Whirlwind Summer

So I'm going to lay it out straight for all of you guys:

This experience has been amazing!

The ways that God has showed himself day in and day out on this trip to me still shock me as I reflect on my experiences and pack up to go back home (or, to college, actually).

On a personal level, I believe that this trip to Southern Peru has been like God's project to shape and mold me.  What I mean by this is that I can feel God preparing me for something exciting in my life.  He has been shaping me by each of the patients that I translate for and everyone I've come into contact with, increasing my ability to communicate, showing me how to care and reach out to people in diverse and sometimes surprising, unexpected ways; which all of course teaches me to be flexible and creative in serving and working.  Even though I may be done my trips (almost), I would ask that you pray that I would be able to have the wisdom, humility, and diligence in these upcoming crucial weeks, months, and years to seek out and follow God's will for me in this life.

Regarding the actual work at the clinic, it was fantastic!  Each of our patients was so grateful to be able to get physical and spiritual help in a place where this is not always readily available.  Those who could brought small gifts, and almost everyone gave hugs, kisses (kissing on the cheek is a common greeting here), and thousands of heartfelt thank yous.  It was an indescribable blessing to be able to relay life-changing knowledge, advice, and instructions to people who were many times hearing it for the first time.  Making sure patients understood their conditions and encouraging them in their recoveries and sometimes seemingly hopeless situations was a great responsibility that I am very thankful to have been trusted enough to have.  The physical therapy "knowledgees" and us translators/general handymen(women) were touched by our patients stories, and shared in their grief, laughter, and hope.  Being that the entire clinic (or "campaign," as the locals call it) was a huge, cohesive effort of an entire team, I would also encourage you to check out the team blog for all the daily details at sruinperu.blogspot.com!

I don't really know what else to say, besides I am so thankful to God for the opportunity to serve like this.  The experience and memories I've gained in these short two weeks will last a lifetime.  I am also extremely thankful to all of my supporters for reading my blogs, donating medical supplies, making this trip logistically possibly with your donations, and most of all, supporting me with your prayers.  

See you soon on the other side!