How I can explain some of the things that happen here...

Luke 10:2 "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

My week reminded me of this verse. I am here on the island, and there is no hiding. The island life reminds me of a camp ground. Everyone lives very close, many houses share one outer wall. The island seems to wake up around the same time and the routines makes me think of the movie Ground Hog's day. You walk everywhere and so you have to speak to many as you pass by. Gossip here on the island is a way of life, everyone participates. My husband laughs and says many times if I am in Cartagena running an errand, he knows before I get to the house that I am on the island due to everyone talking. They would walk by and say, your wife is here, she'll be up the hill soon. 

This week was harder than normal. The other day there was this boy who is 7 with his 6 month old sister sitting on a tire. I thought I need to snap a photo. When he looked up and saw me, he was so sweet that turned his body around to give me a better photo. Then about 20 minutes later, I heard the baby crying, and the boy yelling for his Mom. I didn't think much of it, but then the boy started screaming louder and louder crying down the hill for his mom's help. I jumped my wall and went into his house to find him alone in the house with this baby. The mom was not in sight. When the mom finally came I had to be firm with her and tell her this is not acceptable and that a 7 year old boy is not responsible to take care of a baby nor to be left alone. The mom just smiled and took the baby back. I went home and was saddened to know this was happening but even more sad to know the Mom is broken. 

But then the next day my husband yells to me with the baby in his hands. You see the Mom had the seven year old carry the baby down the hill to buy juice. He fell while walking with her and dropped her. I went immediately to the house and told her this can not happen. I spoke firmly with her for about 10 minutes, while she smiled and had many excuses, I returned home. Frustrated at the situation, I thought of this through out the day. At one point I heard the mom crying from the back steps. Please Lord, use this time for her to call on Your name. I am reminded that while we teach the Word here on the island, our relationships with others in our everyday life speak of God. When we hold those accountable in love, we show the love of God. 

To finish my day off a different set of neighbors came up to my fence as they were passing by, turned and looked at me and said our neighborhood would be going down hill, but Tara and Nate won't let that happen. Happy to know through trials fruit can be seen.

So yes Lord, please send more willing to labor. Willing to take a stand for what is right. Showing others your love and praying for those who don't know you. No matter where we live, Let us glorify you.