When I am asked where I am from, I have a hard time answering. The response usually launches a two minute monologue of how I moved around a lot as a child and though I consider myself from Alabama (War Eagle!), I am from Texas. Question for my Texan friends: when can I consider myself a Texan? I am married to a Texan, had the ceremony performed in Texas, and gave birth to a son in Texas...when am I official.
So, we love Texas...
However, I lived for two years of my life in the beautiful, yet small, country of Uruguay (Vamos Cerro Largo!). A short time in the span of a lifetime, but long enough for the patriotism to seep in. I love mate. I love Uruguayo futbol. I tear up a bit to hear Ruben Rada sing "Mi Pais". I long for the folks in Uruguay to know, truly know, the freedom of Christ.
And yet, now I live in Peru. We've been living here for almost two years and I have given birth to a son here. He is gringo-peruano. He will always have the same difficulty answering the "where are you from?" question. (By the way, I do know that it should be asked "From where are you?", but that's not how it happens. Moving on...) We have done our best to adapt to life here and I feel it settling in. I looooove Peruvian food. I am enamored with the landscapes here. I'm not so keen on the traffic of Lima, but really, who is? I ache for these folks to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. I am on eggshells about this upcoming election, just as the rest of the country is.
So, where am I from? Well...I belive that a simple answer can be given. I am in this world, but I am not of it. I belong to a royal priesthood of believers who are longing for a country, a homeland, that is to come. We are living here and waiting for life to begin after this life. We have only a taste of what life will be once we are able to dwell in the house of the LORD forever. So, we ache and groan as we wait. But, we must wait actively and teach others that they too can be a part of this.
Folks, listen. Even if you do not know it, the God of the universe loves you. He desires to have a relationship with you. However, He is a holy God and will not be around sin. We are sinful people. But, He demonstrated His love for us in this that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8). He died so that we can simply accept His payment for our sins and enter into a permanent relationship with God the Father. Accept Him! Live in Him!!
And learn to wait for your country.
And learn to wait for your country.
