I’m in El Salvador! // October 2016 Update

Hola, amigos!

I want to start off by letting everyone know that three days ago I made it to my new home in El Salvador! I am still praising God for safe travels and zero issues with my luggage or with getting through customs. Something I love about Salvadoran culture is how hospitable everyone is here. I was welcomed at the airport by my fellow missionary teammates (Ashley and Sarah) and a couple of our friends from church. On top of that, when I made it to my host family’s home, I was shown to my room that they built especially for me in the back of the house so I would be comfortable and have my own space! So far, I’ve spent time unpacking, seeing friends and getting caught up on everything that has been happening in our ministry since the last time I was here in August.

I also want to take the time to thank everyone for their support that allowed me to attend pre-field training at Mission Training International (MTI) in Colorado. It was an incredible experience and I learned a lot that I know will help me as I adjust to my new culture and continue to learn Spanish.

I got back to Ohio from MTI just 10 days before moving, and spent that time in a whirlwind of saying goodbye to my family and friends while I finished working on the logistics of planning and packing for the move. Thanks to all for your prayers as I prepared to leave Ohio, and I definitely felt that I was able to say “good goodbyes” and step onto my flight to San Salvador with an open heart and mind, ready for what God has in store for me here in El Salvador.

I’m super excited to jump into the culture and ministry here, and I’ll catch everyone up on how things are going in my next update!

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. // Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

Que Dios los bendiga,
Ali

Prayer Requests:

• For everything to go well with all of the documents and notarizations I need to apply for residency here in El Salvador. Right now, I am here on a 90-day tourist visa and if I’m not approved for residency before that expires, I will have to leave El Salvador for three days before I can return and try the process again with a new tourist visa. I have already been working on getting the things that I need, and I will hopefully be going to immigration within the next couple of weeks to turn everything in!
• For a missions teams coming tomorrow (October 29) from Kennebec Church in Maine. Please pray that the week with the team will be fruitful for the Kingdom and for the team to stay safe and healthy! They will be here until November 6 serving with the youth of our church and at both of our Children’s Centers.
• For me as I continue to learn Spanish and adjust to being away from home and living in the Salvadoran culture.
• For our team as we figure out exactly what my roles and responsibilities will be as we work on some new projects like the English program at our Children’s Centers!