Equipo Numero Uno

We dropped our team off at the airport to go home today.  It was an amazing week with the team from New Life Assembly in Circleville, OH.  We had the opportunity to travel to San Miguel in the eastern part of the country to minister to the children there.  We had a team that was completely prepared to have more than just an experience.  They were on a mission.  They were packed and ready to go with cookies, candies, balloons, toys, and hygiene products galore (along with all of the suitcases they came in).  They were ready to bless this community in every way that they could.  

They ministered to children and youth alike.  It's hard to forget some of the faces of the teens that were at those schools.  I'm pretty certain they impacted me the most, just seeing the pain in their eyes.

It was also quite awesome to see the young children who were so open to the word of God and to accept Jesus into their hearts.  They are so genuine.

And of course we made time to have a ton of fun with our nationals.  ;]  They are all so awesome, constantly ready to serve and meet the needs of those around them.
Overall this team taught me what it is like to truly have a heart of worship.  Every free moment we had we were either worshiping with music, praying, or having a devotional time.  It was wonderful to be able to meet all of our team.  They are very inspiring, and they are all going to do awesome things for their city.

Bendiciones,

Claire

I get my first team tomorrow!  We've been training other teams in the mean time and going to the prayer fortress.  But tomorrow I get to go with a team of my own.  We're going to talk to our national leaders and find out all of the details.  It will be my first time staying off the campus.  It will certainly be a new kind of experience because we are not sure of the conditions of the area we will be staying...  So it should be interesting.  We've had really awesome experiences in the prayer fortress the past few days.  It's been really great to be able to hear God so clearly and to be able to minister to the youth groups that come in.  I would be lying if I said there weren't times when I've gotten frustrated with the behavior of some of the teenagers that come in.  But I know that God has plans for each and every one of them.  He's been reminding me that even if I feel as though I have more wisdom in a certain area it doesn't mean that I should be upset at someone or think that they are lesser than me.  Instead I need to be able to lovingly show them better solutions.
More updates later.  :]

Bendiciones

First official day of training (when I wrote this part) and so far so good.  Don't have a super huge amount to say just yet, but I'm really excited about what God is going to do and what He is already doing this summer.  It's going to take a lot to keep focus and truly lay everything down for God this summer, but I'm up for the challenge.  Whether it's bonding with my intern family, mentoring youth groups, or reaching the children of El Salvador I can't wait to see God's planning.

Goal:  Let the summer not be about me.  It's not about me or my plan, my goal, or the fact that I'm doing what I think I should be.  It's about remembering that it's not doing this for myself.  I'm serving God without thinking about my 'obligations' or expectations.  It's about complete and utter humility.
With that said, if you wish to be one of my prayer warriors, here are a few requests.  :]

1. Los Niños- The children in El Salvador that we are going to meet while here.  So many of them come from broken homes where they experience neglect and abuse.  We are able to reach them and show them the love of God through our Evangelism Teams (as well as others areas, though this are the teams I shall be a part of).
2. Los Jovenes- The youth groups and teams that come down from the U.S.  We have the opportunity as interns to pour into their lives as mentors and motivators.  We pray that their hearts be open to God and what He has planned for them.
3. Humildad- One thing that God has pointed out to me recently is just how much I need to gain a sense of humility.  I am unable to fully experience the things that God wants me to do if I'm letting my own emotions and ambitions getting in the way.  I need to be able to fully put away my selfish desires.

There's much much more but that is where I am so far...

Btw, tons of team building activities yesterday, all of them super fun and challenging.  It was very good to learn more about my fellow interns, push through difficult situations, and learn to rely on one another.  

Biggest lesson learned from those activities was from the wall.  There is nothing to grab except a rope, and your whole team has to make it to the other side of the wall where your teammate is waiting to help you at the top... Did I mention the wall is around 15 feet high?  Needless to say it's pretty challenging for someone that is 5'2'', nonathletic, and afraid of heights.  But before I knew it my team had me.  They were willing to do whatever it took to get me safely over the wall without any fear.  Within seconds I was already over without having to put forth any physical effort.  I simply trusted them that they would help me through that situation.  

Today we learned dances and dramas that we will use in the street programs.  It's been quite fun and exhausting...  I can assume by the end of the summer I will be quite fit.  :]