Let Go to Encounter Him

By Lorenza V.  Missionary in Peru

The main thing that is hard for me is having to face my own weaknesses frequently throughout the day. Even though I have had experiences where I live with people whom I do not choose, primarily my family (I did not choose them, but I love them and miss them a lot), living in a house with three other people whom I spend basically all day with has been challenging. It is hard because I realize how many things the Lord wishes for me to let go of, especially vices that come in the middle of my relationship with Him. An example of this is pride.

Given the nature of the mission, there are many moments throughout the day when we have to make decisions. That poses a lot of problems because all four of us rarely agree, and when it comes down to it, a decision has to be made so at least one of us has to make a sacrifice. It has been very hard for me to do that, to die to self and follow what the other people want to do.

Before coming here, I lived following my own schedule, doing what I thought was best for me, my relationships, my studies, and my faith. Here, the Lord has invited all of us on a path of humility. This is not an easy one to follow even though it is the correct one, the one Jesus has chosen for us by embarking on it Himself.

In the moments where choosing this path is the hardest, I need to ask for extra grace. The easiest thing would be for me to remain on my side, thinking that what I think is right, but I will close myself off from encountering the other. In opening up myself to someone else and their opinion, there is a possibility of a wonderful encounter.

So, one of the hardest parts of the mission is also the part that God is using to purify me the most. In being faced with my pride, the good Lord is giving me the other option, humility. And for that, I am immensely grateful.