Our blessed unexpected ministries

Going on any mission trip, there are things that you help with or participate in that you would've ever have dreamed you would do. I have 2 different ones that I love helping with but when I first arrived, they weren't even a thought in my mind. But with me participating and seeing the changes that has happened, I thank God for those oppertunities.

The first one is the gym we attend every morning at 6am 5 days a week. At first when Otto mentioned it, we were at a low point of our beginning... who wanted to work out everyday at that time on a trip to Peru?! We started going at first just to make people happy and to have the excuse to eat more! But as time went along, it became more then that. It because a place for some of us to get stress out by kick-boxing, others to just use that excuse, and still others who really wanna get stronger! We became really good friends with the instructor, Hector, a step-aerobics teacher, work-out barbie, and a kick-boxing teacher, captain insane-o. We have fun making Hector sweat more then us with chin-ups, singing along to the music, and attempting to get Hectors hat off of his head. We have also developed some new friendships with some of the people who also come to work-out.

At first, the gym caused alittle spat in our team now and then... and we complained everymorning about getting out of our cozy beds. But now... we walk home laughing about what was said that day, and how we have to get Hector to come to English classes. We work harder and we have proof of that. The thing that really touched us and proved to us how this is an unexpected ministry is the fact that one day Hector told Otto that he sees a difference in us. That there is something different about us then from any other white people he sees. That he can tell that we are doing what we say we are here to do... spread the love of God. Before we left for our Trujillo trip in the beginning of May, we bought Hector a dozen of eggs, chocolate, and a card and delivered it to him. It brought tears to his eyes and we knew then that when we leave, that gym will never be the same because of the opportunity we have to share there. The other instructors got alittle jealous over that gift-giving day!

The other is working with children at a home for HIV mothers and children. We go and help there every Thrusday along with Jackie. Jackie reads a story, then we help them color a picture, and then they get juice and a snack. They love our attention and they love to be held and to be the center of attention. This place has blessed me greatly. There is one little girl that has a hold on my heart. Her name is Ruth. She is so sweet and loves to sit on my lap and just hold on tight. It breaks my heart when I see those children and know that they are sick and can not be healed. Their smiles are one thing that brightens my day.

That is one thing that I have learned on this trip. Small things like working out, and passing out juice and candy, can effect a person on how they see Jesus and how they see the love of him. I have also learned that it only takes an hour and a half a day 5 days a week to reach out to a gym instructor and for him to see the difference in us. That is how big our God is... that is how much he loves us and how much he has trusted us with.