Hello, friends and family! Trinidad is amazing! I still can’t get over how beautiful it is. The air is hot and humid, but during the day there’s usually a cool refreshing breeze. I feel so calm and relaxed here; time seems to slow down. Everything is so colorful. Whether you’re looking at the greens from the trees or the bright pinks, purples, and teals from the houses, your eyes are entertained. The view from our “mountain” is breathtaking. Shelby and I have decided we are going to reenact that one scene from Pride & Prejudice, where Elizabeth is standing on the cliff, with the inspiring music in the background (Michelle you know what I’m talking about! We have only been here for a few days now, but we have done so much already.
We have been coming together more as a team and been having so much fun. Friday night Jordan started playing his guitar in the gazebo and a few of us just got together and had a small time of worship. I was so blessed and I really feel like God is doing some amazing work here within our team and our ministry. There have been some interesting moments already. Yesterday at the nursing home, Lindsey unfortunately sat in a “wet spot” of one of the lady’s there. We all laughed about it though, so it’s all good. And of course Brian, teased Bella, a wonderfully sweet old lady there, about having a boyfriend.
Even preparing for ministry has been a fun and comical time. Joel is a apparently the heartthrob here. In the two dramas he was Amanda’s heartbreaker and my love affair. Practicing for this morning’s drama was pretty hilarious. Joel and I had to dance, and it was basically like four left feet shuffling across the floor, but everyone said we did good. I’m not sure if I believe them though. I kind of think we are all starting to understand when Trinidadians speak to each, but not much - it is so fast! Sometimes I’m positive they are speaking in another language.
The most impacting time for me was at the orphanage. I still almost cry now thinking about Tracy. All the girls and boys were having a great time; they even taught us a few games and songs. It was difficult to leave, I didn’t think I would be so affected by the short time we spent with them. But it was a great time of getting to know them. Tracy is a great singer, one of the boys is amazing with drums, and it was just a great thing to see how they all took care of each other. We plan on keeping the relationships we made with some of those kids going, and I am so thankful for that.
Like I said before, Trinidad is amazing, and I am so excited to see everything we still get to do. From the wonderful food made by Lenny, our driver’s crazy driving, and meeting new people and building relationships with them, I pray God will help us to bless people and be blessed for the rest of our time here. This has been a learning experience for me, and like Jordon’s devotion today, we have to get our strength from God - not from ourselves. Thank you for your prayers and please continue praying God will use us in an impacting way.
~Stephanie Benegas
