Day 14: "Mississippi"

Day 14: Monday, July 12, 2010
I still hate roosters but have yet to murder one. Steve said it well this morning, “I want to take that rooster, wring its neck, and pluck his feathers out one by one.” Haha!

I know people have been praying for me today. Yesterday I felt horrible because of my sinus infection. I took two naps but my head hurt all day. Last night I had the hardest time going to sleep (I listened to Kyle Reno’s latest sermon at the Movement at least 2 times). Yet this morning I felt fabulous.

Someone along the way nicknamed me “Mississippi” and that stuck throughout the day, unfortunately.

After breakfast, many of the ladies gathered in the pastor’s house for Bible study. It was precious to see them share about the journey that God had brought them on, to see them crying over leaving their children. “When I see your kids,” began one of the women from Chicago, “I see the faces of my children.” It made me realize that a lot of people have given up much more than I have to be here. It also encouraged me because when I see families and children it makes me miss my own family and home. I am definitely strengthened by the faith of this team.

The futbol tournament resumed without much fanfare. After lunch the women of the villages played a game of their own. It was even more intense to me than the guys.

We all enjoyed a light rain, which served to cool us all off and slickened the field pretty good. I enjoyed it.

During the last game the ladies brought out crafts for the kids to do. It was sweet to watch the children paint their wooden animals and treasure them.

At dusk, it was time for a river bath. Lisboa definitely has a good swimming hole…black sand replaced the usual sticky mud. It was much easier to clean my footsies.

Carolina and John played some worship songs after dark under the meager electric lighting. It’s incredible to praise the Creator in the splendor of his handiwork; sitting in sight of the Amazon, under the sparkling stars, with people of over 4 different nationalities, all while the grasshoppers and beetles dive for your face. Wow. I can’t believe I’m actually experiencing all this.