Walk With Me

6/21/13

After a half-day of working in a village, the team had the opportunity to travel to a Mayan ruin called Ek Balam. The ruin was actually quite large and had a Mayan observatory, temple, and other buildings. The stepped pyramid was quite intricately designed. The steps on the pyramid were created uneven to slow down enemies during warfare. The Mayans were also smart with their observatory. Reflecting pools were built into the top of the observatory pyramid so that stars could be seen and mapped in the reflection instead of simply looking at the sky.

Yet for all their ingenuity, the ruins at Ek Balam pale in comparison to the small cave pool in the forest nearby. The term for these cave pools is a “cenote” (sen-oh-tay). The pool was about a 20 minute walk away. Swimming in the cenote was a very welcome break from the tropical heat. During my swim, I couldn’t help but think of the greatness and beauty of God’s creation. I had expected to be fascinated by architecture, but ended up enjoying a hole in the ground with water in it even more. God is certainly a brilliant designer. It’s crazy to think of all my trips to different parts of the Americas and Australia and know that there is so much more of God’s design on this planet that remains to be seen. I’m always curious to know what beautiful things that God puts into stars and onto planets that humanity will never even see.

I was by myself on the walk back from the cenote, so I began to pray. As I prayed, thunderclouds gathered above and signaled that rain was near. I heard the thunder and prayed for rain. I wanted to be drenched, not only with water, but with God’s spirit. However, no rain came. Finally, I decided to just wait and listen. In that moment, God decided to speak to me. I believe God said the following: “Walk with me, and you will get drenched.” Immediately, raindrops fell. By the time I got to the bus, I was soaked to the bone and exceedingly happy about it.

In my life, I can hear the thunder. I can see the vision. God has unbelievable things in store. If I walk with him, I will be drenched.

“Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” – Habakkuk 1:5.

No Hablo Espanol

6/18/13

I do not speak Spanish. This has become increasingly problematic, due to the fact that this missions trip is in Mexico. For the past couple days, I have been traveling with a team of about twenty people, including two doctors, some pastors, and many general helpers. We are the branch of IMA that ministers to impoverished Mayan villages outside the Mexican cities near Cancun. I have served in the past couple days by filling the prescriptions that the doctors issue to the villagers. Mostly I’ve just been filling orders for Tylenol, ibuprofen, and anti-parasite drugs. However, my position as a pharmacist also means that I have to inform the patients about dosages and other rather important details – in Spanish.

Out of every person who has come through the clinic, there hasn’t been a single person who has spoken English. It is an extremely humbling experience to be unable to describe what you’re trying to say or think. God has very much gifted me with the ability to encourage people. Without the ability to communicate, I’ve been unable to build relationships with any patients who come through the clinic. Even if I had the opportunity presented to me, I would not be able to share the news of the gospel.

As a person interested in future medical missions, this realization has greatly affected me. Missionary work is never a one-man show. The church has never been a one-man show either. I will always be at the mercy of God to provide the money, translators, workers, and organization to be able to carry his gospel into places outside of my sphere of influence. That being said, I’ve been working on my Spanish while I’m here and have been able to deal with most of the questions that are asked. I’m sure that God has slipped in the gift of interpretation here or there to help expedite the process.

God has me in the correct place at the correct time. The prayers have been much appreciated. Hopefully soon I’ll be able to write about the operating room!

Day Zero

6/15/13

At 3:30 this morning, the alarm on my phone politely informed me that my flight to Mexico would leave in a couple hours.  I’ve learned quite a bit since then.

This morning, I knew only a few things about this missions trip.

1.       Location – (Near) Cancun, Mexico.

2.       Purpose – Gospel, Medical ministry

3.       Leadership – Holy Spirit

Honestly, three weeks ago I didn’t even know that this trip even existed. By the time I applied online, I was already a full month past the last possible application date. Within those short three weeks, God provided all the resources, guidance, and grace I needed to get here. As of this morning, I didn’t know a single person who would be going on this trip in the first week (I’m vaguely familiar with someone who will be in the second week). As this whirlwind of events was taking place, God brought to my mind John 3:8, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Let me list a few of the blessings that I’ve been hit with in the past 20 hours:
                1. One of the doctors on this trip is a professor at the MSU College of Human Medicine, downtown GR. (The same med-school that I’ve been wanting to attend.)

                2. The flights and layovers gave me the time to read more than half of the new Bonhoeffer biography alongside Matthew 5-8. (Extremely challenging, highly recommended)

                3. A college student from Texas named John. He’s highly encouraging and a man after God’s own heart.

                4. A team that is ALL about helping people

I’ll post whenever I have internet access, which may not be until the end of the trip.

Thanks for any prayers you send my way!