Perception

“Is perception reality?” The group looked up quizzically. The speaker repeated, “Is perception reality?” He stood watching our faces as we mulled over this question. Finally, someone said hesitantly, “Your perception is your reality.” Discussion escalated from there. No, we eventually decided.  Perception is not reality.

So here I am, ready to tell you about Peru through very American perceptions and interpretations. I will agree completely with everything I say; let's just hope the Peruvians do as well :-)

I am traveling to Peru to study abroad – not in a Peruvian university, but by taking online classes from my school, Northland International University.  The Global Study Abroad program (GSA) places a student with a missionary family (in my case, relatives), who will house and guide the student. The opportunity allows students to take advantage of today’s ease of travel and communication across the globe with the goal of learning about another culture; this increases effectiveness in ministry whether in the States or in another country.

Six other students from Northland also left today for other countries. We have been preparing this whole week through discussions, reading and lecture.  We just finished reading a thought-provoking book entitled “Serving with Eyes Wide Open” about short-term mission trips.  We tried to figure out what resources we will need for our classes, since libraries may be few and far between – not to mention foreign. Please pray for us as we adjust and figure out our classes!