Back to basics

November 5th 2018; I'm heading back to Corozal, Belize for a couple months.

Let's start at the very beginning. A very good place to start. When you read you begin with..

An educational movement is occurring in northern Belize through reading interventions and whole school reading curriculum training. The Wilson and Fundations packs of basic reading skills have shown tremendous success in the district of Orange Walk, and the Ministry of Education has taken notice. The Belize Project (non-profit) and the government are working together to begin this launch. The goal is to imitate literacy progression in the Corozal district government schools, and as my personal assignment, San Antonio.
        First steps include gathering baseline data of where the students are currently performing using the WIST assessment. I'll be meeting with students individually to assess their letter sound and blends sound recognition then moving forward toward word skills. This is allow us to know where to begin each student in the curriculum and to see an upward trend as the interventions are put into place. Teaching kiddos how to read is my life's work; how tremendously blessed am I to be able to return to the village/town/country I adore to use these strengths the Lord ordained for me.

By His very nature, God has planned this assignment during an incredible time. He knew I would be needing a mental health repair and would be available in my career to take a curve such as this. I've been subbing, tutoring, and babysitting this semester as I awaited by departure. Sleep, laughter, and peace are plentiful since leaving the traditional classroom. Grateful doesn't begin to describe my feelings on this season of restoration of my mind.
      On a more personal level, in Belize I will be spending time with one of my dearest friends and her newborn son!! She is such an encouragement to me and my faith walk. God knew come November, she would be a new mom and little E man could use a visit from TiAmba.

Clarity comes when distractions are dismissed. Life in Belize is intentional. Simple. Pure.
Fruits and vegetables are as fresh as picking from your neighbor's yard. The societal pressures of contouring my makeup or dressing just so are replaced with release/freedom/self-esteem radiant thoughts of, "This is me, beautifully made and loved by my Maker and King." The lack of cell service helps me unplug from constant cyber connection, and engage with those right in front of me.
     There are a dozen or so teenagers (13-16yo) that have aged-out of primary school that I plan on hanging out with often. Their worldview in a time of 'done with school but too young for a job' is different than the States. It intrigues me to spend days and afternoons with them, hearing what the next generation hopes for their lives and how Jesus is woven throughout.
   
I'm eager to see the Spirit move in my familiar far home.
And of course, report back to anyone willing to read what God reveals in my time there.

Reading. Clean eating. Meeting.   Let's get back to basics!

Princess Tea Party

This blog could be about me and my experience living in Belize. About how I'm frustrated with being whistled at as I bike through town daily. About how I am enjoying my team and our journey to becoming a sustainable NGO. About how Marie Sharp's pepper sauce can and should be put on all foods. Instead, this blog exists to glorify God and communicate his goodness that is happening around me. Something good happened on Thursday, February 18th.

God has revealed insecurities of girls in our village through whispers or yells. They can be heard  calling each other ugly or fat regularly. A common battle of women of all ages around the world is struggling to find themselves beautiful and valued. It is written in God's Word how each woman is uniquely beautiful and God's own treasure. The girls in San Antonio village, without spiritual guidance of a local church or literacy skills to read the bible themselves, are unexposed to their identity in God's family.

My 14 year old friend Clishara and I set a plan to host a Princess Tea Party for young ladies to come celebrate who they truly are: princesses. God is the King, and as his daughters we are Princesses. Collierville United Methodist Women had sewn and gifted me 25 reversible dresses to distribute to the village. A bright Saturday morning was perfect to go house-to-house giving a dress to each girl. As Clishara and I approached a group of young preschool girls on the basketball court in the center of town, mothers came to admire the dresses. A few asked, "How much for one?" It was humbling to explain they were a gift from my home church. Also, each dress came with a prayer attached and prayers interwoven in the process of their assembling. 

We passed out all of the dresses, exactly the amount we needed for each size, and invited each girl to our Princess Tea Party on Tuesday. The party was to have discussion, games, music, and cookies with milk!

Tuesday brought heavy rains in the morning, and to prevent the girls walking through puddles and rain in their new dresses, we postponed it to Thursday. Canceling was a process of texting teachers at the school to tell their students, and for students to tell younger sisters. A network that worked brilliantly. We also had to cancel a Skype date scheduled with the group of women who made the dresses in Tennessee. Thursday, at that time, was showing an unfavorable percentage of rain in the forecast, so we asked for many prayers to withhold the rain until after our party. 

