It’s our last Saturday afternoon in Uruguay and we are beginning to say “ciao” for now. The past week has been full of kids, teenage girls and - the doorbell. I love the constant hospitality of the Uruguayan culture and we gladly open the door to whoever wants to come in (which goes completely against everything my mother taught me as a young child).
I am also welcoming my parents to Uruguay this week (and really enjoying showing it off to them!) They will be traveling throughout the country with Lyle, visiting many churches and towns as visionaries to determine future ministry opportunities in Uruguay. And, they brought Krispy Kremes, which
made my parents extra welcome here.
Church services have been going increasingly well in the past weeks. A new youth group has begun in another Baptist church here with quite impressive attendance. After Resplandecer, several girls and their families began attending church as well. There’s no heart too hard for God to soften – certainly, there is nothing impossible for Him!
Yesterday, Sofia came by to bake a cake with us (We decided that if we’re going to get fat, it’s best to have friends to get fat with!) Her entire demeanor has transformed this summer from a cynical, somber girl to a joyful and confident young woman. As I flipped through her new Bible last night, I noticed that all of the highlighted verses relate to the theme of “Resplandecer” and the purpose she has therein. There is meaning behind her smile now, last night, she looked me in the eye and said, “Christ lives in my heart now!” Though we will continue talking with her to confirm her decision, the life-change is certainly apparent. The laughter didn’t cease last night, and I can’t imagine a greater gift I could ask of the Lord than this!
The youth group also threw us a surprise party last night for no apparent reason except for the fact that we are here. (Uruguay doesn’t need a real reason to fiesta). We didn’t do much but laugh, talk, danc
e, and take about a zillion pictures. We sang several songs, and one of my favorite moments of the summer is when three of our girls – Camilla, Angie and Mikaela – sang “You Are My King” together. This has been my prayer for these girls from the very beginning – that they would find their “Esther” purpose, delight and beauty in an intimate relationship with the King of Kings.
If I could describe the past week in one phrase, it would be “delighting in the harvest.” Now, we get to see just a glimpse of what the Lord has been doing beneath the surface this summer, and I don’t think I could ask for anything more.
Yes, the King has come – and with Him, it’s not impossible to turn a city upside down.
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