Sticking Out Like a Sore Thumb for Christ

And so it begins.

This is my first experience of doing ministry in a foreign country by myself.  In the past we have come to Mexico in a group, and i went to Nepal in a group.  When a group of 30 or 40 Americans walks through a country where white skin is uncommon, the comments are directed toward the whole group.  However, when i am the only white skinned, blonde haired, "gringa" walking the streets of Morelia, i know all the comments are for me.  The thing that makes it harder is i understand most of what they are saying.  For example. I went to my "twin's" house a few days ago.  His grandmother has seen me on skype, but that is when i am sitting down. When she met me in person, she said in spanish, "nice to meet you! you are enormous!!!" as she gave me a hug and then walked away.  I didn't take offense, i am almost a foot taller than the average Mexican woman and a little taller than the average Mexican man.  Hey at least it's not as bad as Nepal where i only met one person taller than me and then the next tallest person was at my shoulder!!!!!

In the combi (public transportation) yesterday i had my arm out the window.  A man on the seat across from Erick told him to tell me to put my arm inside or i was going to burn.  Erick told me and i told him it was okay.  The man then made some rude comments about me being a stupid gringa and about how i shouldn't be in Mexico.  I understood what he said, but didn't let on. I even fooled Luis and Erick because they told me after we got off what the guy said, and i responded, "i know, it's okay."  I would normally be really upset, but God is helping me see these situations in a new light.

Back in the states, i'm also self conscious about my height and size.  I especially am uncomfortable around really short people because I feel like the weird one.  I must admit i often retaliate when my friends make a comment about my height, and the retaliation is not always good. i have been praying about how to deal with it differently here though, and to learn ways to deal with it when i come back home.  God has helped me figure out how and i will share it with all of you.

He brought to my mind people in the Bible that were noticed for something physical, and God used them in a miraculous way.  Por ejemplo (for example) Zaccheus! He was noticed because he was a "wee little man" and also a mean tax collector, but God used him to show Jesus's love for all people, even tax collectors, and Jesus's love changed Zaccheus' life!!! When someone is staring because of my height, i am going to smile and show God's love rather than retaliating.  Esther also came to mind.  She was noticed for her beauty and ended up being able to use that, along with faith in God, to save her people!!! I get whistled at a lot in the street because i have an American body and blonde hair.  I get noticed, but i am going to use that to my advantage. I stick out like a sore thumb at NOE, but that makes it easier to set an example and to show the love of God to these incredible kids!

I feel like God is going to use me in incredible ways here, and part of that is going to happen because i am different.  When we were in Nepal the kids would ask why we had traveled so far, away from our homes, just to talk to them? We responded by sharing the love of Jesus with each and every one of them.  I'm only 2000 miles away from home this time, but the concept still remains.  I am here to share the love of God with theses kids, with every strand of blonde hair and cell of white skin i posses!!!