Wednesday was a mix of confusion and lingering excitement for the tea party the following day. Project 61 staff was anxious for the continued possibility of rain, and we took each of those worried thoughts to the Lord.

Thursday came with 100% rain for 2, 3, and 4pm. Our tea party was to start at 4. Alas, the sun was bright and the ground was dry for the barefoot, slipper, and high heeled arrival of our Princesses.

In typical central American fashion, only 5 girls were present at 4 o'clock. An older girl was sent around the village on bike to hail the remaining invitees. We waited for more friends and the girls weren't sure what this event would hold, as one 7 year old commented "This is boring." I laughed and reassured her we hadn't started yet.

Around 4:30, we had a party of 35 guests (ages 3-17 and 3 moms) divided into 3 groups for activities and discussion. We dressed up one representative from each group with a crown, necklace, ring, baby doll, and heart bracelet. In rounds of 5 minute discussions, we looked at specific scripture and talked about how each truth related to being a young lady of God daily. With each topic discussed, the representative removed one item of their accessories.

The topics we discussed and items were:

Baby doll-we are Gods children and he is our Father

Ring-we are sparkly

Necklace-we are beautiful

Heart-we are loved

Crown-we are royalty

Selfie on a phone-we are perfectly made

At the conclusion of our discussions our princess representatives were back to their normal appearance. The girls themselves realized the truth that even when we don't have a crown on, we are royal and that we are always sparkly like a shiny ring in God's eyes. One 10 year old also made the connection that all people are made in God's image, therefore we can't call them ugly because that is calling something that looks like God ugly. It was incredible to hear their minds react to who our Heavenly Father declares they are.

A 13 year old, who hadn't showed much interest in the small group talks or activities, has since asked when the next Princess Tea Party is. I hope and pray her intent isn't to wear a dress and eat cookies again, but to be reminded about her worth as God's precious daughter. All in all, I pray these truths embed in the hearts of these young ladies when upcoming years hold insecurity of body image and boys to build them up to tear them down. Join us in prayer that they see themselves as worthy of love, beautiful, and valued as a woman in the kingdom of God.

People, people please

After a splendid month at home with my favorites, I've realized my gaping desire for friendship in Belize. People's need for community and relationship is interwoven in our being.

God, who is all encompassing, the beginning and the end, has never been alone. The Trinity (God the Father, Jesus the Son, and The Holy Spirit) has displayed perfect community through all time. As image bearers of God, we too search for connectedness with others around us. God knew this aspect of our design during creation. With the very first man, God claimed 'it is not good for man to be alone' (Gen 2:18). Introverts and extroverts alike have a natural desire to be known. Some thrive in noisy environments with large groups gathered while others prefer one on one conversations. We seek community through different avenues, ranging from maintaining friendships since kindergarten to striking up conversation in an elevator. Then there are international missions.

Athletic teams, church organizations, and school clubs filled my childhood with incredible people and memories together. I was spoiled by familiar faces facilitating years of relationships. For me, moving to another city and knowing no one was lonely. Another country, culture, and language; difficult. Seen and stereotyped without a word to defend yourself; frustrating. People either think you're too proud to speak with them or see your existence as dollar signs and a handout. (Not so fun fact, someone called me Money. As in 'Good morning Money.') Also, in my brief experience here, I've found that women are often treated as objects, but that is for another time. I have found it difficult to find a solid community of like-minded people.

I have found moderate community in various bubbles of Belize. There lingers a void of missing deep connectedness of my friends and family in the States; where a phone call doesn't scratch the itch of simply being with my top notch people.

