After loading some music creation, editing and recording software onto my computer- as well as buying a microphone- I have become a sort of amateur DJ down here. My friends and I have been making beats and putting together some loops, samples, even some full rap songs. I really enjoy it; it’s been a time of learning and explosive musical creativity. That’s the only way I can explain it. My friends have been bringing some Christ-centered messages into the mix. They keep encouraging me lay down some rhymes in Spanish, so I’ll have to try to translate and memorize some of what I’ve written, making it coherent and understandable to those around me.

Hip hop is an incredibly popular form of music down here. Every young guy dreams of being a ‘Rapero’ or rapper, so it has been fun to walk alongside so many youth and support them in their dreams. Everyone in the community also looks up to guys like Fe and Bertico, who are recording professional albums, doing concerts in Maria Auxiliadora and other barrios, and bringing some intelligent, edifying lyrics into the world of rap. I can often hear my aspiring neighbors playing instrumentals next door and practicing coordinating their verses and choruses and all that.

But yeah, it’s been all about God and I praise him for that. One thing I aim to do is set aside more time and devote myself to him, because spiritually it is so essential and- really- the only reason I was created was to grow into the eternal kind of life that God offers, enjoying him and glorifying him forever. As I move forward in being a disciple I want to do whatever is necessary to actually put into practice what Jesus, the Master, said was best.

It’s easy to get caught up trying to do too many things, especially when those around you regard you as a sort of pseudo-savior, asking you constantly for favors or to borrow things or to help them with this or that. Maybe they want to learn English, or want some photos printed, or want to borrow my MP3, or don’t have enough food, or need some money to repair their house, or want you to paint them something- any range of things that they constantly look to Americans to help them with. I want to move past all that, though, and lead those around me to Jesus. He is the one they really need.

As I look out my window right now, I can see something that the people here call ‘Agua Sanjuanera.’ I wonder if you can guess what it is... It’s when the rain and the sunshine combine; cloudy in one spot and clear blue nearby. We walked outside to enjoy it for a while- arms outstretched and mouths open- relishing the wondrous moment. It was so wonderfully warm and refreshing; like drops of heaven hitting my face. I will never forget it. It is just one small way in which the Lord has truly blessed my time here.