Hello! As you know, for the past 7 weeks I have been living in the middle of the jungle. Since I’ve been bad about blogging what we are doing, here are some things this has consisted of:
- Clearing an area of the jungle (literally cutting trees down with machetes) to make a garden. The ministry will use this to teach the community how to grow fruits and vegetables to eat or to sell.
- Digging trenches behind a building so rain doesn’t get in.
- Hiking through the mountain to collect and carry wood back in order to add a bathroom to a building.
- Carving flower pots out of wood from trees we chopped down for different families in the community.
- Class three days a week for women and children, to learn practical life skills as well as how to read and write.
- Many many other projects!
As I was reflecting and having some quiet time with God, I recognized how over the past 7 weeks identity labels that I have carried most of my life have been slowly washed away. Identities attached to careers I’ve pursued or wanted to pursue. Identities attached to fitness. Identities attached to what people might think of me. Identities attached to how busy I’ve stayed or how hard I’ve worked. However, I’ve noticed as I introduce myself to people here in Honduras, the introduction has started changing. Here in the middle of a jungle, with a tent and a few pairs of clothes, I am Madison. I am someone who is hungry to learn more about Christ. I wake up day after day quite literally not knowing what type of work I will be doing for the day. But whether it’s hiking up a mountain and through mud pits to carry large planks of wood, or whether it’s cutting out crafts for kids, I wake up preparing my hands and heart to serve my creator as best I can. I desire to love all people I come into contact with well, whatever that looks like.
My identity and desires have slowly evolved and that has not been an easy journey. It has been emotional and confusing at times. But it has also provided a lot of beauty and clarity to who He says I am.
A quick update: we are currently in our last week with Catracho missions. We have gotten so close with the team we have worked with and I’m not ready to say goodbye yet. The strength that these people have physically and mentally is astonishing! Something that has stuck out to me since being here is the majority of the Catracho team are teenagers. They organize the services and invite pastor Paul up to preach when it’s time for his message. These are the most fun yet obedient teenagers I’ve ever met! They serve so genuinely and treat us like close siblings. The ministry site we’re at has only been here for a year and has come sooo far in that time. I’m eager to see where they’re at just a few years from now.
Our next stop will be for our debrief, where our whole squad and our leaders will meet up! We were surprised to find out we’re going to El Salvador! We leave next week and will spend two weeks in El Salvador before heading to our next ministry site in Nicaragua. Prayers for safe and smooth bus rides to both places!
Oh my goodness, God is doing a work and it is amazing. Continuing to pray for you! Thanks your testimony of His work in and through you truly blesses and encourages me! Keep seeking His face!
You’re amazing??
Hi Madison! It is such an honor to know you and hear of your experiences through this ministry! I enjoy reading your blogs and have been keeping you in my prayers throughout and will continue to do so! Sending hugs! Prayers for you and your teams safety!
Those question marks were supposed to be a heart
Wow! Wow & Wow! God is so good! He is for you! This journey is just the beginning and it so exciting to read your posts and such an honor to pray for you.
So proud of you and the work you are doing of God! You are so amazing and I’m so honored to have know you for the brief time last year My prayers be with you and all your group as you take the next step in your journey! Blessings to you, Madison!
Madison! I’m so glad everything is going so well. Keep sending blogs and keep being awesome!!
Madison it is so amazing reading about your story! I’m praying for you!
Wow Madison! I love what the Lord is doing, redefining your identity. It’s good to introduce yourself as, Madison. That’s all that’s needed, your love for the Lord and your desire to please Him speaks for itself. I know the Lord is so proud of you for walking through all the hard things, He won’t waste a minute of that! We love you and can’t wait to see you in El Salvador!
Your openness to the work God is doing in & thru you is awesome. He prepares us, places us & then leads us on the road He has destined us for. You are in our thoughts & prayers as you travel & touch the lives of many who need the Love of Jesus.
I love reading your words Madison. So glad this journey is leading you to places that need your light. And you in turn, are finding light in others. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability too. I pray that you’re filled with hope, grace and so much love, as you continue this journey. Love you sweet Madison. ??
dang that is so crazy and such an experience!! it’s good you have such good people around you keeping you at ease when you need it. and hey you can say you’re on the come up from the trenches ??
You are Madison ! Love seeing the Lord moving. Xoxoxoo
Madison, I loved your writing about identity!!! God is doing His work in you!
Thank you sweet Mo I love and miss you
Thank you so so much Terrie!
Thank you!! I appreciate the prayers so much!!
Thank you Ceil! Grateful to know you!
So exciting to hear about all that God is doing in and through you. Love you and praying for you.