I wanted to begin this article by clarifying that, according to the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), the word “desert” means something unpopulated, lonely, and uninhabited. Therefore, if I were to conduct a survey today asking who would be willing to cross a desert, I’m sure that no one in their right mind would answer, “Yes, I’m willing.”

Also, a few days ago, the Catholic Church began the liturgical season of Lent, a 40-day period of preparation before Holy Week (commemorating the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ). Therefore, whether you are a practicing believer or not, you have surely heard at some point that Jesus was in the desert and was tempted by the devil three times.

Regarding this, my family and I (five people and a golden retriever) haven’t lived in Peru for four years. This is due to a job opportunity my wife Jessica had. To date, we’ve lived in two countries: first, in Argentina, all together for 30 months; then, Jessica was posted to Colombia, where she spent the first eight months alone. And for the last 10 months, the family has been split between Argentina (my two older daughters are in university) and Colombia (Jessica, our youngest daughter who is still in school, our pet, and me).

In that sense, I must confess that sometimes I have felt like I was walking in the desert, since life outside your country is not easy and as a popular saying goes: “the procession is on the inside.”

Therefore, in my experience, traversing a desert isn’t about physically being in one and walking through it. I believe it’s about how you live, how you face or cope with a personal or family illness, a work or financial problem, anxiety, an unwanted separation, uncertainty about an unknown future, and many other things. Because that’s where the temptation arises to abandon everything and take the easiest path, which is to return home to extended family, friends, food, and so much more that you left behind.

I’d like to share some lessons I’ve learned and experienced firsthand.

• At some point you will feel fear of loneliness and silence.
• It’s not bad to experience solitude; take the opportunity to look inward and listen to your heart.
• Seek help; here another saying applies: “a sorrow shared is less atrocious”.
• Sometimes advice and reflection arrive at the least expected moment and in the least expected way.
• It’s part of your journey on earth, and if you want, call them trials or challenges; I assure you they will help you mature.
• Always trust and rely on GOD.

And you, what desert are you walking through today? Take heart, don’t get stuck in it, take concrete steps and believe me, this will pass and you will emerge stronger.

And please, don’t forget: Keep rowing against the current and out to sea!