Tazumal and Our Day of Rest

Yesterday, we spent the morning at Tazumal, another suburb of Chalchuapa. Although we were told it was dangerous, I didn't feel unsafe. We had lock up our bags at the church there, because they didn't want the people to know we had anything "expensive." We went in three groups of about eight. One to each house, criss-crossing down the dirt roads.

One of the poorer areas around here, the streets ran with dirty water. Jackie said she watched an elderly man take his bowl and scoup up some of the water for hydration. As we walked along, greeting everyone who would open their doors to us, we saw both desolation and hope. The first family we went to talk to, the woman of the house had been a Christian before, but the struggles she faced had hardened her heart. She allowed us to present the gospel, but she wouldn't accept what we had to say. There just isn't a whole lot you can say in a situation like that.

Another couple, Marlon and Anna greeted us with open arms. When we said we wanted to share the Gospel with them, they immedietely said that they were already Christians. From the evangelism I've done, a lot of folks say that they're Christians, but you just don't see it. I saw it in them. They had a joy that others in that area lacked. We prayed with them and for them before heading to the next house.

 

After spending a hot morning evangelising, we were given an opportunity to rest. We drove to a resort down by the beach and were able to spend all evening and morning relaxing. Although a few of us felt a little guity about having so much after witnessing so little, I think we all enjoyed the change of pace.

 

Tonight is our last night in Chalchuapa, and our last worship service with the church. Tomorrow we'll spend the morning in Tazumal again, evangelizing, giving out toothbrushes, and working with a medical clinic.

I feel like I've been in El Salvador for a lifetime. We've really made this place our home the past few nights we've stayed here. The friendships I've made run deep, and I hope they will last a lifetime. I'm not good at goodbye's. I avoid them at all costs. Hopefully this is a "see you later." I'm not sure how to say goodbye, so I'll just trust God. Beside, we have still have two full days.