My Chikungunya was worse than usual last night and today. I was awake with sharp pain in my knee and ankles until 3 a.m. and it continued today in my fingers, neck, right shoulder joint, both elbows and back. Usually it's not that strong.
But it was a great day otherwise. First I picked up coworkers and introduced them to a Pastor I know in Los Pinos. I haven't seen him in a while and I forgot how wonderful he is. He sat and listened to what Impacto Juvenil does. Then he said he is really pleased with the concepts of the program. He said that they go along with what he is teaching in his church.
He told us when his church is available and said we can use his facilities any time they are not occupied. Our schedules will work well together. The "Strong Women" program will start there next week.
Pastor Nicolas said there are 55 churches in Los Pinos. He talked about a conference he goes to in Guatemala where 40 countries are represented. He said it's extremely powerful. Then he talked about how much he wishes the 55 churches in Los Pinos could unite and work together, and how powerful that would be.
Pastor Nikolas said that he would love to support Impacto Juvenil in any way he can. He appreciates that we are trying to serve the people in Los Pinos, despite all of the danger we face there.
As I was leaving I received a message from my friend Molly, who still serves in Los Pinos. She said she was currently in a house there and police were everywhere and there was a lot of shooting. Pastor Nicolas said it's gotten a lot worse, even around his church, since a year ago when we used to have the women's bible study and dance classes there.
This afternoon we celebrated The Day of the Child at my club. The kids were excited. We had a piñata and a cake which said "Happy Birthday" but since nobody could read English that didn't matter.
My coworkers are physically exhausted. We are supposed to have Thursday and Friday off for Independence Day, but the graduation of Strong Families was already scheduled for Friday, so we are working. My coworkers are work really hard.
This evening I went to a prayer time at my church. It was special. I realized that I built a wall around my heart. That wall is keeping me from opportunities to serve God. I built the wall to protect myself and to keep people from hurting or taking advantage of me. But really it keeps me from living up to my full potential. I prayed and asked God to take down the wall. God showed me that I don't need the wall I've built for myself, because HE will protect my heart. If He protects every step I take and keeps me from going to literacy class when it's dangerous, of course He wants to and is capable of protecting my heart.
Tonight I feel much better from the Chikungunya. My right ankle hurts a little, my fingers are stiff and my back hurts as usual. But overall it is much better than last night and today. I'll sleep well tonight.
