of moto rides and hospitality

May has slipped away from me and I find myself less than a week away from leaving my cozy home in Santa Rosa to take on the new challenges of a big city and a big job. Of course, this means a lot of packing, goodbyes, and "lasts" as I wrap up here.

For a variety of reasons, the project I have been part of in Santa Rosa with ACDIM will not continue receiving support from MCC. Since we have no other funding at this time, we must leave the women's groups at the end of July and see if they can really manage on their own.

It has been an emotional roller coaster, and it is not easy to think about how the women will manage without some outside encouragement and support. As I sat on the back of the moto on Wednesday for what may be the last time for a long time, I soaked in the fresh air and the beautiful views that I have come to know and love en route to a remote community nestled among the coffee plantations. I sat in the meeting with my favorite group of women and enjoyed the chance to laugh and talk with them as friends, sharing last bits of advice and encouragement as they forge ahead. Then, as we were ready to leave, we were invited to someone's house for some rice and fresh tortillas over the fire. I was struck again by how generous these women have been to me, even with the little they have to give. I ate 5 delicious tortillas, relishing their taste, and hoping it won't be the last time I can sit in the kitchen and shoot the breeze with these friends.

I am trying to be positive and look ahead to all the good things this transition will bring...but these are the things that bring me to tears...the hospitality and friendships I have found in this place; in my community in Santa Rosa and my work in rural Copan. Warm tortillas and warm smiles are the best stuff in life. Moto rides (even when the chain almost breaks!) and fresh air on scenic mountain trails are priceless perks of my job.

I came across some helpful insight as I was wrapping up my online Perspectives course this week:

Ralph Winter writes: "The fact is that when we walk in the little light we have and keep going on and on taking steps in faith, the ways in which He leads us are almost always, as we look back, something we could have never been told in advance! Untold marvels lie beyond each step of faith. You don't really have to know what is beyond the next step, and you can't find out without taking the next step."

This reminder gives me peace. I could have never known that applying for SALT was going to lead me to Nueva Suyapa and the wonderful community I found there. And if I hadn't taken that step, I would have never been in a place to take the step of faith to move to Santa Rosa. If I hadn't taken that step, I would have never learned all that I have or built the relationships that enrich my life here. I can't know what is coming in this step that takes me to San Pedro, but I know there are great things waiting me there. And it gives me confidence for the unknown steps to come.