A Day in the Life (of a Missionary Wife)

Let's start with true confessions from a flawed human being who sometimes (read: often) fails to smoothly coordinate all the balls I should be juggling in the air. The night before the events of this post, after a strenuous day of walking long city blocks on multiple errands followed by impromptu dune and rock climbing at the beach with our boys in the evening, all I wanted to do was "veg." Of course, my sons were all too happy to join me in this activity. On a whim after Silas went to bed, Ian and Alec and I decided to watch a suspenseful children's series made up of 25-minute episodes. We were hooked until 1 AM when a text from Pedro announced, "You need to send those boys to bed" and I dutifully replied, "Must. Solve. Mystery." Needless to say, we were up awhile longer! 

Which would have been all fine and dandy if the next day wasn't one of my days to work at FLORECE. Hence the true confessions from a tired human being who started the day running late and skipping devotions rather than fresh and fully charged for a day of ministry. I am just keeping it real because it's way too easy for pictures and posts to present a perfect panorama that really isn't. (Or maybe it is, and I'm the only messed up missionary wife out here!)

Normally on a Thursday I pick up two of our volunteers, but one was out with a sprained ankle and another caught a ride downtown with her husband. So I felt a bit more relaxed with time, which in general isn't a good thing for me when I actually need to get stuff done. Thankfully only one volunteer beat me to FLORECE and miraculously (which sounds like an exaggeration but only barely!) found an actual parking spot right in front of our building to comfortably wait. Soon two, then three, then four of us were present and able to begin the day with prayer. No matter the craziness that may precede gathering in our reception area and bowing our heads together, this is always such a sweet time of joining our hearts in surrender and purpose before the Lord!

Our first client who rescheduled from her normal Tuesday appointment was punctual as usual, and the day's calendar was comfortably full. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we currently accept two clients per hour between 10 AM and 4 PM so as to fulfill spacing and cleaning requirements. Unfortunately but not surprisingly, one by one cancellations began to reveal themselves either by way of WhatsApp messages or simply no-shows. In the end, only three of seven scheduled clients came. We've learned to accept those who arrive as divine appointments and trust the rest to God in prayer. Nonetheless it can be disappointing for the volunteer counselor who has come prepared and hopeful to serve her clients and spends the long day seeing none. 

Because it was the first day of the new month, we all pitched in on paperwork, counting numbers and printing forms and catching up on general odds and ends. I always appreciate the camaraderie and company of these dear women of all ages and walks of life, united in a common cause to share the gospel and serve women and their children, born and unborn. Often in the down time significant conversations take place about family and ministry and God's work in our lives. I smiled today overhearing a Titus 2 moment as a decades-married, mother-of-five volunteer shared her testimony with another volunteer who is a newlywed professional seeking God's will concerning the timing of future motherhood. Some days the ministry is as much about the women who come to serve as those we expect to serve!

It is special to currently spend the Thursday shift at FLORECE with my sister, and occasionally to stop at our favorite fresh fruit juice stand for a pick-me-up on the drive home from downtown. This time it was refreshing cold strawberry lemonade which hit the spot. Arriving home around 5 PM to our neighboring houses was not the end of the day, however! Both of our homes welcome small groups for prayer meeting at 7:30 PM on Thursday nights, and we each had "full houses" (so to speak, as the size restrictions due to COVID-19 are still quite rigid) scheduled. Because at least one of our guests comes straight from work, Pedro had planned ahead with a satisfying one-bowl meal we could easily share around the living room. 

As we gathered prayer requests in each home, we sent them to the church group's WhatsApp chat so that the groups could pray for one another. In this way we are unified even while we have been unable to meet in person as an entire congregation for so many months. The past two weeks have seemed to deepen the confidence of those who attend to open their hearts to one another, and the times of prayer have been tender. We hope and trust that God has been honored during this long season of striving to find the "right" ways of ministering in the midst of quarantines, rules and uncertainty!

For the first time this Thursday, Pedro had asked Ian and Alec to prepare songs on their guitars as they do each Sunday. Casting from his cell phone to the TV screen, he led our small band of brothers and sisters in a short time of singing before and after prayer. It wasn't until several days later that I learned the government recommends only four people maximum - separated from others - sing at a religious service due to COVID-19 concerns. Somehow, I cannot see how this honors the Sustainer of our health and lives who is worthy of all our praise.

I recount this as a memory of a day in the life of a missionary wife (me.) How thankful I am for God's mercy and grace in light of my many shortcomings; His strength in response to my weakness; the meaning and purpose He provides to my efforts and existence. Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness!