Copyright © 2026 Women of the ELCA. Reprint permission is granted for use in Women of the ELCA units, clusters/conferences and synodical women’s organizations provided each post is reproduced in its entirety. If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.
In August 1982, my husband and I immigrated to the United States from Lima, Peru. We came to our new country to pursue degrees in theological education. There was political instability in our country and my husband was being persecuted. Deciding to go more than 4,000 miles away was not easy. The idea of leaving my immediate family in Peru was very hard.
More than 40 years later, I can tell you that God has been faithful! As Lamentations 3:22-23 days, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.”
Life as an immigrant has not been easy. I was studying in a different language and learning to cook new food. (I could not find many of the ingredients I needed to prepare dishes from Peru). Eventually, my immigration status changed from student to permanent resident to U.S. citizen. God’s love and mercy have been there throughout my journey.
As we turn our attention to new seasons and to new beginnings in our lives, in nature and in the world, may we be reminded each morning that God gives new mercies to us.
This message is excerpted from “New beginnings” from Maria Paiva in the May/June 2025 Gather magazine.