During the first 2 weeks of May we participated in a fundraiser called "Walk for Hope" alongside the rest of our Latin America and Caribbean division in YL.  The idea was that we would walk each day and pray for the ministry and raise awareness and invite others to walk, pray and give towards YL.  After our long time in the US over the fall/winter focusing on fundraising, we honestly had little expectation for this event.  We set a personal goal to raise $1,000 and started walking.  We were completely blown away by the end.  From the generosity of many, we not only reached our personal goal but far surpassed it ($6,001)!!!  THANK YOU!

I was not only reminded of God's goodness and faithfulness but of how little my faith is.  Since we continue to be in quarantine, all of our walking took place within the walls of the quinta.  With about 6 times around the perimeter I could reach my daily 2 mile quota.  It was no small feat for me.  Walking with a toddler involves many starts and stops, potty breaks, and tears.   While we could usually manage one or maybe two loops as a family, we eventually would take turns with Benji so the other could go at a more reasonable pace and be able to really use the time to focus and pray.  I very clearly remember one point walking between one of the buildings on the property and the wall separating us from the neighbor's property while listening to the song "Do It Again", where the first verse begins with ...walking around these walls, I thought by now they'd fall.  Nothing ever felt more true.  Literally walking around walls every day.  Wondering if this quarantine will ever end.  But reminded in the chorus that Your promise still stands.  Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness.  I'm still in Your hands.  This is my confidence, You've never failed me yet.  It was a very special two weeks for me, to take that time to pray specifically for different leaders, areas, cities and to know that there were others walking around the world with the same heart.  We know that many of you pray throughout the year and "walk with us" in the ministry but it was a very tangible two weeks of community and unity.  I have decided that I don't want to stop.  It felt good, physically, to get out each day and have some time alone in nature, moving my body.  While I am a bit tired of seeing the same sights, I am refreshed by the time to process my thoughts and pray as I walk.  So, the official Walk for Hope may be over but I am going to continue walking (maybe one day running...) and dedicating that time to pray and praise God.  

As I write this, we are on day 70 of quarantine.  While some cities are starting to lift some of the restrictions, we anticipate our personal situation to stay the same for quite some time.  So much remains uncertain and I hold on to God, who is unchanging.  

Lots of baking during quarantine

Flowers are blooming!

Walking around the walls...