My letter to future Goers
When I first arrived on the mission field everything was a blur. Thankfully I had had some training on cross-cultural ministry before leaving the States but once you land on the mission field it goes from understanding how to live cross-culturally, to struggling to actually do it. Luckily during the first meeting I had with my team my team leader suggested that all the team members shared pieces of advice for me, and the other Goer that came with me. Some of this advice was incredibly helpful, others good for a laugh, but I was deeply thankful for all the advice I could get as I adjusted... Read more
The Daily Life of a Language Learner
A couple weeks ago I finished up a video on our blog that was sent to all of our supporters. It contained the scenes and happenings that only seem redundant for us, but were completely new sights for each person back at home. Our mom's had some tears, many were thankful, and everyone was able to relate a little bit more to us here. In two days we will have been in Peru for 4 months already! For my sister 4 months ago she was having snow days, but now she has graduated high school and sooner than later will be considered a college student. For us in Arequipa, Peru, the weather has barely... Read more
Listening Prayer
“If you ask and receive not, it must be because there is something wanting in the prayer. Hold on; let the Word and the Spirit teach you to pray aright.” ~Andrew Murray “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22 This verse in Matthew, as well as the quote by Andrew Murray from his classic book, With Christ in the School of Prayer, present quite a challenge to me. Whatever I ask in prayer, I will receive? If I just “have faith”? I have seen many, many answers to prayer in my life, yet at the same time I have lifted up countless prayers to heaven... Read more
Mi Casa es Tu Casa
I have been told that Mexicans are more welcoming more “warm climate” natured than those in the states. I shrugged my shoulders and said “okay” This past week I have been living in that observation. It’s intensified when these Mexicans I’ve been loved by are also Christians. A series of very sad events took place this week - but Christ was glorified in all. My sweet sweet host sister passed away in a car accident. It hurt so much and I felt like a blubbering mess for 3 days. My cheeks hurt from all the crying and all the wind that made them rosier than usual. But the body of Christ... Read more
The Travesty of Arguing Disciples
I would like to start things off with an exciting update: our team here has been recently blessed by the arrival of 2 separate summer teams! They have been building relationships in new places, having deep and meaningful conversations early and often, and growing in awesome ways. The Lord has used them as a blessing to our residential team and has been working through them in our community as well. Unfortunately, when they initially arrived I was struggling with horrible feelings of jealously and resentment toward them. I didn’t like that I felt this way, but I couldn’t put my finger on why... Read more
Going, Going...Almost Gone!
The wait is over. I’m going to be on the other side of the world by Tuesday afternoon. I quit my job at the cafe, my bags are packed, and I’ve spent the last couple of weeks saying goodbye. Yet, the fact that I’m leaving for France doesn’t feel like reality. My emotions are all tangled up in nervousness, excitement, and a good deal of confusion. As it turns out, no amount of research really prepares you for the reality of ridding yourself of stuff and making the move, and suddenly all my French seems so insignificant and elementary. For all of its challenges, this extended period of waiting... Read moreFinal Transition
The Transition The transition into the new position has finally been completed! I am pretty excited and also a little nervous! As of this week, my official ministry role has been handed over in its fullness to me! The Music Venue part of Montázs Art Café is now completely my responsibility! I am praying fervently that God would help me to reach young musicians here in the city and make good connections with them, serve them, care for them, steward their experience well and honour their desire to be professional musicians as I share truth with them. Please pray with me in this! I know that... Read more
A Long Time Coming!
It has been a long journey to finally reach this point, but I am officially going to Mexico City this fall to serve as a missionary teacher for the next two years! I’m now back in Boston after my week-long training in Minneapolis, as I launch into full-time support raising over the summer. This past week has felt like a breath of fresh air as I’ve spent nearly every waking moment with nine other 20-somethings who are just as passionate as I am about participating in God’s global work. It has been amazing to hear everyone’s unique stories about where they are going, what they will be doing in... Read more
One Step At A Time
Breathe In. Breathe Out. 2 weeks. 13 days. 312 hours. This is how much time I have left until I catch my flight to Berlin, Germany. How does this make me feel? Anxious. Nervous. Excited. This is the moment that I have been preparing for for over a year now and here I am: saying my last goodbyes and turning them into “see-you-laters”, packing up my room and my suitcases, enjoying the last of the American food that I will have in awhile, stocking up on peanut butter, filling out final paperwork, raising the remaining of my support, and convincing myself I don’t need to bring my entire closet... Read more