Rainbows and Rain

“We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

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Dear friends,

In August of last year, I had the privilege of helping to lead orientation for the Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program in Agua Prieta, Mexico. It was so good to be together! The program has had volunteers from Latin American countries for a few years now and this is the first year the Colombia YAV site welcomed volunteers from Mexico and Colombia to serve. We shared in Bible study, reflections on culture and privilege, visits to community organizations, and in song and worship. The days were hot and dry in the high desert, marked by occasional rainstorms. It felt serendipitous that on both the first and last days, we were graced with rainbows overhead. 

I knew right away that I wanted to share a glimpse of the joy of that time in Mexico with you. We had several profoundly spiritual encounters, including a short walk in the desert to the border wall. It was also the first YAV orientation I had attended since my own orientation as a YAV back in 2002, and I found myself recalling so much about that experience and my entire journey with Presbyterian World Mission in the intervening years, which, sadly, is coming to a close. 

This is my final newsletter as a PC(USA) mission co-worker. I, along with all staff serving in the World Mission ministry area of the PC(USA), have been informed that our current form of service is ending in March 2025. Some of my colleagues have been offered roles in the denomination’s newly restructured model for global ecumenical engagement and are discerning whether to accept those positions. The rest of us are discerning our next steps in life and ministry. This is a massive shift for us personally and for the PC(USA)’s approach to international connections. 

In my case, I find some hope and freedom as I contemplate the daunting task of reinventing my professional activities in a way that will serve the needs of my family and also (I hope!) connect with my gifts and passions. I’ve been aware for some time now that I want to stop traveling for work, and this transition and the grace period that severance offers will allow me some space to explore new opportunities. Still, this is a significant change, and it has shaken some of my sense of identity. I have spent all of my adult life in ministry with the PC(USA) and World Mission in one form or another, and as I look to new horizons here in Barranquilla, I must reshape the way I understand myself and my call. 

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I am not sure what the future holds. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. My friend Miriam says this is a time to cultivate faith. So, I will do the best I can with the opportunities and perspective I have. Many things are changing, but some remain the same. I continue to mother the most wonderful 4-year-old I know. I continue to be a Presbyterian minister committed to seeking peace. I continue to be an immigrant resident in Barranquilla, this place that captured my heart on my first visit 19 years ago and has continued to bless me beyond what I dared imagine. 

I take comfort in these words from Romans 8:28: “We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.” This is not to say that God ordains everything that happens or that God is pleased with every choice we make, but no matter what, God is present and continues guiding us toward good things. I may have questions and uncertainty about how this process of change is being undertaken, but I pray that the unfolding structure will lead to good things and provide a means to continue life-giving partnership between the PC(USA) and ecumenical partners around the world. 

Meanwhile, I surely have concerns about larger issues taking place on the global stage where so much feels unstable, uncertain, and under attack. Looking at the state of human rights, civil rights, and environmental protections in the U.S., to name just a few areas of concern, and at the state of the peace process in Colombia, there is plenty to keep me up at night and searching for ways to contribute toward the good I long to see.

Wise ones in my circle have identified local action as key in this season. As global powers seek to divide us from one another, we must continue reaching out and building trust with our neighbors so that we have something to rely on aside from the messages that come through our social media bubbles. So, in this season I will be tending to my roots and reaching out to those around me. I’ll be grateful to continue reaching out and connecting with you, as well, since we, too, have common bonds. I may transition to new channels in the months ahead, but you can continue to find me on Facebook and my blog at andeanjourney.wordpress.com. 

I give thanks for the privilege I’ve had these past 15 years to serve as a mission co-worker and to connect with you through these letters and in so many other ways. I cherish your support and covet your prayers for my family in this season of change. I pray that God will richly bless you in your future steps and that you will be filled with the courage to live in such a time as this with grace, courage, and deep joy. 

Your sister in Christ, 

Sarah