Reflections from Abroad: A Last Act of Service

For the last year, Sarah Peterson served in England as a part of Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM), a ministry of the ELCA. During her time in England, Sarah served in Chipping Norton and Wychwood. Now returned home from the journey, Sarah shares an update on the past year as she transitions back to life in Minnesota.

When I left Minnesota August 15, 2017, I had no idea what was in store for the next year of my life. I found myself unprepared for just how rural my community was, and how different the church was from my experiences back home.

The differences helped me to learn about myself and what I believe, and speaking with those in the community, I learned not to judge a book by it’s cover, or don’t judge a church by its loudest voice.

I am grateful for this experience, I have met people who will always be in my life, people who help me when I did not know what to do, and people who have taught me things I didn’t know I needed to learn. I have a new appreciation for farmers since living in the countryside. As my host mom was driving me to the bus station to get to London Heathrow, a heard of British White cows had gotten out and blocked the road and we had to help heard them to the other side. That being my last act of service in my community for now.

Sarah Peterson