There is Beauty in Humble Places

I was at an apple orchard one summer while visiting my family in the United States.  While looking through the gift shop, I noticed a sign that said the quote, “There is beauty in humble places.”  I instantly thought of Suriname, the place that I had called home for the last couple of years.  I think of this quote a lot.  When I moved to Suriname to be a missionary teacher, I knew that I wasn’t moving to this fabulous tourist location.   I knew that it had a high poverty rate and high crime rate when it came to theft.  I knew that I might be propositioned by men.  I knew it would be tough.  However, after six years of living in Suriname I feel pride in this place and the people.  It is beautiful.  There are so many beautiful moments that have happened during my time in Suriname.  I wanted to try (emphasis on TRY) and write a poem that describes my emotions as I am heading into my last month as a resident of this country.  Maybe one day God will call us back to this place to teach again.  Until then, I know it is fully not a goodbye to Suriname, but a see you later.

There is Beauty in Humble Places

There is beauty in humble places

And seeing familiar faces

But I felt called to spaces that I did not know

Said goodbye to my family, my home, my country

Following only a call to harvest

“Here I am, send me”

I didn’t understand the love it would take

How on days my heart would break

And some I thought this was a mistake

That maybe this mission is one I shouldn’t take

But still I saw

There is beauty in humble places

There is beauty in humble places

And seeing student faces

Praying they would find out what grace is

Hearts of stone to hearts of flesh

I hope they know how much I care

I learned from them, hopefully they learned from me

There is beauty in humble places

Two years planned, but six said God

Year 1 brought new friendships

Year 2 brought me a partner

Year 3 brought a new job, the time to trust

Year 4 brought a new name, new job, new house, new problems, new prayers, help needed, help received, but…

……Help, I pleaded, I’m drowning

This year was a storm.

Year 5, God calmed it.

Year 6, God healed and refreshed, his promise faithful.  New people brought community and support.

Year 7….

Now

I’m saying tot ziens to this humble place

Thankful for the time

Thankful for the love

The people here changed me

God rearranged me

I am not the same

As the years have come and gone,

I’ve said so many goodbyes,

brothers and sisters called away

Friends and students scattered across this big earth

I can’t write down each individual memory

And now it is our turn

A piece of my heart stays here

Suriname

You mean so much

Thank you for showing me

Sad times, good times, hard times, fun times

the beauty in humble places

Full Quote:  Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where others see nothing-Camille Pissaro