tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29264140276773720952024-03-19T14:08:38.175-07:00El Salvador ~ The Call to ServeMissionary Blog ~ "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer" ~ Romans 12:12Erica Byleveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17090068789398853020noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2926414027677372095.post-82199765628944969332018-08-20T14:24:00.003-07:002018-08-20T14:24:58.188-07:00Living On Faith<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here we are once again, at the end of a long month that, surprisingly, went by rather quickly. July was a month full of volunteer teams, dramatic meltdowns and pretty hysterical culture moments. July was also, if I can be honest, full of incredibly hard hurdles to get over. Emotionally, physically, financially, spiritually, culturally, honestly, I feel like you get the picture, it was just really stinking hard. However it was a month of challenges we were expecting, so I guess that makes it better... I guess. Anywho, make yourself a nice cup of tea, settle in and let's catch up on what life has been like for me for the last month or so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First, I want to tell you of a cultural moment I had this morning on my way into work, one I thought was so funny I could barely keep myself from tears, I was laughing so hard. Now before I share with you what was so funny, you need to remember where I am serving in El Salvador. MTES is located in the medical district of downtown San Salvador, and is a place that is constantly bustling with the loud noises of buses, horns and people shouting. The traffic here is the worst I have ever witnessed and honestly arriving at work each morning is a success all in it's own. So as you can imagine, I had just turned at one of the busiest intersections on my route and was brought to a stop as I waited for pedestrians to cross the road to the hospital across the way. As I sat in my car with one of the interns serving with us, I glanced over and thought to myself, huh, there is a man over there walking an awfully large dog, that's not a usual breed I see here.... It was definitely not a breed we see here, that's because it wasn't a dog at all. No no... this man was waltzing down a city street with a full grown, larger than usual GOAT, that's right, a goat. Now that alone was funny, however when I noticed what was in his other hand, that's what really got me going. He had a stack of cups, and would walk the street milking the goat for fresh milk to sell to people on their way by! At 8 am, this was one of the funniest things I have seen here, and was definitely a cultural moment for me, then again honestly, I think this was a little odd for everyone to see. So that pretty much made my day, because honestly this goat was gigantic. This isn't the only interesting animal encounter I have had this month, oh no, there's been lots more. Whether it be our house being plagued by the biggest ants I have ever seen, or the giant spider I had to kill with my shoe, to the iguanas that mock me from their branches in our garden and the baby possums that visit me on the patio while I nicely chat on the phone, and yes for those who remember last year, these are the second generation, grand baby possums.... because apparently God is extending my gift of hospitality to the creatures outside too. This alone has made for an interesting month.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">July marked several challenges for me, one of the most important, being that this is the longest I have ever been away from friends and family back home in Canada. Usually my trips are about three months long, which makes missing home easier but isn't always beneficial as someone trying to get accustomed to a new place, culture and life. I decided that for this year, I would stay through from April until just before Christmas, giving myself time to really settle into life here. I knew this upon my arrival but I also knew this would be a huge hurdle . One of the biggest struggles I face here is being so far away from things that matter most to me, such as family. I am comfortable and at home here, not only at MTES but life in general here in El Salvador, which is a huge blessing, however that doesn't mean I am happy here every single day. This month tested my nerves, my patience, my friendships and most importantly my reliance on God. It's stressful enough to be here when things are going really well, imagine being here exhausted, worn out and down right "just done" with everything. I was tired of missing my family, my country and my culture back home and honestly just couldn't understand why on earth God needed me here, and if He did in fact insist on having me serve here, well could He not at least make things a little easier. Still He allows for things to go wrong, for people to not show up, for finances to not come in, for emotions to be strained and for patience to wear thin. He pushes, He challenges and He tests. He tests my faith, my reliance, my trust and my relationship with Him. This isn't just to make my life hard,it's God at work in my life, shaping me into the woman He not only desires and designed me to be but the woman He genuinely needs me to be, in order to use this work for His kingdoms glory. So many times this last month I have struggled to see the good God is doing here and yet, I know He is hard at work. There were weeks where, quite honestly, I just wanted to pack my bags, catch a flight and be done with this season of my life. There were days when I actually considered, what it would be like to genuinely consider just walking away. I have never experienced such a deep grief and frustration like I did this month. Never have I had to excuse myself so many times, to simply sit in a room all alone and let the tears just pour down my face, take a breath and then get back to work. Some days I knew what was upsetting me, I had seen something awful or couldn't fill a need that was so clear, sometimes I just missed the comforts I have been used to for my entire life, and then other times, honestly the tears just bubbled over for no reason at all. There were nights I lay awake blubbering to myself about missing out on being my sister, as she gives birth to her son, not being there for the folks back home who need me, and not knowing if the money I needed to live here would come through, but having to trust that God would provide the people to give, while I work week after week without a paycheck. There was one specific moment when I actually sat on my bed upset because how on earth am I going to be able to retire if I am not making any money! (I will admit, that evening was fairly dramatic, but they were real feelings none the less.) Each day I lay down exhausted wondering if this really is the best thing for my life right now, and each time morning comes, and with it a renewed sense of courage to make it through whatever the day brings. Each day a new opportunity to say yes. Yes, yesterday was awful and didn't go to plan, but today is a new day, yes I will rise up and face the day knowing God is with me through every step. We all have a desire for God to choose us to go and serve and change lives, when in reality my life is the life He is changing during my time here, and it may not always be pretty, but I trust that in the end these struggles will be worth it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The month of July brought it's share of challenges sure, but it also brought it's share of triumphs as well. We had another one of our New Dawn boys graduate, which is always an incredible moment to be a part of. I am settling into my responsibilities of managing our Bakery Micro Enterprise and learning the ropes of how to use my knowledge in a foreign country with different tools and expectations, and finally, I am slowly but surely seeing the fruits of my labour in language learning. We celebrated the work God is doing here at MTES with all of the wonderful volunteers who came to work tirelessly in making MTES better equipped to serve our clients. We even celebrated Christ's birth with my annual Christmas in July party. This event was something I had been planning for months, and honestly it was something we were all looking forward to. It was an evening filled with mountains of food, beautiful music and games, and most importantly, my own crazy "family" made up of my closest Salvadoran and American friends. I was amazed that I was able to convince 16 people to get crazy right along with me, but I truly believe you can honour Christ's birth any day of the year, with good food and great company.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now as we settle into the finishing of summer and the beginning of fall, I am so grateful for the things the Lord has taught me in these last weeks. I am also grateful to have life settle down a little bit, giving me time to get back into some kind of "routine". I look forward to the coming weeks of rest and renewal for my spirit with a peaceful heart and a quiet house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I pray you're able to take heart and have courage to walk through this season of life God has you in as well. That you find rest in Him and know that He is using your constant love and support to build His kingdom way out here in El Salvador as well. If you would like to receive my other monthly newsletter, would like to catch up with me personally or would like more information on how to give financially, please email me personally at erica.byleveld@gmail.com.I always love to hear how God is working in your life as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Erica Byleveld</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. We boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character and character, hope. Hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." </span></div>
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<br />Erica Byleveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17090068789398853020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2926414027677372095.post-36967871487267531712018-06-29T09:02:00.000-07:002018-06-29T09:04:42.056-07:00Catching Up<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me just start by saying, I know, it's the end of June, I don't fully understand how it's the end of June, but none the less the end of June it is! I have sat and began writing this post more times than I can count, each time I have been called away or have simply put it off until I really had a chance to sit down and fill you folks in. I didn't however intend for whole months to go by without a chance to get my thoughts in order. I was told by one of my favorite people "Just write a quick sentence letting us all know you're still alive!" So here I am, alive and well!</div>
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So many things have grown and changed over the last three months as I continue to settle into my life here. I feel like I am truly finding my place here, whether that be embracing my new freedom in driving, prospering relationships with old friends and new ones, and finally transitioning into a position within MTES.</div>
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Returning this year has come with so many new responsibilities but also a much needed feeling of freedom, something that I often feel is rare, way out here in El Salvador. Driving here has been a huge change for me, as the traffic is horrible here, but having a chance to run errands around town, go on adventures or simply be responsible for getting myself to work on time, have been pure joy. When I have some free time I often go to Sucree, a beautiful place for coffee and fine desserts, but most importantly, a place I truly see as my second home. I have become dear friends with the family that owns it and am welcomed with big smiles and hugs from the whole staff, bringing a feeling that mean more than me the they will ever know. Having a place that is beautiful, peaceful and welcoming means the world to me, a place I can go and be truly known, in a country I often feel little lost in, makes my heart warm! I have places that are beginning to feel familiar and comforting. I have come back to the church I attended last year, and have even joined their young adults Bible study, another huge blessing. I am meeting new people and am doing my best to embrace this culture I have come to serve. I love being back at the guest house, making it home to those who comes and visit MTES, adding joy and love as I go. It feels so wonderful to feel settled into one place for a little while. I have my personal space all decorated and cozy, have planted a garden oasis on the upstairs terrace and am adding to my canning cupboard regularly. I love having the space to welcome others into my home and fellowship with them, something I have always dreamt of doing. I get the opportunity to open my home and my heart to those that God has so perfectly placed in my life, I get and walk alongside so many journeys for a short time. Our house has been blessed with many visiting groups from different places in the US as well as two new interns, one from the US and one from England, so needless to say, life and the house have both been a little chaotic lately. </div>
