Mission Peru

It has been over a week since returning from Peru, and I feel like I hit the ground running. It was so nice having the space Sunday to reconnect with the WLA team (missed you Glengate) to share moments that made us laugh and moments we don’t want to forget.

One of those moments for me was the hike up the mountain. Beforehand it had been pointed out to us how climbing a mountain is imagery for life.  During the climb up I heard statements like “cactus”, “loose rock”, “try this way”, “I can’t do this,” “you can do this” and “are you okay?”  I saw team members carrying items for each other and sharing their water. I experienced the awe as we made it to the top, surveyed the landscape and saw how far we had come. Scripture was read; we worshiped our God together and there was sharing. It reminded me of one of the recurring themes – community.

How do I better build community? How do I lean into the community that God has given me? Do I warn others of the “cactus” and “loose rock” along the way? Am I providing encouragement? Am I checking in? Do I assist in carrying others burdens and sharing what I have?

On reflection one of the ways I see I can better build community is through one of our contract principles during the trip – Be Here Now.  I want to look up (metaphorically and from my phone) to see the community God has placed me in. I don’t want to live my life for my social media presence. I want to - Be Here Now - with my family, friends, co-workers and church family. I think then I will better be able to position myself to see where God might have me provide direction, give encouragement and share.

Thank you community for being part of this life mountain climb with me, Lynda