A Few Thoughts.

While on the field, during the past two months, I grew in a lot of ways as an individual. From learning to room with seven other girls to speaking broken Spanish to a stranger, I am beyond grateful to say that this past two months changed me in the most beautiful ways possible.

 I learned about Jesus and His people along the way, I thought I would share a couple of my thoughts to you as well! 

1. Let go. Often times, we as humans have a strong bond with things Jesus never called us to carry. Think about when He sent out the disciples. He told them to pack light, but not because having a lot of things is wrong, but because when one isn’t burdened down with multiple items, belongings, or treasures, they are able to move flexibly and efficiently. When I choose to release the need to be right, have approval, or gain control, I am able to move with shifting circumstances and still honor God in my actions and ways. Sometimes we visualize “letting go” as a huge movement and action when in reality God is simply saying, “Release + stop holding it.” 
2. Greet everyone. In Central American culture, it’s known that individuals both welcome and say goodbye to everyone. I mean everyone… if you get to an event first, you’ll greet everyone, same as if you leave first. This way of living is both inviting and hospitable, and I admire and strive to become more welcoming. After all, I’m pretty sure Jesus would greet others with intentionality just like my beloved Guatemalan Community does. Look people in the eye, say hello, and be intentional just like Jesus did,
3. Step forward. One time, my teammate and I were walking across tree trunks with pieces of wood across them as a make shift bridge to a village. In that moment, we had one option to moving to our destination and that was to move forward. In life, we believe the lie that being a “New Creation” and “Alive in Christ” is a deep internal dive and year long study to truly become who God has called us to be when in reality, it can be as simple as stepping forward in the confidence that God is who He says He is. He will give us both the will and the way to walk in step with Holy Spirit: Just like that day on the bridge, we step forward, look up, and walk towards our purpose.
4. Feel the air. Whenever I was in Guatemala, I met an individual who felt just like Jesus. Often times, we believe that our outside picture and facade will overcloud our inward attitude and focus, but Jesus said that what we fill our heart with, our mouth will pour out. Remember to check the air around you, Am I someone who creates the space of freedom? The aroma of peace? The breeze of gentleness and humility? After all, what a shame it would be to speak of Christ with our lips but the lingering taste in the air is one in opposition to His character? 
5. Widen your eyes. For months, I’ve been praying to see God’s glory. During the past two months, a leader said, “How often do we miss God’s face because we are looking for His hands. We pray for miracles but what will change us is seeing Him face to face.” I want to be a person who lives in intimacy with God so much so that like Moses I am glowing from encountering the living God in my everyday life. When I was ending my trip, my teammate said, “Ellie, You are His Glory.” Yes, God’s glory is within and on the whole earth, but don’t forget to focus on the reality that we, as humans, are His glory. Sure, the mountain Moses went up to meet God was beautiful and stunning, but don’t let the sight of the mountain take away from the Holiness and awe inspiring reality that the One on top of the mountain is the definition of true Glory. 

I’m learning to experience Jesus more deeply than I ever have before. He truly is someone radical, adventurous, and empathetic. During my past two months, I’ve grown in many ways, and thankfully, as I have learned more about the heart of Jesus, I invite you to do so as well.