The easiest way to describe Peru is busy. We served Ministerios La Antorcha in El Milagro, Peru. My team, Alegria, created and led pre-school and kindergarten crafts weekday mornings. We taught English classes three afternoons a week. We created and taught Sunday school lessons for the kids and led worship services, all in Spanish. We also started a new garden and painted window bars and doors so glass could be installed. Finally we led a weekly Women’s Bible Study with baking demonstration, a dance class and a piano/voice class. This month was filled with responsibility and commitments.
The easiest way to describe Peru is challenging. It was the first month my team was not working with another team or our whole squad. We didn’t see eye to eye on a lot. I struggled expressing myself, sharing my perspective and communicating my needs. In turn, many of my struggles became compiled. Assumptions, frustrations and stubbornness got in the way of my relationships with my teammates. This month was filled with misunderstanding and unnecessary conflicts.
The easiest way to describe Peru is life altering. When I couldn’t talk to my team mates I talked to God. When I couldn’t turn to my team mates I turned to God. I became dependent on my time with Him. I pursued the Holy Spirit, I stepped out in faith and I surrendered more of myself to the Lord. This month was empowering.
The easiest way to describe Peru is forgiving. After a long month of challenges and miscommunication, I was able to sit in front of my team on the roof of our hostel and express my feelings, my burdens and my desires. I asked them for forgiveness: being half in, being a spiritual follower instead of a spiritual leader in our community, and allowing assumptions change my attitude. In turn, they filled me with encouragement, wisdom and love. Some even asked for forgiveness too. This month was filled with grace.
The easiest way to describe Peru is new. Yesterday my squad was assigned new teams. Leadership looks different, the atmosphere feels different and most teams have already embraced a boldness to action. My new team of seven wonderful women are allowing the indwelling Spirit to empower us and overflow from us. We are The Movement and this month isn’t over…
