Question 3 - today :)

QUESTION:

3 What books did you bring with you?  What do these books represent in your hopes for the adventures ahead?  Are you thinking differently of yourself now that you have embarked?   What has the separation from friends, family, school, and a familiar way of life revealed to you about yourself?

 All of the books I brought with me I carried in my backpack around three airports.  I carried this weight upon my shoulders to leave more room/weight in my luggage for cloths and other items.  When I was walking around the airports, I wished I hadn’t brought so many; on the contrary, now that I am here in Mexico, I am glad I brought all of that weight in books. 

            The main book I purchased especially to bring to Mexico is my bilingual Bible.  God has blessed me with a passion for Mexicans and that is why I’m so eager to learn Spanish and follow where he leads.  This bilingual Bible represents my hope to get connected in a ministry here in Xalapa or nearby poor villages.  I want to share the word of God with His children, in Spanish so they can understand it.  Also, it shows that I want to read God’s word daily to growing closer to Him throughout my journey.  One of my other intentions in bringing this bilingual Bible is that when I go to church, I can look the passage up in English if I do not think I completely understand the pastor.

            Other reading material I brought with me includes a book of short stories, a devotional book, my book for this class, and a people’s magazine.  The book of short stories shows that if I have extra time, like I have this weekend, I can read a few stories at one time without having to finish the whole book.  The purpose of the devotional book echoes my initiative for bringing my Bible, spiritual growth.  The people magazine was a gift that I used as a conversational tool on the plane when flying here with Ashley and Lindsey, my schoolmates.

            The separation from my friends, family and school has revealed how much I value their friendship, touch, and encouragement.  Being away from both of my homes (both at school in Wisconsin and my family home in Minnesota) has been more difficult than expected and I am already more homesick than I have ever been, and it is only the second week.  This is difficult for me because I like to focus on the love I have for those away from me instead of how much I would like to spend time with them.  I think, with time, it will get better and I will learn to have a boundary of distance that is healthy for my loved ones and me. 

            There have already has been a few times when I have thought differently of myself and my decision to spend a whole semester in Mexico; I think of the easy way out, going back to Wisconsin for the semester and spending it with my friends.  Then I would think more about it and realize that God has called me here so I go on in the confidence that he will plug me into a ministry and use me.  Being separated from my friends has made me appreciate the little things even more such as laughing with my best friend late at night, hugs from friends, or even just a smile down the hall.  I miss the possibilities and business of being so close to so many friends.

            The separation from my family has been difficult for me because I was blessed to spend almost two months at home relaxing and enjoying the love of my family.  That Christmas break was the longest time I have spent at home in over a year.  Being homesick here in Mexico forces me to think about that time and remember the little things I might not have shown my appreciation for; some examples of this are cooking diner with my mom, watching television with Rosie, and talking with my dad.  Although these are things I miss when I’m out of the country, I know I will be home again and I pray for my loved ones that they will learn to look on the Lord with love more every day.