Let me start from the beginning. I was 16, had never been away from my family and had never traveled anywhere out of North America. I stepped onto the soil of the third most dangerous country... in the world. Bright eyed and ready to help the brokenhearted. Little did I know that the biggest heart break of all, would be the one I received after 10 long days.
This country is dangerous for mainly one reason. Gangs. Everyone knows that there is violence in the world. Not many have ever experience it. The country was in the middle of a presidential election, and security was top notch. Everywhere I looked. Soldiers. Machine guns. Evidence of violence. Walking the street like it was a typical Tuesday. Not for this Canadian it wasn't. I have never been more intimidated in my life. This country was visually beautiful but emotionally destroyed with violence, poverty and hurt. I was in way over my head. God showed me the truth. A truth I didn't even know I needed to see.
I met people along the way with nothing. I mean nothing. No food, no money, no homes, no doors, no safety from violence and disease. What they did have was faith. Something I thought I had a lot of. These people knew God would always provide. Well He did. 10 deserving families received a new home. With walls, doors and hope for a better future!
I watched a community come together in ways I could have never imagined. Stranger came together for a cause, bring faith and love with them. I fell in love with this tiny little country and the people that live there. Especially the children. I will never be able to put into words the love God has placed on my heart for children. Especially children that have no idea what it feels like to be loved. I knew that I never would see the world the same.One child in particular. His name was Oscar, and I knew the moment we met, he would stay in my heart forever. I knew no Spanish and for 6 days we communicated without words. We didn't need to know each others language. God gave us the understanding we needed. The understanding of how much need there is, and how I could help.Oscar changed my life. I knew God had brought me to this place of hunger and hurt to show His love for those with nothing. To offer myself as an example for whatever He chose. I wanted to be a missionary wherever God needed me. I wanted to share His love and good news wherever I was needed.
I returned home shattered, angry, confused and completely heartbroken. Why did no one know about this. In this day and age, how could we not know!? It was always the little things. Closing my door that locked. Turning on the faucet for a drink of water. Trying to decide what shoes would match the outfit I had chose from the hundreds of clothes I had. Everyday I was reminded of what I had, and what others did not. My heart broke a little, every time To this day that feeling never has gone away. My faith that God always provides and that we are richly blessed has never been stronger.
I returned to El Salvador 3 more times, each time feeling the same heartbreak worse and worse. On my latest trip in November, I landed in San Salvador with a new feeling. God has never spoken to me out loud, but he has spoken to my heart in ways so loud, it might as well have been audible. Welcome Home! This isn't my home though, I thought to myself, and again the feeling came. Welcome Home! I started the trip knowing that I had questions for God. I knew He wanted me in this beautiful country. Long term. But when?! After I finished school? After I was settled? When I got married? When? I came home with no answers... After reading a wonderful book by Katie Davis: Kisses from Katie ( A book I highly recommend) I knew that if anything, I needed to at least look into the options I had for serving children in poverty. I had prayed and prayed for God to reveal His perfect timing, and after years of prayer and some nudging from my sister, I realized it was time. I have nothing holding me back, it's time. So I went to Google to search for opportunities. I loved El Salvador but didn't want to limit my options. God always knew it was going to be El Salvador. I thought this was a huge first step!
Within an hour I had printed off a 30 page application for a one year internship serving the poor, helpless and needy in San Salvador (The capital city) I knew this was it. You know the feeling. That terrified excitement! The application was send out, and weeks went by. Weeks of prayers asking for Gods will. Here I am. Send me!
I was accepted! Praise God! I will be packing my suitcase and saying goodbye the comforts of my life. Leaving everything behind to follow Gods will for my life. I will be leaving the last week of December!
So begins this emotional ride of becoming a missionary intern! I will be using this blog to share the wonderful experience and plans God has for my life. I am asking for your prayers along the way! I am so blessed with a family (related and chosen) that loves and supports me! "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans for a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
God has wonderful plans for me in El Salvador, and I for one, can't wait!\
Love and Prayers
Erica Byleveld
