I am not quite sure to what end God has put Hispanic culture, language, and people on my heart, but for now I know it is calling me to take myself to two seaside twin cities in Chile called Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. This summer I will be studying at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaiso for 10 weeks, living with a host family, and getting involved with missions through a study abroad program called Veritas (and ISA). I'm freakin' stoked! And also freaked out!
I keep hearing that Chilean Spanish is really difficult to understand because they cut corners and use so much slang, and I'm wondering how I will fare with South American culture since I've only been well-acquainted with North and Central American Spanish. Maybe you are wondering how much of a difference I will really be able to make anyway - after all, I am about the whitest gringa there ever was, and my Spanish tongue is still undergoing construction. For some reason though, God is telling me to go. Obviously part of the reason I am going is to help solidify my Spanish skills and get credits for my major, but I really do feel like God wants to do something special in me and in Chile through this trip. I kept struggling with this before I made my decision, but I've come to a peace about it. Yes, I'm still freaked out that I will be traveling all by my lonesome there and still a bit apprehensive about how I will even be useful to God there, but I know He has a plan.
I keep wondering why God would ask me to do this when it seems like I have none of the talents it takes to bless people in a different country. Why not ask someone else who has killer communication skills, is excellent at Spanish, and has more insight into that culture than I do? If you know me, you know I can hardly get my point across in English (haha). I have a tough time verbalizing what's in my head already, so how can I be helpful in a different language? Thankfully, sometimes all God requires of us is to just shut up and let Him do the work. God has been slowly reassuring me since October (when I started thinking about the trip), that He, as a matter of fact, cares more about my heart on the matter and my willingness to let Him move than about the talents I bring to the table. "In fact", He says, "your weakness best displays my glory." Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." God has been continually reminding me that He has big things He wants to do and that He can, indeed, use a gringa like me; but I cannot forget that it if God is not behind it, it's not going to work. There are plenty of Chileans, study abroad students, random travelers, and host families that God wants to show His love and plan for redemption to in Chile, and I'm excited that He wants me to be a part of it, even if it is only for 10 weeks.
I have a feeling that God wants to do some awesome things in Chile this summer, but I'm not quite sure what that might be yet. I know I may experience prejudice, homesickness, actual sickness, have to give up my warm Colorado summer for a rainy winter, deal with Latin America's seeming obsession with never stocking their bathrooms with toilet paper, endless plates of rice and beans, creepy toothless grins from old crotchety men, and gringo jokes (Puedo entenderles, amiguitos >:)).... but I am ready to see God do some powerful things. I know this is going to take some humility, prayer, dealing with frustrations, and faith, but what the heck, who isn't up for an adventure??
If you are reading this, I encourage you to pray about what God may be wanting to do in and through you, whether you feel like you've got the talent for it or not. I believe that if we will begin asking God for big things and have faith that He can do it, He will lead us into adventure. God knows our hearts and wants us to play a significant role in His plans. Does He need us? No. But does He choose us? Does He want us? Yes. He knows its going to be a bumpy ride, but He is eager to show us what we were created for if we are willing to be led.
Also, please pray that God's love and glory will be spread to Chile and the rest of South America this summer. Pray that God would fill me and the believers around me with his spirit to be a light to the Chileans we meet - not only in the things I do to serve with Veritas, but also that God would transcend language and culture barriers to reach my host family, the other students I study with, and the other people I meet along the way. Pray that God would give me faith (and humor for the next time I find myself in the bathroom with only notebook paper to wipe with) and keep me from fear and anxiety.
We'll see what the summer unfolds! Stay tuned for more adventures!
"Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God." - Jim Elliot.
I keep hearing that Chilean Spanish is really difficult to understand because they cut corners and use so much slang, and I'm wondering how I will fare with South American culture since I've only been well-acquainted with North and Central American Spanish. Maybe you are wondering how much of a difference I will really be able to make anyway - after all, I am about the whitest gringa there ever was, and my Spanish tongue is still undergoing construction. For some reason though, God is telling me to go. Obviously part of the reason I am going is to help solidify my Spanish skills and get credits for my major, but I really do feel like God wants to do something special in me and in Chile through this trip. I kept struggling with this before I made my decision, but I've come to a peace about it. Yes, I'm still freaked out that I will be traveling all by my lonesome there and still a bit apprehensive about how I will even be useful to God there, but I know He has a plan.
I keep wondering why God would ask me to do this when it seems like I have none of the talents it takes to bless people in a different country. Why not ask someone else who has killer communication skills, is excellent at Spanish, and has more insight into that culture than I do? If you know me, you know I can hardly get my point across in English (haha). I have a tough time verbalizing what's in my head already, so how can I be helpful in a different language? Thankfully, sometimes all God requires of us is to just shut up and let Him do the work. God has been slowly reassuring me since October (when I started thinking about the trip), that He, as a matter of fact, cares more about my heart on the matter and my willingness to let Him move than about the talents I bring to the table. "In fact", He says, "your weakness best displays my glory." Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." God has been continually reminding me that He has big things He wants to do and that He can, indeed, use a gringa like me; but I cannot forget that it if God is not behind it, it's not going to work. There are plenty of Chileans, study abroad students, random travelers, and host families that God wants to show His love and plan for redemption to in Chile, and I'm excited that He wants me to be a part of it, even if it is only for 10 weeks.
I have a feeling that God wants to do some awesome things in Chile this summer, but I'm not quite sure what that might be yet. I know I may experience prejudice, homesickness, actual sickness, have to give up my warm Colorado summer for a rainy winter, deal with Latin America's seeming obsession with never stocking their bathrooms with toilet paper, endless plates of rice and beans, creepy toothless grins from old crotchety men, and gringo jokes (Puedo entenderles, amiguitos >:)).... but I am ready to see God do some powerful things. I know this is going to take some humility, prayer, dealing with frustrations, and faith, but what the heck, who isn't up for an adventure??
If you are reading this, I encourage you to pray about what God may be wanting to do in and through you, whether you feel like you've got the talent for it or not. I believe that if we will begin asking God for big things and have faith that He can do it, He will lead us into adventure. God knows our hearts and wants us to play a significant role in His plans. Does He need us? No. But does He choose us? Does He want us? Yes. He knows its going to be a bumpy ride, but He is eager to show us what we were created for if we are willing to be led.
Also, please pray that God's love and glory will be spread to Chile and the rest of South America this summer. Pray that God would fill me and the believers around me with his spirit to be a light to the Chileans we meet - not only in the things I do to serve with Veritas, but also that God would transcend language and culture barriers to reach my host family, the other students I study with, and the other people I meet along the way. Pray that God would give me faith (and humor for the next time I find myself in the bathroom with only notebook paper to wipe with) and keep me from fear and anxiety.
We'll see what the summer unfolds! Stay tuned for more adventures!
"Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God." - Jim Elliot.
Ciao for now. :)
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