Peru Blog 1: Because of the lack of Internet, I will probably post multiple blogs once a week.
Sometimes I feel like Paul writing letters to the churches. There are so many things I am learning and would love to encourage my family, friends, and church back at home. Most of the things aren’t necessarily because I know what’s going on back at home, but because this journey with the Lord has been revealing to me things I have never known and wish so badly that I knew at home. Some are obvious, and some are truths that I knew but never really believed. So here is a letter that I would probably write personally to anyone back at home.
Dearest (enter name here),
I am currently sitting on top of an unfinished building in Peru. With soaring mountains and a herd of cows in front of me, and a bunch of tents pitched behind. Some of my teammates are sleeping there for the month since it’s so hot here. Although the beach is a 15 minute taxi ride, we have been facing some HOT and dry weather. Imagine being stranded in a desert with only sand surrounding you… yea, thats pretty much how this place looks. I’m desperate for the cool breeze that is brought in by the ocean once in a while, but we are mostly greeted by the blazing sun or the occasional breeze that is paired with the smell of trash. The houses are mostly divided by brick walls and only their living quarters seem to be covered. Children are covered in dirt and apart from coming to the church for VBS and English classes, they seem to usually be at home. Its so different from back at home, and I only wish for children in the U.S to see how blessed they are for what they have and everyone else to see the joy that still comes from such a poor area. Life may seem unpleasant here, but when I look at the families here and how 6 years hold so tightly onto their 3 year old sibling, makes me feel like America is missing out on something beautiful.
Its been one month and 2 days since i’ve been on the world race. There are things i’ve loved and things i’ve actually hated. Talks that I didn’t want to have or to having to share 2 toilets with 45 other girls hasn’t been my favorite. But let met share with you what I have been learning…
I have been learning that living in community of believers is so important. Not just people you go to church with and talk about God every once in a while… but finding a group of people who know your story and the places that you are struggling in to pray for you and lift you up. To find a community of believers that would challenge you to go deeper in the Word and in Prayer. Sisters and Brothers that will point out areas in your life that is not of Christ…. or even people who speak life into you by revealing to you your gifts and strength. Even Christ had a community of believers with Him. I challenge you to pray and ask God to help you seek a community or even start a community group. Be open and vulnerable. Share your testimony. Share your struggles and your joys. Share about what God is doing in your life or what He isn’t doing. Speak truth into peoples life. Encourage and pray. Go deeper and lift on another up. See a glimpse of His kingdom as you see this come to life.
When I first started this mission trip, I never went in it thinking that I would be making such solid friends. I came thinking I was going to grow closer to God and do all that I could in all the places God has called me to. I even thought that this race would’ve been awesome if I could do it on my own. But the more and more I do life with these people… I realize that this race isn’t meant to be run alone. Not only this race but this life. God has called us to be a community, that even when we pray in groups, our prayers are stronger
“For as in fact the body is not one member but many.” – 1 Corinthians 12:14
It’s def. been hard at times, but there is so much more joy in living in this sort of community. I feel like through this experience, as I am able to grow closer to God and to the people God has placed me with this year, I can be a healthier sister, daughter, friend and maybe even one day a mom. Living in good community isn’t just vital for you, but it’ll be beneficial for your family, friends, and those you will are doing life with.
