Saturday, April 17, 2010

On following your passion

When I was growing up my dad always led mission teams to Mexico. You could tell that he loved it because he could talk forever about all the funny experiences and lessons learned on those trips. He used to say that sometimes he felt guilty, like it was selfish of him to go because he actually loved doing it. But he came to the conclusion that a calling from God doesn't mean that you have to do something that makes you miserable. Maybe God gives you a passion for something and lets you enjoy it. After all, we'd be a lot better testimonies if we had a passion to serve and were using our gifts and abilities to give glory back to Him. And it would make sense for Him to give us gifts that would be used for us to serve Him more effectively.
I kinda feel like that about Bolivia. I cannot even communicate to you that way the people there have stolen my heart. I think it's impossible to go and see the beautiful people, the magnificent scenery and the unique culture and come back the same as you were when you left. It just changes you.
I met a cool missionary last week at a little baptist church close by. He was the sweetest man, he and his wife were missionaries in South and Central America for 33 (?) years. We shared stories, and came to the same conclusion: we are profoundly changed because of what we've experienced...and we are so glad we followed God.
I am so grateful for the opportunities to go and give what little I have to offer to the Bolivian people. I know it's not much, and I kind of feel guilty because I feel like I'm the one who gets the most out of the trips I've made there. I know God is doing something good. In them and in me. And I can't get it out of my mind.
I'm going back, you know, in May--for a month (this time). So if you could say a little prayer for me...for us, I will thank you in advance. Thanks! You guys are the best! :)
So here's my advice: if you ever get the chance to go to Bolivia, or South America, or some country overseas; GO. I'm serious, you will see God in a different way, and have a completely different perspective of the World.

Okay, you wanna see them?
Here are some of the most precious kids in the world:(That's just a tiny sample).