Here are glimpses of Belizean interactions that've blessed me:

-a bike stacked with two mesmerized children when we experienced God's beauty in darkness during a citywide blackout (See 'God is the Star of this show')

-daily interactions with Brianna, a 19 year-old selling her grandmother’s homemade chicken salbutes, panades, or tamales out of a bucket on her bike. She is greeted with a cheer of BRIANNA!!! from staff and kids in our program as she approaches with a wide grin

-early morning dancing and parading behind a flatbed 18 wheeler with hundreds of neighbors of all ages covered in paint and glitter, enjoying each other and celebrations of oncoming carnival season

-a pretend tea party with 5 year olds in a playground treehouse

-hospitality of strangers in churches we have visited, displaying generosity of time, food, and support towards our ministry in San Antonio

-waiters, waitresses and managers of restaurants we regularly visit. Our times with them are much more than business or a meal. (Alma, you the realest)

-being a motherly role, assisting children getting ready for bed and getting ready for school, without knowing where their biological mother is or when she will return

-a sweet conversation with our market lady, who supplies us with fresh fruits and vegetables. She was curious about our time at home in the States and gave us a gift of Papanero (papaya/habenero salsa)

Although these relationships are new and surface level to begin, they will continue to flourish over time with intentional conversations and exposure to deeper characteristics of each. Most of these people I see often, multiple times a week if not daily. I only know the parts of their lives they've offered to share with me, or the parts I've curiously inquired about. However, I cannot say I truly know them. So it is natural with a variety of relationships, to vaguely know your market lady versus deeply understanding a youth you long to clearly present the Gospel daily.

My Belizean people don't realize how I selfishly yearn for them to know me better too. Like 'Hey kid, ask me about MY life!' But God knows me throughout. I know this to be true by David's description of God's knowledge of his children found in Psalm 139.

        1You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.

2You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

4Before a word is on my tongue

you, Lord, know it completely.

Wow. Every thought. Every fear. So God, The Lord (master) of Heaven and Earth, the great I AM.....knows me? And still loves me?! Yes Hallelujah, He knows all of my qualities that stem from an often ugly heart, yet still adores me enough to walk before me and with me daily. And (here comes the boom) poured out the blood of His only son as a perfect sacrifice for all my sin! My endless effort striving to be known on Earth can make me dry and exhausted; on the other hand what joy and comfort abounding when I remember the One who made all things knows and loves me through and through! In that, I find great rest.

In order to nurture this relationship as well, I need to learn more about God through spending time with him. Discipline is weak in this area; in my free time I gravitate to social media to stay up to speed with life happenings of friends and mere acquaintances, Netflix for entertainment, or attempts to broaden my missionary mindset by reading our team book assigned in June. Instead of indulging in mindless hobbies after a hard day of serving a struggling population, I should aim to be recharged by perfect truth. Isaiah 40:31 says 

"but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. 

They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary, 

they will walk and not be faint."

This divine renewal of strength proves more reliable than scrolling through Pinterest recipes during down time. Setting aside time spent in the Word, prayer to hear Him and be in His presence should be more important in my day. As it urges in James 4:8 "Come near to God and he will come near to you." Pray my desire to seek Him further.

So my friends, hug the folks with whom you grab the occasional coffee with, utilize the intentionality of your small group, and cherish those random grocery store reunions. And when it's time, dig deeper, know fuller, and love harder. Miss ya!

God is the star of this show

My apologies friends!!! I have been here over a month with no word of how things have been going. Well, it has been a hectic but sweet time of exploring our new country, town, and neighborhood. So much has happened in this month of living: riding buses and bikes, eating rice and beans, serving, meeting new people, eating rice and beans, sweating, walking, playing, trying new foods, laughing, and growing.

One fact permeates through each event, interaction, and hour we’ve been here; God has gone before us to make a way.

We meet a lot of people curious to our mission. I get so tied up in "We are doing... I am here to .... I'm a teacher so... etc." No. Rewind. That gives humans too much credit. God is here. God is working. In Philippians 1:6 Paul says says God who began the good work of restoring lives to himself will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. I am only a shell, a vessel of His love and a witness to the heart change happening in Belize. 

I have been convicted of John 3:30 that "God must become greater; and I must become less."  This became so real to me on September 16, 2015. Our 'Kick-off' Bonfire in San Antonio Village.
Here's what went down..

"7 + 4, lets scoop the biggest in our brain
and count on to add the rest"

In August, our American team of 3 (Amber, Sarah, & Charles) spent a few days going house to house taking a census of school aged kids, introducing ourselves to parents and explaining our vision for the youth of this village. They were receptive to our program. Proceed through three weeks of homework help on crowded picnic tables, a loose discipline system, no devotionals for kids, no worship, no prayer, and no structured games. Just 2 hours of free for all hanging out with 20ish students each fighting for attention and many, many mosquitos. Utter chaos.

