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Through which lens do you see the world?
As we continue to travel we meet wonderful people, see amazing beauty in God's creation and slowly become more tired. I suppose it is inevitable that after spending so much time away from family, friends, a comfortable bed, and our dog :) the novelty of exotic locations is not as "exciting" as it used to be.
Last evening we took an overnight bus (Cruz del Sur) from Arequipa to Nazca. The 10 hour trip left us groggy and in the middle of what appears to be the desert, very different from the "summer" we experienced (rainy season) while over 3,000 meters in elevation over the first 6 weeks of our trip. It is hot and sunny here, similar to what I think we will experience in Lima in a few days.
On Sunday, March 4th, we made our 3rd stop at the hospital as Paul is still not feeling well. It has been just over a month of "irregularity" for him. After spending all of Saturday in bed with a fever, the chills, no appetite and missing Colca Canyon, we decided the hospital was our first stop after returning to Arequipa. The hospital staff at Clinica Areqiupa was knowledgeable and very kind, despite a cramped waiting room and no soap in their bathroom!
We waited in their small lobby area as two different families walked in with their grandmothers on stretchers. It made us very aware of how fragile we are as people and the importance of family in times of need and weakness. We are certainly blessed to have so many people that care for us. After two hours, a few tests, some medication and a shot we were discharged back into our world.
There continues to be a great disparity as we travel. I know it is everywhere, even in our own backyard, but here there is no doubt about it. We are rich. There are many people living on the edge, with little to no money, one bad break away from disaster while others, like us, spend 30 minutes deciding which restaurant we want to eat at and another 15 minutes choosing from the expansive menu! Certainly this can not be what Jesus wants for his people, but how do close the gap between "us" and "them". Is it really possible to become "we"?
So…at the moment we are stuck. No, not stranded anywhere. We can take taxis, buses, planes anywhere we want to…but stuck in a place of affluence in a broken, hurting world that is calling out to us and we are struggling to know how to respond.
We know we are loved and supported. We know Christ gives us strength in our weakness. We ask for wisdom, health, and safety as we continue to follow the path before us.
Stephanie & Paul
- comments
Rebecca Rathjen Hi Steph and Paul! Your comment on being stuck in affluence in the midst of a broken world really resonated with me. A year ago I spent a month living with a humble family in Cuernavaca, Mexico which was an incredible, fulfilling experience. About a month ago I had the opportunity to go and visit them for a few days. I experienced some of that removal of the "exciting" parts of traveling and exploring, as not much had changed for this family and there continued to be a huge disparity between our opportunities and experiences. So, now we continue to love and be loved in community while we wrestle with the unfairness and disparity that remains. Peace, Rebecca
Thomas, Ashley & Josilyn We are sad to hear that Paul is still struggling with this illness. It is easy to forget how well we have it, and how our many daily activities are taken for granted. We pray for strength and good health until you guys return to Minnesota! Lots of love from the Erdmanns!
Julie Diedrich Dear Stephanie, I am so sorry to hear of Paul's visit back to the hospital. This is very scary. I will keep you both in my prayers and will continue to hope that he feels better. What an experience, our daily problems just seem so trivial after reading your story, it will be amazing to hear more. Tomorrow night we are talking about Deciding during confirmation mentoring and your story resonates with where the pull is, follow Christ or follow the bigger better deal of material possessions, wanting more and more and more....I will chose to follow Christ but it isn't easy living in our material world. Peace, Julie
Melvin and Judy Stephanie and Paul, We are so sorry that Paul is having to deal with illness while away from home and family. As I sit and read your message, the song "Blessings" by Laura Story comes to mind. The chorus goes like this; 'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops, what if you healing comes through tears? And what if a thousand sleepless nights are hwhat it takes to know you're near And what if trials of this life are your mercies in disquise? God leads, if only we follow him. Blessings to you, Love Mom and Dad
Christie N Praying Paul is better soon. Thank you for sharing your internal struggle of the stark reality of disparity. We were blessed with an eye opening experience for 2 years in Vanuatu where the people there had a strong Christian foundation - the KEY....as they are continually voted the happiest place on Earth year after year....and they live in dirt floored thatch roof homes, grow their own food, have no cars, no tvs, no electricity etc. For them, being happy is not based on material possessions, but a strong family and community and their hope in Christ. Quite different that what we experience here in the US as well as what we observed in Central and South America. Very interesting and difficult to think about how we as His servants fit into in all! Out love. We miss you. Happy and HEALTHY travels!
Kristin Gerela Hey you world travelers! Finally got a chance to sit down and get caught up on your trip.... Looks like you're having an amazing time minus Paul's intestinal issues! I know that after each of my op smile missions I would come home and be in such a funk. It's hard to live in a country where we have so much knowing that there are so many people out there struggling to find their next meal. The resilience found in others with such little is astounding and something I try to think of frequently. We just got word that the water wells from our wedding are finally finished in Ethiopia!!! All of us can help in some small way, it's just a matter of finding wht that looks like, which I have no doubt that you both will figure out how that looks in your own lives as well as your congregations when you return home. Safe travels and love to you both! Kristin
TX Erdmann's The journey you guys are on is absolutely amazing. You are blessing us not only by being in our lives, but also by sharing this with us. Just know that your experiences are making us think.... and hopefully we will have the strength to apply it in some way to our lives. Blessings for healthy and safe travels! We love you guys so much! Mark, Tanya, Alyssa and Kayla
Julie Hanson It was great to "see" you in church this morning. Your words always inspire me to try and be a better person. Praying that Paul is better and for safe travels for the rest of your stay. We do miss you. We really do.
Nancy Seaberg Fun to see your sermon this morning - the wonders of technology. Great to hear your voice and word. Thank you!
Erica Loken Stephanie, your sermon was wonderful and thought provoking! Our fourth grade Sunday school class watched your sermon and then stayed in church for the blessing of Cindy Krey and others, who will be joining you shortly. This coming Sunday we will be making paper cranes to send with Cindy to the children down in Chile. Watching you and listening to your sermon on Sunday, made me realize how much I miss having you at TLC. I am also grateful that you have taken the time to see our world through this amazing experience. Blessings and good health! Erica
D'Arcy Johnson Stephanie, I enjoyed your sermon last Sunday via technology. What a wonderful experience you are having and message you are giving. What a small world, at work today, Lynette Gust said she saw that I had commented on your Blog. I teach in Eden Prarie and we are working at the same school this year. Enjoy the rest of your trip. I hope Paul is feeling better soon.
renee jefferson Thinking about you and Paul and how you are expressing so honestly and openly the feelings and reactions you are having. It helps us examine our own needs and wants. We are sending 130 dresses made by over 50 women of all ages here at TLC (and some friends of TLC). The women continue to work on other dresses which will make their way to Haiti.
Heidi THinking of you and praying for you and all whom you meet. Probiotics or yogurt products if you can get them. Love, Kjell & Heidi & Nora & Iris