Reflections on Giftedness

"Our greatest vocation is to be ourselves" Thomas Merton

I have lived here in Peru for about three weeks now- and have done a lot of experiencing in these past three weeks.  Most things are pretty different and with a language barrier- by the end of everyday I am pretty tired because communicating is mentally exhausting.  Exhaustion is occurring because of the amount of learning I am doing here in Peru and it is this learning that I have been focusing a lot on in my time here, however last week I had the opportunity to begin focusing on (and perhaps even learning about) giftedness.

Early in the week we had a mini-misión in Purupampa. Deysi, Giancarlo, Jose Luis and I- along with 3 of our agentes pastorales (folks from other pueblos who have been attending formation type programs here at the Centro for a number of years) headed to spend a couple days with the community at Purupampa. We had quite an adventure in Purupampa- Deysi spearheaded our portion with the jóvenes and Don Faustino (agente pastoral) led a celebración de la palabra con los adultos.  In talking to Don Faustino I learned that he only has 2 years of primary education- but has been working with the Marianists here for the past 3 years.  His leadership and confidence in presiding at the celebración was really incredible- he has a gift for leading folks in prayer. 

 Our work with the jovenes at the school in Purupampa

In the morning of our second day at Purapampa we climbed a mountain- from left to right Don Rosario, Don Modesto, Deysi, Me, Don Faustino

These types of rocks litter the Peruvian countryside- from left to right Don Modesto, Deysi, Don Faustino, Me, Don Rosario 

My community is made up of diverse peoples with a great variety of gifts.  Giancarlo has boundless energy and is gifted at playing guitar (and has the patience to teach others how to play).  Deysi is warm and relatable, has a talent for the practical things of life here (like clothes washing etc.) and also is extremely talented at ministry with the jovenes.  In true Marianist fashion, my community extends beyond just those I live with- it includes the agente pastoral who we work with.  Don Faustino is gifted at leading folks in prayer.  Don Rosario has a practical sense about the things of the land here.  Don Modesto is flexible and easy going. 

With all these people and all their gifts, I have been learning a lot which is great and important for growth and humility.  This week, though, for the first time I was able to share one of my gifts.  On Thursday we had our first ‘English class’ in the community.  Donny, Deysi, Giancarlo and I sat in the dining room for a couple hours, talking, asking questions, writing on a papelote (bulletin board paper), providing clarification for confusing words and ideas, and generally attempting to master a basic dialogue.  It was a lot of fun, and I learned about Spanish while teaching English.  I never identified speaking English as a gift before and I imagine in the next many months I will discover more exciting things about myself.  

Blessings to all who read this, in whatever part of the world you are! :)