Enter Israel. Our 4th team member, native of San Antonio village, and newly resigned assistant to the Governor General of Belize. Now 31 years old, he has had a dream of restoring his village and spreading the gospel to his neighbors since he left when he was 18. EVERYONE knows Israel. People in small towns 5 hours from San Antonio know Israel. A good portion of the village is related to Israel. He radiates joy and humbles himself as a servant of God daily. Everyone knows his heart overflows with love for God and his energy is magnetic. Israel is a torch radiating the light of Christ in this village.

With our team complete, Israel spread the news of our Kick Off bonfire in the village to be held Tuesday (Sept 15). This would be huge. The soccer lights would be on (which is for occasions only), free marshmallows for roasting, and games with friends. This would be our chance to bring our A-game, show these kids and parents how fun and great we are.

But no. Charles had a previously scheduled soccer game in the next village so we postponed until Wednesday. The kids had gathered and cheered when Israel came riding up to San Antonio, only to disappoint them with the news of the bonfire pushed back to the next day.

BOOOO!

Wednesday night came. 6:30 was the time. Israel biked up on his own. The sun was setting. Charles was putting new strings on the guitar, which took longer than expected. My punctual American tendencies were getting anxious about the perception of the parents if we came too late. (even though Central America/Belize/Caribbean Island time is flexible)

BOOOOOO!

6:50 (20 min late) arrive at Mary's to get Taheed (13), Shimara (11), Nigel (8), Trevon (5), Fantasha (4). There was a miscommunication of the children not being able to join us and being on punishment for showing disrespect towards their mother. The girls were in nice dresses and very excited about this night. They rarely leave the neighborhood. I was crushed that they might not be able to join us in this festive treat. Back and forth discussion: Yes We can GO! No you CANT! Ugh come on team! Get it together we have to get to the village!

BOOOOOOOO!

7:15 (45 min late) After discussing with the aunt that was watching them all, everyone piled up on bikes. Sarah and I carrying 2 kids on our bike handlebars and frames. Taheed carrying Nigel on his handlebars. Charles with the guitar case. We took off to the store to buy marshmallows. Reloaded all of our passengers, and set off to the village, still about a 15 minute ride if traveling quickly. 30 yards from the store.. ELECTRICAL BLACKOUT.

The whole town was blanketed in darkness. A few alarmed residents, including myself, screamed at the sudden confusion and aloneness. I couldn't see where the rest of my team went, if the kids were okay, or if I was headed toward the drop off into the nasty creek. Going on to San Antonio in this condition would've been unsafe due to holes in the dirt roads that could jolt a kids back if they aren't braced for it and dangerous due to precarious folks thinking the cover of night would conceal identifies, enabling them to take our bikes or backpacks.

Turning back was our only option. I was fuming. Thinking 'there goes our credibility in the village. We'd be viewed as Americans breaking promises of fun to their children. The kids won't want to come hang out after school anymore.' and on and on.

During my pity party, God had been slowly twisting the dimmer switch on the stars to bright, brighter, brightest. There had to have been over a thousand stars right above me. It was surreal. The only comparative image I have of such a spectacle is a planetarium. Orrrr  Disney's The Lion King.

God got my heart's attention real fast. He said 'Amber stop, look at my beautiful works. Reset your mind and attitude to show my gifts of love. You'll get to the bonfire when you get there. Relax because I am near.' I was so wrapped up in our presentation and timeliness, that I forgot who I should be promoting. This is not the Amber show, nor the Belize Project show; This season for the village is a ongoing show of God's mighty hand that I am thrilled to watch unfold.

The rest of the night after that display and comforting feeling was much better. We biked home to retrieve our headlamps for a safer ride. As we were digging them from bags, the power came back on. What a relief! We arrived to the village at 7:45 (1 hr 15 min late) to anxious children sitting in a circle (which never happens) with Israel teaching them that God made everything. They were very excited for the marshmallows to arrive! We started helping the 4 and 5 year olds with roasting and called over each older group. We danced, played soccer, and hung out until 8:30 when parents came to walk them home. The children hugged and thanked us for the night and many said "See you tomorrow!"

I am so thankful to serve a God who 'brings light to the darkness.' Darkness of a busy self-centered mind, darkness of a town without electricity, and darkness of a world desperately needing the shining gift of Jesus Christ. 'Great are You, Lord!'

