When I first made the decision to return to Peru for a longer period of time, I had many emotions of fear run through me. Mainly I worried about fitting into the culture, being so far away from all of my close friends and family, and another fear was the ease of meeting people that would be kind enough to help me as I learned the Peruvian way. I knew that I would know people here, but would they accept me? Would people be willing to step in when I was feeling alone to care for me and share God's love? Over and over again I was reminded of the verse found in 2nd Timothy 1:7 which says, "God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid; he gave us a spirit of power and love and self-control." God also brought me to 1st Peter 4:10 a few times: God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
The first one was where I would refer when I became overwhelmed with fear (and I come back to it daily). God did not give me a spirit of fear but a spirit of power! Human nature is to fear what lies ahead. We tend to be afraid of the unknown and run toward what is safe. We crave that which is comfortable. Let me tell you, moving to Peru (even for just 4 1/2 months) is anything but safe and comfortable. I'm sure it will get there at least a little bit, but it will take some time. However, this weekend I learned very quickly that I am accepted and that they are many people here willing to help me along the way. I am so grateful for each person I have met along the way that has stepped in to help me out, whether it was 2 years ago, 2 months ago, or just 2 days ago. Everyone has helped me to feel very welcome. I'm thrilled to be a part of God's movement in Peru; I'm excited to have the opportunity to develop relationships with those I have already met on past trips and those I have yet to meet in the upcoming months.
The other verse was a God's way of helping me to answer the question, "What the heck am I doing here???" I asked myself this in the days leading up to my return to Peru, and I've asked myself the same question at least once daily as I begin to transition into living here and getting to know how things work. I am here to teach, even if it isn't what I'm used to. I am here to serve whether it be the people I live with, other teachers and missionaries, or the children at the Kids Alive home. God gave me a strong desire to work with children and minister to them, and I will use my gifts for that service.
I read a quote in a book just the other day, and it really spoke to my heart. It said, "He [God] often takes us aside from every other source of comfort so that he alone can have our heart's attention." I'm looking forward to watching God move in me and those around me in the upcoming months. It's amazing the things he does when he alone is your sole source of strength. Don't get me wrong...he is always working and doing mighty works, but we appreciate and notice them so much more when we give him our undivided attention. Give him your eyes and ears today and allow him to show you something new, something exciting, something refreshing. Whatever you need today, I pray that he will provide it.
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