It's been an interesting few weeks around here. I'm struggling with friendships and connecting with people who once were close friends of mine. Peruvians are notorious for saying they want to hang out with you, but then they fail to coordinate a time to get together. Some people even go as far as scheduling a time to hang out, but then cancelling at the last minute. It's quite frustrating at times, and I've noticed it seems to be worse this year than in previous years. I know I've changed {for the better I hope}, and I know their lives have changed as well. I do my best to be understanding, but there comes a point when it's best to simply quit trying.
With that being said, God has blessed me with the opportunity to build deeper friendships with a few individuals who have been dear friends of mine for quite some time. I'm thankful for these friends who have been there for me in recent weeks through my grandfather's sickness and the times when I just need someone to go out and do something with. I'm grateful for friends who have truly invested in my life and who have given me opportunities to invest deeper in theirs.
I've crossed a few missionaries on the street on my walks to and from school, and God has placed other random encounters with people along the way as well. A few weeks ago at church the lady sitting next to me randomly asked me if I was Peruvian. From there the conversation spiraled into why I was here, where I work, and how long I'm staying. I learned that her daughter is attending the school I where I used to teach, and she was looking for a better fit for her as she was seeking a higher level of English instruction. I had the opportunity to share a little about my faith last Friday at school when asked what Christians believe about free will by a colleague of mine, and I engaged in conversation with a taxi driver last week over his Christian music choice on my ride home.
It's been hard to be away from my family while my grandpa was on life support last week. I kept thinking back to my first move here in 2009 when my other grandfather passed away the day I left the U.S. unexpectedly. However, my heart fluttered yesterday when my mom informed me that he has decided he would like to be baptized when he gets out of the hospital. He still has a long road to recovery, but I firmly believe the prayers of everyone surrounding our family brought this miracle to my grandfather. It's been our prayer for years to see our relatives saved, and God has heard our prayers.
Our God is an awesome God. Things may not always go the way we think they should, but God always has the best things in mind for us. A year ago, I never would have imagined my life the way it is today. However, at this moment in time, I can't imagine it any other way. Even when people let me down, I can't help but smile knowing that my life is full of people who care about me here and back in the States. I have been blessed beyond what I deserve, and I'm thrilled to see what the future holds.
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