Tough BUT Good

 November 22-29

 I know the title of this may open some eyes.  It’s not what you think.  This week was good.  It was a very rewarding week.  A week that is getting me that much closer to understanding our purpose here.

 Monday night I spoke at “Champions Night” and that went well.  I forget how difficult it is to translate sport related words.  If you do not know the lingo, it makes for a long night.  It would be one thing if I was talking about Soccer, which is internationally known, unfortunately I talked about Futbol Americano.  Sandy did an amazing job of translating, and I believe the idea that I presented made sense.  I will continue to pray about God growing this night, because it is an important night to have.  People here are SPORTS CRAZY!

 Tuesday we had the Business Owner Bible Study, and that went well.  Sometimes when we don’t have a translator at Church or at a Bible Study I just open my Bible and start reading.  Thankfully they know I am not being rude, and so it is a fruitful time in His Word. 

 After our business meeting, we had the Actor’s Bible Study.  We were hoping to do it once a week, but the budget did not come through like we had hoped.  It worked out because the numbers doubled, and it was a very fruitful time.  We had a couple of singers sing and man... WOW.  The music here is very easy to become passionate about.  I can’t understand 85% of it, but it moves me.  It also helps me on my pronunciation, which I am learning is not as good as I thought it was.  I get lovingly laughed at pretty often.  

 Thanksgiving was great.  It was different because the country was not on pause for the holiday, however it was a great experience.  We did play football at the Embassy, and that was great.  Between Joe and I we had three interceptions, two touchdowns, 60 return yards, and probably close to 300 yards of offense.  It was a good day, and I have a REALLY NICE sunburn! Right around the armpits because of the cutoff shirt.  (I had to show off the guns).

 Then I had a traditional Turkey dinner with all of the trimmings.  I think that if they had Thanksgiving here, more people would be overweight.  The flavors are so much stronger because the food is so natural.  I HATE SWEET POTATOES, and I even enjoyed those.  Nate’s wife did an amazing job, and I am so grateful to have been invited.

 The tough part of the week is really understanding and seeing the youth struggle.  It is really troubling to me because of how deeply they are attacked.  I do not want to sit on the sidelines for this.  In America I can simply talk to them.  Here, I have to sit and watch.  It is getting better, and for them I could care less how broken my Spanish is.  Sometimes a hug is all they need, but it is still tough.

 Starting Saturday nights we will be having youth nights.  Guys at my house for Playstation, XBOX, and Pizza.  I am pretty sure with those three ingredients turnout will be consistent.  The young ladies will be meeting elsewhere, and I CAN’T WAIT FOR MY WIFE to be here for that.  (Actually, I can’t wait for her to be here in general).

 Yesterday was a special day.  I lacked sleep, so I was a bit sluggish.  However, Church was edifying and the worship time woke me up.  Then in the evening we went to a town to support a Pastor and the Church he has there.  It is in a dangerous, poor area, and we could all feel the pain from the get go.  

 Pepe, Pepito, Jessica, Joe and I went to this church as a team to represent CPC.  I laugh now, because it looked like such a ragtag team.  A little girl that was sleepy.  I young man that is tall, skinny, and also sleepy.  Two Americans that can barely speak Spanish, and a short bald-headed Pastor.  However, God moved last night in a mighty way.  

 Pepe’s word was well received.  The worship time was great.  No band.  No “singers.”  Just a stereo, some worship CD’s, and hearts that were yearning to worship.  Afterwards, Joe and I both talked about how great that worship time was.  I know God prepared some hearts for the words they were about to receive.  They even had a special time of dancing, where three little girls had choreographed two dances to worship music.  Praise was in the building.

 Joe gave his testimony, and he did a great job.  He is a man of few words, and what he said had meaning and an impact. I then spoke for a little while to the Church.  God was putting a lot of words of encouragement on my heart, and so I tried to be faithful in my presentation.  I am still learning, but my heart is willing.  Joe is still learning, but his heart is willing. 

 One thing that was truly special for me was seeing Pepito translate for us.  He did an AMAZING job.  He is still growing in his English, and sometimes translating can be VERY overwhelming.  However God broke down all of the walls, and even I could tell the fluency of his translation.  It is so critical to have someone translating that gets the idea of the presentation, and can express those thoughts.  He did that, and he is only 16.  That is evidence to me that God has mighty things for the youth here.  Some young people are learning English in three months.  

 I could go on and on.  It was tough, but as you can see, it was a GOOD week.  It was a God week.  It was a motivating week.  I hope these words will be motivating to you.  WE all can have tough but GOOD weeks.  Love is pouring out all over the world.  Please be a part of it!

 Blessings!

 ~Shaun