Ordinary Living

“So, what do you actually DO all day?”

This is a question I was asked recently. I did not have a clear answer, not because I don’t do anything, but because to others it looks like I may not have a normal 9-5 job… because I don’t.

Let me set the scene.

Almost two months ago, my team, Madelyn, Faith, and I, finally arrived at our mission post: Mexico! When we started Intake in September 2024, this was the moment I was looking forward to. After six months of training and two months of language school, we arrived! 

The first month was a blur. We had to furnish a house, learn how to get groceries, speak a new language, and assist with a mission trip. 

As we come to the end of our second month here, life is beginning to feel…dare I say, normal? 

I cannot believe how quickly the shift has occurred. Just last month, going to the grocery store required a nap. With each day and new situation we encounter, we continue to grow in confidence and knowledge, and we are beginning to have energy for more than just surviving. 

With this new energy, I have begun to ask the Lord, “Why am I here?” and “What do you want me to do?” The Lord has yet to come down in a booming voice and tell me what to do. So I am in a season of patiently and excitedly waiting for the Lord to reveal His plans to me. 

Back to, “What do you do all day?” 

I could list all the tasks I do in a day, whether it be maintaining a house, grocery shopping, engaging in other missionaries’ ministries, or meeting and praying with people we meet in the street. Each of these has a deeper purpose. 

What appears to be a menial task, at the root is the Lord beginning to put us in relationship with people, bring situations to light, and begin to give us a heart for those we encounter and live among. 

My days right now are filled with tasks that look like mere survival, yet when we are living with the Lord, no task is useless. He works in all situations, and being a full-time missionary allows me to follow His daily prompting (or at least try) to see how He will use me for His greater glory.

During our first few weeks, while walking around, we were introduced to a man named Hugo. Hugo rides his bike into our town from a rancho nearby a few days a week. He offers to clean and wash cars to support his sick wife, daughter, and grandchild. He is an extremely hard worker and always greets us with a smile. We normally stop for a short conversation and then go on our way. 

Last week, Madelyn and I were reviewing our finances, a menial but necessary task, when our internet went out. We decided to take the 12-minute walk to our friend’s house, the Caldwells, to use their internet. As we climbed up the hill, we passed Hugo and once again were greeted with a smile. This time, we asked to pray with him. He accepted and shared more of his family story with us. 

This week, as I was walking to the grocery store, I literally almost ran into Hugo on his bike. We engaged in formalities, and I asked if he had done other work previously. He informed me he has carpentry skills. I got really excited, maybe a little too much. I might have scared him a little, but we have been asking around for a carpenter to build us end tables and a bookshelf. So when he shared his skills, I knew the Lord had aligned us. He came the next day and has been building us these items. We will now be able to have regular conversations with him and hopefully invite him into our community life. 

I pray that through the ordinary tasks of living, the Lord continues to reveal Himself to me and the ways He is inviting me to share His love with others.