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A real blessing in actually living here, and not just passing through, is the opportunity to share in some very meaningful life events - to witness others’ lives move in new directions and also share in their losses. This past week seemed to have it all.
On Monday, during our usual morning devotional, one of my co-workers announced that she is pregnant with her second child. It was such a delightful moment as everyone’s eyes lit up to share in her joy. Later in the kitchen, she shared with me that she hoped I could stay until September to see the baby.
The following day, a cloud descended on the office when we learned that the grandmother of one of the psychologists, my supervisor, had passed away. I had just begun to learn about this incredible woman, ninety-four years old, who had the strength of spirit to raise seven children on her own. When my supervisor came to the office that afternoon, I awkwardly shared my condolences and stepped back to observe the compassion of my fellow co-workers.
As if that wasn’t enough emotion for one day, another co-worker approached my desk to inform me that she would be leaving the office and moving to Lima, where her husband and two teenage sons live. One of the founders of the Paz y Esperanza office in Huánuco, she has put her heart and soul into her work for survivors and their families.
Tears began to form in her eyes as she shared how difficult a transition this would be. As I stood to give her hug, she changed the focus of the conversation to me and our friendship. I was stunned and then delighted when she cheerfully invited me to have lunch at her home the following afternoon.
In really being here, working, living, learning and sharing, I’m finding the door to people’s lives opening and welcoming me in.
Earlier this month, I went to my first Peruvian wedding, for one of the members of the Paz y Esperanza office in Lima, and witnessed two people embark on a new path together. During the reception, I danced to just about every song, cumbia, salsa, huayño, and didn’t feel the slightest unease being the only foreigner.
I was so grateful to be included in the celebration, and even more meaningful was spending time with my co-workers outside of the office. Being in the rainforest town of Tingo Maria, we visited a pristine mountain top lake called the Lagoon of Miracles and hiked to view the massive waterfalls of Santa Carmen.
I think my favorite moment was waiting for our overheated bus to begin its trek back over the mountains, sitting among four women from my office, each of us waving our silk fans that we received as wedding favors. I felt so much a part of the group, celebrating the wedding together and enjoying a weekend paseo in the rainforest with friends.
As I near the half-way mark of this year long journey, I am becoming even more aware of how difficult it will be to leave. But I do not want to retreat or withhold my own friendship simply because my time here is limited. To the contrary, I want to give wholeheartedly and continue to experience the joys of becoming close to people.
On Monday, during our usual morning devotional, one of my co-workers announced that she is pregnant with her second child. It was such a delightful moment as everyone’s eyes lit up to share in her joy. Later in the kitchen, she shared with me that she hoped I could stay until September to see the baby.
The following day, a cloud descended on the office when we learned that the grandmother of one of the psychologists, my supervisor, had passed away. I had just begun to learn about this incredible woman, ninety-four years old, who had the strength of spirit to raise seven children on her own. When my supervisor came to the office that afternoon, I awkwardly shared my condolences and stepped back to observe the compassion of my fellow co-workers.
As if that wasn’t enough emotion for one day, another co-worker approached my desk to inform me that she would be leaving the office and moving to Lima, where her husband and two teenage sons live. One of the founders of the Paz y Esperanza office in Huánuco, she has put her heart and soul into her work for survivors and their families.
Tears began to form in her eyes as she shared how difficult a transition this would be. As I stood to give her hug, she changed the focus of the conversation to me and our friendship. I was stunned and then delighted when she cheerfully invited me to have lunch at her home the following afternoon.
In really being here, working, living, learning and sharing, I’m finding the door to people’s lives opening and welcoming me in.
Earlier this month, I went to my first Peruvian wedding, for one of the members of the Paz y Esperanza office in Lima, and witnessed two people embark on a new path together. During the reception, I danced to just about every song, cumbia, salsa, huayño, and didn’t feel the slightest unease being the only foreigner.
I was so grateful to be included in the celebration, and even more meaningful was spending time with my co-workers outside of the office. Being in the rainforest town of Tingo Maria, we visited a pristine mountain top lake called the Lagoon of Miracles and hiked to view the massive waterfalls of Santa Carmen.
I think my favorite moment was waiting for our overheated bus to begin its trek back over the mountains, sitting among four women from my office, each of us waving our silk fans that we received as wedding favors. I felt so much a part of the group, celebrating the wedding together and enjoying a weekend paseo in the rainforest with friends.
As I near the half-way mark of this year long journey, I am becoming even more aware of how difficult it will be to leave. But I do not want to retreat or withhold my own friendship simply because my time here is limited. To the contrary, I want to give wholeheartedly and continue to experience the joys of becoming close to people.
