Life On the Other Side: Reflecting on CLM Turvo (Joshua)

In a few hours we are leaving CLM Turvo to go back to Entre Rios for two days, then we leave for Nepo. As I reflect on our time here at Turvo, I am sad that we are not able to stay here longer. Because of different events we were only here for two weeks. However, in some ways it worked out. We just finished the project this morning that we were given at the begining of our time here. In one of the rooms all the tile had come up and needed to be replaced. We took the first week to chisel out the concrete mud from the previous tile. That was a long process of repetative labor. When we were done with that we began laying the tile, then grouted it and cleaned it this morning. Although it isn't the prettiest tile job ever, it turned out pretty good considering it was the first floor we laid by ourselves. I really enjoyed having a project where we could see the start and finish. It made me feel like we made a difference here at Turvo.

That was our main project while we were here. Most of the other times were spent hanging out with the kids. When we first got here, one of the things we did a lot of was ping-pong. They really like playing. They get two kitchen tables together and put a net in the middle just like a real table. It makes it interesting when the ball lands in the crack and takes a turn in the opposite direction. It was a lot of fun though to be able to do something like that with them. The older boys played on several occasions, usually hours on end. We also had a good time playing soccer and swiming. On one of the Saturdays we went fishing with everyone. The home has a lake themselves but they go out and catch fish from another lake to stock the one here. We caught a bunch of little tiny fish and a few big ones too.

Probably one of the most challenging things for me that became more real through our time here, has been decerning our purpose in how we serve God. Many times in the states I strive after the American Dream, and feel that it is something that can be obtained while in all truth it is like building a castle in the sand. It will last for a short time and then crumble down when the waves of realtiy destroy the foundation. An empty purpose is clearly is not something to strive for. For the time that we are in Brazil we are away from the culture of America and have an opportunity to see how the people here live and work. It gives me a chance to think about purpose not only for our time here but for life in general. In many ways I know what our purpose is. That being, to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. But when it actually comes to practically living this out, it presents a different challenge. I know that we are here to serve God in Brazil by loving on kids and working for the people. We are also here to learn and experience and to see what God has for us in the future. But, how do we serve God? Someone challenged me to think if that even the right way to go about it? If we are to glorify God, then maybe we can simply make ourselves avaliable for God to do the work through us. Then, we are able to serve Him, but with the mindset of God doing the work. That way He gets the glory and we can learn and grow in Him through the work He does.

This is something I am still thinking about and trying to figure out. I assume it will be an on going thought process for our time here and probably throughout my whole life. But, God is definitely challenging me to help me understand parts of it and I am excited to see what He will reveal next.