Snapshots of the last few weeks
Today I wanted to share moments that are snapshots of what we have been up to:
Sharing with friends:
A couple with their 1 year old son showed up at our house just as we were getting home from visiting another family. We sat in our living room sharing a snack and talking about their experiences. When we moved to Chepo a year and a half ago, Alex determined to get to know this family who had no interest in Christianity. He started visiting their home from time to time, just to chat. Sometimes we would go over as a family. Eventually we shared some meals together, and trust was built. Then one day we were surprised to see them in the evening church service. We had never brought up the subject of church attendance or pressured them about their relationship with God. They asked us to pray when the wife was sick. Then, that evening, they shared their whole journey with us, honestly talking about their mistakes, and where they hope to go for now. Their family has changed.
Teaching:
We had planned on being part of an outreach last weekend but the available boat was overloaded and we had to stay back. Since the local pastor and church leaders were on the outreach, we got together with another family to have church at their home. It was about as casual as could be. We read a passage of scripture while the kids played around us, and then made comments on what we had read. We sang one song, and prayed after we were done. Lina and Neander, our friends, told us afterwards that they had learned tons that morning. "I always learn so much when we do church like this, it's not the same as listening to a sermon." How great is that? You don't have to prepare a sophisticated sermon that impresses people, you just need to make yourself available.
Trust:
It was last afternoon, and out of the blue three young ladies show up at our house, They are part of the local youth group and we have un-officially adopted them all as part of our family. They know they are welcome and often come to us for advice (well, Alex more than me). Trust takes time, especially in the Wounaan context. I am learning just how hard it can be to earn trust, and how precious it is once gained.
Evi, one of the young ladies, walks into our kitchen and sees some fresh bread. "Hey, Jennifer." She yells to me in the living room, "I'm going to have some of this bread with cheese." I told her to go ahead, and smiled to myself. Now I knew that she considered us family. She knew she didn't have to ask permission. It's funny, it's one of the most significant things that has happened to me since we moved here. Just to be considered family.
Sharing with friends:
A couple with their 1 year old son showed up at our house just as we were getting home from visiting another family. We sat in our living room sharing a snack and talking about their experiences. When we moved to Chepo a year and a half ago, Alex determined to get to know this family who had no interest in Christianity. He started visiting their home from time to time, just to chat. Sometimes we would go over as a family. Eventually we shared some meals together, and trust was built. Then one day we were surprised to see them in the evening church service. We had never brought up the subject of church attendance or pressured them about their relationship with God. They asked us to pray when the wife was sick. Then, that evening, they shared their whole journey with us, honestly talking about their mistakes, and where they hope to go for now. Their family has changed.
Teaching:
We had planned on being part of an outreach last weekend but the available boat was overloaded and we had to stay back. Since the local pastor and church leaders were on the outreach, we got together with another family to have church at their home. It was about as casual as could be. We read a passage of scripture while the kids played around us, and then made comments on what we had read. We sang one song, and prayed after we were done. Lina and Neander, our friends, told us afterwards that they had learned tons that morning. "I always learn so much when we do church like this, it's not the same as listening to a sermon." How great is that? You don't have to prepare a sophisticated sermon that impresses people, you just need to make yourself available.
Trust:
It was last afternoon, and out of the blue three young ladies show up at our house, They are part of the local youth group and we have un-officially adopted them all as part of our family. They know they are welcome and often come to us for advice (well, Alex more than me). Trust takes time, especially in the Wounaan context. I am learning just how hard it can be to earn trust, and how precious it is once gained.
Evi, one of the young ladies, walks into our kitchen and sees some fresh bread. "Hey, Jennifer." She yells to me in the living room, "I'm going to have some of this bread with cheese." I told her to go ahead, and smiled to myself. Now I knew that she considered us family. She knew she didn't have to ask permission. It's funny, it's one of the most significant things that has happened to me since we moved here. Just to be considered family.
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