Two Years Abroad

September 17th marked two years in this amazing country. TWO YEARS! I can hardly believe it’s been that long. So much as happened!

Our team leader had asked that we take some time to think about all we’ve learned in the past two years. I honestly didn’t know where to being. From those first moments in a new culture and place, those first moments of culture shock, the tears, the laughs, and everything in between. Two years’ worth of learning and growth, how could I even begin to articulate that? But I sat down with my journal, wrote "1)" on the first line, and couldn’t believe how quickly things started coming to mind. Ideas and thoughts were coming to mind so quickly I couldn’t write them all down! I finally had to stop myself at 60!! Apparently, I’ve learned a lot! Some are funny, some serious; others about missions or cross-cultural living; others are about life in general.

These are straight out of my journal. Here’s what I wrote that day:

1.  Whatever my concept of God is right now, however big, however powerful, he is BIGGER and more POWERFUL.
2. I believed so many lies about myself and limited what I thought I could do because of them.
3. Prayer is powerful!
4. Love conquers all fear.
5. “Home” is hard to define and is no longer a place here on earth.
6. I hate the cold. More than ever.
7. God cares deeply about the smallest details of our lives.
8. God hears us in deep moments of sadness, grief, loneliness and longing, and in moments of great joy and celebration.
9. Things rarely go as planned. And that’s okay. Often God has something better in store.
10. It’s okay to ask for help.
11. It’s okay, and often good, to laugh at yourself.
12. The world – its people and vibrant cultures – have so much to teach us and reveal who God is in new ways.
13. It’s okay to cry.
14. Writing and journaling is a haven. It helps me connect with God and my own feelings, processing all I’m learning and seeing.
15. The first year of “missing out” on birthdays and holidays and changing seasons is the hardest.
16. I might actually like kids.
17. Poverty is not what the world defines it as. It’s more that what you can see.
18. It’s possible to have high speed internet before cell phone service or running water. Or a toilet.
19. Chupetes (frozen fresh fruit popsicles) are the key to jungle survival
20. It’s possible to clear out your entire digestive system in a short amount to time. Boy do I have stories.
21. You can live with much less than you thought you could. The “essentials” are sometimes just comforts. But some of those comforts are essential to your survival in a new place. And sanity!
22. Rain has a whole new definition here.
23. I want an alpaca as a pet one day. They are adorable.
24. There are SO many shades of green.
25. God has amazing plans for my life. All I have to do is say “yes!”
26. Feeling the power of the Holy Spirit work through you is a beautiful thing.
27. It’s possible to be cold when it’s 75.
28. To live in harmony with the geckos and ants.
29. God is ALWAYS with me.
30. God is worthy of all praise and glory.
31. God is working even we cannot see it.
32. Hospitality speaks volumes
33. I can always be more generous
34. Reading the Bible in Spanish can be super fun and reveals things I’d never noticed before.
35. I need my introvert time!
36. A piece of my heart goes with each team and person that comes.
37. It’s important to develop routine
38. Your family grieves, too.
39. God provides encouragement exactly when you need it – often through supporters
40. Talking about money will always be a little awkward, even in another language.
41. God is good. Always.
42. Peruvian coffee is the best.
43. Going into a grocery store now is like reverse culture shock. So is going to Lima.
44. Saying yes – despite the fears, the questions, the what-ifs, the hesitations, the opinions of others – is the best decision you can ever make and the greatest adventure.
45. God’s plans are ALWAYS better than mine.
46. God is the only source of true joy and fulfillment and purpose.
47. I will never learn the name of everything they sell at the market. But that just means there’s always more to learn.  
48. I thought I knew how to cook – until I moved to another country with only fresh products.
49. I’m happiest when I’m actively seeking God’s will and purpose each day
50. How deeply rooted sin is around the world and how each culture struggles with many of the same sins. That surprised me.
51. The world needs Jesus, to know his love and grace and there’s no time to waste!
52. Living cross-culturally is one of the most humbling things you can do.
53. Some things you try will work, others won’t. But you can’t let discouragement deter you from trying again and pressing forward.
54. The battle has already been won!
55. Misconceptions about the States are prevalent.
56. Setting monthly goals and having a reflection day each month is a healthy rhythm for life.
57. Pride is sneaky.
58. Just because I’m a “missionary” doesn’t mean I always hear God’s voice or feel his presence. Sometimes it takes active searching and calling out to him to find it again.
59. Do the things that bring you joy – taking a break to do them is okay. Spending the money is okay. Especially for your sanity sometimes.
60. You don’t have to change everything about yourself. Some things will change because of the culture, but Peru Brooke is different than Iowa Brooke. There will always be things I do that will be weird and make me stand out more than I already do with my blonde hair, but that’s okay. We have so much to learn from one another because of our differ