Our last VBS day.
Our last day of construction work on the wall.
Our last lunch prepared by the amazing women of the church.
Our last time to see some of the kiddos the Lord has brought.
Our last meal with the missionaries in a home setting.
Yet, we are reminded that this is not about us.
The Lord has allowed us to simply be a part of what He is already doing here in Paraguay. He also has a crew here committed to the long-term building of the church and the multiplication of the Gospel.
Ultimately, it is about Him. We are honored to be a small part of His purposes and plans.
Nehemiah 6:15-16 "So the wall was finished...in fifty-two days. And when all of our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God."
While it had already been started and while we haven't tracked all of the days, the walls are finished.
These walls represent the Lord showing up and showing off with the efforts and sacrifices of local people to work, leaders within the church, and we simply came to partner with them and support this current ministry.
We rejoice in the Lord's protection over all of the workers.
We give Him glory seeing the completion of the walls and are trusting the Lord to use this place as a place to see the Gospel grow.
Lord - may your purposes be completed in this place.
May it stand as a testimony of Your faithfulness.
The finished front walls - amazing!
VBS today - our morning crew nearly doubled today!
We had so many kiddos come and this involved lots of nail painting for the little girls!
They LOVED it!
And of course more volleyball!
Amber brought out the extra beads and she was swarmed with eager people to create their own bracelets and necklaces!
This is how close our area is to the construction area.
This is normal life and not out of the ordinary.
Our kiddos were eager to learn, sing, dance, and create today!
Our team did some bathing today. Lots of bathing in prayer.
Oh what sweetness there is in coming to our Father and giving Him everything.
Our afternoon crew was much smaller and only a couple of girls wanted nails painted.
But the sweet smiles bring such delight!
Our last manualidad (craft) was making a booklet to remember all we had discussed throughout the time.
Their favorite part was putting jewels on the crowns.
We covered this little guy with stickers that say "Jesus loves you".
Yep, we sure did want him covered in love.
Now for some of the people today...
Meet Pastor Tranquelino (he is one the left). This dear man has been out there every day mixing concrete, throwing bricks, and being an integral part of the construction crew.
He would also come and peek in when we were singing and just smile to watch.
Today we were honored to have the dear people of the church have a barbeque for us.
Yes, there are three types of meat on the grill.
Yes, they were amazing.
Wow! Yum!
Keila and Eden - precious.
Luke got all fancied up for our lunch.
A tiny taste of heaven - family-style meals gathered around sharing stories, laughter, and life.
Tonight was a sweet time of fellowship at the Hernandez's home.
The kiddos reading the letters sent from the kids from Northgate!
Thank you for sending them your sweet words!
As we are winding down, the reality of leaving is settling in.
The Lord has done much and continues to remind us of our complete dependence upon Him.
How we want to hold tightly to these moments and not let go, yet this is for a time.
As we prepare for our final day here, a part of our hearts is breaking knowing that we leave here different people than we came.
The tears have begun, yet there is also an expectation.
Jesus - how do you want us to live as different with all you have taught us?
How do we return to the "normal" as changed people?
How do we live out the Gospel in our regular day-to-day lives?
Oh Lord, may we live as your people in our own places for your glory and the furtherance of the Gospel.
Abby, you have an amazing gift! Thank you for sharing more than just pictures and happenings and words. You have captured our feelings and our hearts. Though no one else will understand the bond we all feel, you have given them a small taste. Be blessed, dear one.
ReplyDeleteAbby, you have an amazing gift! Thank you for sharing more than just pictures and happenings and words. You have captured our feelings and our hearts. Though no one else will understand the bond we all feel, you have given them a small taste. Be blessed, dear one.
ReplyDelete