Another eventful day! It began with a little fishing trip, from a harbour not far from where we're staying. We all piled onto a lovely little boat called "The Ocean Spirit", manned by some of our translator, Mr.Carlos's friends. We set out, and spent the morning fishing, (the majority of us caught large, speckled fish called 'capri') sun bathing (some of us a little too much with not enough sunscreen
:( and probably the best part, SWIMMING WITH WILD DOLPHINS! We came to an area in which the dolphins were so close, we could see them swimming beside and just beneath the front of the boat. Then, we were able to jump in and swim in the icy cold, salty water with them simply splashing and swimming around us. Pretty epic.
After our ocean excursion, we drove (through a sea of some sketchy drivers) to an area to hand out food hampers. It was once again, an absolutely incredible experience. We split into 3 groups, each armed with a collection of hampers and an essential translator. And we set out in different directions within the blatantly obvious impoverished community. Each group came back with stories. About people suffering from sickness and ailments that they had prayed for and seen improvement, of people who had been praying for the Lord to provide for them because they had no food, and then we'd arrived! And also, the best part, there was a countless number of people who gladly accepted Jesus after we'd talked and prayed with them. It was a truly humbling and eye opening experience, and all of us enjoyed it immensely.
Then, after that lovely little adventure, we attended a evening service at Pastor Pablo's Church (whom some may recognize as an associate on previous missions trips). We once again did our "The Stand" skit, the cardboard testimonies, and Nick and Steph shared their testimonies (and did an awesome job). Then, Andy preached about the importance of looking back, to encourage us to finish the journey. He shared with us a story of the mountain climb of the missions trip 5 years ago. In which at the point where some of the youth were becoming discouraged, one in particular urged them to sing worship songs and gaze back at all the ground they'd covered. He referenced to the story of Jesus walking on water in John (10:10) where the disciples were terrified to see Jesus walking on the lake, yet just days before he had performed the miracle of making a few loaves of bread and some fish feed thousands of people. He talked about how it is important to think about what has happened, what God has brought you through. To look back, to you can push forward.
It was a dandy service. We all enjoyed ourselves a great deal, and were welcomed warmly by all the people. Then, as usual, we ended the day with our group devotions on the terrace. Beneath the stars, in warm air with a gentle breeze, with all our voices united in praise to the Lord.
p.s.
We are eating incredibly well here, every day. Like, unbelievably well. Every day. :)
More soon,
By Robyn and Jordan
