So today, things got real here in Mexico. Last week we got here, and it was mainly orientation/chill time. We got to meet some students and visit where we are going to help out in the community, etc. Today, we taught... and it's pretty hard. I now have mad respect for teachers. But on a side note, they have like a praise night here every week, which is pretty cool. And hearing praise songs led in Spanish and with a few English songs is pretty tight, like incredibly beautiful tight. One side note is that... the girls are louder here and seem to be more invested in the praise if that makes sense, but I've found that to be similar with the several services that I've attended, but perhaps part of the reason is just because of song choice. There is also some incredibly beautiful scenery here. Like awesome scenery, only downside so far is the abundance of bugs that are everywhere.
Moving on, teaching is hard man. The community teaching time is 3 hours and just consumes so much energy, and honestly my mindset is one of why am I even here when I could be reaching out to the kids. But I need to change my mindset concerning that because God has called me to work in this area as well. Too often I let myself get jaded concerning work, but I am called to have my life reflect that of Christ to where we reach out to all. Even as I am currently reading a book, The Cost of Discipleship, I realize that I am selective about what I find joy. I find so much joy in interracting with the kids even it may be really hard, but with the community I'm just upset that I have to devote so much time to preparing for it. But ya.... I'm a sinner haha, but God is good and constantly teaching me which is something I definitely need and am glad about.
I also had to help out students that are considered low level or basically they have no English, and it's literally... no English. That was one of the hardest times I've had communicating with people, but I actually really enjoyed. This trip has made me really want to learn Spanish just because of this community and these students. There is a joy found in these people (not to generalize) that I have not been able to find all that time even within the surroundings of my home. I see a joy similar to the Little Lights staff, and I actually draw a lot of similarities b/t my experience here and there. One major difference is the involvement with the community, but I guess LIttle Lights is an affluent area that focuses upon a group whereas Ichthus is located in a poor area reaching out to many.
Tomorrow is another long day, where I am woefully unprepared, and I just am going to wing part of my class because I have the lesson plan. But I will put my hope in the Lord, and from there continue to work here serving God. My verses of enouragement here are Isaiah 40:30-31. The pastor here also gave us a verse from Jeremiah, but I have to ask someone about it again. The staff here are sooo loving. lol. But good night world, if you read this, please pray for our team here. We need energy, love, and ultimately the constant reminder of Jesus Christ, which honestly is sometimes lost as we struggle or get tired.
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