Anticipation

Liz Ortiz
Oct 30
4 min read

In August, my social media feed was flooded with back-to-school photos. Seeing these posts had me anticipating seeing my students again. However, here in Togo, the school year doesn’t start until mid-September, so I had to wait to see “my kids” again. As I waited and prepared for the first day of school, the excitement built inside me. And when the day finally arrived and I pulled up to the school, the excitement that had built up did not disappoint. The children exited the school cheering and running to give me hugs. It was a beautiful moment. It was good to be back and start another school year.

Every time I am at the school, I bring a collection of picture books for the students. Two of the students who attended the camp during the break ran over to one of my boxes and pulled out the story of the resurrection of Christ. They opened it and started signing to me that they remembered this story from camp. As they started telling me the story of Jesus in sign language, my heart was filled with joy! They may not fully understand everything about the story, but it is coming. It is encouraging to see how much they have grown since I first met them a little over a year ago.

I have enjoyed living on the campus of the blind school. This has given me several ministry opportunities that I didn’t anticipate before arriving in Togo, but that I have found joy serving in. It has challenged me, in a good way, in how I think through lesson planning. I love using illustrations and object lessons when I teach. But with the blind, you must think differently. For example, even the most illustrative picture isn’t going to mean much to them because they can’t see it and experience it for themselves. One day I was helping another missionary, Beky, prepare for chapel for the blind school. The lesson was on how it is not good to gossip. We did two object lessons with the students. For one, we played a game of telephone. The students saw how words can change when passed from person to person. For the second, we gave each group a round ball of play doh. We had the kids take turns making something from the play doh before passing to the next. At the end, the play doh was returned to the first person. We asked if it was the same form as when they received it. They said no. We explained that are words are similar to the play doh. As they pass from person to person, the story changes. It’s important not to pass on the gossip, but stop it and go directly to the source. That is where the truth can be found.

I have been in Togo for almost two years. It’s crazy how fast time goes. December 15th , I will be flying back to the States for a 7-month furlough. I’m looking forward to this time to be able to connect with many of you and to spend time with my family. I am going to miss the ministry here in Togo while I am gone. Will you please pray for this transition as I prepare for furlough? Also, can you pray for a specific need for me? I am need of a vehicle. There is this company that rents vehicles to missionaries on furlough, Righteous Rides. One their locations is in Michigan! It will cost about $2,000 to rent from them for my furlough. This would be a huge blessing to have a vehicle while I am home. Having a vehicle will make it easier for me to visit churches and ministry partners. If you feel led to help with this need, there will be a link below.

Thank you so much for all your love, support, and encouragement on this journey. The last two years in Togo have had its ups and downs, but God had been good through it all. It has been exciting to see the ministry develop and grow. Thank you for being a vital part of it.

God bless,

Liz Ortiz

Prayer Requests:

Pray that I can get the funds for a vehicle while I am on furlough.
Pray for the bible study I lead with 18 of the blind school girl students. Pray that their hearts would be drawn to Christ.
Pray for all the students and staff that I work with that God would draw their hearts to Him.
Pray for someone(s) to join me in the ministry.
Pray for wisdom on how I can best support the school and encourage the students and staff.
I will be coming home December 15th for a 7-month furlough. Pray for wisdom as I prepare.