The story of my family’s growth
A few days ago, as Miriam and I were packing our belongings for a new move, I stopped to look at the various boxes and suitcases that surrounded us. The image reminded me of a move a few years ago, when I had just three large pieces of luggage: a bed, a mattress and a box with the rest of my things. How much my life has changed since then!
At that time, my luggage was light, and so was my ease of movement. I was free to come and go without much coordination. Now, the situation is very different. Our last move has required many more packages, and how could it not! now my luggage includes the things of three people.
And this large amount of luggage now represents the growth of my family. Every piece of clothing or toy my daughter has has a story that reminds us of something, like her first word, her first crawl, or her first steps, or is related to a certain family member or friend. Likewise with the things Miriam and I have together, they represent memories of the cities where we have lived. All of this is a way of seeing how life has progressed.
That is, beyond the material, my luggage now carries with it memories and experiences that I cherish. The fact that the luggage has changed so much over the years shows me how we have built a home together.
Leave behind
A few days before sending our things to the community, while we were closing the last boxes, I sat down and it was inebitable to feel nostalgic, because seeing those boxes made me recognize what we are leaving behind.
Clothes, toys and other things we have left behind in different cities, either stored or given to others, also means we are leaving those places where we created memories, and family and friends we won’t see for a while and with whom we will continue to not share closely the growth of their own families.
Moving is part of our work as cross-cultural missionaries, and yes, sometimes it is hard to say goodbye, but it also opens the door to so many new people and learning that we would not have otherwise.
Now, this move has an even more special meaning, as it will take us to live in an indigenous community located in the central jungle of Peru. With a beautiful group that loves their language and culture, and whom we want to support so that they can better know the Lord in their own culture, just as the Lord made them.
The nomatsiguenga
We visited them last year as we sought a clearer answer from God as to whether this was the group we should serve more closely.
In short, my luggage is now much more than material objects. It is a treasure trove of blessings that represents love, family and the experiences we have lived together. And while moving is always a challenge, it is also an opportunity to remember that our true wealth is in the people we love and in our service to God.
And you, what treasures have you accumulated in your life luggage?
Prayer
Do you know that the work that my family does is the continuation of the work that so many others have done throughout history, taking the Gospel to every corner of the world? Do you know that these feet have been supported by the knees of those who pray?
We invite you to join our prayer team. We strongly believe in your power to sustain missions. Together we can make a difference. If you would like to know how to join us in this adventure of faith and prayer, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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