When I first came out to this desert 12 years ago, I didn’t know what to expect. It was spring when we arrived and the desert was in full bloom bursting with an artist’s palette of hues everywhere. Color speaks to me and the desert was welcoming me! I had never seen purple cactus and they delighted me. I mentioned to my friend,” Do you think someone painted those?” He laughed and shook his head.

I live in an unforgiving terrain that is the Mojave desert. Yet it’s here where I’ve encountered God in His simplicity. Even though the land is harsh and unforgiving, it reminds me that God is gentle and all forgiving. The dryness of this desert is merciless and yet God’s mercies rain down on me daily and they are new every morning and without fail.

The Spirit lead Jesus out into the desert to test Him. Could it be that God calls on certain individuals only, to live in the desert? It takes some one with a different mind-set and make up to dwell out here. Lots of people come to visit, not many stay for long though. I’m convinced it takes a special lowliness to live here. A meekness and humility- the kind like the sparrow has. God watches over the sparrows and he watches over me closely because He knows what it takes for me to make it out here.

Eva Santiago © 2012