by nataliearauco | Sep 3, 2022 | Preparing for Missions
I lay on the couch, tears streaming down my face. A crushing weight presses down on me. It’s too much. All of it is too much. I can’t help those in need. I heave a breath, sit up, and wipe my tears. It’s fine. You’ll be fine. But then I think again of those around me...
by nataliearauco | May 9, 2022 | Preparing for Missions
Language School Edgar is waiting for me as usual when I arrive at Christian Spanish Academy. I greet the secretary and head toward our table. I walk to school each day, taking advantage of the quiet cool of the morning Antigua wakes up around me. Edgar always passes...
by nataliearauco | Oct 7, 2021 | Preparing for Missions
My stomach twists. I don’t even want to get out of the car. I sit in the parking lot in front of the sandwich shop, my mind and heart racing. The family is already there waiting for me. What if they say no? I glance at my notes. The projected dates of my departure....
by nataliearauco | Sep 13, 2021 | Preparing for Missions
My head is already aching by the time Filemon pulls his pickup next to the two-story house. The two-hour drive had been a long one of hesitant conversation between both of us. It didn’t take long for my brain to start slowing down and protesting the constant use of...
by nataliearauco | Sep 8, 2021 | Preparing for Missions
“Can I borrow Natalie for a few minutes?” The principal pokes her head into the classroom and motions for me. I look up from the table where my small group of students are working on their reading. My mentor teacher glances at me from her desk. “Are you good with...
by nataliearauco | Aug 30, 2021 | Preparing for Missions
I burst into my apartment, heat pulsing in my face, eyes burning from the tears I’d already shed in my car. My roommate looks up from where she sits on the floor surrounded by texts books and papers. Her quick smile vanishes, and she straightens. “What’s wrong?” I...
