Iron sharpens Iron... and sparks fly!

Have you ever seen a silversmith at work? The clothing he wears protects him from the heat and the goggles protect his eyes also from the sparks. He stands close to the fire so he can observe his creation as it changes form. Once a chunk of metal and now art.
As iron sharepens iron, so a person sharpens his friend. Proverbs 27:17
On the mission field... you get tired, weary, hungry (ok maybe not hungry here cause we eat all the time) crabby and maybe a little lonely. You may be sharing a room with someone who talks a lot, snores, likes to snuggle (dont ask) and maybe its your husband whome you havent really seen for over a week. (hang on we might get personal) But the real test is this, can you finish well?
The schedule changes... we start the day expecting to serve Him and that remains the same. Day in and day out we are put to the test. Held to the fire. Stretched and pulled in directions and ways that are difficult to put into words... Who are you serving?
There are many wonderful aspects of a mission trip. Experienceing a new country and culture. Making new friends in this country and maintaining friendships from trips past. Trying new skills... and maybe not being so great at it, like me and insulation but gollie gee I did it and finished... with a lot of help! But I felt accomplished. Dont laugh.... I GOT DIRTY!
There was a lot of work to be done at Horizon of Hope.... we had rooms to clean all the dirt from, PILES of dirt and concrete and brick pieces... wood to pile up and move from one place to another and then to move the wood to clean the room it was stacked in, ceilings to prep for drywall that took over 3 days because the ceiling wasnt straight. Did I mention insulation to install... the real fiberglass kind that makes you all itchy.... a new outhouse to build, a hole was dug for the septic tank and the water hole was covered with a manhole that was formed in and concreted.... what else.. Oh there were 3 benches to be made for the mission in the villages so there would be seating. Drywall was hung and walls were built... did I mention we cleaned? OH and there were 2 tool boxes made to store the tools that the men of Christ the Rock graciously donated, so they would be LESS LIKELY to be stolen... This work that needed to be done has a purpose. Providing warmth and shelter to some that are without a home to learn a trade and become more confident in the HOPE that we are aware of that lives within us... can we share that with anyone?
We had people driving us to special locations after a hard day of work just to serve us... all of our food was prepared for us... we had fresh linens and clean towels and hot food for dinner. If there was a desire for a soda... Petry stopped or went out to get it. No matter what... all of our needs were met.
God is the same... on the mountain and in the fire. He holds us close so we experience just the right amount of heat... so when we come from the fire we are a new creation. He is fully aware of our needs and HE desires to fulfill each one.
We came upon and stumbled into this type of ministry... or volunteer work however you want to classify this journey we are on. we dont choose the team or location He takes care of that we just obey and follow along fully trusting the fire will be just right
It hasnt been easy, I think I told you that before.
There was no way to prepare how this would affect my relationships both with my family and with my husband. when you do hard things for the Kingdom you ruffle up the enemy of our cause. He attacks... not IF but WHEN! Division of like minded people is the objective and I am so proud of my husband because he saw it.. named it and dealt with it even when it was uncomfortable.
When you look into the eyes of those beautiful people... who made sure we were fed first when we came here to feed them and made sure we were warm ..... Wait I have to tell you the story.
There was a young girl we can call Georgiana... She was probably 14 or so years old... we were in Toarcla and it was a cold rainy day. The kind of cold that makes your bones hurt and you cant get warm even with 55 jump'n jacks cold.... ya know that kind of cold? Ok.. so... we were walking hand in hand and she asked me if I was cold? I told her "Da" and made the universal motion on my arms that I was cold while shaking my head... (did you just try it?) Well anyway...
She began to unzip her light little jacket and take it off for me to wear... she wanted me to wear this light coat that most likely got her through some really cold days and even though she was cold too she placed her needs aside to serve me! Hello.. I was there to serve her! I was the Missionary sent to a foreign land to bring Gods Word and Peace and love.... but this is what I was receiving from this beautiful gypsy teenager that I had only met last year a few times and here again today. She didnt care that I was American, blonde, how old I was or in my case wasnt....she simply wanted to serve me. When was the last time we showed that kind of love? Sacrificial love... the kid of love that is guaranteed to change lives and move mountains.
Her face is forever in my mind and my heart will forever remember the simple act of kindness she showed me that day only because she cared. nothing more... nothing less.
Thats the kid of people we are surrounded by. Toarcla is by far one of my favorite places on earth. Those children are full of energy and life and they are searching for what I know deep in my heart exists... the unconditional love and kindness of Jesus Christ. If only they werent half a world away from us!
Thats the God I love... the one who came to serve not to be served! And the mission I believe in here at Horizon of Hope!
I am grateful for this time of mission and safety and provision. I am grateful for the friendship of Kyle and Petry Groza.... our friends that care enough to invest into our lives and the matters of our hearts. THis trip gave me a small glimpse of the battle they are against here as full time missionaries. Time away from your family and calls to needs all around the clock ... sacrificial giving.
Father, thank you for friends that care enough to ask and pray and stand with me/us while we are in the fire. They feel our heat. They care enough to never let go and promise to never give up. Lord you provisions are so abundant and my offerings are so small. I am a sinner who desires to serve you fully and i keep making mistakes but you never let me go. You wont turn your back on me and send me away or allow me to become scorched by the flames. Help me Lord, to become a new creation all shiney and new until You fell its time for me to enter the fire again and help me to be willing to say, yes I will go! Lord we love these people who have entered our hearts and woven themselves into the tapestry of our lives. Open our eyes and hearts to love and serve you more with each breath knowing You will provide what we need when we need it and not too late or too soon. Bless our friends here, the Grozas that their ministry continue to grow and protect them from lies and adversity. Help them to rely upon your strength when the trials come and place a special calling upon us all to keep the fire burning.... i love you Lord and desire to serve you even when the fire feels hot!
Dust me off and shine me up... christ has made me new!