Dear family and friends,
It has been a couple of months now since I last sent you an update. In some ways, it seems as though much has happened in these past months. In other ways, it seems as though little has changed. I will try to catch you up a little…
The month of March was a particularly difficult one. I experienced much suffering and sadness around me, particularly at work. In the period of one month, we grieved the death of nine patients and the completely unexpected death of a 25-year-old coworker. Though I freely admit that I don’t understand how to make sense of these things, I choose to trust the Lord in the midst of them. I trust in His Goodness in the midst of my grief. I trust in His ways in the midst of circumstances that don’t make any sense. I admit that this is difficult, and I don’t always do it well. There have been many hard days as I have tried to process the sadness that comes with the loss of life. Through these circumstances, I have been reminded of the similarities between the job that the Lord has called me to here in Atlanta and the ministry that He is calling me to in Lima. In both places, I walk alongside people who are suffering. Even though this can be exceedingly difficult at times, there is much beauty and grace in the process. I am thankful for the places that the Lord has called me to serve Him.
The past month has been refreshing to my soul. Spring came with lots of beautiful weather to enjoy here in Atlanta. I have been trying to take advantage of it by spending as much time as possible outside. Recent fun activities have included hikes in the mountains, taking in the beauty of amazing waterfalls, an outdoor festival, games of frisbee, a Braves game, and the successful completion of my first 10K!
The path toward Lima has also had its emotional ups and downs over the past couple of months. I continue to be excited about this new adventure that the Lord has been preparing me for since my first visit to Lima six years ago. I am anxious to be able to actually move and start my life there. A couple of weekends ago, I took a step toward that end as I was commissioned by the Word Made Flesh US staff and board in Omaha. They prayed over me and made me feel so loved and cared for in the process. The Lord used the time to encourage my heart and further confirm that this is the path that He has chosen for me. I was so thankful that my parents, sister Pam, and brother-in-law Jeremy could be there to be a part of that process.
At the same time, I have struggled to deal with the details involved in preparing to go, and have begun to further grieve the sacrifices involved in leaving my life here. As most of you know, I have been trying to sell my house here in Loganville for quite a while now, as the housing market in my area continues to decline. I still do not know what the end result will be, but I continue to ask that the Lord would send a buyer or bring to light an alternative. I welcome your continued prayers for that process, as well as advise if you have any insight. I have admittedly allowed myself to become overwhelmed lately with the process of seeking a solution. I do know, however, that I serve a God that is able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Eph 3:20). Pray that I would continue to trust God for His provision, even to a greater degree than I can fathom!
In the past few weeks, I have come to believe that it is time to take steps forward in planning for my departure. I am hopeful that I will be able to leave at the end of July/beginning of August. While the idea of an actual plan for departure is exciting, it is also somewhat overwhelming in light of how much seems unresolved. Along with house arrangements, I still need to raise additional financial support prior to being able to leave. At this point, I have been receiving approximately 10% of the regular monthly support I will need. In addition to this, I have received several generous one-time donations. I am so thankful for all of you who have given. I invite you to pray with me that the Lord would send more monthly supporters, and ask you to consider whether you would partner with me in this way. I also ask for your prayers for me as I continue the process of making plans and preparing myself to go. I am so thankful for the prayers that you have already been praying, and for the ways that you have loved and supported me already in this journey. I will definitely need your continued support as I go. I am confident that you will be blessed through your role in bringing the Kingdom to beautiful youth on the streets of Lima.
Love and blessings to you,
Amy
P.S. For updates on what is going on in Lima, check out https://wordmadeflesh.org/peru/