Tiny Bruises

June 10, 2015

     This is a continuation of the previous post so make sure to check that one out! I left off with leaving on the third day to study and take a test. Well, on the fifth day of the team's visit, I took my exam, ate lunch, and went to the construction sight right away.

     It was a long drive (yes, I did take another nap), but I was pumped to see everybody again. They had made a lot of progress in the making of the house and I couldn't help but be happy to be back. We were able to level out the foundation and for the last few days, we hammered in the wood panels and we were able to stand on the platform! We did jump around on top and maybe dance a little to the neighbour's music.

     The first night I went to the city of Piriápolis, on day one, we sat together in a circle and we sang praise songs for a while. It made my mind flash back to the times in Costa Rica when I was in La Cumbre (a camp) where we had extended worship at night. It was amazing and I really felt God's presence in the room with us. Somehow, I ended up with a guitar in my hands and even though I was out of practice, I had a lot of fun.

     Sunday rolled around and we got to lead worship along with the church there. Again, a guitar was placed in my hands and this time I had to multitask. Sing and play guitar. You have no idea how nervous I was! Scenarios flashed through my head. Guitar strings popping, my voice cracking, me losing my step even though I might've just swayed back and forth like a zombie.

     I stood there for the first time, with a guitar in my hands. Standing in front of a crowd of people with a microphone in front of me. But then, I thought to myself. 

     This isn't for me, it's for God. And we're here together to worship the LORD as a community.  Even though we spoke different languages and we were from different countries, we were all children of God. With those thoughts, I was at peace. Worship was fantabulous.

     After church, the tips of my fingers felt like they were bruised (at least my calluses built up), but it was all worth it. I even found a couple of bruises on my arms. I have no idea how I got them though. We had an asado or Uruguayan BBQ for dinner and I even got to ride a motorcycle for the first time! Of course I didn't drive it, but it was pretty cool.

     The week was gone in just a few seconds, and yet it was a memorable one. So many things have happened and I have learned so much in those seven (technically six) days.

     After having been cooped up in my house/school, studying and getting ready for college, I hadn't realized how deprived I was in my social life. It was great to be heard and to listen to other people's stories as we worshipped and had fellowship together. I could not stop smiling.

     People kept telling me to always smile and it was great to be encouraged like that. I remember when I was having a hard time in Texas in 2014, it was hard to smile. When I did, it was not as heartfelt as I wanted it to be. This mission trip had opened my heart again and it helped me get back up onto my feet. But this time, with a bright smile on my face.

     Even though the trip ended with some sad "good-bye's" and hugs, I know God has an amazing plan for each and every one of us. I looked at their departure as a "see you soon" instead of a good-bye forever. God willing, we will be able to see each other again someday.

     How has everybody's summer been? Did you have a good start on it? I hope everybody stays safe in whatever they do and enjoy the vacations! I know I will (spends five hours in bed watching movies while stuffing my face with cookies).

     Thank you so much for your prayers and I will be seeing you in the next post! Thanks for reading!