“Celine Dion knows no language barriers.”
“Fact.”
We all laughed. In retrospect, it’s probably true – considering one of my good Peruvian friends, Eloy, a respectable and upstanding citizen of 18 years, said Titanic is one of his favorite movies. I laughed and said, “de veras?” (really?). “Sí.” He obviously gets the transcendent power of Celine’s voice. Que hermoso (beautiful).
Something I’m learning while amidst Peruvian culture and beauty? I am not Celine Dion.
No, seriously. Transcending language, culture, food, even ‘physical ability to handle altitude’ barriers? Not an easy thing. The luxuries of a US lifestyle are out the window – internet, phone conversations, warm showers, cleanliness (I brought only two pairs of jeans that I constantly wear in spite of dirt clouds rising from them) and even finding time alone.
So, what am I finding out? I can’t do this on my own. At all.
Pretty much discovered that right away when I realized my job is to translate for incoming group mission trips from the US/Scotland, while I myself felt Espanol-incompetent. High school and even college Spanish vocabulary don’t begin to put a dent in how many words you need to know. For example, roof. Or butt. Or pancake. Just to name a few…
Language adjustments aside, this first week’s group has been SO much fun (cue the Celine Dion quote). Last Thursday, we traveled 11 hours to Kusi with a high school youth group from Alabama, accompanied by some seriously sweet adult leaders. While I haven’t gotten to spend too much time alone and away with the Lord this week, He’s been faithful in so many ways. Namely – speaking to me through others and showing me the beauty and truth of a faith that can move mountains.
Now, here in Kusi, we’re situated right under the tallest mountain in Perú – Mt. Huascaran, at 22,000 ft. It’s an incredible, almost surreal, snow-capped backdrop for everyday life here. So, I thought about this for a second the other day –
“So the faith of a mustard seed can move a mountain like that?? How?”
At first, my faith was looking pretty small. “Why am I here? Can I even do this? I feel so unprepared.”
“Surely, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, THE LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.” – Isaiah 12:2
Oh, word! What is there to fear? God willing, I am here. God willing, I feel unprepared – and rightly so! He’s brought me to a place of really leaning on and trusting in His abilities, not my own. A place where, with faith, mountains can and will literally be moved.
It’s amazing to see how free we are to have this kind of faith – because of His faithfulness. He’s been sovereign over every detail here – over new friendships with high schoolers/adult leaders; Spirit-filled and life-giving conversations with one of the leaders; over my schedule – just being in Kusi for my first three weeks with familiar faces, places, and a seasoned intern, so I haven’t had to translate everything right away. How full of love and grace is our Father, who knows us, our hearts, and His plans for us better than we ever will!
My prayer for this time here is to grow closer to Him, to fall so deeply in love with Him. Trusting Him. Leaning on Him for energy, joy, peace, each day. Longing to know His heart, to love Him and His children well. Walking with Him as best friends through an incredible adventure.
Thanks again for reading and for your support through prayer. It’s been an amazing first week, and I can’t wait to see what’s yet to come! Just taking it day by day.
If you’d like to support me in prayer (big THANKS!), please pray for:
- The prayers mentioned above^^
- Prevention from illness, especially as I’ll be traveling a lot!
- The boys of these homes – who are trying to move beyond their broken pasts to live in the freedom and love of Jesus Christ
- The families of these homes – who need strength to carry on even just daily activities
- My friend Rosa, the house mother, who is super tired from caring for the boys and a new baby they’re trying to adopt! Please pray that, God-willing, they’ll be able to adopt this baby, Jesus Miguel.
- The interns, workers, and myself here – that we’d share God’s love with incoming groups, these boys, experience great fellowship, and grow closer to God.
- For my Spanish!! And just being here in general. That I’d keep trusting in God and will be able to understand and speak it better, still.
Thanks again, amigos. Until next time!
- Lore (“lo-ray”)
