Today our journey brought us to Tierra Blanca. It was a Triqui village where the people spoke in their own dialect. English was translated into Spanish and then translated into Triqui.
We were greeted by switchback trails, (excuse me, I mean roads), and a herd of goats. We were grateful the roads were dry. Once we reached the town, the patients were lined up ready to be seen.
The Triqui women dress in traditional black and red huipil, a poncho style woven garb. The women weave the huipil on looms and each can take up to a year to make.
Mari, an outreach minister from the church that is hosting us, along with Rob, our team RN, took a supply of Mebendazole (used to treat intestinal parasites) to the local, bilingual (Spanish and Triqui) school. There they treated 180 students!
I will admit this morning was difficult for me. I was feeling a bit emotional. I miss my family and was discovering my role within the team. We had team devotions this morning and given an opportunity to share how we were holding up. The encouragement and prayer I received from such a lovely team meant the world and I felt blessed. I have been feeling some attack from the enemy on this trip. I wanted to share a couple of verses with you that were shared with me this morning (thank you Raquel and Page.)
“Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous. Do not tremble or be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“Finally brothers whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – If anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians’ 4: 8-9
A neat point was brought up in the van today, compliments of Marilee. While our visit and service fills a temporal need, God’s love isn’t temporal. It is eternal and it stays in the town we leave behind. Our hearts and prayers continue for the Triqui, Mixteca, and Zapotec tribes we are coming in contact with.
We are beyond blessed to have your prayers and support. What a beautiful thing. The support given to our families while we have been away has been wonderful. They are serving their own mission at home! Many thanks.
May the God of peace be with you,
Jessica Griffin
6 comments:
Was good to hear from Page by phone tonight. (though I did hang up on her the first time she called while trying to retrieve my phone from a pocket with Carlos on my lap after he did a header down the stairs) Could hear in her voice that she's feeling like Jessica and missing us as well. Tell her that Taffy called to ask if there was anything she can do to help us and her prayers are what brought us together in the first place. Invaluable.
Thanks for sharing Jessica! I like the verses you put up. They are good for me here at home because I tend to be a worrier...particularly now. I have found comfort in the second one many times and appreciate the first one as well. We are continuing to pray for the team and for your rest as well.
Clearing the tears from eyes still my love after reading that one! Like Pete, I can imagine you speaking these words and it is so wonderful to hear your voice. Know that your family (even your mom) has a great sense of peace realizing you are the safest place you can be, in His will. Know also that we are always with you with all of our hearts. I am encouraged and inspired by your willingness to follow where He calls you. Missing you dearly and praying the peace of The Spirit is on your heart.
I appreciate Sheldon's daily blog report and photos that close the distance gap. Prayer incense rises in response. The taste of mission mind evokes my precious teen memories as part of a team on Daily Vacation Bible Schools in the Bahama Islands. Fifty-plus years later I have contact with some of those children.
"Dr Page, Al's having a rough go after double hernia surgery on 1/11. This teacher-not-nurse mimics nurse duty for him. Pain pill, icepacks, walker support. His talk of a shower today lessened as the hours increased. Maybe tomorrow.
"Pete's a good dad with Katie and Carlos. Our love and prayers, Al & Joy Jossi
Love & prayers...Remember, there will most certainly be fruit that remains for eternity produced daily on this trip in each of you and in those you minister to. God is faithful. Marilee dear- Your children were such a joy to have stay here. Marie let me brush all the tangles out after her bath! No complaining or moaning! Darin offered to buy Marie something when we stopped by the dollar store with all his change. Their prayers for you are so sweet. You are depositing something wonderful into their hearts by obeying His call.
You all have experienced so much in such a short time. The pictures are wonderful and the stories are such a blessing. Jessica, thanks for your honest sharing. The Lord will give you peace and strength. Enjoy your journey as you touch the lives of so many with the love of Jesus. It is almost over.
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