After three months here, it’s time to move on from South America. We will be traveling to India beginning on Thursday, April 4th. I am dreading saying farewell to this breathtaking continent and the sweet people who live here. God has told me, though, that this goodbye isn’t for forever. Here are 11 things I will miss about South America until I return.
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Hospitality. South Americans are welcoming and kind. They greet each other with cheek kisses, whether you are old friends or meeting for the first time. They want to know you and hear your story, no matter where you come from. I already miss the dear friends I’ve made here.
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Worship. The church is on fire for the Lord. They are fighting against apathy and religion void of relationship. I’m learning so much from worshipping the same God known here by a different name.
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Language. There is something beautiful about communicating with someone in their own language. I will miss hearing the sweet sound of Spanish in the streets, in sermons, and in daily conversation.
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Fellowship. We have had the incredible blessing of being poured into through discipleship and Bible study. In Ecuador it was common to stay up until 3 AM talking with our host family. In Peru we’ve had game nights and worship nights with our hosts. I can’t get enough of simply spending time getting to know the people here and hearing them share about how God is working in their lives.
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Mountains. While living in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, all I had to do was step outside my door to get a breathtaking view of the mountains. I will never get used to that; God knows how happy they make me.
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Health. We’ve done a lot of walking in South America; if you need to run to the store, it’s easy to find little bakeries, shops, or street vendors close by selling what you need. I love going to the market and picking out fresh fruits and vegetables.
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Rest. The pace of life in South America is less hectic and rushed than in the U.S. We often take it slow in the mornings, and spending time alone with the Lord has been a beautiful way to start my days. Slowing down helps keep stress and anxiety at bay.
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Purpose. I can’t tell you how alive and passionate I felt when I got to teach English in Ecuador to both children and adults. We have been able to encourage churches and ministries, serving them in small ways that help their programs run smoothly. It’s been a blessing to come aside Ciudad Refugio, Kingdom Life Ministries, and Calvary Chapel Cusco.
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Joy. I’ve experienced so much joy the past three months. Even though there have been some really hard moments, God has blessed me with joy that surpasses circumstance. I believe I have grown in this as a result of knowing God intimately and trusting that he called me here and is faithful.
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Growth. I have experienced such powerful growth since starting the Race. This has been partially due to living in community; growth has come through team times and feedback of spiritual gifts and fruits of the Spirit. I know more about myself now, how I operate in both healthy and unhealthy ways. I’m working on the unhealthy ones. I am able to love and serve better. I know my priorities. I know my worth. I have a stronger relationship with the Lord due to spending time with him and doing his work.
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Everything. I fell in love here. The addiction recovery program in Colombia. Teaching English and the sweet friendships I made in Ecuador. The children we poured into in Peru at Casa Verde and the VBS program. My heart feels like it’s breaking. On one hand I want to protect my heart, and on the other I wouldn’t change these past three months for anything. Pouring everything I have into people is so painful, but so worth it. I know I won’t close off my heart during the next 8 months, cost what it may.