Can't sleep? Count (yourselves as) sheep

3:00 am 2 days away from my one-way flight (3,2,1, go)
So I lay here awake, unable to shut off my mind about my impending journey and year in Belize.
I am tempted to text or call anyone else who might still be up (thinking of you nightshift friends). Which led me to remember a catchy saying my SOS team leader taught us:
 "take it to the throne before you pick up the phone" Nice one Maddy!

Friends and family are a blessing and comfort through conversation or presence.
But opening up God's word to welcome Him to speak, into what typically is a one-sided conversation in prayer, has lifted me out of fear's grasp.

(open the bible, hmm lets see here..)
People-I was led to John 10, The Good Shepherd and His Sheep. This is no coincidence.
This passage was preached to me and about 40 others March 10, 2013 under a hot tent in Corozal, Belize. Completely in Spanish. Did I mention it was hot? No light show, no microphone, personal fans constantly fluttering. For 2 hours I pieced together phrases of truth and watched a man get so touched to tears that he paused often in his delivery of this impactful message.
He read verse 14 and had the crowd repeat it back at least 10 times.

"I am the good shepherd, I know my sheep and my sheep know me----
»Yo soy el buen pastor; conozco a mis ovejas, y ellas me conocen a mí"

Our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, laid his life down for us. He made it His job to his death to protect us and help us grow. He is always watching and leading us for our good and for His glory. How comforting!
Also in Luke 15, Jesus tells the story of the lost sheep. How a good shepherd will leave the group of safe 99 to seek the one who has wandered from the flock. He parades into town with the sheep on his shoulders as the town rejoices over the return of his lost livestock. Similarly, the heavens rejoice when one sinner repents and rests in the arms of the Father. My fellow sheep, we are so loved!

I feel God brought this familiar passage to mind as if to say "Amber, I was with you in the hot bilingual tent. I am with you now and the same truth applies. John 10 will never change and neither will my protective watch over you. Rest easy little sheep. I love you."

Bahhhhh

Labels

Over our lives we accumulate a plethora of temporary labels, as they relate to roles in seasons of life.

Toddler, new neighbor, student, youth kid, athlete, intern, graduate, fiance, newlywed, employee, etc.

Each new position brings responsibilities with it; responsibilities we choose to take up or shrug off.

My position with San Antonio Outreach has been "intern" for the last couple of months. Interns' responsibilities for this ministry were vague, serve-where-needed type of role. As this is the launch of this project, administration felt that more definitive titles should be given to our team members.

     Charles (our team leader, Project Director) called last week and announced my new label of "Education Coordinator." This new position is more precise to my service for the ministry. It also pinpoints my God given gifts of identifying student deficit areas, designing a plan with specific curriculum and activities, and facilitating learning with individual students or small groups. This.is.my.passion. Exactly how I viewed pursuing Special Education during college years and my reading tutoring days in inner-city Knoxville at Thrive Lonsdale.

"Education Coordinator" is a temporary label, 10 months or so (my Belizean commitment as far as God has revealed). I am going to embrace this role I have trained for, and I could talk for days about the benefits of holistic development for young students. And by the grace of God, I get to make it my act of worship daily!

Now, two labels of mine are more permanent, sinner and new creation.

Romans 3:22-24
22This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

      This Romans 3 passage discusses the inevitable quality of being imperfect people. 3:23 says "for ALL have sinned". I won't list each of my many (dozens, daily, hourly) sins I have committed against my Maker in my life. But just to name a few, my sins include but not are limited to: service with impure motives, unkind words, unloving actions, lies, making idols of worldly achievements, manipulating people and situations for my benefit, jealousy, and and overall distrust of God's perfect plan for my life. Wow. Gross. My heart is twisted and has a natural tendency to lean away from my Father. I wrestle too often with doing life the selfish Amber way, when God has shown me in His word how to live through grace and love instead. Repentance is a necessity because I have been a bad daughter and even worse co-heir in the inheritance of heaven. Uh. Sinner, a load of a label I will never shake.

Take heart Amber, you pessimistic, perpetual wrong-doer!

