So what's new with the girls volleyball ministry? Now that we have a month under our belt, we are really starting to see the girls warm up and be more open with us. Becky (the other American missionary who coaches with me) and I are doing our best to also be open with them and gain their trust so that we can be an influence for good in their lives. It's exciting to see this start to happen, but also just astounding once we start knowing them more. What some of these girls home lives are like just baffle me. Often times behavior is directly connected with the home life...and it makes total sense on why some girls may have attitudes, or get frustrated easily, etc. We have already heard comments of parents who hit them when they do something wrong, or one parent is in jail because they were part of a gang, and other difficult situations. The reality here that these young girls have to deal with is astounding and something no one should ever have to go through. We are grateful that God has been allowing us to find teaching moments within the trainings. Although volleyball is the reason why these girls come and one of our goals is to teach them this sport, the main reason is to teach them God-values and pour love into their lives so that they may also find the hope that is in Jesus and be a difference-maker in the world. Please be praying for the girls home lives, that they start grasping the concept of who Jesus really is, and that Becky and I and continue to stay intentional and wise as we spend time with these girls.
Last week marked the first mission team that the El Salvador base received this year! We had a nurse from Texas who served with us for a week and truly blessed our ministries. We visited an Island for 3 days where she gave education for midwives, pregnant and young mothers. The Island where CFCI works at is in huge need and lacks a lot of education. Having Jana working with these women was a blessing to all involved. Part of my "job" has been the coordinating and communications with the teams that we receive, but I also get to be part of the fun once they get here. It's incredible how God blessed ME through this week of serving others outside of our "normal" ministry activities. I will admit though that it is extremely tiring since the week is jammed pack, schedule-wise. I am praying for rejuvenation of energy and rest as we prepare for our next next team the end of this month. Please pray for peace and strength as we gear up for this next team...it makes things really really busy and I don't want to get caught up in the details and end up putting God on the back-burner...as we so often can do.
This is the first of several teams that our base is going to have serving with us this year. I ask for prayers in knowing how to best organize each team so that they are serving with passion and blessing those we work with.
I personally have been in a state of awe and wonder with who God is and how He blesses me beyond what I deserve. Not just in the good times, but also in the stressful and not so fun things. It is all about a choice....do we choose joy and choose to live in God's presence everyday, or do we choose to be dictated by circumstances? I'm finding that the more I choose to look through Jesus' perspective with an attitude of appreciation, the more joyful I am and the better that day is! I encourage you to choose the things of God, and not of ourselves.
Please please please write me, ask me questions, and let me know how I can be praying for you!!! It would make me so happy!! :)
Much love,
Lauren
Girls from the Island Community
Our fantastic 4 girls from the 13-15 year old group.
Maritza, Jazmin, Vanessa, & Jazmin
