Christmas flew past, and the New Year is fast approaching. I can't believe how soon I will be headed back to Peru. I have not accomplished, yet, all the things on my to-do list, but I have been able to enjoy my family and friends. I have spent a lot of time catching up with my niece, and as always, she has taught me some valuable lessons by her simple childlike questions.
She has such a strong desire to please me, her parents, and God. I remind her over and over that God loves her and so do we. And that love is not dependent on her actions.
The truth of the matter is that I need to be reminded of this as often as she does. God loves me, not matter what I do.
Lately, I have been overcome by my unworthiness. I feel as though nothing I can do will make a difference. It's true. I am unworthy, and nothing I do, on my own, will amount to anything. But, as we studied in church this morning, I am a friend of God. He sees me in the light of Christ's righteousness. He is faithful, even when I am faithless.
In 2 Corinthians 5: 21, Paul talks about how, through His work on the cross, Christ has traded places with us. When we accept the grace of God, we take on the righteousness of Christ's life, just as He took on our sin that day.
This truth is overwhelming, and if this was all that the cross did, it would be enough. But that's not all. God's grace doesn't only save us and make us right with God, it gives us a part in the salvation of others.
God gives us Christ's righteousness so that He can abide in us and change us into Christ-like Christians. We have the opportunity to live out an abundant life through Christ in which He makes a difference and we get to be part of that difference in the world around us.
In Galatians, Paul tells us that after accepting Christ, He ceased to live for himself, but allowed Christ to live through him. This is the secret to making a difference for God's kingdom. And this is something we can only do when we realize that God has already made us righteous.
When we realize that God sees the perfection of Jesus when He looks at us, then, we can have the confidence to live in an attitude of humble righteousness like He did. He will change us into the men and women who can do the work He has planned in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)
As much as I love my favorite 4-year-old, God loves me more. And though I may talk back, disobey, and throw tantrums once in awhile, His love is unfailing. And He still wishes to use me for His purposes here on this earth, and, as the disciples who we glad to suffer for Christ, I am so happy to be counted worthy of His name.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Christmas... and all that jazz.
So, I wrote a Christmas letter for the first time in my life! I really had a hard time convincing myself it was ok but I think I did a pretty good job. And I am going to mail it... hopefully tomorrow. ;) I have been a little behind schedule this season. But I would love to share it with all my blog buddies now. But first, let me add, that I have really been enjoying my time at home. I love this time of year, and I love my family and friends. I am so glad to share this time with you all.
And without further ado... the letter:
Dear Friends and Family,
This year has been one of excitement and new opportunities for me. I have learned so much as I have grown closer to my Lord. This Christmas, as I reflect on the year that has passed, I see how God has used each experience to grow me into a woman capable of fulfilling the call He has placed on my life.
In January I had the opportunity to travel out of the country for the first time on a mission trip to Ethiopia. I was blessed by the prayer and support from many people all over the USA. There, I was able to learn more about several ministries and what it takes to get a ministry started and keep it running. Although I have been on many mission trips within the States, there were lessons I still needed to learn before I was ready to live in another country.
After returning to Arizona, I applied for Bible College in Lima, Peru. About one week before my graduation from Estrella Mountain Community College, I received an acceptance letter and began preparing to move to Peru. I realized that my life was changing drastically. Since graduating from High School, I had worked to pay for my food, my gas, my books, everything except rent and tuition. Now, I was going to be living without an income. At one point I realized that the money I had previously earned and the money my parents had available was not enough to pay for my mid-semester mission trip to Cuzco. Knowing that God had called me to Peru, I was learning to trust that He would provide. I had ideas about how missionaries must raise money, but most of the support I received came from unexpected sponsors. And I was completely overcome with gratitude and humility by the way God’s people responded to my need.
Through that trip to Cuzco, many came to know the Lord, and many believers were encouraged in their ministry to the people in the Andes and the Urabumba Valley. It was a joy to be there for one week as God moved in the lives of so many. I am so glad I was able to be part of that.
Besides my short trip to Cuzco, I have been part of a local ministry in Lima ran by a wonderful woman from Switzerland named Doris. She takes in children whose parents cannot care for them and raises them in her home, which she calls “El Refugio” or “The Refuge”. Every Saturday, I go visit Doris and the kids with two other students. We play with them and teach them English. They have been such a blessing to me. It has really been an opportunity to put into practice what I learn in the classroom.
Now, I am home for the holidays, but I am planning to return to Peru. I have learned that God will supply for all my needs, and more. I want to thank all of you who have supported me with prayer, encouragement and all forms of support throughout my journey. God has used each of you to reach the people of Lima and the Urabumba Valley. I ask that you continue to remember me and the people of Peru throughout the New Year. I am blessed to know you all, and see how God has used you.
