Oh, the things you will see

Dear family and friends,

The book from Dr. Seuss comes to mind when I write this blog. "Oh the places you will go" I think I should write a book titled "Oh the things you will see."

We just finished our fourth month here in Bocachica. I can honestly say, I have seen more things in the past four months to give me great topics to talk about for the next forty years.

     

•  I have seen a bull who was transported to the island to a new home. He got loose, and being distraught, he ran wild in front of the mission. He picked up a 5 year old girl with his horns and threw her. I saw panic break out on the island and watched my husband as he joined the locals to help detain him.

• I took part in enjoying a new delicacy of iguana.

• Though I have never run out of gas while driving a car in the states....4 different times now I have been on a boat and run out of gas.

• I have been with out electricity for days at a time....

• I walked a long ways away to help my husband and locals pick up coral rock and put it in sacks for our new house.
• I go in a boat to a dangerous part of town to get my groceries. I won't even tell you how awful it smells.

• I have seen my husband take on the role of animal control as he killed 2 possums with a machete that occupied our attic.

But more than just this I have seen how my outer shell is getting stronger. My mind is getting sharper and my heart is getting fuller.

I have learned in the past four months that being a missionary is not only about spreading the gospel. The biggest thing I have learned is the people here give you respect and know your heart through your relationship with them. Living among them like they live. Walking up a hill that is barely walk-able to get water to wash clothes.  To understand what they endure everyday, and then having a thankful heart on top of that. That is what speaks to them. Seeing how you can adapt to what they have become accustomed to.

What a gift to get. To have the joy of the Lord where you are and with what you have. I am blessed.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!




We are enjoying our new lives here and feel at home. Thank you all who pray for us, write to us and support us monthly. We are blessed to have you in our lives and share in our ministry.

With love,
Tara and the Ariel Family.

If you would like to support us monthly please make checks payable to Antioch Community Church. P.O. Box 40  Elon, NC. 27244 Write Colombia in the memo line. (Remember all giving     is tax deductible.)