I'm back from Peru, and can't even begin to express how excited I am to be home. SST, for those of you who don't know about the program, is a three month study and service term spent in a different country. I chose Peru because I speak Spanish and liked the idea of being there more so than I did Nicaragua. It turned out to be an AMAZING experience.

I spent my first six weeks in Lima, with the other twenty students in my group and my two awesome leaders. The second six weeks were spent in Ancash province, up in the mountains. I learned a little Quechua, and learned a LOT about myself. SST has always been kind of "sold" as a program that changes lives and people, and as much as I had wanted to believe that previously, I hadn't completely bought in. After my experience, however, I completely agree. By removing yourself from your comfort zone, from those you know and care about, you are forced to learn to adapt and survive.

I found some of my really ugly qualities, and also developed some characteristics that I was lacking. SST forces you to learn to trust in God. When you're flying down mountain roads at over 100 KPH, close to driving off cliffs, and can't figure out how to explain to people how you feel, God becomes your refuge and strength.

Was it difficult? ABSOLUTELY. SST, especially service in Ancash, was intense. But it was worth every moment of pain and struggle.

I think a huge part of the "joy of the journey" that Goshen talks about comes from SST, and I hope every one of you reading this blog gets to go on SST. It will be worth it. I'll post pictures, not that they'll tell anywhere near the entire story, but you have to wait until I find my card reader. :)