Today is Friday and for us, that means Market Day! Right after breakfast our team boards the bus and good ol' Mario leads us through the mountains and down to the city of Antigua- approximately a hour away. We drove through some areas that we considered to be incredibly poor, however, they were surprisingly middle class. On our way to the market, we stopped above the city where there was a giant cross overlooking Antigua. It was amazingly beautiful and breath-taking and we all couldn't help but sit in awe and take the moment in.
I found the actual market overwhelming and exhausting. I am a person that hates to tell people no and hate to haggle even more- and at the market, that's all you do! Every vendor was smashed closely together and calling at you in Spanglish- begging you to buy their items. It took almost 5 hours, but I eventually spent my money and got out of there.
By this time, the whole team is pretty close with each other. And some of the high school girls in particular really blessed me. One even surprised me with a shirt, a ring AND haggled a vendor so that I could buy something with my last bit of money. These teenagers from Crossroads have been truly amazing. I have never seen a group of people more willing to serve and give of themselves. They poured out of themselves into the children, the staff, their teammates and even into me- a perfect stranger! I felt the love and acceptance of God through this group of people.
More to come on the team later!
After the market, we had youth group with the older kids. What an absolute treat! We split up into 4 groups and played games amongst ourselves. A highlight of the night was that we had to make up cheers for our team and then perform them. Some teams had REALLY good cheers, and it was fun to see everyone bond together -regardless of the language barrier. After games we set aside some time for worship and let me tell you... it was absolutely chilling to be praising God in Spanish, surrounded by children who, despite their circumstances, were also praising God. Many of the songs were songs we sang back home- but when you sing them in Spanish it brings a whole new light to how big our God is.
Later at devotionals we talked about the idea of unity. There we were, miles and miles away from our home, family and church and we were able to worship in another language- united under one God.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. - Ephesians 4:1-6
