We have officially been in Cacalote, Oaxaca, Mexico for
three months. We are a mere three weeks away from completing half of the
Spanish language program. Before arriving, we had many ideas of what it would
be like and how our Spanish would progress during our time here. I thought we
would be fluent by the time we left Mexico. I have a much different view now on
what that means. We certainly speak more Spanish than previously, but it will
be years before either of us speaks fluently. A humbling thought, to say the
least.
Our language learning is often frustrating, sometimes discouraging,
and occasionally rewarding. We have to daily remind each other why we are here
and Who led us to this place far from home. God has placed in both of us a
heart to share His love with the world. We truly believe He paved the way and
brought us to Mexico. He gave each of us a mutual desire to be here and He
provided the finances. As far as what’s next, there are still a lot of
unknowns, maybe even more than when we started. We know that if we continue
striving and working hard at this, it will be worth it. Whether learning
Spanish will help us build relationships with people in the Rogue Valley or to
raise our children (should the Lord bless us with children) in a bilingual home
or to serve the Lord in a Spanish speaking country.
Isn’t that how much of life is? Sometimes we can’t see two
feet in front of us but we keep our eyes on the end goal, knowing it will be
worth it. We keep our eyes steadfast on Jesus, knowing that what we do and how
we live now has the potential to impact eternity. We can’t give up just because
it’s hard or uncomfortable or not what we were expecting.
Running often reminds me of this truth. Lately, I have been
running on the beach, just before the sun sets into the Pacific Ocean. It is
such a vivid reminder of how God calls us to keep running, even when our legs
ache and our lungs burn. To keep running, even when it feels like no one else
got the memo. To keep running, even when we’re tired and worn out and bored
with life. To keep running, even when the humidity is at one-hundred percent
yet it won’t rain and the heat won’t lessen. One day all this will fade away
and we will be face to face with our Maker.
Oh how I look forward to that day! In the meantime, I will
keep seeking to know Him more, striving to love others well, and studying my
Spanish verbs. Which way do you find yourself running these days? The end goal
makes all the difference. Not all roads are created equally.
