I went to a womens retreat this weekend, up in the mountains. It was about a 4 hour trip. There were about 70 womens there. Most of them were Totonak (native Indians) and they speak a totally different language. There are two missionary ladies that have learned the language and were able to translate everything. We stayed w/ a missionary family while we were there. They have clinic where they are able to provide medicines and other medical needs for a very low price.
I was very glad that I got to go but also felt a bit helpless because I couldn’t talk to the people at all. I just smiled a lot and shook all their hands. There were a lot of meeting, where I didn’t know what was going on so I decided that this was a good time for me to just pray. So now whenever I’m in a meeting that I have no idea what’s going on, I just get out a pen and paper and pray for people here, people back home. I have never been so silent in my life before. I don’t get a chance to speak much English here and I miss it!
I got to cook dinner for part of Vicky's huge family one evening. It was a bit challenging trying to explain what all I needed but the meal turned out great! I love this photo cuz it really explains what my face looks like a lot of the time. Haha
On Wednesdays I help out at a school at the church. This girl has a hard time seeing and doesn't hear. She was so excited to get her hands green and kept looking at them while doing this project.
What's Next. This weeked, I will be going to another womens retreat about two hours away. I am not sure if part of it will be in english or not. I will be going w/ Janelle.
Christine, I love the pics!! Especially the one of your face. :o) What do the women at the retreat have on the plates in front of them? Leaves? Are they eating them? It's so good to see your smiling face. Thanks for the update!
ReplyDeletelove,
julie
Hey! Oh ya, they are tamales wrapped in leaves. We had them for breakfast Saturday morning!
ReplyDeleteMy mother-in-law's family used to make those tamales in banana leaves. They were incredible!!!
ReplyDeleteI empathize with the silence, Christine. I went on a three month fast from singing (got too wrapped up in the sound of my own voice) where all I could do was worship with words and written prayers. It was HARD for one who loves to worship in song. The silence was deafening and I learned that the words of the heart are so much more critical to worship than the notes...but at least I understood what the other's were singing! :)
Oh ya, that would be hard to go on a 3 month fast from singing but that is great that you were able to see that it would be good for you to do fast in that way. Bring the focus where it should be...
DeleteWho is this by the way?
Love these pictures sweetie girl! Praying for you that your time will be fruitful and that God will do a work in and through you! Love you! AM
ReplyDeleteThanks AM!
Delete