By Genevieve Cowardin, a sophomore nursing major from Harrisonburg, Virginia, who just returned from Study-Service Term in Peru
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 (NRSV)
Genevieve, her host brother Rodrigo, and her host mother Consuelo pose beneath the limón tree.
The electricity was out that night, so my host mother retrieved two candles. As she lit them, my 14- year-old brother started to hum “silent night.” I joined him. He asked me what it was in English. Singing solo in front of people is something that I try to avoid at all costs; however, singing the first verse to them, I found I was without trepidation. My mom replied with part of the song in Spanish. Despite all of the barriers and the short time we had known each other, I believe we found a sense of love and peace for each other in that flickering candle light.
This is a memory from my first week of service on Goshen’s Study-Service Term. These past few weeks have been incredibly difficult, filled with my utter incompetence in a country with a language and culture that is not my own, and despite my best efforts, my struggles feel unrelenting. However, I hold on to small encounters like this, appreciating the sustenance that they give me, and I am waiting for the moment when I take all my experiences and learnings back home. This stage of waiting does not mean I am without growth and change. To wait is not without the chance to learn. To wait is not without the chance to appreciate. To wait is not without the chance to love.
We are reminded in Thessalonians 1:9-13 that we can ask for what is needed to supply our faith. We pray for the ability to love one another. Just as I seek ways to love my host families, I know they seek ways to love me too. And the Lord strengthens me and all of us in this way of love. For once we can show love for one another, we can offer strength to each other. So, as we wait for the proclamation of righteousness this advent season, may we not forget to grow our love for each other, ourselves, and for all people.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 (NRSV)
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? 10Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.
11Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. 12And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. 13And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.