Day 11- “Let the heaven’s rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say amoung the nations, “The Lord reigns!” 1 Chronicles 16:31 (Cris’ last verse of the day)
Well Lord, this is kind of a bitter-sweet day, we’re going home! I’m excited to see my family, to hug them and kiss them, to hear how their week went, to tell them all the stories of my week. But at the same time, I’m sad to be leaving Guatemala and all the work we’ve done. We went to so many schools and festivals, the faces were just starting to become familiar- I hate to leave them. I’m so afraid of watching some of the teens get back to their old way of life. A lot of them have some great ideas of how to continue being a servant in our community and that’s exciting! But a lot of them also have some very hard decisions to make and actions to take- it’s not exciting, it’s scary! Lord, I want to pray for all the teens that may have to change their friend sctructure in the next few months. That is not an easy thing to do and it becomes frustrating and lonely. I pray that you would come alongside them, give them the strength they need to endure, comfort them when it becomes difficult and assure them that you are always with them and will never leave them nor forsake them. Lord, I pray for those that may have to have difficult conversations with family members. Help them to speak the truth in love, not out of ridicule and condemnation- but out of love and compassion. Give them the right words to say at just the right time. Let their words reflect your character and overflow with your love and acceptance. Give them the confidence in your guidance and strength to speak when given the opportunity. Let those who they are speaking to, have willing hearts to consider what they are saying, may they be open to what it is you are trying to get across. Let their response be out of love and conviction, not of defensiveness and condemnation.
Amen.
Lord, listening to Reid tell some of his story last night was inspiring! I think his story touched so many of us on the personal level. For me the biggest inspiration was him assuring us that if you lay something on our hearts, Lord- not to let anyone squelch that fire. To go for it and not hold back! For me, that’s doing dance sessions at the church. To do an informational peice on dance and then have some workshops where we teach others how to glorify you in their worship and in dancing. Lord, I pray that you would give me the clarity on how to make this a reality so I can show others how to bring you glory. This is something I’ve been passionate about for years and there has always been something that has stopped me. No Mas! No More! No More Holding Back!
I love you, Lord, and thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of what you did here in Guatemala. I’m very honored and humbled that you would use me to reach these people. Thank you, thank you, thank you! For choosing me, enabling me and providing for me to come do your work and for blessing me so much more than I deserve! I love you, Lord! Watch over us as we travel home today- protect us and get us there safely!
Gracias Senor! Te Ama!
Amen.