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I have begun my new position as manager in our bakery micro enterprise. which has been both exciting and challenging, which I enjoy. I have a wonderful assistant, Jocelyn, who is quickly becoming one of my dearest friends. She is Salvadoran and only speaks Spanish, so that of course has made for lots of confusion and even more laughs as we learn to communicate with each other. I have loved seeing Gods faithfulness in this new endeavor, as I always had a sort of idea in my head of how I could use my baking skills and education as a way of serving others in a way that helps give life skills to those in need. This bakery enterprise has been a surprising answer to a prayer I have always had, but it was just a thought. I get the opportunity to not only sell bread and be in community but also be part of providing work for people who have been effected by poverty, addiction and sex trafficking. I have an opportunity to teach the boys in our program important life skills and job training that they can use in the future. I get to come up with new ideas and inspirations that can better serve our clients, and of course, am able to get my hands dirty and create something delicious. I am so looking forward to where God leads this program in both growth as a business and growth in the community. Your continued prayers for this endeavor are always appreciated. </div>
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I have continued to take some much needed Spanish classes and I am beginning to surprise myself with the amount I actually can understand. I love seeing the fruits of my labour in the conversation and special moments I am now able to have, because I can actually speak the language. It also helps that I am good with charades! I don't always love the learning aspect, as I do much better working with my hands than sitting in a desk having to do book work, but the Lord has blessed me with wonderful teachers, who are so patient with me, and that makes a huge difference.</div>
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Another big excitement we had here at MTES last month was the graduation of one of our boys in our New Dawn Program. This is a huge step for these bright young men and it bring me so much joy to see them walk across that stage and receive their diploma. These guys have worked so hard during their time here and I am honoured and blessed to have the opportunity to watch God change lives first hand and get to be a part of the work He is doing. I will admit, these events always bring a few tears, ok a lot of tears, but the guys always make sure to come back and visit regularly so that makes a big difference. I love having them stop by and say hello, with big hugs and bright smiles, getting to see how they are doing with work and their family, seeing them be the wonderful, incredible and brilliant young men they are. It really does bring so much joy to my heart, to think that God has placed me, even for a short time, in their lives, and it's something I will cherish all the days of my life.</div>
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As the summer carries on, so do the months of not seeing my family and friends back home. I have had a really good time of settling in here and am slowly beginning to feel God nudge me and show me that maybe just maybe I could settle into a life here. He continues to show tiny little details to persuade me, which is always fun to see. However I would love to just get through these coming months without worrying about that. Most days I am quite happy here, as my days are always filled with all kinds of wild adventures and wonderful things, and then some days, out of no where something tugs at my heart and makes me long for home. I miss being able to drop in for cosy visits with my family and make memories with them at special events. Some days I miss the days when everything went according to plan, and I didn't have to deal with ridiculous issues, like running out of drinking water while having a team at the house, and not being able to simply drink from the tap. Having to find someone to walk to walk with me to the store up the street because it's not safe, constantly having plans change not only daily, but hourly, because honestly that's just life here in El Salvador, and we just gotta roll with it! Often I just really miss Canada, and the beauty, love and freedom it has to offer, a freedom I will never again take for granted. The long back roads, lush forests, and cool weather, honestly just the beauty all of it is. As the days keep rolling on, please pray for this heart of mine, that I am able to miss home and still be content here on the days when it's tough to be so far away. Pray as well that God continues to nudge my heart towards His will for my life, where ever that may be.</div>
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I want to take this time to thank you all for your continues love and encouragement. The kind words, prayers and little messages, mean more to me than you could ever know. It's with this support that I am able to serve here. I would love to get connected with you to share more in depth about my time here and can be reached at <i><b>erica.byleveld@gmail.com</b></i> If you would like to come alongside me financially, see the information below, and know that any contribution is a huge blessing to the work God is doing here in El Salvador.</div>
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Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.</div>
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~ 1 Corinthians 15:58</div>
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Love and Prayers</div>
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Erica Byleveld</div>
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~ Donating Information ~</div>
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Select Donate Now Canadian</div>
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Select Project El Salvador A2 - E Byleveld</div>
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Simply fill in the information</div>
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~ Donations will receive a tax receipt ~</div>
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Erica Byleveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17090068789398853020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2926414027677372095.post-58588557790249760302018-04-13T14:58:00.000-07:002018-04-13T17:48:00.843-07:00New Beginnings<div style="font-size: 16px;">
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How do I even begin to catch you up on the last six months of my life. I can hardly believe that once again, here I am in El Salvador! So much has changed in the six months that I have been back in Canada, within MTES and with me personally, so I will take this time to fill you in on all the things that I have been up to while I was home.</div>
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I returned to Canada at the beginning of October, just in time for Thanksgiving. It was so wonderful to be home and to see all of the beautifully bright colored leaves change and the cold winds blow in, driving through the open country side, seeing the farms and fields pass me by, that is where home truly is to me. Seeing customers come into the shop and saying hello to neighbors around town, something that I think is so special to living in a small town. I enjoyed the freedom to come and go as I please and have most, if not all of my plans go exactly as I wanted them too. It was wonderful to drop in and see friends, visit with family and spend precious moments snuggling my ever growing nephews. Shortly after my arrival back home, my sister Monica got married, and it was a time of grand celebrations and visits with family I don't always get to see. I returned to Bremfield's to work full time while I began fundraising, and before we knew it, the snow was beginning to sparkle in the sky as the air grew crisp, and so we began to prepare for Christmas. This season of preparing to celebrate Christ's birth, is one I will always cherish, as the weeks prior are filled with joy, anticipation and of course, traditions! Spending time cozied up with friends and family is one of Gods biggest blessing, and it was during this season that I truly began to notice how much these little moments were beginning to have a big impact on me. I have begun to have an astonishing and overwhelming gratitude for this life the Lord has blessed me with. Simple little moments, such as, seeing the beauty in the little lives that bring me so much joy with their giggles and squeals, building memories with my grandparents over Sunday's meals, or simply driving my mother crazy, making us both smile. Simply having my daily needs so easily met, and being sure to take time to realize what God has so freely and graciously given me and my family. Spending quality time just being present was huge for me during these six months, I also needed to begin preparing to return to the field.</div>
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Preparing to return for two more years has been an interesting new challenge for me, as I have to do visa paperwork, partner with a sending organization, securing monthly donors to partner with both prayerfully and financially and finally, attend formal missionary pre field training. I chose to attend training in Colorado at Mission Training International (MTI) for four week at the beginning of the year. I had never been to Colorado, nor were my expectations overly high, as this to me was simply something I needed to accomplish before returning. I was blown away by my entire experience with MTI, and how God perfectly ordained my time there. Whether it be the wonderful facility in the mountains, to the incredible friends I will now have for life, with missionaries going to all corners of the Earth. Friends that are in the very same situation as me, trying to fund raise, learn new languages, adapt to a different culture, trying our best to be missionaries all while not having a full grasp of what we are doing. This training gave us the tools we needed to learn new languages, manage our stress, work well in our organizations and the go through the process of transitions well. It is so nice to finally have friends with the same understanding as me, facing the same challenges, having felt the same call on their lives, journeying with God. I have such wonderful and supportive friends and family, but it is hard to be understood sometimes, even though they do their best. It's different if you haven't experienced the same things. In this training, we went to deep levels together in a short period of time, being strangers at first, turning into our own sort of missionary family. Journeying through stress, our spiritual walks, the devastation that is all over our world, a devastation that we have seen results of first hand. All of these, incredibly tough to work through, and yet all vital to serving on the mission field. God had us be open, honest and very real, and I am so glad He did, because it gave us the opportunity to grow together in the most meaningful way. Our month together flew by and I enjoyed my experience immensely.</div>
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Once I returned back home, it was time to get down to business fundraising and preparing, and let me tell you, it's a full time job in itself. God has once again shown his faithfulness and provided the funding for my two year commitment. I love seeing Him at work in the lives of those partnering with me, both prayerfully and financially,some I have known for years, others are new friends, both crucial. I met with some different church's and really got to share about the work that is going on at MTES. I managed to sneak away to Ottawa to finalize papers needed for my visa application and visit very good friends of mine, who I served with at MTES, it was a great little getaway. I celebrated Easter with my family and even had a few surprise early birthday parties, for 6 slightly confused but very excited nephews, theses little celebrations mean the world to me when I am away. </div>
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I did my best to pack up my life in Canada and get ready to say so long for now, surrendering my relationships to God, knowing that He will keep them precious in His will for my life. He will ensure I am taken care of, and knowing the blessing of technology these days, I am able to still be a huge part of their lives, even if this part of my life is being spent in El Salvador. I still get to see their beautiful faces, hear their funny little giggles and watch them grow! </div>
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So I said farewell and boarded the plane, in completed surreal denial, that's usually the way it goes. As I sat ready for take off my mind began its also usual panic of "uh, what's happening, what's going on, why are we doing this". I should mention, I often have a conversation in my head of dramatic over reacting Erica, that can be a little ridiculous, and sensible Erica who reassures we are fine and no we are not going to sit and do this on an airplane for crying out loud we're fine! Haha, needless to say I stayed on the plane and I was in fact, just fine, I actually felt pretty good. I landed in El Salvador, easily made it through immigration and customs and met my director outside for a ride to the house. It's so strange to be back to the same place, as if nothing has changed, which in reality, most things have not so much changed as they have grown. I have settled in and unpacked, making this place my home again, filling my walls with beautiful photos and collections from back home. I had a few days of rest and then returned to the office, welcomed by sweet faces of old friends and excitement from new colleagues. Coming back to a place that I love, and that makes me feel loved, makes all the difference in this time of transition back to the mission field. </div>
