One Month

One month from today, on August 16th, I will be boarding a plane to return to Peru for the first time since December of 2019. If I am completely honest about it, I am both extremely excited and at the same time a bit nervous. It actually reminds me of the nervousness I experienced when I first moved down there in 2015.

I guess the main source of my unease comes from the 'unknowns'. On my first two trips, there was a very specific purpose and plan for what we were going to do while we were there. When I returned at the beginning of 2016, and each year after that, I always knew I was going back to teach. But when I moved there in 2015, and now, there isn't a plan that is quite so concrete and sure. It's funny, because even though it makes me nervous it is that sense of adventure in not knowing exactly what is ahead that really is exciting.

When I returned at the end of 2019, I knew I probably wouldn't go back in 2020 because I had two goals that I wanted to accomplish in the US. I had no idea that everything would get shut down and I wouldn't even be able to return. My two goals were #1 to sell the house I had in Georgia and #2 to start a non-profit to help with fundraising for the work I am doing in Peru. I sold my house last year, and I am pretty much just waiting on the approval from the IRS to reach that second goal of starting the non-profit.

Now that those goals have been met, I know it is time to return and move forward with my calling to Peru. I am beyond excited to get back to the jungle and be able to help meet some of the practical needs of the people again in a 'hands on' way. I know that a lot has changed in the last year and half, but (as Steve Green once sang) 'the mission is still the same, proclaim and live the truth in Jesus name'.