Aleluya.

Aleluya. 

It’s a word that we hear often, especially in Latin America (hallelujah for all of you English speakers). The Miriam Webster dictionary describes it as a word used to express praise, joy, or thanks. This summer has been one of the most impactful and life-altering seasons of my life. I have struggled, triumphed, and grown so much. I have watched the miracle of salvation happen thousands of times, made relationships with people who are now a part of my family, and seen visions into what my future holds, but I still have so many questions as I open this new chapter... •How am I supposed to just go back into my routine? •How am I supposed to move on? •Why can’t this just be my life now? As I sit here and reflect on my summer, and the season that will follow, I can only think of one word: Aleluya. My last Saturday (first half of the day) in El Salvador was spent at one of my most favorite places- Castillo Feliz. 

(This is a program where kids are bused to the church every Saturday)

I sat in on the older kids’ program and classes. As they were worshipping at the beginning, a song came on that I had never heard before. I couldn’t understand everything it was saying in Spanish, but then it just started playing “Aleluya” over and over again. As I sat there, singing Aleluya, tears began to stream down my face. The season I am stepping into is honestly a seemingly unwanted and hard season, but the Lord reminded me that I just need to sing “Aleluya” through it.

I sing this word as I look into the eyes of children who so desperately need to know the love of the Father.

I sing this word as I marvel at the beauty of God’s creation.

I sing this word when I think about my future.

Now, I sing this word as I venture into the unknown... because the safest place to be is in the will of God.

I am unsure as to what this season will hold, but I’m confident in the promises of God. Instead of walking in defeated, I am walking in with victory in my spirit and praise on my lips.

Aleluya is my victory song.