Gloria

I sit here tonight and my heart longs for purpose and direction. I'm trying to think of what story to tell from Guatemala, how do I describe what I experienced there, how do I capture a moment from that week and do it justice with my simple words. The moment I choose to try my hand at is from Wednesday, on that day we visited a refugee camp; people, wonderful beautiful, people who lost most if not all they owned, including homes and possibly family were being housed in a school in Chichi. As we arrived I took to tasks, my job was puppet coordinator so I helped set up the stage, and talked to a few of my team members to be sure we had people behind our puppets, once that was done I decided to help pass out tickets; a few people were already passing out to the kids so I grabbed a ribbon and handed them to the adults around the room, once those tasks were complete it was about time for our service to start. As adorable as the children in the room were I did not feel drawn to sit by them, so I wandered the background with my roll of tickets in hand waiting to pass them out to anyone who may enter late. As I stood in the back behind the children with the adults to the side in chairs along the wall, this sweet young lady walks up to me and asks if I would like a chair; knowing that I would soon be going backstage to get ready for one of our dramas I politely decline, but was extremely touched by her offer. After our drama as our service was coming to a close we prayed for anyone there who wanted prayer; this is where I meet Gloria, this same sweet young lady who had earlier offered me a comfortable place to sit now came for comfort, Luke and I prayed for her together, since I don't know much Spanish I told him to ask her what she would like prayer for, form what he told me, she said she was nervous about her life, her future, I asked God to give her peace and direction, to comfort her and be evident in her life, as we finished I was once again touched by this girl as she told us God bless you and gave us both hugs, after that she just stood where she was and waited I do believe in expectation ready to receive God's peace in that moment. I love it, her faith was more real than anything I have felt since I've been home, this moment, this story truly touches my heart; since arriving home my mind has not been able to stop, I feel lost and my life has seemed nothing more than gloomy the last few days, then I think of Gloria, when she came to my mind today I felt almost sick with myself, broken down over all the sadness I have let myself fall into this week, wondering why I feel so lost just because people around me are making decisions, and taking steps that change their lives. Gloria, beautiful Gloria lost her home, all she had, maybe even family and friends in a mudslide, in and instant what she thought her life was changed by no decision of her own, yet she stood and waited on the Lord. Tonight I am ready to wait, I have my home, I have more possessions that I really need, I have my family and even if some of my friends are moving on to new things in their lives, they are not lost forever. Before we left that place I saw a smile on Gloria's face, I thank God for her tonight, I ask once again for Him to grant her direction and continue to comfort her as she finds her new path in life.

Jehovah-Raah

The Lord is my Shepard