Of Forests and Final Projects

Writing in your native language is like a river in its natural bed; it flows effortlessly, and the words linger with purposeful imagination. But writing in a second language—one learned later in life through study and practice—requires a different kind of labor. The words must push harder to find their voice. You might take extra turns to reach your destination, often feeling as though a few pieces are missing. Yet, coming from a country where perseverance is a necessity, I refuse to give up. I have learned to write with what I have, rather than focusing on what I lack.

This journey is a unique training ground for anyone dealing with perfectionism. While translation apps are useful, they often miss the soul of the message, leaving a constant worry of being misunderstood. However, there is a beautiful place for grace here. As James 1:4 reminds us, "Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." In the struggle to find the right words, God uses the process to mature our hearts.

Recently, I decided to step up my creative game by enrolling in two classes: Children’s Literature and Painting. While the decision to take both was my own, my clever professor showed me a bridge between them that I hadn't yet crossed. He suggested I use my paintings to describe different places and scenes to a child. This spark of inspiration eventually led me to illustrate an entire book for my literature class.

During this time, I faced a season of illness. Though the pain was difficult, the extra time I spent resting became a window of opportunity. I was able to focus my attention on something beautiful instead of my own suffering, and a story was born in the midst of those painful moments. Exodus 35:35 tells us that God fills us with skill to do all kinds of work as designers and artists. I felt that divine skill moving as I developed my project: writing and illustrating an entire children’s book.

I stopped focusing on my flaws and leaned into the inspiration. I was the protagonist in a scene where my classes worked together for a common goal. By the time I finished, I had proven that anything is possible—even earning a 100/100 in an English Literature project as a non-native speaker.

We are often our own worst enemies, failing to see the forest for the trees because we are focused on the small "mistakes" right in front of us. But as Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." When we silence the old echoes of doubt and trust in our God-given identity, we find that the forest is not something to fear, but a place waiting for us to explore.

I want to continue writing and painting, focusing less on what can’t be done and more on the possibilities God has provided. If we dare to make room for Him, we can join the ride with our gifts as He opens the treasure box of our potential. With Him, we can see the whole forest and watch it grow even bigger as He builds the Kingdom for His purposes.