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As I worked on this post by hand yesterday, I wrote about how usually the first days back are always the hardest, filled with so many emotions and changes, I get so overwhelmed that I found myself bursting into tears, however that hasn't been the case this week, I felt very comfortable here and at peace, which was beginning to freak me out a little bit, but not too worry! I am sitting here, in my cubicle, typing this, as tears trickle from my eyes... Yes today I am having a tough time missing my other home, my family and my other normal, but mostly I am sitting here, snacking on cantaloupe, laughing at myself because I feel like a fool, thinking about how reidiculous I look blubbering in a cubicle over my fruit. Don't worry about me, this is all to be expected and hey at least this time around I can fully laugh at myself, and hopefully you got chuckle out of it too! </div>
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Thank you for taking the time to sit and catch up on all that God is doing in my life, in both of my homes. I am so blessed by your continued prayers and words of encouragement, they really do make this life I have chosen so much easier. I look forward to this journey we are embarking in these coming months. Please feel free to email me at erica.byleveld@gmail.com if you would like to be part of my weekly prayer requests email, or would like to donate!</div>
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Erica Byleveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17090068789398853020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2926414027677372095.post-24156866179889567572017-09-21T13:05:00.002-07:002017-09-21T13:06:47.720-07:00Adventures ~ Exciting, Challenging and Sometimes a Little Furry<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Do you enjoy luke warm showers with the company of geckos and slugs? Feeling your blood pressure rise while standing on the street, nearly being hit by a bus? Fearing the fate and weighing the consequences of your stomach when you bite into a piece of fruit? How about the unexpected company that stays way too long in your home, unwelcome and unappreciated... in the forms of giant spiders, flying cockroaches and a baby possum? Well have I got the place for you! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These are just a few of the challenges I face here, but honestly, it really isn't so bad, I kind of love it actually. It wouldn't be El Salvador if there weren't just a few interesting surprises. Not to worry though, the animals have been taken care of by either my shoe or by being returned to their very unimpressed mama possum, who seems to personally blame me, as if I was the one that sent her baby a personal invitation into our home, which I assure you, I did no such thing! I also informed the mama of this, while sitting on the patio one evening, after DAYS of receiving the stink eye. Oh yes, I did indeed have an out loud argument with a mother possum, I am telling you, this country makes you do things you <i>never </i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">dreamed of doing! Those others things,well I have simply accepted them as part of this new life of mine. It could be a whole lot worse! I have come to be incredibly grateful for those funny little things, that make me appreciate Gods goodness all the more. It could have been a rat! Lord knows I am not ready for that~ although my sister has been encouraging to remind me that</span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> I truly can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me. </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I ju</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">st didn't realize quite what He meant when He said</span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> all</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> things..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well, here we are in September! August has come and gone. Obviously it had it's share of interesting moments, stressful situations, but all around, it was wonderful as usual. Each day brings new and exciting opportunities and challenges, ones I never could of dreamed of facing. I can confidently say, God is at work in my life, every single day, and I am so glad. This world I live in way out here in the Jungle, is like nothing I could have ever imagined.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> During my last 8 months here, I have seen my perspective, my focus and my heart change and adapt to my surroundings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I have watched God perfectly place people in my life to teach me things about the language, the culture and the people of this beautiful country. I have learned that even though I don´t like to admit it, there are times when my North American Superiority, that I didn't even realize I had, threatens to make an appearance and I have to be reined in again. Times when I can´t understand why these people just don´t get how my way is better, and how their way makes no logical sense. I have had to realize, that I was born and raised in a different environment than what the people of El Salvador are accustomed to, and just because my way makes more sense to me, does not mean that it is infact the correct way. I have had to shut up and just listen, to a new language, to the sounds around me and to the needs of others, and to appreciate this language barrier as a way of building relationship so deep and so meaningful that we don´t need words to express our feelings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have learned to appreciate a different culture, and what it has to offer. To live my life adventurously! To ride on the back of the truck like a crazy person, wear the clothes bursting with colour and to try new foods, ones that look outrageous and questionable, but actually taste like nothing I have ever experienced before. To not be scared to give a part of myself away to this beautiful place, because that doesn't mean I am giving up everything that makes me who I am. It just means that I am growing into the women God desires me to be, and who knows, I may even love it. To realize that slowly but surely, this place that used to be so crazy, so dangerous and so incredibly challenging, is actually kind of home now. The reality is, this place </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">has</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> changed who I am. I still have pieces of myself that make me </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">ME </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, things in the way I was raised, that have made me who I am today, but there are also new things that I cherish and value, things I never known or understood in the life I lived before. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Who would have known I would fall in love with people that I thought were so different than me, people who, when you actually get right down to it, really aren't that different at all. Who knew I would experience what it feels like to take pride and joy in the progress of the children I work with, children who are not my own, but who have most definitely stolen my heart, whom I love as my own. I laugh with them, talk with them, challenge them and do my best to share wisdom and love any way I can. These are the same children, that at times I cry for, when this hurt overwhelms me, not fully understanding how and why their lives have been shaped the way they have, forcing myself to trust that God is sovereign, even when I don't understand. I rejoice and take pride in their accomplishments and encourage them when I can, ensuring they know how truly loved and cherished they are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have friends that are helping me grow into this new life of mine, ones there to lend a listening ear and to share a nice lunch with. Friends that have welcomed me with open arms and open hearts, for which I am eternally grateful for. They show me the beauty of this country, one I never really saw at the start, and how to appreciate the different way of life here. What used to be all barbed wire and guns, is now beautiful flowers and bright colours. There isn't only sorrow filled eyes and empty stomachs, there are joy filled smiles and mended hearts. God is busy at work here, and I love that He has me here to play part in it. I love to see the progress these last 8 months have brought, and I can't wait to see what the future holds, for not only me, but all of El Salvador.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I encourage you to continue praying for me way out here in the Jungle, pray for the ways that God is growing and changing my heart. I love to hear from you folks and am happy to share my experiences here in El Salvador. I encourage you to be open to adventure. You don't have to move across the world to find it, it's right there in your very own heart. I encourage you to be brave, because who knows, you just might love it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Love and Prayers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Erica Byleveld</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."</span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 15px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div>
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Erica Byleveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17090068789398853020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2926414027677372095.post-84053362174684694112017-07-27T10:53:00.001-07:002017-07-27T10:56:38.458-07:00Growing and Changing<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The moments of time here in El Salvador seem so surreal, filled with beautiful little moments, challenging moments and an ever changing craziness that is simply life here in El Salvador.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With the passing of time, comes change too. Changes in the weather, changes in our programs and changes in the friendly faces coming and going, they seem to be everywhere Before I began this adventure, I will admit, I never liked change. I liked being in control of my surroundings and I was very much an old fashioned homebody, that enjoyed the things I was used to. I enjoyed not only the comforts of home we don't have here in El Salvador, but simply the feeling of being comfortable in life. Now however, I have had to learn that in order to grow through these seasons of life, change is always involved, and change could be a good thing. I wouldn't be here in El Salvador, if I didn't make a change in my life and I definitely wouldn't have grown in ways like I have this year. God has shown me how important it is and I have come to appreciate change, even if it's not always easy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of my favourite things here in El Salvador, is being able to have the perfect viewpoint of God at work in the lives around me, especially with the boys in our New Dawn rehab program. I arrived here at the opening of this program and have had the opportunity to get to know each and every one of these children from the very beginning. I have seen them at there lowest point, at the start of their stay and have watched God not only change their health but their hearts as well. Each of these boys have had unbelievable struggles, that I can't even begin to pretend to comprehend. Many come from abusive pasts, lived on the streets with addictions, were gang members and in some cases spent time in jail. These are all horrible things to consider but what makes it worse, is that all of the boys in our program are 16 and under. Children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> They come to us broken and closed off, emotionally, mentally and physically in desperate need of help, and only by Gods precious grace and love, are we able to cherish these children, meet their needs and love them the best we can. It hurts my heart to watch them hurt, but I also know that if they don't go through the hurting phase of change, then they can't grow into the next season of their lives, developing a thriving with new opportunities, full of hope. Some days we see no progress at all, other days we barely recognize the boy standing in front of us, smiling and healthy. I love spending time working with them, baking with them and laughing with them, they are truly incredible boys. It warms my heart to see their faces light up in a smile over a joke we share, and I cherish the moments when they wrap their arms around me in a big embrace. I am so blessed to be a part of this season of growing they are in. I love celebrating how successful they have been and sharing just how proud I am of their hard work. Each of them are happier, healthier and prospering in their relationship with Christ, nothing like those boys that showed up at our door, not so long ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I pray for the growth of each of these boys as well as their families back home, and I ask that you, when thinking of me way out here, do the same. Pray for God to show His precious love to boys that may have never know what it means to be truly loved, and that the work He has me involved in here, is for His glory alone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I also pray that you take a moment to appreciate this season God has you in and your relationships. Embrace the challenges by leaning on God and not your own understanding and cherish the glimpses God gives us into the work He is doing in the lives around us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Love and Prayers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Erica Byleveld</span></div>
