Encouraged
Guatemala - March 03, 2006
Last night was a pretty rough night of sleep. We were already well aware of the fact that the region we were in was home to many wild animals including snakes, tigers, elephant and insects such as spiders and ravenous mosquitoes. But it was a rude awakening to see a monster tarantula on the bedroom wall minutes before we went to eat. When we came back in after dinner, it was gone (so I spent the night waking up wondering where that thing actually went). In the morning, we noticed there were two black scorpions not far from where our beds were. Yikes!
We were both humbled and encouraged today as we talked with Eliseo and Juana. Through our conversations we were both surprised to learn how we have been able to also encourage and inspire them. They are both preparing to step into a phase of life that is totally dependent on faith and pursuing a calling. Although they both love the people and the community here in Chichang, it is a drastic difference from their lives in Antigua where they have a beautiful home, a good career and an amazing family. It has been particularly difficult for them to cope with leaving their children behind.
But, as they mentioned to us, these few days have given them a a big boost in encouragement to know they should take the leap of faith and move here to this village. They could both see that we were in a very similar situation not too long ago (being called to pursue a calling and uproot from our lives) and how liberating and exciting it has been for us in this journey.
I was so blessed to be able to meet this couple. It has been incredible for us to hear the vision that this couple has for this village and for it's people. Although we are leaving with nothing tangibly to show from this project, it is a great feeling as we leave knowing that we were meant to be here. It is very evident Eliseo and Juana will undoubtedly be used to impact an incredible number of lives.
-Lee
Traci said...Hey! GREAT stories of encouragement :) I'm ahead of your blogs here...but didn't want to forget to ask...what's it like being in Lima during the midst of their presidential election? I was reading about it on BBC going into 2nd rounds. What's the "vibe" of the capital city right now? Just wondering :)
mike said...A monster tarantula on the wall would is freaky indeed. There's no way I would have slept that night. You mentioned tigers here and in another entry... Are you thinking of mountain lions? Or jaguars? Tigers are only native to Asia and Russia. Great site, guys. I look forward to following the rest of your adventures.