There’s so many stories I could tell about the amazing last month of my life. Just our squad alone has changed my life. Being surrounded by community that uplifts you and encourages you to study the Word was such a blessing and a gift.
Over the past month, I’ve gotten to meet and bond with so many of the local people in the community. Some of the favorite ministry that we did was helping build a kitchen for Juanita and her family. We also got to clean her yard and dig trenches to stop her house from flooding. Previous world racers had built her house a couple years ago. She was the most joyful woman I’ve ever met. She would greet everybody with a kiss with her toothless smile. The way she loved and cared for people was so inspiring even though her circumstances weren’t ideal.
I love doing manual labor and trash pick up with Melvin and Pastor. I got to spend time listening to music and dancing and singing with my squad mates As we worked. We would be invited in by random strangers to come in and have Coca-Cola or snacks or just get a tour of their home and we would talk on their patios. The culture is so normal to have good hospitality.
We got to have a few adventure days. I went zip lining and jumped off of 100 foot platform for the Tarzan swing. I got to go to two different beaches and just soak up the beauty of the world that God created. It was so beautiful to see how even on our off days the Lord showed up. Taking the time for Sabbath during this trip was crucial. Resting and just singing and being with the church on those days and with my squad was so good.
Some of my favorite memories is messing around and playing soccer with the local guys. Or singing ukulele with Isamar, the pastor’s wife, and playing with the children at the church.
I got to do some pretty fun things like learn how to ride a bike for the first time, learn surfing, and learn A LOT of Spanish.
The Lord work through a lot of hard things in my heart during this time. Once my physical situation of change and I was forced to depend on him for everything it opened up doors for me spiritually to depend on him. I learned a lot about humility, gratitude, and giving up my burdens to him. If you ever heard my testimony or read it on my blog, you know that I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety in the past. It used to completely and totally control my life. And I was stressed out and worried that I had to be the one to save my friends or family. I did everything but look into my own heart. And that would cause me to fall into a lot of stress.
Over this trip I learned that God has set me free. When Jesus died on the cross he said it is finished. And that’s so true. I have been set free from anxiety and depression. My identity is in Christ and I know that now I don’t have to depend on the opinions of others or looked at the world for love that only he can give. I’ve learned what it looks like to accept my season of singleness, take risks, and truly have faith that the Lord has a plan for me.
I know all the beautiful things he’s done in my life on this trip will stick with me forever. Whether or not he’s leading me back there for long term missions, study abroad, or a job opportunity is still up in the air. All I know is those people were the best community I’ve ever been a part of in my entire life. I am so beyond grateful for what I have here back in Kansas City, for the support that I got to go on this trip, and for the job that I have to support myself at home.
The morning that we were leaving, Pastor shared his testimony with us. He explained the hardships that he had gone through in the near death experiences and how much got it pulled through. Him and his family have gone through a lot they’ve lost their home so they live in a back room of the church. They’re trying to raise money to finish building a house so that they can have a home outside of the church. One of his last request was for help raising those funds. Pray about it, and if you feel led to donate to Pastor Basílio and his wife and two sons, please text 816–782-3302 for information on how to donate.
I want to thank all of you who have walked alongside me and kept up with me during this trip and even before. It’s been over a year since I was first accepted into the world race. Coming soon will be a blog post on how life is ministry and what that will look like for me back at home. God bless you all!!!
Lots of Love,
Chloe Morales
