El Salvador Part 2

Sunday Morning I woke up to a belly full of fear excitement.  It was irrational.  But since I had been at my big, strong husband's side for the last 10 years and never on my own, I was a smidge scared at what a week without him would be like.  I wasn't about to tell anyone how I was feeling and sound like a complainey woman.  So the only person left that I could confide in was my God of course.  I prayed, and then decided to look up a verse on fear.  What I got was a mantra that I would recite to myself the rest of the week and strength when I didn't think I could go on.  It was absolutely perfect, and the very first verse I looked at. 

Psalm 18:30-36
30 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. 31 For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? 32 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. 33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. 34 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 35 You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. 36 You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.

Not only were these verses perfect for me, but they were also perfect for all of the people of La Libertad.  In a place that is constantly plagued by erosion it is even more important to teach this.  When they can't depend on the weather, people, food, money and even the land their homes stand on, they need to know that God is their Rock.

So armed with these verses and a new mindset, I went down to breakfast and started my day with a smile on my face.  Sunday we went out into the neighborhoods surrounding the church, where the need is greatest.  Words cannot describe.  We invited any children we saw to a party at the church later that afternoon, later in the day over 200 people came and enjoyed balloons, pinatas, clowns and games.  That night we were treated to an evening church service and got to worship in Spanish with them!

Monday was our first official day of work.  I joined an interpreter in teaching English to some young students with Peggy, a retired teacher that was with our group.  We taught about ordinal numbers, calendar, the words: "in, on and at."  I found that Peggy, although, retired is a natural teacher.  I also was given a gift in the way of gaining assurance in my future schooling and career.  I've been so unsure about what I wanted to do when I grow up!  I found out that I truly enjoy teaching! 

After we taught the kids they went to computer class, then a Bible lesson that I commandeered Andrea Mindling, another group member for!  She did an amazing job all week choosing a verse and picking a lesson to teach with it.

After teaching we went out to play with the nutrition center kids.  We colored with them, played with balls and did some games of "Pato, Pato, Ganzo (duck, duck, goose)" and musical chairs.  This was my first encounter with a woman I would become so fond of that I wish my parents wold adopt her so she can be my sister.  Claudia!  After Pato, Pato, the heat took over for me and I was done.  But not Claudia.  She came from Honduras with three others to translate for us, but also worked alongside us.  She, with Don's (Papa Gringo- the leader of our group) guitar, sideways hat and kazoo, started a game of musical chairs.  Claudia supervised, reffed, and tirelessly led the game while all I could do was sit, sweat, and watch in amazement.  Not one moment did she lose the smile on her face or her patience.  Women from Honduras are tough!

Meanwhile the construction team was toughing out the El Salvador heat and the medical team was organizing for their clinic days, and revisiting the neighborhoods to hand out tickets to the medical clinic days.

Monday night, after an awesome day was the first inkling I would get that I was about to enter into what will be a lifetime friendship with some very special women! 

Part 3 Coming Soon.