Friends! Hello:)
It’s been a second since i posted a blog. The past couple of weeks have been crazy! We traveled from Quito to Baños (another Ecuadorian city), stayed for two days, and then we started our long trek to Lima, Peru that consisted of a 5 ish hour bus ride to a city in Ecuador called Guayaquil and from there, a 27 hour bus ride to Lima!! i would be lying if i said that it was the bestest, most easiest transition ever. The transition from Ecuador to Peru was so much harder than i thought. i really fell in love with Ecuador and was super sad to see it go and having to relearn your surroundings after you had just gotten comfortable with your previous ones is a bit frustrating.
Here in Lima, we are partnering with 4 different ministries for 4 different weeks. We arrived in Lima on a Sunday evening, had our off day on Monday, and then jumped right into ministry with a church plant. To be honest, my heart was just feeling empty and apathetic this week. i think i was still in a bit of a rut from the week before and home was closer than ever and all i could seem to focus on was the day i got to go home and see my people!! (i really miss you all lots<3) i was feeling discouraged and distant from the Lord and it was SO FRUSTRATING! It was reassuring to have teammates that were facing the same battle and being able to encourage one another in it.
A recurring theme, i have seen in my life during the race has been the Lord teaching me in the valleys. i have learned to be thankful for the small bumps in the road because they always bring a strengthening in my faith even if it takes a while for me to see.
This past week, we worked with a ministry about 1 1/2 hours away from our home. It was a lot of physical exertion, but i somehow felt more refreshed than i have in Peru! i finally felt reconnected with the Lord after what seemed like forever. He has reminded me of so many things these past two weeks.
- He doesn’t need my help to move or do something big. He can work through anything and everything
- He truly loves me so much. He created me in His own image!! He’s been reminding me of how good His love really is. It’s a sweet thing.
- His provision. His timing. It’s all perfect. His faithfulness is so true. i am beginning to see so many questions being answered that i asked months ago. He’s provided me with work when i get home. Hope and excitement for my future. College!! Thankful for HIS timing. It’s always the best.
- Thankfulness for the community that He has blessed me with back home. The amount of love and encouragement and prayer that i have received even from thousands of miles away blows my mind. i can’t fully express my appreciation in words, but i am thankful. You are all so special to my heart. Can’t wait to hug you in 22 days!! What!!!!
- Time really does fly by. So take it in. Something i have had to work harder at here. As you can tell, i really am starting miss home (and cheezits..) and that makes being all here a little trickier. Praying that my heart and mind will take it day by day and remember that home is always there, but these next three weeks are a one time thing!!
There have been so many special moments here on my race. Getting to pray for people in their homes, talking with strangers on a long bus ride, seeing mountains and the ocean at the same time!!! Hanging out with sweet kiddos and eating empanadas with them:’) Sitting in coffee shops. Staying up late with teammates. Or even getting to bed early and watching Netflix. Every moment has been one to remember. Even the hard ones. Thank goodness we have a good Father that doesn’t let any moment go to waste!!!!
