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last week of ministry

 

The last time I wrote a blog, I wrote it about my favorite place at El Refugio: my ministry for the past 2 months. This past week, we had our last week of ministry there. We now have 3 more days left in Ecuador, and I’ve been reflecting a lot on the past 2 months and even more so the past 8 months. From working at a school with a cow farm, reaching kids in a small village, and helping build a house in Guatemala, to working at a school and helping teachers and getting to know students in South Africa, to doing manual labor at a retreat camp in Ecuador, I’ve seen the Lord. In every place, in every person, in every exciting day, in every mundane day. I’ve learned to see the Lord no matter where I am and no matter who’s around me. 

The past 2 months were tough. With 2 months of manual labor for 8 hours a day, it really reminded me that I’m only doing this for the Lord. I wouldn’t be doing this for myself or out of my own strength, because I honestly wouldn’t be able to do it if that was the case. I have been able to meet the best friends, see the most beautiful places, and be involved in communities and loving them because of who the Lord is and Him bringing me here. Every day of ministry made me remember that and every day grew my love for this community around me and the places I get to call home. This isn’t for me, but the Lord has for sure blessed me with the best experience of my life. And every day of ministry that passed made me see how big of an honor it is to serve the Lord no matter what it looks like. 

Seeing my time on the World Race coming to an end is so bittersweet, and looking back on all the people I’ve been able to meet and all the hearts touched by the Lord makes me so thankful for the past 8 months. As always, my photos have been how I capture memories; especially on the Race. I wanted this blog to be a place where I share what the Lord has done and is doing, and I’ve been able to do that a lot through photos. Heres some of my favorite ministry moments and some of the sweet faces I’ve been able to meet along the way. The Lord is so good and it is so kind of Him to let me come alongside Him in all of this. Truly the greatest honor. 


 

 

I love these people! I did ministry with them for all of Guatemala.

 

I know this is a blurry photo, but its one of my favorites. Every day after ministry in South Africa, a huge group of kids would walk us to the car. They would cling to us all the way, and even sometimes into the van. It was always such a sweet goodbye. Those kids know how to love so well.

 

 

 

 

 

This is what we left for the maintenance guys at El Refugio on our last day. Got super teary eyed saying goodbye to them this day. 


 

Ministry has been huge for me on the Race. Its what we do every day, and its the greatest honor. These pictures show what my life and every day has looked like the past 8 months. These are the memories I’m holding onto.

Going back to the states on Friday, and debriefing the Race until the 29th. Prayers for a reflective and graceful transition back home. To soak up every moment we have left on the Race, and hold the memories and stories close. And to be ready to share them! Bittersweet is the only word thats been coming up in my mind the past few weeks as I know the end of the Race is so close. The Lord is so good here, and He’ll be so good there.

Thank you all for following along with what the Lord’s been doing in my life the past 8 months! Can’t wait to share more of the things I’ve learned on the Race the next 2 weeks. More to come!

 

Love always,

Ava 🙂 

3 Comments

  1. This is beautiful. Can’t wait to hear all the stories but most of all I can’t wait to see your sweet face.

  2. I have so enjoyed reading your blog and following your journey. I pray the work you have done will have a lasting impact in the lives you have touched. And yours as well!

  3. SIMPLY AMAZING!! So proud of you and all the incredible work for the Kingdom that you have done!! I can’t wait to continue following your journey of where the Lord takes you next – from glory to GLORY!! 🙂

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