This week was an incredible experience for me from start to finish! I was amazed at the team that God orchestrated and the ways in which we were able to both relate to each other and learn from our differences.The Holy Spirit was knitting our hearts and minds together from the very first night.

One thing that we noticed and were extremely surprised at, was the Guatemalans’ willingness to be open and transparent with us as foreigners as they invited us into their homes at the Dump. They didn't hide the real, broken places from us. 

In the U.S., we are used to people we don't know, those that we do, and even those we know really well, putting on a show of perfection. Everyone is great, nothing is wrong. Somehow we've learned in culture that it's not ok or acceptable to be our true selves with our likes/dislikes and broken places. We learned so much from the people we visited through them sharing the darkest places of their lives with us. The vulnerability they offered us was beautiful and refreshing. 

This fresh perspective invites us to share those dark places with others so that we can receive prayer and support and so that others will see the strength in revealing flaws and be open to sharing in vulnerability with us in return.

It is a movement that could - if its grasped fully - be a complete reorientation of the heart of the American church. Next time a friend asks you how you are, or if you have any prayer requests, take a risk and lay your heart out and simmer in the intimacy that can only be created through vulnerability.

The Holy Spirit washes us in the waters of the storm and the floods. Be washed and be set Free.

-Emily Ednoff/ Project Leader