Written by: Hailey Johnson
 
"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." Isaiah 55:12
 
As I reflect on today, I am overwhelmed by the pure joy of the people of El Salvador. We spent the morning helping with field day for a local high school. To many teenagers, the 11 stations could have seemed mundane and childish. However, these children embraced every moment with so much joy and laughter. Each group competed with humility, and it was evident that the students genuinely loved each person there. There was so much laughter, enthusiasm, and passion for everything on that field. Engaging with those students was such an encouragement, but also a challenge for me in my life. It was encouraging to be reminded that some of the simplest things in life can bring the most joy. As humans, we are entitled to so many things, so I was challenged to think about the things in my life that I can easily get bored or frustrated with, and to intentionally seek joy in those small things. 
 
This afternoon, we had the opportunity to visit Humberto's brother's soccer club. From the moment we got there, it was evident that every child there had a special place in the hearts of the coaches. They had created an environment that welcomed everyone as they were: as sons and daughters of Christ. Humberto embraced each one of them, made them feel welcomed, and made it a priority that each of them would hear the truth of the Gospel. At this field, there were young children, teenagers, and kids with disabilities. I had the privilege of running around with one of the girls with down syndrome for a while before we played games, and I was so encouraged by her joy and energy. She was dancing from the moment we got there until we left. She was excited to welcome us into their lives, and she was so confident in who she was. The community here was exactly as I picture it in Heaven one day. Everyone was all in. Each person loved and served the person next to them. There was freedom and joy on the field, and there were constant eruptions of cheering, clapping, and laughing in response to someone's success. I was constantly amazed at how incredibly valuable community is for the people here in El Salvador. 
 
Today was a reminder of our call to live with complete joy for the glory of the Lord. Isaiah describes how beautiful it is when God's creation praises Him with their joy and adoration. He promises that when we choose to live with genuine joy, that He will sustain us with His peace. It is such a blessing to witness the people of SOI worship the Lord with all that they have. Their joy and fire for the Lord are evident in everything that they do, and it is a huge reason why these children are pursuing relationships with the Lord today.
 
How encouraging it is to know that when we choose to seek Christ and know Him more, that He will fill us with His joy, His pleasure, and His peace so that we are equipped to live out our faith for His glory.