A new year

 The first month of the year always brings a sense of renewal. January has been a time of readjustment, setting new goals, and taking a breather amidst the hustle and bustle of Lima. For me, this time has been marked by service in my church. something that has filled my days with incredible and meaningful moments.

Additionally, at AETE, we kicked off the summer courses, where I had the opportunity to support the logistics team. Even though I carried out some tasks from home, I still felt like a part of this beautiful training process. And this week, with great excitement, I will reunite with my YAV companions, with whom we will continue developing activities in churches and other impactful spaces.

On the other hand, my psychological support, thanks to the YAV program, has been a journey of self-discovery. Little by little, I am gaining a deeper understanding of myself and the areas I need to work on to become the best version of myself.

Meanwhile, Peru continues to be a stage of change and uncertainty. January was not only a month of personal readjustment but also a time of adjustments in the national landscape. The political situation remains in constant motion, with tensions reflecting the feelings of a society seeking stability. Economic challenges are also evident, and many families are starting the year with the hope of better times ahead.

Amidst it all, I look forward to 2025 with excitement. I know new challenges will come, but so will new opportunities to grow, serve, and learn. May this year find us with determination and faith, ready to face whatever comes our way.

✨ Let’s go for more! ✨

Merry Christmas

 This month has been a time of great blessings in my life. Thanks to the YAV program, I had the opportunity to attend my first psychological session. Although I wasn’t completely convinced at first, I discovered how valuable it is to be listened to by someone who knows how to guide you. It has been a revealing experience that has helped me better understand my emotions and how to manage them.

Additionally, we participated in the YAV retreat with Jenny and the girls from the volunteer program. It was a truly special moment, full of learning and connection. I feel deeply grateful to have people in my life who care about me and try to help me in the best way, even though they aren’t family. During the retreat, I learned that all our emotions are valid, something we often take for granted but don’t always know how to put into practice. Recognizing and expressing how we feel is essential, even if it’s not always easy.

In this special space, as a group, we established our agreement:

“To respect, support, and listen to one another, always assuming the best intentions.”

This commitment unites us more than ever and will serve as the foundation for building stronger and more genuine relationships.

There was also room to resolve misunderstandings among my companions and me. We realized that many of the conflicts came from our own internal struggles, which were affecting both our friendship and our group goals. Talking things through was key: it allowed us to forgive one another and, more importantly, to forgive ourselves for not knowing how to manage and communicate our feelings. After this enriching experience, I am confident that our relationship as a team will be much stronger, and our service will be even more meaningful.

To wrap up the month on a high note, we celebrated AETE’s anniversary. Although preparing everything was exhausting, it was completely worth it. We put so much effort into every detail, from the food to the decorations, and the result was wonderful. I feel incredibly happy to have been part of this very special event.

Without a doubt, this has been a month I will cherish with great affection, full of personal and community growth.

November: Faith and Service in Times of Uncertainty

 This month, 🇵🇪 Peru has witnessed turbulent and challenging times. The streets have been filled with protests and marches, reflecting a deep longing for justice ⚖️ and safety 🛡️. In the midst of this uncertainty, I have felt the need to reflect on our trust in the Lord ✝️ and our role as His servants in a broken world 🌍. It is in these moments, when human fragility becomes evident, that we must remember that our God is sovereign 👑, even over the nations (salm 46:10).

I confess that the reality of insecurity 🚨 and crime 🕵️‍♂️ in our country has deeply affected me. There were moments when fear 😟 touched my heart, especially while traveling through certain areas or at late hours 🌃. However, the Lord has used these challenges to remind me of His constant care 💕 and to strengthen my faith ✨. By His grace, I have also had the support of companions 🤝 and a team that reflects the prudence and wisdom that come from God, always seeking to ensure our safety 🛡️ as we fulfill our calling 📖.

One of the greatest blessings 🙌 this month was participating in a workshop organized by AETE as part of the Diplomado Nuevos Modelos de Pastoral Juvenil and Pastoral Militante en Contexto de Violencia. This workshop was AETE’s initiative, and as YAV program volunteers, we had the privilege of collaborating and supporting this effort at the Church of God of Peru ⛪, located in Pamplona Alta, San Juan de Miraflores. It was my first time visiting a church of this denomination, and it was a joy 😊 to experience how other brothers and sisters worship the same God in different ways. I was moved by their warmth 💛 and their genuine desire to serve the Lord with excellence 🌟.

The workshop aimed to encourage young people 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 to develop a habit of reading 📚 that enriches their understanding and better equips them for ministry 🙏. While Scripture 📖 is and will always be our ultimate authority and sufficiency, we know that God uses other tools 🛠️ to shape our minds and hearts 💡. As Paul says, "Examine everything; hold fast to what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). It was a privilege to share with them how well-guided reading can help us fulfill our calling, reflecting the wisdom God has given us 💎.

This space not only strengthened the young people’s commitment but also allowed me to reflect on the value of serving in community 👫. The reality in Pamplona Alta is challenging, but seeing young people filled with a passion 🔥 to learn and serve is a testimony to the transformative power of the gospel ✝️.

Despite the difficulties and challenges this month has brought, I have seen God’s hand ✋ at work in my life and in the lives of those around me. I pray 🙏 that as we continue on this journey, we may be lights 💡 in the midst of darkness, fully trusting that the Lord is working for His glory 🌟 and our good 💕. May December bring even more opportunities to serve and glorify His name! 🎉