Febrero (resubido)

February has been a special month in many ways. I celebrated another year of life on February 14th, something I’m deeply grateful for because this past year has been filled with God’s grace and love. But beyond my birthday, this month has allowed me to learn more about what it truly means to serve—a lesson that has been both challenging and rewarding.  

One of the most meaningful moments of this month was my visit to the Cerro La Papa community in San Juan de Miraflores, Lima, where I had the opportunity to spend time with children alongside Pastor Elsa. There, they are holding classes about who Jesus is, using the Proyecto Felipe manual, which guides children through a learning process about who God is and how we can have a relationship with Him.  

I arrived just as they were finishing the first module, and it was beautiful to see how the children welcomed the pastor with so much love and enthusiasm. From the very first moment, it was clear how happy they were and how much they longed for attention—not just in a material sense, but especially in a spiritual one. They know that someone is there to talk to them about God, and they truly cherish that. It’s one thing to be aware that there’s great need in the world, but when you see it firsthand, when you’re physically present in these places, it’s like something inside you is reignited. You realize just how much there is to do, and that the work is never in vain.  

From now on, I’ll be going every Saturday to help with teaching as they move on to the second module. I’m really excited about this because I’ve already connected with some of the kids from the first day. Working with children is something I genuinely love, so this experience fills me with gratitude. I also had the chance to meet a young woman with Down syndrome who attends the classes. I’ve never worked with someone with this condition before, so this is a new experience for me. I’ve been amazed by the sweetness and innocence with which they interact, and I feel grateful to share this space with her.  

Another special moment was when I was given the opportunity to help a thirteen-year-old boy learn how to read. I don’t have formal training in teaching literacy, but I’m using the phonetic method, which I find quite effective. It’s shocking to realize that there are kids this age who still haven’t learned to read, and that this is just one case among many. The community faces many struggles—not only financial difficulties but also social and family-related challenges. Statistics show high rates of domestic violence, abuse, and drug addiction. Many of the children who attend these classes are growing up in very difficult environments, which makes it all the more essential for them to receive the seed of God’s Word. We’re not trying to push them into making immediate decisions, but simply planting a seed, trusting that God will make it grow in His perfect time. 

 

So far, I’ve been able to visit twice. The first time, I helped distribute certificates, assisted in teaching, and joined in prayer. The second time was more of a play day, which gave me the chance to get to know the kids outside the classroom setting. That day, we went to a sports court, and I was able to see how they interact in a freer environment, outside the structure of a lesson. It was such a beautiful experience because I got to see a different side of them—more spontaneous, more authentic.  

This coming Saturday, which will be the first Saturday of March, I’ll be teaching the little ones directly. I’m preparing my materials with a lot of excitement, hoping to share the message with them in the clearest and most meaningful way possible.  

Overall, February has been a beautiful month, filled with service, love, and new experiences. I’m grateful for every opportunity to learn, to give, and to share God’s Word. Serving is a privilege, and every time I do it, I realize how much it also transforms me.

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.