<br />Erica Byleveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17090068789398853020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2926414027677372095.post-10968508658480569772017-06-06T13:51:00.004-07:002017-06-06T13:51:31.314-07:00God Moments<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As I sit here and write this post, I am once again amazed by how fast the time really does go. Just as April was coming to a close, May managed to rush right by us. June marks 6 months of my Internship here at MTES (Mission To El Salvador) finished, and I have to tell you, not only has the time flown by, but I truly have learned so much in a now seemingly short time. I have had the privilege of watching those I have served with grow day after day. I have had the opportunity to meet wonderful people and build truly beautiful and meaningful relationships, ones that I plan on having prosper through the coming years. I also have begun to notice the ways I myself am growing, changing and transitioning</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. Things that once seemed so important have sort of drifted away, while other things have prospered and grown. All in Gods timing, all in Gods plan. I have had wonderful days filled with joy and I have had horrible days filled with pain and sadness. It is all part of this growing season of life I am in, and this place where I am doing the growing. I have promised my readers, no matter how few, that during my time here on the missions field I would do my best to be open and honest. It is not always easy and it is not always pretty, but it is real, and I for one think that should count for something. I truly feel that God has called me to serve way out here in the Jungle, and I also feel called to share my journey with you folks as well, so sharing I will do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This month has been an interesting one that is for sure. God has done a wonderful job of showing me just how important these months of relationship building have been. I said good bye to my dear roommate Grace, and let me just say, it was tough. We spent the first two months here just her and I and took quite a liking to each other, Grace being the younger sister I never had. We shared so much laughter and our share of tears too, so many special moments perfectly ordained to strengthen and encourage each other. To love one another and be there to support the other when one of us was ready to pack up and just buy that plane ticket home. Most of all however, I will miss the practical jokes! I for one, took pleasure in hiding in dark corners or quite frankly in plain view, just to get a scare out of Grace, which left us both in tearful laughter! She however, has been successful in retaliating by leaving me a wonderful scavenger hunt of notes throughout the house, well played Grace, well played. All in all, we have had a wonderful five months together growing together as sisters in Christ. I cannot wait to see the path in which God leads her, but will dearly miss having her here by my side. As Grace was leaving, in came Leanna! She has joined us for two months to volunteer with our homeless program (El Faro). I am so glad that God has brought her into our lives, and am loving watching Him work in her life. She is a wonderful edition of fun to our household and we are enjoying having her here immensely.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Starting in May, I also have been spending more time in our New Dawn program (our drug and alcohol rehab house for children) and I am enjoying getting to know each of our wonderful boys. We have three boys ages 16 and 17 as of now and many more taking part in our lengthy admissions process. I have the honor of teaching a pastry class during the week, as an opportunity for these boys to learn a new life skill, and to enjoy some of their time while in detox. I have come to know each of them personally, bits and pieces of their stories in my very broken Spanish, and have been given a glimpse into the life they used to live. It brakes my heart to sit and hear these stories. Stories of pain, heart ache, abuse and their horrid tales of life on the streets. Each moment that passes, these boys find a small way to steal my heart. I love getting to know each of their personalities and after working alongside them, we have developed quite a beautiful friendship,no matter how mischievous they are . I continue to pray for the rehabilitation of not only these children but also the relationships they have with their families. I ask that even though you don´t know their names or faces, that you to stand beside my in prayers for their lives, and for the lives in the process of being admitted to our program. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This month has been a wonderful month, but also one filled with tough times too. Each day I am surrounded by a world of hurt and fear, there is violence and pain everywhere I look. If I can´t see it in the unimaginable amount of homeless people we see and serve, I can close my eyes and hear it in the yelling and gun shuts that ring out into the night. All these things can so easily leave a person heart broken. I myself have to do my best to put aside my feeling and thoughts in my work time in order to be efficient and capable of serving, all while keeping the balance of not pushing those feelings so far down as to not acknowledging them. It´s so easy to get caught up in the sadness. For example, I had the privilege this week of helping out one of our partnering organizations to help prepare their new facility for orphan children. The space that they were moving into was in need of some serious tender love and care, and a serious deep clean. Myself and a group of others had the opportunity to spent a day helping out by painting, cleaning and gardening. As I walked through the building I couldn´t help but feel sad, not fully sure why, I asked my boss what this place used to be used for. He replied that this particular building had been used as a place for children with HIV/AIDS, as I walked through the building, I noticed a set of built in baby bathing stations, something that I have never seen before, indicating that a lot of these children were awfully young, most likely babies. This was something that once again made me simply stop. A second, to just stop what I was doing and give myself just a moment, to let the tears well up and to just feel. Actually feel my</span><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"> heart break, and for people I don't even know. As I walked through the building, refreshing paint cans and sweeping floors, my mind wandered to thoughts of how many beautiful young lives had been lost in this abandoned building filled with such bright colours, something that I thought interesting, such bright colours. I thought how strange is was that this place wasn´t part of a hospital either, more just a building tucked away, forgotten. I grieved for the lives lost in that place, lives I didn´t have the opportunity to know, the families of these children possibly left behind. In the next moment, I prayed for the children that would soon be coming to this place, that are hurt and afraid, that they hopefully would feel Gods love somehow. I prayed that even though I could only spend a day with a paint brush, that maybe one child would see this simple bright wall of green and be encouraged that God sent someone to care about the environment they were being brought into as their new home, to bring a smile to their face and to show that they were cared about. That day, was in itself, a season. A time of one work transitioned to another, and I got to be a part of it. That dear friends, was a very tough day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God shows us tough days, He doesn´t make our time here always easy or always fun. We need to see the full truth in order to have our hearts see the need for change. God also provides good days. Another day I had recently was also one of those days where I get to see God at work, first hand, in practical ways. A "God Moment". One of the boys I had met early on in my time here came around to visit the office. This boy was a child living on the streets for years, who, to say has lived a tough live, is the understatement of the year. He was not able to join our rehab program due to his age (being 18 and therefor no longer a minor) we were unable to process his admission. He was however admitted to a different addictions and rehabilitation program. Praise God. It had been three months since I had seen this particular boy. The moment he walked in our doors, and gave me a quick hug and hello, I honestly did not realize it was him. It wasn´t until my boss told me that this clean, healthy, glowing boy with shiny shoes and a smile that could melt your heart, was actually in fact that same small boy that had not so long ago been riddled with disease and pain. I was speechless, which if anyone knows me, has never really happened, I am a women of so many words. My heart could not stop the smile that spread across my face. We saw it! This thing that we are a part of, it works! We are being used by God to change lives. We are changing lives when we submit our lives to Gods purpose! That day, I got to see with my very own eyes, God at work, and the fact that I get to play a hands on part in this moment in time, brings tears to my eyes, and an unspeakable joy to my heart. These days. These are the days I have to remember on those days when the pain and heartache threatens to overwhelm me. These are the days that I treasure. The days I get to physically see God, with my very own eyes. These are the days that make all the other days, completely worth it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I pray that God reveals Himself in those moments in your days too. I pray that you come along side of me in prayer and support, caring for the hurt and the broken of this world, here in El Salvador and where ever you are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Love and Prayers</span></div>
Erica Byleveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17090068789398853020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2926414027677372095.post-6185179322186379262017-04-21T08:36:00.001-07:002017-04-21T08:36:16.117-07:00Home... <div style="text-align: center;">
Fancy meeting you here! I will apologize, when I first embarked on this incredible adventure, I thought that I would have all the time in the world to sit here and share all my wonderful stories, of the life I live way out here in the Jungle. Turns out as a missionary, you are actually really busy and your days tend roll on by, in the blink of an eye! I will do my best to keep you folks back home updated!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rebecca and I at her Pinning Ceremony, glad to see these last 4 years have aged us well.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZJSAcHYamlS4eLbRNX8nG6UWirxr_Cjd2wt_yMr3QRJ2paYR06YZEKF7Tn7XFurNLf1emAjaJFNj-RXFA6Lj9lWfDmFI7MBAQkAihOETjPCC_1k1hyphenhyphenXtObFKNdhxSCXTQXBNIKZm1hM/s1600/983939_1769758399704776_7533203930444669121_n%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZJSAcHYamlS4eLbRNX8nG6UWirxr_Cjd2wt_yMr3QRJ2paYR06YZEKF7Tn7XFurNLf1emAjaJFNj-RXFA6Lj9lWfDmFI7MBAQkAihOETjPCC_1k1hyphenhyphenXtObFKNdhxSCXTQXBNIKZm1hM/s1600/983939_1769758399704776_7533203930444669121_n%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Love getting together with this rowdy bunch! Finally the gang was back together again!</i></td></tr>
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So let us begin. It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks! I decided to surprise my parents by coming home for a quick 2 week visit over Easter, and let me tell you, it was a blessing straight from God! Being way out here, I miss a lot of the mundane day to day events that happen back home. Little events that mean so much to me! I am very family oriented, so being away can be a little tough sometimes. During my first few weeks here, I was and continue to be stripped and called to give up my wants and desires, in order to serve Gods wants and desires, which is wonderful and hard and incredible. I came out here knowing this, but there parts of my life that I wasn´t quite ready to be rid of. Things that are good, and important to me. Things like bridal showers, house warming parties, graduations, friends with health situations, holidays and new babies being born. All of these things are wonderful life moments that are memories for a life time! Things I hold very dear to my heart!</div>
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God allows me to be here with wonderful people, doing wonderful things, but He also knows me. Personally. He knows my wants,my needs and my desires. He knows what I like,what I love and what I absolutely adore. He ordained perfectly this time spent back at home. He allowed me to be there for every single moment. I was able to watch my best friend Rebecca receive her nursing pin,a journey we have been travelling for four years now. I got to attend bridal showers and house warming parties to support and love my cherished friends back home during this wonderful stage of life they are in. I got to spend Easter with my family of loved ones, eating and celebrating Christ´s incredible sacrifice for us sinners. I even got to spend just some quality time with dear friends over coffee or dinners. To be there, just be there, where for a moment I was needed. I wasn´t needed to feed a homeless person or help a team. I was needed to sit and cheer my best friend across the stage. I was needed to watch my beautiful nephews while my sister brought a precious new life into the world. I was needed to make cupcakes and do dishes for family parties. I was needed home, and it felt so good. To be home. To be with family and friends and to honestly just enjoy some freedom!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ozVsYsr_bSdeV5ZQC-WY41VuciM5aUr8LZsgpbDNtduacbIFFdtAsWhTxt8yAZ7MzPQZtxbxozpTMQYOOSvgBQyYg_QXYJ09tU-bdZaLYab_VdwEf13BtaGMzSsxfGnFlJCdASUsBCc/s1600/baby+james+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ozVsYsr_bSdeV5ZQC-WY41VuciM5aUr8LZsgpbDNtduacbIFFdtAsWhTxt8yAZ7MzPQZtxbxozpTMQYOOSvgBQyYg_QXYJ09tU-bdZaLYab_VdwEf13BtaGMzSsxfGnFlJCdASUsBCc/s200/baby+james+2.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31YjElxRCbPm_NpECESp1SzSahPFVihNPBQpZFEwa1blsmfGGxMudx_fXKTOFfGXwZONFyiL2yrJcqjiNDCM8wAoJgSjFRD3OdzadZItohgqM6L8gijMFjg9Jxp0HkSjYUpXpgypOE9U/s1600/baby+james.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31YjElxRCbPm_NpECESp1SzSahPFVihNPBQpZFEwa1blsmfGGxMudx_fXKTOFfGXwZONFyiL2yrJcqjiNDCM8wAoJgSjFRD3OdzadZItohgqM6L8gijMFjg9Jxp0HkSjYUpXpgypOE9U/s200/baby+james.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
