attitude. It sounds like your new house is nice.
Glad to hear the good news!!
You have great perspective. Thanks!
I have seen you grow so much in just the past few weeks, and I am so excited to see all He does in you during the rest of your time here!!
Praise God for your steady faithfulness and ability to see God’s hand working!