February 15, 2010
“Let us not underestimate how hard it is to be compassionate. Compassion is hard because it requires the inner disposition to go with others to a place where they are weak, vulnerable, lonely, and broken. But this is not our spontaneous response to suffering. What we desire most is to do away with suffering by fleeing from it or finding a quick cure for it. As busy, active, relevant ministers, we want to earn our bread by making a real contribution. This means first and foremost doing something to show that our presence makes a difference. And so we ignore our greatest gift, which is our ability to enter into solidarity with those who suffer. Those who can sit in silence with their fellowman, not knowing what to say but knowing that they should be there, can bring new life in a dying heart. Those who are not afraid to hold a hand in gratitude, to shed tears in grief and to let a sigh of distress arise straight from the heart can break through paralyzing boundaries and witness the birth of a new fellowship, the fellowship of the broken” — Henri J.M. Nouwen
Dear friends,
Embrace the crazy. That was my motto yesterday. It was a fantastic day. The first girls Bible study of the year. We had 11 young women attend who each brought their children. Altogether, with staff, volunteers, participants and their children, we totaled about 35 people! We had a great time of fellowship, teaching, and prayer, while embracing the chaos of too many children, too few volunteers, and a lot of excitement.
I continue to be overwhelmed by how much these young women have grown over the past several years that we have shared life together. We spent some time reflecting on how far God has brought each of us in the last few years. Many of the girls were still on the street a few years ago and have seen their lives change drastically. Many of their families have grown by one or two children. I graduated, moved to another country, built a life here in Peru. So much can change in a few years. As we reflected on where we’ve come from and how some of our priorities have changed, we each set some personal spiritual goals for the year. Some of the girls shared that they want to begin praying with their children each day before school; some committed to reading the Bible each day; a few made it their goal to come to the Bible study regularly.
It was great to celebrate with them how much their lives have changed, how much they’ve grown, and how much they can decide the course their lives take. They have suffered much in their lives, but my hope is to remind them that they are not powerless to determine the outcome of their lives. Talking about and setting goals is one way I’ve found to get them thinking about what choices they will make to better their lives and those of their children, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
Thanks so much for your prayers and deep care for me as I serve here. As dear friends, I’d like to ask you to pray for me as I’m struggling to find a sense of joy and peace. As I shared about the girls Bible study, you can see that there are glimmers of hope, sweet times of life in community and ministry, but there is also a lot of darkness, frustration and restlessness in my heart. I’m asking God for a response and often finding no answer. Thanks for walking with me in the times of joy and the times of difficulty. I appreciate your prayers.
With a grateful heart,
Linsey