Reflection, one month in...

Reflecting on this journey so far... one month in.

Faith, and understanding...

Up until last week, I was hit harder than I have ever been with spiritual attacks. Partly because Satan knew that I was going to be doing amazing things here, and he wanted to try to stop my progress. But, part of these attacks were brought on by myself. By things that I had not taken care of in my heart and in my head, even though I was unaware of them. It began to slowly eat at my spirit, and bring me down. I have loved this month in Peru so far, but I know that I have not been the most amazing person to be around at times because my attacks were rubbing off on how I treated others. This fact hurts my heart more than the attacks themselves did because I hate to think that I have already missed opportunities to truly represent a Christ-like spirit. I say this because I am being honest... I want everyone to know that it is not easy being here in Peru, and it takes constant reflection of self to make sure that our priorities are in check and we are 100% here for God. I have, thankfully, been released from these attacks and I finally feel like the real Jaclyn is in Peru. My heart, head and spirit are here, and we're not going anywhere :) I am sure that Satan will try to attack again, as we are going to be doing more and more amazing things as this journey continues. However... God has my back! And I'm ready :)

Language...

Spanish, oh spanish... why do you have so many rules? :) Actually, I have been very excited about my progress in learning this new language. It is still a bit difficult for me, and there is a lot we have not covered yet, but I am encouraged daily at my ability to at least hold minimal conversations with my host family, as well as my other classmates. I sometimes hit ruts where I hate spanish and don't ever want to hear another word, and just sit in silence, but I remember that this is not for me, but for the work God is going to do through me. And in order to do this and reach these amazing people, I need to be able to speak to them. God has continued to give me strength and peace through these difficult moments. It helps that I can laugh at myself :)

God's blessings in the form of amazing people...

I have been blessed with many amazing women surrounding me here in Peru, keeping me accountable, praying for me, encouraging me and loving on me like God knows I need. He surely has been good and faithful in His promises to love and protect and carry me through this journey.

Please pray...

We have a new person joining our team in April... Blake. Our group has already started praying for him and his journey down to Peru, but I am sure he could use all the prayers he can get, so please... those of you reading this, take a moment to pray for Blake and the people that he is going to help to know our amazing Savior!