What a Delight: 2010

A few years ago I felt like God was putting a desire in my heart to learn Spanish again. I say again because I took four years of Spanish in high school but could only remember a few words and phrases (that's what I get for "memorizing" things for the test and not to remember). I wasn't sure why I was learning Spanish or what I was going to be using it for in the future, but I started to work on it a little at a time. Gradually I felt like I had the necessary foundation and would be able to communicate on a basic level with people who speak Spanish.

While I have had a heart for working with Hispanic people for a while, as my vocabulary grew, my love for them continued to grow as well. I just didn't know what I was suppose to do or where I was suppose to go. I prayed that God would lead me. My youth pastor from high school (Jon Parr) is a missionary in Mexico now, so I started asking him questions about visiting. He and his family said that they would be willing to let me stay at their house, so I decided to stay with them for two weeks.

During that time I participated in the ministry they are involvedwith and was immersed in Mexican culture. I experienced two bilingual worship services with the main congregation in Cancun. I also joined them at El Milagro (where there was no running water or electricity) as they worshipped God and taught children about the Bible. My favorite part of the trip was helping with the children's program at Rancho Viejo. I got to go along with the Parr's several times as they bought food for the program and then took it home to cook it for the following day. I helped set up tables and helped serve the food to the children. I drew water from the well so we could flush the toilets. I experienced the children learning about God. I connected with children as they played with Legos, put together puzzles, and rode home. I helped clean up so that ministry could continue to happen.

One of the first things that Jon told me was that I would have to be flexible while I was visiting them in Mexico. As expected, plans were altered on more than one occasion. God showed me that His plan and timing are perfect. God comforted me as I missed Tony and the boys. God strengthened me when I was hot and tired. God encouraged me as I talked to people in Spanish. God continues to help me persevere as I learn more Spanish and wait to see when I will use it again.

Parr's home