An Answer to Prayer

"This is my prayer in the desert,

when all that's within me feels dry . . .

All of my life,

in every season,

you are still God.

I have a reason to sing.

I have a reason to worship."

Desert Song ~ Hillsong United

My time in Argentina thus far has been incredible, challenging, frustrating, exciting, lonely, friend-filled, rewarding, and just about any other contradicting emotion/state of being that you can think of. I feel like I have experienced a whole lot of them! In regards to my spiritual walk, I've been in a little bit of a weird spot. Amongst all these amazing answers to prayers, and times that God has been evident in my life, I have felt really dry in my faith. I've lacked a passion and desire to truly know God more. I've gone through the motions: tried to read my Bible, listened to worship music, streamed some sermons, and yet, still, I've felt stagnant in my faith. I know that faith is not about emotions and we can love God even when we don't "feel" it, but it definitely is not easy. 

One of my main prayers since being here has been to find a Christian community. I've really felt the lack of accountability and community. I mentioned earlier that I visited a church which was a huge answer to prayer! Since then, I visited another church (my host mom's friend brought me) and I liked it a lot as well. Afterward, I had tons of people invite me to their homes for lunch and I felt so welcomed. However, I still left feeling discouraged because I had yet to meet Christians my age. 

Just about a week ago, I got a call from the same lady who had invited me to church, saying that I was invited to go to a group for "jóvenes" or "young people." Of course I jumped at the opportunity! Finally, I would find other Christians my age! Well, I've since decided that God has a sense of humor. :) 

So, I got picked up by one of the Pastor's daughters. She seemed a tad older than I had imagined, and mentioned that she had kids, so I figured that she must have been one of the leaders of the group. Anyway, we arrive at her house and I go inside to find a couple with a young baby. We chat a bit, but I honestly didn't really know what to say because I was confused by their presence. While we were chatting, two more couples enter, each followed by an array of young children. Now I was super confused! Within a few minutes, we all migrated toward the table and, with the kids playing and screaming in the other room, they began a devotional. Apparently I had been invited to a small group for young couples with children? haha! I'm still confused how that happened, seeing as I am neither married nor have children.... Anyway, the devotional was good, but didn't take long and so afterward they spent time chatting. I honestly could not follow much of the conversation. They talked really fast and all at the same time. Then the parts that I could understand, they were talking about their kids, and I had nothing to contribute. They asked for prayer requests and I mentioned that I would like to find other Christian friends, and I honestly started tearing up. I felt discouraged that once again, I was left without the community I had expected to find. 

"When the pieces seem too shattered

to gather off the floor

and all that seems to matter

is that I can't feel you anymore

I need a reason to sing

I need a reason to sing

I need to know that you're still holding

the whole world in your hands

that is a reason to sing"

Reason to Sing ~ All Sons & Daughters

This past Sunday, I listened to both Desert Song and Reason to Sing during my devo time. As I did, something inside just clicked. I knew that my dry period was over. Suddenly, God placed a desire on my heart to seek out the Christians within my intercambio group. This entire time, I had been seeking community elsewhere, and hadn't even bothered to look right in front of me. God was clearly leading me to contact them, and so I did. I was so nervous though! I had no idea how my message would come across to them, but I felt convicted by a verse I had just read a few minutes earlier that says, "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." (Proverbs 29:25) 

The responses to my message were incredible. I didn't even have to wait more than a minute before I got several positive responses from the group! God is so good. 

A couple of us were able to meet on Tuesday morning before our classes. (In a gas station. They are pretty fancy here! ;) ) It was such a great time of getting to know each other, being vulnerable in our struggles, and encouraging and supporting one another. It was so refreshing. I am beyond excited to see what else God has in store for not only this group, but also for the impact we can have for Him in this country!