Merry Christmas,
Rachael Hicks
*If you are interested in supporting God's work through me in Lima, please let me know so I can give you more information or answer your questions. Email me at MissionaryHicks@gmail.com
And without further ado... the letter:
Dear Friends and Family,
This year has been one of excitement and new opportunities for me. I have learned so much as I have grown closer to my Lord. This Christmas, as I reflect on the year that has passed, I see how God has used each experience to grow me into a woman capable of fulfilling the call He has placed on my life.
In January I had the opportunity to travel out of the country for the first time on a mission trip to Ethiopia. I was blessed by the prayer and support from many people all over the USA. There, I was able to learn more about several ministries and what it takes to get a ministry started and keep it running. Although I have been on many mission trips within the States, there were lessons I still needed to learn before I was ready to live in another country.
After returning to Arizona, I applied for Bible College in Lima, Peru. About one week before my graduation from Estrella Mountain Community College, I received an acceptance letter and began preparing to move to Peru. I realized that my life was changing drastically. Since graduating from High School, I had worked to pay for my food, my gas, my books, everything except rent and tuition. Now, I was going to be living without an income. At one point I realized that the money I had previously earned and the money my parents had available was not enough to pay for my mid-semester mission trip to Cuzco. Knowing that God had called me to Peru, I was learning to trust that He would provide. I had ideas about how missionaries must raise money, but most of the support I received came from unexpected sponsors. And I was completely overcome with gratitude and humility by the way God’s people responded to my need.
Through that trip to Cuzco, many came to know the Lord, and many believers were encouraged in their ministry to the people in the Andes and the Urabumba Valley. It was a joy to be there for one week as God moved in the lives of so many. I am so glad I was able to be part of that.
Besides my short trip to Cuzco, I have been part of a local ministry in Lima ran by a wonderful woman from Switzerland named Doris. She takes in children whose parents cannot care for them and raises them in her home, which she calls “El Refugio” or “The Refuge”. Every Saturday, I go visit Doris and the kids with two other students. We play with them and teach them English. They have been such a blessing to me. It has really been an opportunity to put into practice what I learn in the classroom.
Now, I am home for the holidays, but I am planning to return to Peru. I have learned that God will supply for all my needs, and more. I want to thank all of you who have supported me with prayer, encouragement and all forms of support throughout my journey. God has used each of you to reach the people of Lima and the Urabumba Valley. I ask that you continue to remember me and the people of Peru throughout the New Year. I am blessed to know you all, and see how God has used you.
Merry Christmas,
Rachael Hicks
*If you are interested in supporting God's work through me in Lima, please let me know so I can give you more information or answer your questions. Email me at MissionaryHicks@gmail.com
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Re-entry
So, I read this book for my missions class. It was called Serving as Senders. It was full of information for missionaries, and those who want to support them, about how to set up a support system. And in the book, as well as the class, there was a great emphasis on this idea that Mr. Pirolo calls "Re-entry". This is apparently the most stressful period for a missionary, and often is overlooked by those around them.
This is the period I am in now. I thought that the book and my instructors were exaggerating when they told us we would have culture shock when we went home. It didn't seem likely since I was a student here for four months that I would have changed so drastically. I mean, I love Peru, but I still want to eat hamburgers, and thank the Lord, we have sceptic systems in the US of A. And, I don't have to greet everyone in my church with a kiss. I was certain that I would be so thrilled to be home that I would not be able to go through separation anxiety.
Well, unfortunately, I was wrong, and reverse culture shock has crept in here and there in my life. However, I wanted to say thank you to all my friends and family who have made this shock easier to deal with. I must say that I feel extremely loved and blessed to have so many caring people in my life who have been genuinely concerned with both my semester in Peru and my return to the States.
This week, I have discovered a new weakness to boast in. And a new fondness for Arizona, the state that has slowly wooed me for the last several years. I love my family, biological and spiritual, that reside temporarily in this State while awaiting our permanent Home.
This is the period I am in now. I thought that the book and my instructors were exaggerating when they told us we would have culture shock when we went home. It didn't seem likely since I was a student here for four months that I would have changed so drastically. I mean, I love Peru, but I still want to eat hamburgers, and thank the Lord, we have sceptic systems in the US of A. And, I don't have to greet everyone in my church with a kiss. I was certain that I would be so thrilled to be home that I would not be able to go through separation anxiety.
Well, unfortunately, I was wrong, and reverse culture shock has crept in here and there in my life. However, I wanted to say thank you to all my friends and family who have made this shock easier to deal with. I must say that I feel extremely loved and blessed to have so many caring people in my life who have been genuinely concerned with both my semester in Peru and my return to the States.
This week, I have discovered a new weakness to boast in. And a new fondness for Arizona, the state that has slowly wooed me for the last several years. I love my family, biological and spiritual, that reside temporarily in this State while awaiting our permanent Home.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
You say "Goodbye", I say "Hello"
I have been thinking about what I should write on this blog. I feel like the end of the semester should reflect on the beginning somehow and sort of sum up what I have learned and experienced. So, that's what I will try to do. But I also feel as though this is not the end of my time in Peru, but merely a vacation in the middle in which I will say goodbye once again to all my friends and family in the States. So, I want to share with you a piece of who I have become while here in Lima, and what I hope to continue in should my Bridegroom wait just a little longer.
