Caily Moore lived and worked with us in Arequipa for the last 2+ years as part of a missions apprenticeship. You can read her complete letter here, but I wanted to share a snapshot of what she learned at the close of this edition of the Team Arequipa newsletter.
My time in Peru has come to an end. My heart feels so full. In a way it feels like my mission is complete, but I know relational ministry continues forever. In a country like Peru volunteer work is happily accepted, and there is always work to be done. But I feel confident in the people I am leaving behind to continue the work, not just Sarah and the Daggetts but also Paty, Danesa, Guadalupe, the church and many others to keep being a blessing and light to those around them.
Lessons learned
As a person who genuinely grew up not caring about politics, living abroad forced me to care. Forced me to not turn a blind eye. Forced me to hope and fight for change, something better. Forced me to realize that the whole world is affected by us and US American politics. What you do matters because we live in one of the most powerful countries in the world. The world is watching and waiting. (Everyone was constantly asking us about politics, specifically the election.)
I experienced the power of learning a language that can cross barriers, the beauty of communication and connection. Language learning is incredibly challenging and humbling but also extremely rewarding. You’re never too old to learn a language.
I saw and experienced racism (or ignorance) that is in every part of the world.
People are very friendly and want to get to know you.
Everyone is in need of help in one way or another.
Public transportation is amazing. You do not need a car to go everywhere.
Life is about relationships and bringing people to God, not your accomplishments or career.
Peru is an incredibly unique, diverse and beautiful environment. You have to go!
Peruvians taught me the importance of family and those roots that run deep.
The world is so amazing and diverse. Seek out people different than you. They will teach you so much if you let them.
Dancing is good for the soul.
Lessons learned with ministry and mission
God crosses languages and cultures.
God is working and redeeming, bringing hope, love and peace even in the midst of suffering and pain.
People are desperate for hope, something greater to look to.
Ministry and missions is not just church planting or gospel spreading.
Everyone is struggling and suffering in one way or another so be willing to listen, talk about it and pray for people.
Not everyone has read or knows the stories in the Bible, read it with them.
House church can be so beautiful and lifegiving. It’s not about a denomination but who you follow.
Praying for one another is so powerful - share requests and thanksgiving with people.
Sharing in a meal around the table with someone is a sacred place.
En fin
As I sat on the plane, alone, feeling every emotion possible, my heart is full as I reflect back on these two plus years. What an abundant time of learning about myself, God and another culture and language. What an opportunity of a lifetime that I will forever be grateful for. What a time that has helped me further realize my passions and dreams and life. It’s crazy to think about when I arrived in August 2022. Freshly out of college, throw into the real world to figure it out like the rest of my friends. It was a lot. But, I had amazing mentors, Jeremy and Katie, and an amazing community awaiting me. Little did I know I would form lifetime friends, change my career path and become fluent in a language that seemed impossible before. In a way these two plus years have flown by. But I look back and remember a lifetime of memories and moments that are unforgettable. So, I end by saying thank you. Thank you for reading, responding, supporting and praying for me. I feel so loved. God is alive and working. He is making all things new. May we continue to be a light wherever we find ourselves.