Confusion has followed me into Peru , wandering about the path between Villa El Salvador and the shiny city lights of Lima .
Ministry has landed us in the middle of a dust filled town colored with all the shades of brown ever invented. The sun is near overbearing as it penetrates all seven layers of skin through SPF 50 and the constant warnings of how dangerous it is here may paint a picture of where I live.
If not, this picture will .
Beyond the unwelcoming features of Villa El Salvador , the friendly faces and hundreds kisses bring a sense of belonging to life here. Up on the hill in Lomo De Corvina, Emilie, Annie and I have adopted 2 streets. We knocked on door after door inviting the women to be apart of our lives for the next 3 weeks. Our first meeting with them was a lovely afternoon in front of Dora’s house with crackers, tangerines and an hour of sharing life with one another. I had the opportunity to share a part of my testimony with the ladies and many questions eagerly flowed for the remainder of our time. With a little bit of “go get it” attitude ministry is beginning to become natural here.
Just when contentment shows its face, it is replaced by a blurry array of confusion as the trees get greener, the buildings get taller and Starbucks is air-conditioned. At that moment, I find myself concerned about what I am missing. I question things like; Has my heart changed since leaving home? Who am I called to be? What will I do when this year is over?
So, have I completely lost it? As I sit on my Big Agnus sleeping pad in a house full of commotion and community, I contemplate the answers to my questions. I have come to realize that they happen to be more simple than not. Of course my heart is changing, or I would not be so challenged upon entering the city with familiarities of money and materialism. I am called to be a follower of Christ. So far in my life that has never been to one place, why do I feel that should start now? Then God reminded me that I have never had to wander far without Him gently placing me right where I fit best. And it just so happens that I am nuzzled into this World Race for another 7 ½ months yet, so I had better enjoy it now and wait till the end of November to search for what is next.
I believe I am at a place where I am broken. My heart is being drawn closer to God in order to find peace in all the confusion and I appreciate all of your prayers!
