Futbol and friends

Today was my first full day back in the States. And..... I tried to talk with the guy at the ice cream place in Spanish without realizing it. I went out to ice cream TWICE in ONE day! What a day! Thank you Ann and Lauren!!! I've also caught myself starting to give kisses on the cheek as greetings. But, that isn't quite how people greet each other here in the States. I think so far I have managed to stop myself before doing that. But it's only a matter of time before I let it slip accidentally. So, if I kiss you on the cheek as a greeting, just go with it!

Now I'm going to write about last Sunday. That day was awesome awesome!! After church in the morning, I spent some time with Sydney. We were both having a hard time, not wanting to leave Arequipa. We had a really good conversation in the park, prayed a while, and shed some tears. Sydney has been such a blessing. She's awesome. THANK YOU GOD FOR SYDNEY!!! 

Then, in the afternoon, we played soccer. This was the world championship game, our last game. And it was great great great fun! We had 15 people come!

Here, we've got Sydney, Fuller, David, and Alonso!

And Jorge and Alex!

And some new friends, too!!

Playing soccer every week with these great people was one (of the many) awesome things about this semester. I'm going to miss soccer! So... hey, if anyone wants to play, please count me in!!!

After our game, we all went to the park down the street and sat in a circle on the grass. We talked, laughed, played cards, sang songs, and spent time together for hours. It was the best way that I could imagine spending my last night in Arequipa. It was a really special time. I feel so honored to know all of the great guys who were there that night with us, choosing to stay up all night with us because it was our last night in Arequipa. The friendships that we have made with them really blow my mind. Even though they knew that we would be leaving, they did not hold back. They offered friendship to us completely unconditionally, and over the course of a short time, they became like brothers to me.

We all stayed up pretty late, spending time together, singing, and just being together. One thing that has hit me over and over about my friends and family in Peru is that they all seem to be very good at expressing themselves, whether it be through music or through words, they have shared their feelings and been very eloquent and intentional about telling me what our friendship means to them. Their words have meant so much to me and have taught me to value of really being open and vulnerable to other people.

I can't think of a better way to spend my last night in Arequipa. It was amazing.

On Monday, I packed all of my stuff, and I went to the university. On the way, I ran into Alonso!!! That was great! At the university, I got to talk with Anthony for a few minutes, and then I had one last conversation group with David. Those guys have been such a blessing to me this year... I am so glad that I got to spend some time with them on my last day in Arequipa.

God, You have blessed me so much. Every time I think of Arequipa, of my friends and brothers there.... oh man, God I can't do anything but thank You! Seriously, I don't know WHY You chose to bless me with all of those people. But, God, You did, and I thank You and I pray that You would help me to glorify You as I transition here back to life in the States. Help me, God, and I praise You!!!