Simply the Beginning

I arrived in Colombia approximately three weeks ago. I have been here before, I came nearly a month earlier for about a week. The bug bites were unbearable, swollen red spots sprinkled along my arms and legs. But this time I have come prepared, this time I will be staying for more than just one week.

I woke up this morning to a text from my father, inquiring about whether I was homesick. No, I am not. I can admit my current mode of living might have not been something I was used to, but that didn't mean it wasn't good. I agreed to force myself to pursue this opportunity because I was guaranteeing a place, a situation, an entire existence, far, far beyond my comfort zone.

I was excited for the opportunity to exist differently. Far removed from the small, useless qualities of my everyday life. Wake up, go to class, get that assignment done, attend this meeting. I needed time to remember my life existed beyond the miniscule. To remember just how vast the world truly is and how small my own existence is in comparison to the grand world and the multitude of lives that exist within it.

I intend to use the time outside of the bubble within which I previously existed, to live, truly free with my eyes wide open. At least that is my intention, but I fully acknowledge the existence of easy distractions everywhere.

A few days ago we had gone out to a scenic walk along small monuments within the city. Rainy season had begun just the day before. I walked along the sidewalk admiring the sprinkles of artwork and the droplets of water began to fall from the sky. As they began to fall more frequently, more loudly, people sought refuge. Suddenly the breezy romper and cute sandals weren't as good of a wardrobe choice. Crowds formed beneath the dry spaces created by store canopies and building roofs but we decided to keep walking, eight minutes from the restaurant we planned to eat dinner at. Eight minutes in the beginning of the rainy season and my romper was soaking wet. We had stopped briefly along the way, the sidewalks were empty the roads were less busy, everyone was watching the droplets make impact with the ground from safe locations beneath protection. But we were only eight minutes away. Shortly after taking our seats and being given paper towels to dry off in the the restaurant, I looked outside the window behind me and the rain had ended its torment; in right around eight minutes.

I can't help but laugh slightly to myself and think of how much more comfortable I would be had I been patient enough to stand under an awning until the rain stopped. Interesting how I was so eager to get to the destination I didn't think waiting was reasonable. Regardless of the fact that those who were used to the climate understood the need for patience. I wanted to be dry so badly I got myself soaked in the process when I could have achieved all the same and still reached my destination had I been willing to stay where I was for a small period of time.

I suppose that may hold some parallel to my current experience as I move along the Tumultuous Tide of time. I am so eager to move to the next season of my life, to graduate university, to finish this class, to get this day over with and move on. To start my career, to buy my first house, to retire someday. But I need only be patient. I need only be present within the current season of my life. Be present to take what I am given within this day, within this week, within this experience because without what I am currently enduring, I may not be able to prepare for what's to come. After all, this is simply the beginning.

"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today...the Lord will fight for you; you need only be still." -Exodus 14:13-14