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I cherished every single moment of it, I can assure you! I drove down back roads with the music blaring! I went for walks and enjoyed quiet time. I ate like a queen!! Let me tell you, I miss my family cooking! I enjoyed countless snuggles and surprise visits. I enjoyed life.</div>
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I had my wonderful community shower me with donations to bring back for my baking program and for the people we serve here. A giant suitcase full of blessings! It still continues to amaze me how a community can come together so quickly and give so much! We can´t wait to distribute it to those in need! I am so thankful for my little small town back in Canada. It is so wonderful to have customers come and visit because they just had to see me and see how I was doing! It´s something that means so much to me, you can´t even begin to imagine!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Donations will go towards my baking class with our New Dawn Children and the rest will be handed out to families that are part of our food Co Op</i></td></tr>
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It was then time to pack up my bags once again. I wasn´t sure how this whole trip would go, it being my first time returning after being here so long, but it was perfect! That´s not to say there weren´t moments when I found tears streaming down my face for seemingly no reason at all. because there were. That´s ok! In the end I packed up my things, I will admit incredibly last minute and unorganized,much to my mothers dismay, but I managed to waltz out the door, over packed, over weight suitcases in hand ready for my journey back to my other home. I am stuffed full with the little comforts of Canada. Cans of beans and taco seasoning, dish soap and spatulas, hot chocolate and stuffing from a box! Even a cute new Canada mug and magnet. It truly is the little things that bring me so much joy! I said my ¨see you soons¨ (I don´t like goodbyes) and got on a plane, and it was surprisingly easy. I knew what I would be arriving to. I had friends waiting for me and a job to return to. I was needed back here for right now.</div>
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I will say this. During my perfect visit home I learned something very important. I love Canada! LOVE it! I respect what it stands for and am thankful to God that I get to call myself a Canadian. I also love El Salvador. The people, the culture, the work God is doing here. I love them both. I was leaving home, to go to my other home.</div>
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I have had to learn that Home isn´t a place or things. Home is simply this. Home is where I will ALWAYS have a place, where I will always feel loved and where I will always be cared for.</div>
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It´s not four walls. It´s your heart. I have people that welcomed me with open arms here in El Salvador, with hugs and laughs of how much they have missed me. I also have family back home that feel the same. I am so blessed, so richly blessed. God has given me the opportunity to have such a wonderful life, one in which I don´t have to worry, because He knows the desires and needs of my heart, and He lets me be there for those life moments I cherish so much!</div>
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I am happy to be back here in El Salvador, do I miss my family, a little, but hey in 9 weeks I will be back to my other Home. So I am really not too worried!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I even splurged and got myself a nice big Canada mug, just in case anyone was wondering where may roots lie.<br />Tea warms my up but being able to have a wonderful Bremfield´s scone all the way out here... warms my heart</i></td></tr>
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Erica Byleveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17090068789398853020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2926414027677372095.post-4315484276414530612017-03-17T09:14:00.000-07:002017-03-17T09:14:00.206-07:00Little Blessings<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How in the world is it already March? I do apologize for the late post, my life has a way of getting a little crazy here on the missions field! For those of you who are a little concerned after my last post, rest assured I am doing just fine, things are going wonderfully! Each day brings a new set of challenges and even more excitement, my life is never boring. I will do my best to recap these past few weeks in a short amount of time. Always know that if you have any questions or would like to contact me personally, please do! I will leave my personal email at the bottom of this post and I would love to hear from you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Where to start! Well we have had some great teams visiting over the last little while, and it is so nice to have guests in the house from all over the U.S. We had a building team come and work on a house for a fellow employee, who has become a dear friend of mine. This little rascal has found the way to my heart and continues to bug me endlessly all day everyday! I must say I kinda love it. He is celebrating over 2 years of sobriety which is a wonderful accomplishment! Praise God! His life is a whole new story now and he was finally blessed with a place to call "Home". Upon finishing this project, the team continued to do much needed repairs around the office and our new building across the road. They were a huge blessing and a wonderful team!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our second team was a medical team, and I will do my best to put into words the wonderful gift they were to this community! They came packed full with medications and equipment to fully serve the people of our community.We offered a free clinic for four days, to all of our programs and the people surrounding us. A free clinic in this community makes the world of a difference. For many of these people, the cost of visiting a doctor is unheard of, so many must suffer every single day, in heart wrenching pain, just trying to get by. We served people of all ages from teeny tiny beautiful babies to wonderful heart warming seniors. I got the opportunity to get to know some of these wonderful people, and share a little about our program with them. I am happy to report that we have many new faces in our program because of it! The team members had the most beautiful heart to serve,and made every single person feel loved and cherished by them, and by God. They worked late hours and saw hundreds of patients, not only taking care of their physical needs, but their spiritual ones as well. The team was wonderful to get to know and I have made several new friends that I cherish close to my heart. We had another team visit this week for a one day clinic, and I had the wonderful opportunity to meet a beautiful young mom to be. We laughed, chatted and got to know one each other. It still amazes me how women have a way of connecting with one another on such a truly beautiful level. We capture each others hearts, through love and understanding, even with a language barrier in place, it makes no difference. God lets us see the other women as our sister in Christ, and what a wonderful thing that is! This special new friend of mine is the same age as me and yet our lives look much different. She has a 6 year old daughter and a life time of trials, and yet she is simply glowing with love and excitement to meet this wonderful blessing from God. We had the opportunity to hear that beautiful baby heart beat and it was a magical moment it was, one I will never forget. This kind of technology in this country is rare, and it being a surprise option warmed this lovely women soul. With a steady strong heart beat and several fierce kicks, this little bundle of joy is a lot more than 16 weeks old, a surprise that excited our wonderful mother to be!I cherish moments like these close to my heart, and remember the wonderful blessings from God shows us, when things get tough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As March waltzed in, so did a new roommate! Jenni has been a blessing and a wonderful addition to our home. We love her dearly and are so glad that God has placed her here in our lives! I look forward to many more wonderful memories of joy, hardship and sisterly love! On the missions field it is so important to have a group of people supporting you in love and prayer, not only at home but here sharing this journey day to day too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As for the love from folks like you back home, I have never been so touched by your continued words of love, prayer and support! I have received cards, care packages and letters in the mail, and honestly, I can't put into words how wonderful it is! We had a dear couple from church visit here on vacation and they were nice enough to bring me a huge bag of goodies from back home, including cards from church friends, special spices and treats from sisters, wonderful hand drawn pictures from the nephews, and new clothes! They also brought an overflowing blessing of "Twining Earl Grey Tea", something I didn't realize I cherished so much until coming here. I am happy to report I drink it every single day and enjoy every sip, it amazes me how something so small can being me such comfort, a little piece of home! Most importantly, they were a wonderful face from home. People I knew and loved but also people who knew me, my stories and my friends back home. Having fellow Canadians here was truly a blessing from God. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kgmceMbyu0XwAmzkPBtJWwRs5tRp8FScj3nDPtkNOP4sna0j00xsZxiZPiGoTZKoz5gPuelFspx_uW8qeaPCtjbQKQ8DO3yT1mxAM9PWsWbkA8u72yQzGTsR4iqDeoEDARttPiUesSA/s1600/erica+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kgmceMbyu0XwAmzkPBtJWwRs5tRp8FScj3nDPtkNOP4sna0j00xsZxiZPiGoTZKoz5gPuelFspx_uW8qeaPCtjbQKQ8DO3yT1mxAM9PWsWbkA8u72yQzGTsR4iqDeoEDARttPiUesSA/s200/erica+3.jpg" width="149" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM2WbyJF_3GfTw38baQ4Czlkp5_3gkVvt7iIy0KpRO3zdXhzwL-jjRZ0rIaPqD-yWlWEdxZgJDhbD2Y4IHL1UnKbXAZpjhQT1MrqYG6EndhGeSLuNB4Y7ir4Fnlf2Q63LFb1dZS_5M30/s1600/erica+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM2WbyJF_3GfTw38baQ4Czlkp5_3gkVvt7iIy0KpRO3zdXhzwL-jjRZ0rIaPqD-yWlWEdxZgJDhbD2Y4IHL1UnKbXAZpjhQT1MrqYG6EndhGeSLuNB4Y7ir4Fnlf2Q63LFb1dZS_5M30/s200/erica+5.jpg" width="149" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Being so far away is an incredible adventure but is also can be tough for someone who loves her family so much back home, and quite honestly almost everyone I know, I consider family. Getting mail is still one of the most exciting things in the world!! Especially here! Having you folks take the time to sit down and write to me still blows me away. It truly warms my heart to be able to actually hold something hand written in my hands. It sounds so silly I know, but it's true! I quite literally hold it close to my heart, and God's peace and love simply washes over me, a feeling that causes tears to trickle down my face. These little notes are God given reminders that I have a purpose here, and I can fulfill that purpose because He has placed the perfect supports all around me, whether that be all over Canada, or my new friends I have come to love here in El Salvador. It also continues to surprise my coworkers how incredibly loved I am. They get a little jealous!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRILTypxhiLJToACPQ7B-WpqLZ3Uzr5_gMWjO4x-hbmywhyY4qaCIYzwJO3OOGAABJt7RkRt_AEVp62iCK6K5NfAMnlXjepQOn2XzQrOhLG2RYZqEiCA4SWeFRWZIrZAwLXOUvDiovhM/s1600/erica+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRILTypxhiLJToACPQ7B-WpqLZ3Uzr5_gMWjO4x-hbmywhyY4qaCIYzwJO3OOGAABJt7RkRt_AEVp62iCK6K5NfAMnlXjepQOn2XzQrOhLG2RYZqEiCA4SWeFRWZIrZAwLXOUvDiovhM/s200/erica+1.jpg" width="149" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0fEnf4S7OwmmLTu6A6fYNxbCvyS_7J5TWm4jCmdnAAHKZyV2pEQ8tCzUrY7FnbsfyGES_WGai2bBjcCsycTEPiwv33YTobZBxPR2aZdb4zcDxc7UrpzpwrqZ-0hoap8vJ5jADCjubLc/s1600/erica+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0fEnf4S7OwmmLTu6A6fYNxbCvyS_7J5TWm4jCmdnAAHKZyV2pEQ8tCzUrY7FnbsfyGES_WGai2bBjcCsycTEPiwv33YTobZBxPR2aZdb4zcDxc7UrpzpwrqZ-0hoap8vJ5jADCjubLc/s200/erica+2.jpg" width="149" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All in all, things are just wonderful! I am constantly growing not only my relationship with the people of El Salvador but more importantly, my relationship with Christ! I look forward to more love being sent from back home, and will do my best to keep you all up to date! I pray you know how loved and useful each of you are in my life. I am so richly blessed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Erica Byleveld</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">P.s I found greek yogurt to use as sour cream and have a friend bringing me taco seasoning</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Colossians 3 12</span></div>
