Today we left Arequipa with no definite plans to return. Language school has ended and our next phase begins as we will be in Huaraz by Sunday morning. We have mixed emotions about it all because we left some really good friends and at the same time we’re preparing to devote more of our time to ministry-related things and using the Spanish we’ve learned.
There is a Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother
Before arriving in Arequipa for language school, we really didn’t know what it would be like. To be honest, I know for myself, I had thoughts that it would be 7-8 months of grueling difficulty with no one to turn to. I knew none of the other missionaries and at the same time also knew that if I did get to know someone, it would only be for 7-8 months. That kind of pessimism can really limit how well you let someone even get to know you. The Lord has plans, however, regardless if we acknowledge them or not.
A few days after we arrived in Arequipa, another family arrived with five kids. At meeting them, I thought, “They seem nice, but with five kids, they must be one of those families that doesn’t get out much.” Not that we’re nightlife people, but sometimes it’s not easy trying to spend quality time with other adults with seven children to watch after (their 5, our 2). It wasn’t long, however, maybe two weeks, that the Listros and us became good friends. Our children became an extra brother and sister to their kids and we each became an extension of the others’ family.
Eight months later, we had to say goodbye to them knowing it might be a long time before we get to see them again. But it wasn’t the same as when we said goodbye to friends from the States. Saying goodbye back in January wasn’t easy either, but at least there were expectations of us returning to Delaware. Saying goodbye to the Listros seemed much more depressing only because we really don’t know when we’ll see them again.
With that said, and like I said, God has plans for our lives regardless of whether we recognize the plan, the architect, or the promise of a future. While we don’t have any expectations of seeing the Listros again, I really feel like there is more to the blessing of our friendship with them– like this is just the beginning. If we never saw the Listros again, it would still be a highlight of our time in Peru. However, I feel like a kid at Toys R Us in November, I don’t know whether the toys I’m looking at are going to be given at Christmas, or I’m just wishful thinking. They are the kind of people you can’t wait to work alongside in ministry.
I realize that making good friends isn’t why our supporters are faithfully giving to us. We didn’t come here to make friends, per se. However, the impact of the Listros in our lives is worth writing about because it gives us a better vision for what the Church (big C) looks like being a blessing. The reality is, there is a doctrine of Friendship that very few theologians talk about. There really is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
Moving Onward
We left Arequipa this morning and arrived in Lima. We’re here for three days to look for some furniture for our new home in Huaraz which is completely empty of all furnishings and appliances. We’re looking forward to getting settled in in Huaraz and seeking God’s will for His people there. He is a good God.
