The high-pitched noise of roosters echoing in the wind, clothes hanging damp on a rope, and the ever slight presence of dog pee lingering in the air. In a few moments, the screams of excited children will silence the peaceful chatter of birds as the school opens their gates to welcome in the impoverished kids that roam the trash ridden streets here. As my team and I gather around the table for breakfast, I sit in a mixture of awe and brokenness knowing that most of these kids will walk into class with empty stomachs yet still run to me with huge grins on their dirty faces. “Buenos dias, Professora!” they sing as soon as they see my outline through the doorway of the room. Then, as if right on queue, they all plead with me to sit with them. “Acca! Acca!” they shout as the clambering of hands on chairs bounce off the brick walls.
I never thought these cries for attention would become normal morning routine; yet here I am, sitting on a rooftop in the ghetto of Peru, four thousand miles away from everything familiar. For nine months I have decided to leave all that I know so that I may love on people often viewed as unlovable. I traded in my remote control for a shovel as I helped build a wall for young girls rescued from sex trafficking. I exchanged my entitlement for thankfulness as I experienced life with the locals. I left comfort for discomfort as I embraced ice cold showers. Saying goodbye to my family and routine was one of the most daunting tasks I have ever faced; but through the pain of leaving, I witnessed how change, as difficult as it is, leaves room for a myriad of growth.
These past three months stretched me in new ways; unfamiliar challenges have led to new realizations as increased self-awareness helped me discover personal strengths, flaws, and passions. He’s invited me into a deeper dependence on Him for all of my needs, both small and big, as He asks me for more of myself. He’s proven Himself faithful when tough circumstances, in my own life and in the those around me, cause me to question His goodness. He’s revealed Himself as the perfect holder of my desires as I lay all of my emotions and frustrations into His sovereign hands.
From piggy back rides, teaching english, waving at strangers, evangelizing, and playing soccer, this past month has taught me the importance of seeking understanding as God has shown me the worth of extending grace to others and to myself. He has given me a deeper compassion for people as He reminds me to love others even when I simply “don’t feel like it”. So as I sit here on a rooftop in Peru, I look back thankful for all the hard moments when I felt exhausted beyond measure and all the good moments when I was practically on cloud-nine. I am thankful because I have seen His faithfulness carry me through all those hills and valleys as He repeatedly asks me to step out of the boat and onto the raging waters. I’m nearly a third done with my race and I’m super grateful for all God has done, is doing, and will do. So it is with a thankful heart that I look forward to the future with expectancy that God will continue to blow my mind as I keep saying yes to Him.
