"Are you sure?"

When I returned to what ended up being my last year of teaching before moving to Peru, I kept the majority of what I was thinking about moving to Peru to myself. I slowly started telling my family and friends that I was seriously thinking it would be my last year before making that move. Many of them seriously questioned my decision. In retrospect, I can understand that it seemed quite abrupt to many of them. So many of them really thought the two months I spent with the Arimborgo's was all that had been there to truly influence that decision. It was especially hard since I wasn't able to put into words much of what I had been thinking and feeling about being called to Peru as a missionary. I didn't even really understand what that calling was at the time. But I believed with all of my being that I was supposed to make that move in the summer of 2015.

As the school year passed, I continued to get more excited about the adventure ahead of taking such a leap of faith. There was a part of me that was sad to be leaving my friends and family to go so far away, but excitement was the overwhelming emotion. I finished out the school year, gave away or sold everything I didn't need anymore, and made the move to Peru. It would be a lie to tell you it was always easy, but it is the absolute truth to say that my relationship with God has grown exponentially through the process.

I have been thinking a lot about that time since I have been ’stuck‘ back in the US with all of what has happened with Covid-19. Other than the people that have been down there with me, or that I have talked to at length about my heart for the region, I have had so many people asking me again why I would leave and want to return to Peru. The answer is actually very simple, I know that is where I am called to be and work for God's Kingdom. God's presence in my daily life and the knowledge that I am working for 'eternal' things abundantly makes up for the lack of creature comforts that I am fortunate to have here in the US when I visit. Peru is my calling, but everyone on this planet has a God-given purpose in their lives. Are you living that out? If not, what are you waiting for?