Today I am thankful for my time in Lima, Peru with some pretty awesome people. In 2007, I spent about 5 months in Lima with Word Made Flesh. I learned some pretty hard lessons and some pretty great ones.
I learned how to love simplicity. Taking away daily luxuries (like washing machines, dishwashers, Starbucks, wifi, etc.) taught me how to find joy in doing things simply. It slowed my pace of life down so much and surprisingly, I really enjoyed it. There was NO rush for anything. I learned so much in the quiet of washing my own clothes on the rooftop, washing pots and pans with dear friends next to me at the kitchen sink, improvising in our cooking because we couldn't get a certain ingredient, only getting what you need for the day and not worrying about tomorrow.
I'm so thankful for being able to live in community and experience simplicity together. Monica, you were such a great leader. You lead by example and it was such a joy to serve with you. Sarah Dyer, you taught me so much about embracing who God made me to be and being comfortable in my own skin. You are such a unique, gifted individual. Megan, you brought me so much laughter. It was a joy to be your roommate. Marissa, I'm so glad you were my host sister! You have so much joy and I truly felt we were sisters. Thank you for loving me well, all of you!
Seven years later, I still look back often on a few things from my time in Lima:
-My 23rd birthday when eggs were smashed on my head and flour was caked all over me.
-The streets of Lima and the dear kids who live there.
-The lesson and joy of simplicity and walking in solidarity with the poor.
I am thankful for my time with beautiful people in a beautiful and broken place.
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