There are less than two weeks left before I head back to the United States. I cannot believe it! I look back and think about all that I have been able to do. And the perspective I had when arriving (terrified and scared out of my pants) so much has happened and so much has changed. I am still trying to process all that has taken place here, the lessons I learned- about God, this culture, myself, the church, prayer, so much... Some lessons have been more memorable than others, but I am thankful for them all. Right now, I am really trying to figure out how I am going to thank the people that have taught me so much and shared with me the past two months. My initial plan to collaborate with each family did not work out quite as I had planned, figures. But I have some other ideas. I am reading ¨Three Cups of Tea¨ right now and it is incredible. I highly recommend it, if you have not read it. Every time I read a part of it, I want to set off and do something huge and grand here in Venezuela to really help and make a difference. (For those of you don´t know- the basis of the book is an American mountain climber decides to build a school for an isolated village near K2). I am disappointed at times when I look at how little money I have to offer or thinking I am just a recent college grad who took a vacation in Venezuela. I do feel this has been so much more and different than a vacation- teaching classes, speaking to churches, building houses, cold showers, skipping meals because the family you´re with can´t afford it, etc. There is one need that I have identified as something I want to do what I can to help- the family of Rodolfo (the superintendent who put my whole trip together) is in need of a vehicle. It is a great necessity here for a family of 7 and for ministry as pastor of a church and superintendent of the district. It is a bit more expensive here to purchase a car that is sure to be quality- by quality I mean a 1980´s car/ truck in working condition- around $6-7,000. I am still figuring out how I can help. But for now, I am praying and listening for ways to help this amazing family as much as I can.
This next week will be spent in San Cristobal. Then I head to camp with the adolescents of all the Nazarene churches in Venezuela. I am pretty excited! It should be a lot of fun!
I have to run, but I will try to get another post up this week before I head to camp and then back home!
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers! They have truly made a difference!