Rewarding Experiences

On this gorgeous Saturday afternoon, I find myself not out enjoying the sunshine but rather sitting in a cafe reviewing interview questions and wondering what God's perfect plan for my life is. I'm learning to be content where I am, find God's purposes for me in the here and now, and to take things one day at a time. It's been a year long learning experience with life leading me in multiple different directions, but obviously I'm not done learning. I used to have a plan for my life, and now I have not one idea what my life could look like in a week. God's changed me a lot in the last year, and I am so thankful for his work in my life.

One question I came across today as I review question upon question was, "What has been your most rewarding life experience?" Wow!! To think I'm only 23 years old and I can barely narrow it down to just one helped me to realize just how very blessed I am. However, as I pondered this question and thought deeply about my past, I realized that there is only one obvious answer...my experiences with Kids Alive - Peru.

The first time I went to Peru in 2007, I was very unsure of myself and my reasons for being part of a team of 15 others I hardly knew. Yet, God knew exactly what he was doing. After spending 2 weeks in La Molina and Manchay with these dear children, my life has never been the same. This trip was what got me excited about missions, and ultimately it changed the course of my life. Upon returning to Peru to again work with Kids Alive in 2009, I was amazed that the children still remembered me by name. Not only did they remember me, but they asked me about some of the team members that had come 2 years ago. These kids remember everything, and they made me feel loved and important. However, I had not returned to Peru for a self-esteem boost. I returned to do the work of God and serve the Peruvian people.

This in turn lead to my most rewarding life experience...my 4.5 months of living in Peru. I was stretched and challenged to move beyond my comfort zone. I grew as a person, as a Christian, and as a teacher. God molded me during this time and drastically changed my life from self-centeredness to God-focused. He brought me friends that were more passionate about Christ than anyone I know here in the States (sorry friends). He took my life and taught me firsthand that this life is not my own, but it belongs to the God who created me. He is in charge!

Living in Peru is by far the most rewarding experience of my 23 (almost 24) years of life. It was not easy, but my time there brought me to be the God loving, God fearing woman I now am. I learned to put others before myself, love as God loves, and see the eternal rewards rather than the earthly ones. I would not be who I am or where I am had it not been for this experience.

As badly as I wish to go back and serve in Peru, God has told me now is not the time. I know I'll be back one day. I just have to wait for his timing. He continues to mold me and shape me each day; he's showing me his perfect ways, and I'm continually learning to be obedient to the call he's placed on my life. Slowly things are making a bit more sense, one day at a time.