Thinking and reflecting on our last mission trip, I cannot help but think on the differences I witnessed in the women at this conference, compared to the first time we set foot in Talamanca almost 3 years ago.
The first time I stood face to face in front of these woman they were lifeless stones... Of course they didn’t know us, who we were or why we were there or even if we really had anything to offer them... “They didn’t trust us”.
This last time it was so different, like day and night. The women were open and welcoming, engaged and participants full of life and light, smiles, and expressions.
The only difference between then (3 years ago) and now, is that they know us... they’ve seen us and heard us, and we them.
What is it about relationships that can break down stone walls?
I still have a lot to learn ... but what I’m finding out is that; mission work is not about trying to make a difference with what we can or cannot do, its way more simple than that-
“It’s about relationship, and trust“, about the belief that “I am loved and accepted, seen and heard”.
Acts 2:42-47 says;
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
⭐️Another highlight of the trip was “the children” the simple fact that they are being taught, encouraged and allowed to express themselves through singing, dancing, crafting and performing, in ways that their parents never experienced... shows me that something inside of them is being moved and possibly transformed, that might help them in the future to break from their past and the stigma and label that even their Ticos compatriot have come to believe about them.
Proverb 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