Romans 3:22 & 24 bring the heat. Those verses claim that I, and all unrighteous sinners, have the righteousness of Jesus, the spotless lamb. Wait, seriously? Covering this messed up soul? YES. Jesus' sacrificial death redeemed my relationship with God and reset my eternal destination from down to UP! Again in Romans 5:8 it reads 8"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." God knew what a rebellious people his chosen nation were, yet sent his only son to die the humiliating death we deserve. Hallelujah! What a gift!

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." Because of my faith in my Savior Jesus Christ, new facts and new qualities are true of me. My past and future sin is forgiven. Gone. My debt is paid in full. Done. I am remade, rewired, and redirected to want the things my Lord desires when I chose to remain attentive to His presence and direction. And that my friends is where true peace is found.

Labels, we all have them. It's what we choose to do with these titles that determines how we glorify God during that season. Therefore, I rejoice in my identity of a new creation, battle and repent of my identity of sinner, and eagerly look toward my first weeks of providing afternoon academic interventions as San Antonio Outreach's Education Coordinator!

"We'll just start off with water, thanks"

"1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters." Genesis 1:1-2

^Good luck recreating that scene, Hollywood.

Water - clear. refreshing. cool. moving. shapeless. reflective. familiar. purposeful.

Water has always astounded me. The fragile chemical makeup of H2O. The abundance on the Earth (about 71% says Google). The ceaseless water cycle. The necessity of organisms water consumption and expulsion to regulate itself, functioning of organs, flowing of blood, and use to transmit electrical signals from my brain to finger muscles as I type this. 

Early evening brings tomorrow's morning dew: a reminder of God's new mercy everyday. As the Earth is renewed daily by this delicate moisture, I am reminded of a promised quality of my Creator.
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" Lamentations 3:22-23

I have been thinking a lot about water lately as its role in my life will be changing soon. I'll be living on the coast. I will be consciously hydrating as I work in the heat. I have to be careful having ice in my beverages, and I enjoy ice in my beverages. I cannot flip on the faucet and have crisp Memphis water should I need a drink. I will have my fill of shilling water (similar to CapriSun container) and a refillable 5 gallon jug for hydration. My young students, friends, and fellow children of God will continue to drink the well water and expose themselves to diseases. Their bodies have built more resistance to such diseases, but it still strikes me as a stark difference than the sources of water I was raised with.

 (photo from my Belize trip 2013, San Antonio water pump)

Foreign families are drawn to the waters of Belize for beach time, snorkeling on the reef, and recreational fishing. Two years ago I met Belizean boys ages 7 and 9 fishing in what looked like a ditch to catch dinner for their family. Not only did they carry home 3 small bream to feed the family of five; glass bottles were also toted back to town to trade for some change.

Same water: one intended for fun, the other for survival.

Jesus' three years of ministry were loaded with water-infused interactions. He rolled with fishermen. And of course used water for daily hydration and hygiene like you and me.

In John Chapter 4, Jesus offered a different water, living water, to a thirsty woman. (Girl was thirsty physically, spiritually, and culturally.) This encounter can be found in John 4:1-30. Here's a rough overview..
Jesus asks her to get him a drink, and she is confused because he doesn't have anything to get water from the depths of the well.
13Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

She is intrigued and wants this fancy water so she physically will not have to make anymore lengthy, hot trips to the well. However, the living water Jesus is referring to is much more precious. The living water is the Holy Spirit, coming to live among Christ's followers once he is dead, risen, and absolutely glorified.

Through more discussion and Jesus revealing this stranger's past and struggles of her heart, she believes he is the Messiah. She leaves her jar (the task that brought her to the well in the first place) and ran to tell others what she knows is true: her Savior is here. 
The woman abandoned her trivial routine and personal need. She understood the new importance of getting this news to her family and friends now served as top priority. Immediate. Urgent. The crowd's reaction gets me pumped. 30"They came out of the town and made their way toward him." The people had to see for themselves! This man, the Son of God, was surely too good to be true. Alas, he is here. 

So yeah, I think water is pretty neat. God knows this. I anticipate the Lord to continue to show me his provision, nearness, and creativity through water as he calls me to minister by the bay, on the beach, in the rainy season, possibly flooding, and as he showed in John 4, at the local well.
Let us come to the source of life and be filled with the living water; be complete and overflowing to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those around us. The Holy Spirit just might make a splash.