Since we first arrived in Honduras, we have heard several times that the country has been in a 3 year drought. We talked about the importance of water conservation before we even arrived at Gracie’s. So, when it rained on us on our drive from the airport to La Ermita, I took that as a sweet welcome from the Lord. Since then, it has rained every single night. I’m not talking about a light sprinkle either, it has been a downpour EVERY NIGHT. I’m starting to question the Honduran definition of “drought” 😉 Also, rain on a tin roof is unexpectedly loud which makes sleeping quite a challenge.
All this rain has brought to mind a word from the Lord that was spoken to me almost 2 years ago. A sweet friend and someone I look up to very much told me at a retreat that she heard God telling her to tell me, “the Lord is a river that never runs dry”. It didn’t mean much to me then, but I’ve kept it in the back of my mind these past couple years. This week, I feel like God has finally been revealing the purpose behind those words.
There are several long term children here who have special needs. They are so loving and affectionate but, they also have their challenges. Earlier this week, one little girl, Daniela, went into a hysterical tantrum after being reprimanded by one of the nannies. She was getting physical and becoming a danger to herself and the other children. She was taken to her room which she shares with 5 other children. Besides the bunk beds, there is no other furniture in the room because they use it as a place for the children to calm down. I was asked to sit outside of her door and watch her to make sure she didn’t hurt herself or destroy things. To be honest, this was a little terrifying for me. She is a strong little girl and I was unsure that I would be able to stop her if she decided to do anything. She was lying on the floor screaming, I had no idea how to calm her down. So I started to pray, out loud. Daniela of course doesn’t speak English but, I thanked the Lord for her and I asked him to be present and to give her peace. And she stopped. Immediately.
A river sustains life for everything around it. The Lord is teaching me who He is as my sustainer. There have already been so many circumstances here that have left me feeling like I have nothing to offer. I don’t have the right words or the power to change things. God is reminding me to rest in Him because He is ALWAYS enough.
“Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12
Prayer requests:
– Health and safety for my team
– Praise that the adoption of one little boy is almost final!
– That we can build relationships with the nannies