Erica Byleveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17090068789398853020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2926414027677372095.post-36354378133675915522017-02-27T12:11:00.005-08:002017-02-27T12:11:49.283-08:00Clean Up In Aisle 4<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hahaha, yes I think the title is interesting too. Grab a nice cup of tea, get cozy and enjoy the telling of my very first melt down in El Salvador. Y'all might think that this whole missionary lifestyle is easy, let me tell you, some of the simplest things, can turn into an emotional roller coaster! Like my experience in a grocery store this past Friday. Yeah! The GROCERY STORE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We will start from the beginning. I had a wonderful Friday at the office, I had finished up some paper work I had been doing for days, had an enjoyable and beautiful day and simply wanted to stop and get some fresh veggies and fruit on the way home from the office. I asked our driver, who said it would be no problem at all! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I walked into the store, and was thrown into chaos. I love chaos, thrive in it actually, not today! I couldn't find some basic produce I was looking for, searched and was disappointed to find out that a spanish country didn't have Taco seasoning, (what is wrong with these people) I forgot to weigh my produce myself, was still coming to terms with the fact that sour cream just doesn't exist here ( which still bothers me more than you can imagine) and found victory when stumbling across Campbell's tomato soup! Which is the end gave me more trouble than it should have. I walked up to the counter, unloaded my basket and waited my turn. Of course my produce got hauled away to be weighed, priced and bagged (wasn't aware we had to do that), my soup wouldn't scan, so the poor bag guy had run and get another can, which also didn't scan, which led to three more people joining us to try and figure out the major soup issue. Starting to get anxious, I felt bad about how long this was taking. Just when the soup finally got scanned, I had asked for the wrong receipt, which meant we needed another three cashiers to create an account for an invoice, all while I get stared at for being a white person in an all spanish town, who couldn't figure out what she wanted, let alone try and tell the poor women at the counter in my seriously lacking spanish. It was awful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We finally made it out of the store (barely) and headed towards home, at a crawling pace in what was now rush hour madness. Exhausted, hungry and mentally drained, I barely held back tears when walking through the door at home. I dropped my bags to the counter and did what every girl does in a time of need and comfort. I called my mom! I dialed the number and sat on the patio as it rang, at this point I was ok, it wasn't until she said hello that I lost it. My trickling tears turned into breath taking uncontrollable sobs. The poor women!! Her youngest daughter so far away in a dangerous country, doing dangerous work, calls her sobbing, her first thought is, are you alive and what happened? I was fine physically, I wasn't shot or injured or dead, all worthy assumptions in a place like this. I had gone grocery shopping. Yes grocery shopping. I had simply gotten overwhelmed at the magnitude of this life I am living here in El Salvador! We talked it out and ended the conversation laughing and feeling encouraged.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is how this situation would have played out at home. I would have left work on time, gone to the local No Frills in my car, by myself. Found my taco seasoning (on sale I might add), got my produce, FOUND SOUR CREAM, walked to the counter, laughed with the cashier, said hello to a friendly neighbor and walked out. I would have enjoyed this little outing, that just happens to be one of my favourite things to do. I could stroll the aisles for hours! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Not here. Here it's all different. My favourite outing turns into an emotional meltdown! Some times the littlest things, explode with emotions all over the place! It's part of the job here. Things that are supposed to be easy, aren't always. Some times you just need to call your mom and cry. With her love and wise words of reassuring encouragement, I make it through another day in this crazy country. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Through it all, God is strengthening me, helping me through here, all while nurturing my relationship with my wonderful mother, who is far away back home!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He will never give us more than we can handle. When life rages on, He will sustain us in His open, loving arms! Whether that storm is dealing with the horrible situations I am surrounded by every day, or the simple things like lizards in the house, and bad grocery store experiences! He carries us through it all, and reminds us how loved we are. When we doubt, He reminds us that even though we may not know where we will be in a year, for today, He needs me here, and if I'm needed here, He will insure I make it through today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Erica Byleveld</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Erica Byleveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17090068789398853020noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2926414027677372095.post-14430943722759312302017-02-12T19:58:00.001-08:002017-02-12T20:02:32.476-08:00Settling<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I remember a very interesting moment, before coming here, while preparing paperwork and trying to get organized, thinking to myself "I can't wait to just get there and finally have my life settle down." I spent months figuring out fundraising, doing paperwork and attempting to pack up my life, all while trying to remain in relationships with those I love and care for. I spent a lot of nights running around, crossing things off my list. Thinking I couldn't wait to just be there, and to have these fears of the unknown overcome. If I can just make it onto the plane, then finally things will settle down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What on Earth was I thinking? Who was I kidding? Life didn't settle down. I have settled in here, yes, but that's different! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It continues to amaze me just how fast the day goes by. I pull myself up out of bed and then a moment later, I am crawling back into it exhausted, wondering where the day went and how someone managed to change the clock without me seeing, again? I must say though, I do sleep well!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">People ask me, what each day looks like, and honestly it changes. I don't have a set schedule, nor do my days ever look the same. We never know how the day will go or the challenges we will face, but we trust that God is in control, and with Him in control, we will make it through just fine! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We face different challenges each day, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Let me be quite clear when I tell you this. There is a spiritual battle, that is always going on, especially here. We are at the front lines. Believe me, satan is not happy with the incredible things God is doing down here. He is quite annoyed with the unbelievable ways God is using each and every one of us. He can't stand to see the life changing things that are going on here at Mission To El Salvador, or the fact that God is given all the glory for it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So what does he do? He uses our weakness to wisper little lies into our ear. He uses whatever tools necessary, to make you doubt. Make you doubt your abilities, your qualifications, the difference you're making. He tries to make you believe that it isn't worth it, that you should probably just pack up and go home. He makes you question your motives and desires. He makes you question our saving grace in Christ Jesus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He does his best to deminish God and to make your fears feel overwhelming.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But there are things he can't do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He can't make you feel the peace of your Saviour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He doesn't remind you that you are forgiven and free and therefore a new creation in Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He doesn't pour out his love for you with open arms on a cross.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He doesn't care about you, he only cares about winning a battle that God has already won.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Only God can wrap His loving arms around you and wisper words of love and encouragment. Only God can provide grace and freedom. Only God can share little glimpses of His incredible works,precious moments that take your fear and your breath away!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Only God can bring you peace, joy, laughter and love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With Him, we can do anything, nothing is impossible. As long as trust and obey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is such an important reminder, that brings me such joy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You too, are forgiven and free. You too, are loved and cherished by our Creator, and what a blessing that is!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Even though things may not ever settle down. I can at least find peace and rest, when I settle into the loving arms of Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Erica Byleveld</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Therefor if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation, the old is gone and the new has come</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 Corinthians 5:17</span></div>
Erica Byleveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17090068789398853020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2926414027677372095.post-11628768462182847522017-01-29T15:43:00.001-08:002017-01-29T15:43:42.385-08:00" My God Is So Big"<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"My God is so big! So strong and so Mighty! There's nothing my God cannot do!"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This song, one of my favourite Sunday School songs, has been stuck in my head all week long! It is so fitting for this place! To say my week has been insane is an understatement! We have spent the month I have been here planning for our Phase 2 of New Dawn and the big inauguration day finally came this past Thursday! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhRP6tc65NhAWodR0xvNrD2CtRPKu1cQWX_CZFMELJt98Qjo_yUIH2v0rnXnwizalR3EUH3NXxfVxmFyunxjYAJfYpIVe1TBYab5cD5fYXtztAvAAsyVWW-ht3rOo0pdR07MZ5w17Xt0/s1600/squad+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhRP6tc65NhAWodR0xvNrD2CtRPKu1cQWX_CZFMELJt98Qjo_yUIH2v0rnXnwizalR3EUH3NXxfVxmFyunxjYAJfYpIVe1TBYab5cD5fYXtztAvAAsyVWW-ht3rOo0pdR07MZ5w17Xt0/s200/squad+4.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZNT1EilajzuovpUWcjRmb-Jp3I4gbBN9m3Tytmeel5CuzZwcYaZyg4HSTTaD1taA1f6Bm-EMJViNZduJdM7p5oi-3v_A6b2j9iyzojxiwPU9544vwZ0XiFAqT0UUy27GmXgln3mRN-c/s1600/coworkers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZNT1EilajzuovpUWcjRmb-Jp3I4gbBN9m3Tytmeel5CuzZwcYaZyg4HSTTaD1taA1f6Bm-EMJViNZduJdM7p5oi-3v_A6b2j9iyzojxiwPU9544vwZ0XiFAqT0UUy27GmXgln3mRN-c/s200/coworkers.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>We got to get all dressed up for this special occasion!</i></div>
