SRU in Peru: Closing Time

Jeremiah 29:13
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

It's time our adventure comes to a close for the 2014 SRUinPeru team. All of the group has returned safely to their respective homes and can now rest from long travels and procrastinate against the unpacking that remains. Shawn and Emily returned home over the weekend as where Logan, Evan, and Beth traveled to Cuzco and Machu Picchu for some personal touring. What breathtaking sights and feats of creation. Machu Picchu gave us all an appreciation for the natural creation of God among the vast mountainous jungle and the capability of man's inventiveness and efforts from the immense creations of the Incans. It was truly a once in a life time experience that leaves you humbled and awestruck.

As for all members of the group, this weekend was an excellent opportunity to rest after some very emotionally and physically exhausting weeks of clinic, although we wouldn't trade the efforts and exhaustion of the weeks for the world. Unfortunately some of us have gotten a bit sick at the tail end of the trip, although nothing serious. Fortunately we are all feeling better now and can rest easy to recover.

It has been an incredible two weeks of experiences. There is no doubt that all of us have grown closer to one another and closer to God in our travels. We must all remember how this entire trip was made possible. We cannot thank Erin, Jodee, and all of the MMI team enough for all that they have done for us and how much of a blessing they have been. We also owe our thanks to the additional therapists Tim and Heather for their mentorship. And of course, we thank you for your prayers and donations that you may have made, as they were invaluable to this endeavor. However, we must remember the true reason behind all of these great people and things that made this all possible: Christ. In light of all of our experiences, it is essential to remember that God deserves the glory and thanks. Jeremiah 29:11 was brought to my attention by someone very close to me to remind me of a very important focus while leaving this trip. Through seeking Christ, we can find him in every aspect of our trip. In every prayer. Every patient encounter. Every moment shared with a friend, new and old. Every lesson learned. Every laugh and every tear. As we move to the next stage of our lives with each of us starting our clinical rotations next Tuesday, we must always remember to keep seeking God with all of our hearts. We must be willing and obedient to allow him to use us as he did on this trip. We must remember that all of this is possible through Him. Because the same God who was with us in Peru will be with you and I wherever we go.