When I came here, I had never been away from my parents or my baby sister (who is now 18) for more than a month. I had lived 20 years under the guidance and protection of two godly parents and their one set of rules. I was so accustomed to those rules, that I imagine I might have lived by them if I lived on my own. I was so used to their help, and I didn't even realize and appreciate how much they did for me.
Being here was really very difficult at first. I was living with several people who didn't come from the home of Doug and Tina Hicks. They didn't have the same ideas of "clean", "loud", or "appropriate". My roommates come form two different Latin American countries, and our communication was kinda slim in the first weeks.
After about a month, I found a real rhythm, and although I can't say the rest of my time was perfect, it was without any incident that would cause a rift in my relationships with my peers. I grew close with some of the girls who are in similar situations as me. I learned to love beyond language barriers and enjoy my replacement "sisters". My life is better than I dreamed it could be.
There are some things bout Peru that may never get used to or fully appreciate, like rice at every meal. There are some that I am not yet adjusted to, but have tried to embrace, like greeting others with a kiss. There are are some, that I have almost forgotten are not American and only realize when speaking to those who are not here, like Spanglish.
Peru has taken a place in my heart, but it has also grown my love for those back home. It is a place God used to break me from the world, but grow my love for the people of the world. I don't need my parents, my friends, my siblings, or my niece. But now I understand more what it means to love them like God. In being separated from them, God has made me depend on Him, and His love is the only love that allows me to see how much I was lacking.
When I came here, in many ways, I thought I had it together as a Christian. The first week crushed that, as I looked at the other students and felt I didn't measure up. The second week, I began to see they were just as humbled as me and we began, at that point, to grow together. They became a temporary family for me, and have encouraged my growth, sometimes unintentionally. That is what has made these last few days the hardest. Now it is time to say a farewell. Some of them I plan to see in a few months. Others I may never see again this side of heaven. There is a small fear inside me of continuing without them what we have began together. But I KNOW that my God is big enough. He brought me here, and He'll finish to completion the work He has began in me.
There is so much more I could share, but I think this is enough. Your challenge: Welcome me home with the realization that this will be an adjustment for me, but know that I have appreciated every moment you spent reading my blog and praying for me. Know that I love you all, and I often think of you fondly. You have brought a piece of our true Home to me, and I can't wait to see you all!
When I came here, I had never been away from my parents or my baby sister (who is now 18) for more than a month. I had lived 20 years under the guidance and protection of two godly parents and their one set of rules. I was so accustomed to those rules, that I imagine I might have lived by them if I lived on my own. I was so used to their help, and I didn't even realize and appreciate how much they did for me.
Being here was really very difficult at first. I was living with several people who didn't come from the home of Doug and Tina Hicks. They didn't have the same ideas of "clean", "loud", or "appropriate". My roommates come form two different Latin American countries, and our communication was kinda slim in the first weeks.
After about a month, I found a real rhythm, and although I can't say the rest of my time was perfect, it was without any incident that would cause a rift in my relationships with my peers. I grew close with some of the girls who are in similar situations as me. I learned to love beyond language barriers and enjoy my replacement "sisters". My life is better than I dreamed it could be.
There are some things bout Peru that may never get used to or fully appreciate, like rice at every meal. There are some that I am not yet adjusted to, but have tried to embrace, like greeting others with a kiss. There are are some, that I have almost forgotten are not American and only realize when speaking to those who are not here, like Spanglish.
Peru has taken a place in my heart, but it has also grown my love for those back home. It is a place God used to break me from the world, but grow my love for the people of the world. I don't need my parents, my friends, my siblings, or my niece. But now I understand more what it means to love them like God. In being separated from them, God has made me depend on Him, and His love is the only love that allows me to see how much I was lacking.
When I came here, in many ways, I thought I had it together as a Christian. The first week crushed that, as I looked at the other students and felt I didn't measure up. The second week, I began to see they were just as humbled as me and we began, at that point, to grow together. They became a temporary family for me, and have encouraged my growth, sometimes unintentionally. That is what has made these last few days the hardest. Now it is time to say a farewell. Some of them I plan to see in a few months. Others I may never see again this side of heaven. There is a small fear inside me of continuing without them what we have began together. But I KNOW that my God is big enough. He brought me here, and He'll finish to completion the work He has began in me.
There is so much more I could share, but I think this is enough. Your challenge: Welcome me home with the realization that this will be an adjustment for me, but know that I have appreciated every moment you spent reading my blog and praying for me. Know that I love you all, and I often think of you fondly. You have brought a piece of our true Home to me, and I can't wait to see you all!
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