By: Aimee Molina

The sequence of events that led me to say ‘yes’ to teaching at a Women’s Conference in Peru was nothing short of God at work. I initially struggled with the commitment for several reasons: I have never felt called to a traditional mission, I felt anxious traveling to an unknown place, and I do not speak Spanish. As I pondered the opportunity in front of me, I realized this would not be a traditional works-focused experience. I would be traveling with Fellowship women to teach a workshop at a conference hosted by our longtime church partner, and I would be traveling with Sandy, who is deeply connected to and intimately familiar with the Church at Comas. Nevertheless, the biggest challenge remained: I do not speak Spanish. God’s will for me to go, however, was clear and so I stepped forth in faith and said, ‘yes’. 

Being a part of the conference was humbling and amazing. More than 800 women from their 20s to 80s attended and it was so successful the Comas Church plans to host the conference annually as an outreach to women in the community. This year, the main speaker was Olga Sofia of Colombia, an insightful communicator whose words illustrated that the challenges we face as women of God are not so very different across the globe. My own teaching was conducted through a translator with a small group of women in a breakout session. Before the trip, I thought my purpose in going to Peru was the lesson I would teach, but teaching was simply a means of ‘getting me in the door’ so that I might observe the character of God in the women of Peru. Without knowledge of their language, I could not easily connect with those I met. Some communication was possible, as many could facilitate basic translation, but without the ability to converse on a deeper level, I experienced my time in Peru through quiet observation of those I encountered. The women were kind and joyful, greeting me with hugs, kisses and a desire to connect despite the language barrier; I felt enveloped by love and acceptance everywhere I turned. Worship was rich and heartfelt, with beautiful music and joyful singing that required no translation. I witnessed the cultural pride that shined through as the women of each ‘sister church’ performed choreographed dances in traditional dress. The women performing spanned all ages (one was even in her 80’s!) and all ability levels, their joy in honoring God, their home church and the women at the conference was contagious and delightful.

Beyond the conference, I found myself in awe of the women I met when touring the church’s community outreach programs: the Savings Club and the future Community Center site, a recent service project of our FSM summer team. As a former banker, I enjoyed observing the Savings Club meeting where women are learning Biblical financial principles, and empowerment through individual savings goals, club leadership and community responsibility.

What most represents Peru in my memory, is a beautiful lady who lives near the Community Center site, where we visited to meet the residents and pray for the project. Since the conversation was in Spanish, my attention was drawn to a woman nearby sweeping her dirt yard. As I observed her home, it became clear that regardless of her lack of resources, this woman embodied a deep sense of dignity and appreciation for beauty. Her yard was immaculate, free of clutter or trash and punctuated by pops of color. She had cultivated a large swath of greenery in front of her home, no small feat in that arid landscape. She is neatly dressed in vibrant colors and under her hat, her face is illustrated by the beautiful lines of the life God chose for her. Without words, she showed me what it looks like to thrive right where you are, living in appreciation of God’s blessings. I imagine her life is harder than we can comprehend and that she aspires for ‘more’ but I see within her poise, grace and above all, hope.

Although I lacked the ability to connect with the women of Peru as deeply as I would have liked through verbal language, I feel that God drew my attention to that which could not be adequately communicated in words: His light and love for each of us as reflected in the faces of His children. God’s love transcends language, may our love of one another do the same.