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<i>I think we clean up pretty well!</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let me just stop and say how in the world has it already been a whole month since I first arrived here! That's crazy! We have been planning and prepping, pondering and praying for this new phase of our program for weeks, and it has been so fulfilling to finally see everything come together. There were renovations and cleaning, paper work and organizing, but with the help of wonderful coworkers, and God's provision, we made it! I have come to realize that God uses many of my gifts and talents to work here, and also ones I never thought I would need or be qualified for. On the missions field, we never fully know how qualified we are! Our God is so big, and His plans are so good!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our new program will provide 24 hour residential care for minors that are struggling with alcohol and drug addictions, giving them a safe and caring environment, to grow in Christ's freedom!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They will have a place to lay their head and food to fill their bullies, thanks to the work God is doing in the lives of folks back home. Without your support this wouldn't be possible!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I took a moment to pray for each future child (though I haven't met them yet, God knows exactly which child will be brought home here) and mentor as they begin this long journey, and am reminded of how glad I am to be here at the very beginning of this process. I get to see God at work right here in person, building relationships with these kids along the way!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will do my best to update on the new program, as much as I can with pictures that give you a wonderful glimpse into our work here! We have teams starting to arrive and do work here, and this house always seems to be buzzing with excitement! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> On a personal note, it's nice to finally feel settled in here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One month here has flown by, and yet at the same time I feel as if I have been here for ever! I love this little country so very much! The people and the culture are always interesting and I have begun to develop wonderful relationships with my co workers and friends!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I spend my weekends with some much needed relax and adventure time! Grace(my wonderful roommate, who let's be honest, is the first little sister I've ever had, is lucky to have me around (love you! ) and I spend our weekends with our friends and family (the Palacias/ Portillos') adventuring through this incredible place!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This past weekend we ventured to the top of our volcano! Yes I call it "my" volcano because hey why not! It was quite a hike but well worth the view! Again I am reminded of just how big our God is, and how incredible His creation is! I am surrounded by His beauty not only in His landscape, but His people!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We go discover wonderful different places to eat and spend time making memories and friendships that I truly believe will last a life time! These people (especially the family) have managed to make their home in my heart and continue to bring me so much joy!</span></div>
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<i>Love these people just a little too much! We are a pretty good lookin group!</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> (There are so many great foods here, especially Pupusas!! Oh. My. goodness. I LOVE them! Don't ask me how something so simple can be so incredibly delicious!)</span></div>
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<i> Guess who finally felt confident enough to try the local favourite, with the best lunch in town! ~ this girl! Grateful to God that I haven't been at all sick here!</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love it here. I love what God is doing here. I love the relationships being built. I just love it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My God is so big ~ My God is so strong ~ My God is so Mighty</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's nothing my God cannot do!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love and Prayers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Erica Byleveld</span></div>
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Erica Byleveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17090068789398853020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2926414027677372095.post-34923793168274554712017-01-17T18:53:00.002-08:002017-01-17T18:53:32.412-08:00Grieving the Life I Had<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It has been said to me by close friends and other missionaries here, that when you begin an adventure like this one, you will grieve the life you used to live. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I thought they were kidding. I mean grieve is a pretty strong term to describe the desires for the luxuries I have back home. But grieve you do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most days here are wonderful. I have incredible "God Moments" when I see the Creator hard at work in the lives I witness. I am surrounded by beautiful country scenery and wonderful people. Hurt and brokenness, yes, but I also so beauty there too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I see children's faces light up when I simply give them a candy, or share some crayons. (The feeling of seeing them light up still makes my heart burst with love)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Women that finally know that someone cares, simply because I take the time to transform their knotted hair into beautiful braided hairdo's, that Pintrest would be proud of!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Men who feel like they finally are worthy and needed again, when I let them carry heavy, important things for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have wonderful co workers that make me laugh and feel loved.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These are all wonderful things that I thank God for daily.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are also moments when I would give anything to see my friends. Friends I love so dearly, that they are family. Moments I long to be back working alongside my mother, laughing and sharing our hearts over the days busy baking tasks. Moments when all I want is to hug and kiss those beautiful growing nephews of mine. Moments when I miss being teased by my wonderful father,and bursting with laughter over jokes with my sisters!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I long for an opportunity to just get into my car and drive! Be free to go where I please! Not having to worry about not being allowed to walk outside at night, gun shots ringing out all around me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I long for my family and the comforts of home, the familiar smells and sounds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I long for the life I used to have. Truly long, so much so that it makes my heart physically hurt!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God knows this. He also know that He will provide the perfect people at the perfect moments, to help me get through those tough times in my day. People like great coworkers and wonderful roommates, long time friends to serve with, and a new "family"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I got to spend an incredible weekend with my new friends the "Portillo/ Palacias" family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They opened their arms to us with true love and spent wonderful moments showing us this beautiful country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We went to the local botanical gardens, had a great lunch together, and finished the wonderful day with a breath taking view at a restaurant at the top our our volcano! We had so many moments of laughter and fun, it made missing my family, not quite so hard! It was a true blessing to spend time with people that made me feel like part of the family. I feeling I was longing for!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">God continues to bless me with little moments, with people He has already ordained and prepared, to walk this adventure with me. Wonderful people I am so excited to become "family" with! People like the "Portillo/Palacias" family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="verse-number" style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 3px;">2</strong></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333;"> </span><span class="verse-2" style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;">Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ephesians 4:2</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love and Prayers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Erica Byleveld</span></div>
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Erica Byleveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17090068789398853020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2926414027677372095.post-88974131526883354842017-01-10T19:51:00.000-08:002017-01-10T19:55:46.172-08:00Welcome To The Jungle...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Welcome to the Jungle"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have been told that, by several different people, several different times in my first week here in San Salvador. If you would have asked me a week ago what that meant, I really don't think I would have had an answer, but as each day passes, I began to understand it more and more. Imagine you take a nice long flight, land and walk off the plane into a deserted jungle. No rules, just chaos. I mean literal chaos. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have never been to the jungle, but I imagine it is similar to the experiences I have here. I wake up to strange animal cries, sun blasting in the windows. I get up and drive through streets without rules. Streets that have cars speeding, driving in wrong lanes, driving in lanes that don't actually exist, all while trying not to plow over the numerous amounts of locals that think it's totally acceptable to walk out in front of your car in the middle of an intersection. I have never been so tense in a vehicle before coming here. I arrive at the office and wave to the women with kind eyes as she exits her "shelter" (that's even in quotes because quite honestly, you can't even call it that...) only to come out and wash her only other article of clothing in a rusty old coffee can, filled with filthy water, only to have it dry over the sewer drain on the sidewalk. She smiles, I smile, wave and we exchange a "Buenos Dias" I go to my desk and work on an assigned task before our afternoons starts. People wait for over an hour at our gates before they can enter. They come in and shower, get a hair cut, relax and play a game, catch up with friends, all while enjoying this breeze of the ceiling fan and the comforts of care. I am busy in the kitchen making sure that lunch will be ready, standing guard over my frying pan, cooking hot dogs.We deliver the food, their spirit and soul too get nurtured, and then with smiles we say "Adios" We clean up the days chaos, prepare for the next and get ready to return home. On the drive back, we pass by some of the kids in our program at the place they will spend the night. Under the foot of a statue in one of the roundabouts throughout town, in a bus corner or simply just laying down on the sidewalk, settling in. We smile and wave and finally arrive home. A long day of hurt,heartache and spiritual warfare. This is the front line. I stand at the front of a battle. The battle for Eternity. It's tough, it's hard. There so many lives on the line. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Each day I must make a choice to either pack up and go home, or stay and fight. Most days are hard. I miss home, I miss my old life, and honestly it's just hard. I don't always see results, and I may never fully see the results of this battle we are fighting, a battle Christ has already won. A spiritual battle, and emotional battle and a physical battle. Yet there are lives on the line. Do I give up and go back to my wants and desires, or do I face my fears (there are many I might add) and press on, knowing that one day, I will stand before God and hear "Him say, you were faithful, well done good servant", </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It won't be easy, but it is worth it. Every life we impact, makes it worth it. Makes this pain and suffering I feel, seem quite insignificant in comparison.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are moments though, of complete disbelief, of this new life of mine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Times when I see a man walk into traffic and drag another man out of the street. (whether the man being dragged is dead or not, we can't always tell.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Times when I see groups of teens with spit all over their face as they stumble on broken limbs, stoned out of their minds, to the truck to receive a meal, their glue bottle clung to their chest, as they slip in and out of conciseness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Times when I am told that the building outside our truck door is actually the place where the drugs that are distributed not only here in town but supply the entire country, are made, stored and trafficked. Might I add that that same building is just up the street from my new office. Yeah, exactly. I am told not to worry though, we have good street credit here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is my life now. These moments fill my days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's discouraging and hard to see the good we are doing sometimes. Yet I have never felt God so close. He sees it too. He hurts too. He is ready to welcome us home. He has already won this battle. Even in the bad times, God is good!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Is it hard? You can't even begin to imagine. Is it worth it? When I stop and think of the people who will be joining me in Eternity, because of the work going on here, yes, it is worth it. It always will be. I just have to be reminded sometimes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Love and Prayers</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Erica Byleveld</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">James </span><span data-term="goog_725706662" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">1:12</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"> “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”</span></i></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></i></span></span></div>
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Erica Byleveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17090068789398853020noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2926414027677372095.post-6982768510526718542017-01-05T16:35:00.003-08:002017-01-05T16:35:22.763-08:00Getting Settled<div style="text-align: center;">
Well here we are, days two and three! Boy does time fly, and thank goodness, cause that is sometimes the only thing that helps keep me going! </div>
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<i>I promise to get more and better pictures!</i></div>
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When I started this new journey, I was agreeing to start a new life. A life with a different career, a different country, a different culture, a different language. I changed my clothes, my church, my friends. The food, the house, the people. Everything has changed. Even the keyboard I am typing on, in this very moment, is different... don´t even ask me how to do the ¨at¨ sign... seriously... I actually don´t even know. Yet through out all of this, one thing remains. God is faithful.</div>
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He is there in every moment. Whether that be first thing when the sun shines into my room in the morning, or while I braid the ladies hair during a program. Whether I am videoing, missing my family back home, or laying my head to rest at night. He is with me. He remains. He is faithful.</div>
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It is by His strength that we carry on, whether that is serving here overseas or at home during our day to day lives. He is there with us every step of the way. That alone brings peace, comfort and love.</div>
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I am settling into this new rountine of mine. One of making meals, doing paper work, and seeing how 90% of the world lives day to day. It´s breaks your heart time after time, to walk out and see people lining the streets to get fed. In a world with so much, how can they have so little. </div>
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We have an oppertunity to open our doors to this hurting community. They come in, have a hot shower, get their hair cut, have a rest and get fed a good meal. They are loved. They wait for hours for our doors to open and are so happy to see us. They too, know that He is faithful, even with nothing, they have hope. Funny how we have everything and still loose our faith. On a journey like this one, you are required to trust God with your life. It´s the only way to survive.</div>
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I get to spread Gods love in the simplest of ways. By handing out food, sharing smiles and reminding women how beautiful they are, simply by braiding their hair.. (I´ve got quite the reputation around here and it´s only day three!) I get to smother children with smiles and love, while their mothers get to finally enjoy a moment of peace, without worrying. It´s these little things, that bring me the biggest joy. </div>
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That makes it all worth it, Every. Single. Moment.</div>
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Plus we have earthquakes.. which is just super wierd!</div>
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Not to worry, we´re fine!</div>
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These little moments are changing someones eternity. We may never know, the effect of our moments, but God does, for He has already ordained each in every one in His book, in His Master plan. A plan that´s better than any of us could ever dream of!</div>
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Love and Prayers</div>
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Erica Byleveld</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;">Be strong and courageous</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;">. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Deuteronomy 31:6</span></span></div>
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<br />Erica Byleveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17090068789398853020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2926414027677372095.post-15092420915472462142017-01-04T20:00:00.004-08:002017-01-04T20:00:45.723-08:00"Welcome Home"Well. I did it. I got on the plane. I will be honest, it was tough. I am so blessed to have a family of supporters that I love so much. We arrived in San Salvador airport at 7:30, made it through immigration and security without any problems, that goodness! We drove to the guest house I am staying at for the duration of my trip here. It's huge! It fits up to 30 people, has wonderful porches and rooms over looking gorgeous San Salvador, and just happens to be on the side of a volcano! I got settled into my new room after a long day and saying goodbye to my travel partners. Then all alone in a big house, in a big city, in a new chapter, it happened. I sat down in bed and felt a feeling I didn't know I would. Peace. When I sat at home and envisioned this moment, I saw me bawling in a corner, questioning who in their right mind let me make this decision! Laugh all you want, I have had that experience before! But no, not this time. There were no tears this time. This time, I got ready for bed and slept peacefully.<br />
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I awoke to squawking birds, and a room full of sunlight. I had breakfast and got ready for the day! I got picked up by my dear friend Valerie (I have served with Val for 4 years before this trip) and we made our way to the MTES (Mission To El Slavador) organization. It is located in one of the toughest places in El Salvador due to it's proximity to the hospital and therefore, a large access to drugs! There were men sleeping on clothes in the street, garbage everywhere, rundown "houses'' every which way I looked. Something that still hits me, no matter how many times I see it.<br />
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I met the other staff members and got acquainted with my new work place. We made our way over to the New Dawn project. (New Dawn is a program made for children living on the streets with a drug and or alcohol addiction. a place they come to be nourished not only in food, but spiritually too) I walked into the gate, and was greeted by a volunteer. As we entered into the building, he looked at me, straight in the eyes, and he said it... "welcome Home". ... He could have chosen any sentence, but he chose that one. The same one God had spoken to me upon arrival here, just over a year ago. I will be honest. It terrified me.. I froze for a second, and after forcing myself to take a breath or two, I regained my composure. I walked normally to the table, where we sat and listened to the kids daily devotional. While I sat there, my stomach turned, my heart hammered and my lip began to tremble.. tears threatening to spill over at any moment. I can not loose it here. Not now. I will sit here and drink my water and breath.<br />
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We finished our visit, said goodbye and I walked to the car. Valerie and I chatted as we drove to a spot for lunch. Valerie is such a blessing in my life for many reasons, but honestly, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her. We talked about the struggles of this life we have chosen, and as we did, she told me that it's ok to be upset, in fact it's strongly encouraged. It's not something to take in lightly, nor should it be shoved down deep either. We have to be vulnerable and talk to one another. At that moment, I couldn't say anything. I could barely breathe as the tears poured down my face. I sat there in the car, sobbing. It's hard. It is so hard. I am so glad to be here and it feels right, but it is so hard! Valerie sat and cried alongside me. That's what we do, as christians, as women, as friends. We cry with each other, we share life with each other. It's the only way we can survive out here.<br />
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We pulled ourselves together and had a wonderful crepe lunch. I came home and unpacked, Skyped with family and friends and felt better. We had a wonderful dinner, and a good peaceful nights sleep.<br />
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You are probably wondering why "welcome Home" terrified me. Well, for many reasons. I knew going into this that, this experience was going to give me an idea if missions work full time was a good fit or not. That statement hit me right in the heart. Am I willing to give up all I have, for the sake of others, for the sake of Gods kingdom? Yes I packed up my bags, my life, said goodbye and got on a plane. But that plane goes both ways. Here, and back again, I always have an escape ticket, the hard part is, not using it..<br />
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I will get settled in. I will meet new people. I will make wonderful memories and serve God willingly. It will be rewarding.<br />
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It's still hard. It's still scary and it most definitely still hurts.<br />
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Then again it's supposed to.<br />
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Love and Prayers<br />
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Erica ByleveldErica Byleveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17090068789398853020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2926414027677372095.post-69981330782422022282017-01-01T06:37:00.002-08:002017-01-01T06:43:48.279-08:00What a difference a day makes.Today is the day! I will be honest.. I am FREAKING out. Like actually though. This is terrifying. I am not scared though, funny how those things can be totally different. This month has been a total blur of busy work days, Christmas celebrations and fond farewells. Add in a little nervousness, denial and stressed overwelmingness and you about have it! Oh and yes a few tears.... ok lot's of tears, they just wouldn't stop. I hate goodbyes! I have finally (yes finally, seriously I couldn't have put it off any longer..) packed up all my bags, checked over my list a dozen times, panicked over a lost passport that I kid you not was not even a foot away from my face.. and got in my last minutes hugs and snuggles! I have rushed and planned and panicked and laughed. Through all of it God is in control. I am reminded of how blessed I am to feel sad! I have so many loving people in my life, perfectly placed to remind me of God's love! You will never know how meaningful your kind words and loving prayers mean to me! I can only do this, knowing that I have a community of people that have my back!<br />
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I have been planning for months, trying my best to prepare myself. It wasn't all easy. Satan has a way of making you doubt, but through those moments I have learned what it means to fully rely on God. His plan is far greater than the ones I have etched into my lovely planner. I have no idea what my new daily routine will look like, but He does. He has already ordained the people I will meet and the things I will do. He knows the moments that will take my breath away. The moments that will bring me pure joy. He also knows the moments that my heart will shatter and will give me the strength, that only He can give, to carry on to the next day. He will pull my into His loving arms while I miss all of you back home. He will enable me to adapt to this incredible new lifestyle. Even when I start to question why I ever had the bright idea to not only say YES to God, but actually ask for it! What was I thinking!<br />
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I plan to journal out the moments of the coming months here in this blog. I promise you I will be honest, even when it hurts. Do my best to give you a glimpse into the life God is leading me in. Most of all, I pray that God uses this to reveal to you, the desires of your heart that gorify Him, and how to act on them!<br />
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I will cling to this verse as I journey out: Be jouful in hope, patient in afliction and faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12<br />
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I will hold to the promise that God is with me always!<br />
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Love and Prayers<br />
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Erica Byleveld<br />
<br />Erica Byleveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17090068789398853020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2926414027677372095.post-14004316894018272102016-04-03T16:54:00.004-07:002016-04-07T20:46:04.612-07:00Answering Gods Call.... Finally! <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every christian will have that day. The day you see God. You remember every detail, big and small. Where you were. How you felt. The smells and the sounds. The moment you knew your life had changed and you would never be the same. My moment was March 9th 2013. I stepped off the plane of my first real adventure. I would be accompanying a group of 20 people from my home church, on the trip of a life time, to share God's love in the form of building houses for people in need. Serious need. A need like I had never experienced before. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> 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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God has wonderful plans for me in El Salvador, and I for one, can't wait!\</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Love and Prayers</span></div>
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Erica Byleveld</div>
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Erica Byleveldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17090068789398853020noreply@blogger.com1