The big one...a long time coming...

It’s been quite some time since I’ve posted anything detailed, so I apologize. The month of December has been fairly busy. I am finally moved into the new place, and I am now facing the great task of outfitting my apartment. My most recent purchase was my bed, which was a huge task to put together…all by my lonesome. But I love those projects in a way, I feel very accomplished after I do it…plus, now I can tease my dad that, contrary to his beliefs about my skills—or lack of them—I indeed can do something by myself. J

As we head into this new year, I’m reminded of how the Lord’s hand has been on my life this past year. He has proven faithful over and over, even when I might not see it. Last night at church, I was asked in Spanish, on the spot, how 2008 has treated me. All I knew to say was “Me siento muy bendecida.” I do feel very blessed—the fact that I am in Peru is astounding. I get to live life with people very different from me, yet very much the same in that we are all human and we are all searching for something greater. Being in Peru for Christmas (without my blood family and close friends) reminded me that the “something greater” is Christ and His life, His love, and His promises. This morning I heard an English sermon online on Luke 17, and the pastor commented that the Kingdom of God is very much in our midst (vs. 21). How remarkable that we get to celebrate a King’s coming every day of the year; even more remarkable is that He is with us even now! While I can’t wait for His reign on earth, I am comforted that Christmas is every day of the year—The Kingdom of God has come, and He is Emmanuel, God with us.

Now for some lighter news, but very much praiseworthy: God has answered prayer big time! I have met some new friends, had the opportunity to hang out with Peruvians, been hostess in my new home (I love it—I feel like myself when I have people over), encountered some new ministry opportunities, and talked to friends overseas (such a blessing to see Mary Ellen, Little B and Ayo all TOGETHER) as well as family in the States (my grandparents, my aunts, and my little cousin). OH! And I got Elf, finally! I just wanted something to remind me of home as Christmas approached, and I got it in my head that I NEEDED Elf (as well as a ton of Christmas music). My friend Simon located the movie for me, since I was not having any luck. A few days after I watched the movie, I was in the department store and got stuck behind a Peruvian girl who could not, for the life of her, work up the courage to get on the Down escalator. Needless to say, I busted out laughing in public and probably drew some looks—I couldn’t help it, it reminded me of Buddy’s fear of the escalator.

To finish my Christmas extravaGANza: In the previous post, I mentioned fireworks. After our meal of turkey, cold vegetables, homemade applesauce, beets, and something I didn’t eat that came out of the turkey (I tried it, it seemed to be liver, but I don’t really know), we went back to Mercedes and Edgar’s house and lit up the sky with about 12 million other Peruvians. Apparently Christmas Eve is the time when everyone shoots off fireworks; it was hysterical, I was in shock, just because it is so very different from my Christmas Eve’s at home. My favorite part was that everyone kept saying, “This is nothing, New Year’s is even bigger.” Oh goodness.

In more Christmas news, the Rains family has blessed me this season—I was able to spend some time with them, and I also got to babysit Caleb, which was so fun, even when he started to cry a bit too much for me. J I’d do it again in a heartbeat, though, I love those boys. My neighbors in my building are very sweet too. There are five floors, including mine, and I’ve met 3 of the families who live here. A couple even gave me small gifts, so that was really sweet. Pray that I can get to know them better—in my current state of feeling a bit lonely, I might soon be asking if I can come over. J

I have had so much hot chocolate and Paneton (similar to fruit cake, but better) this season. This is THE thing to do here: It’s called a Chocolatada, and it is simply eating and drinking together. They have it after every event, so I’ve had my fill of both. To be “American,” I baked a ton of cookies. I made Monster Cookies and No Bakes, and both were a hit with Americans, Europeans, and Peruvians. In the process of baking, I had to learn about my oven and how it cooks (I burned a lot of cookies), and I also had a gas leak that had to be fixed (all is well now).

Random things:

-I found a Christian café here, which is so great. It is going to be a blessing to have believers and a place to go if I need fellowship. Church is also going well; last night I went to the young adults thing and had a good time. It was very hard walking into a new environment by myself, in a different culture. People were really nice though and I hope to get to know some folks there.

-The weather is changing quickly. No more sunny days; rather, I now have clouds and cooler weather. Rainy season is coming! I need to find some rain boots…

-I have found a store where I can get cheap painting materials, so I am pumped about that. I've missed painting. I also am on the hunt for a cool tapestry or photo to go over my bed. I'll let you know when I find the perfect one. 

-I’ve had good luck recently with cab drivers. After being proposed to awhile ago (I said “no”), I was fed up with sketchy drivers. However, I’ve been blessed to get dudes who seem genuinely interested in making sure I’m safe. I find it best to strike up a friendly conversation with them, and they usually respond in a friendly manner. (Don't worry though, I am still very much on my guard whenever I get in a cab.)

-A few days ago I was wandering around the department store, and a feeling hit me that I've not experienced in my life. Ever. In the sea of Peruvians, I just felt like I was getting weird looks from everywhere. I know, I was paranoid, but I felt it nonetheless--it was this strange feeling of looking different than everyone else. Like I said, I'd not experienced this before. When I'm around other gringos, it doesn't matter, but I've been bumming around by myself or with other Peruvians recently, and this feeling of "whiteness" in a non-white culture is interesting.

-I have the best view from my roof. I can see much of the city, the mountains, and some incredible sunsets. It is amazing. 

Okay, if you stayed with me for my novel-sized post, I thank you. I'll try to be better about catching y'all up in the coming months. Much love. 

Nochebuena.

Alo from Arequipa. I'm currently getting snuggled up in my bed--the bed is a story for another post--listening to the remains of Christmas Eve in Arequipa. Needless to say, I did not know what I was in for when I committed to go to the home of a Peruvian. It's 1:57 and people are still going strong outside. To make a long story short, because I'm very tired, Christmas Eve is THE thing in Peru. Therefore, everyone gets their party on at midnight on Christmas Eve, after having had a big meal involving turkey. 

I'll explain more about tonight at a later date, when I can collect my thoughts. Let's just say that I experienced more fireworks tonight than I have ever seen at any Fourth of July event in the States. The whole evening was really interesting, but it was just so funny to observe the cultural differences surrounding holidays. 

Merry Christmas. Que tengas una feliz navidad. In the last two days I've gone to two Christmas programs and have been blessed by the reminder that Christmas is about celebrating Jesus every day of the year. Remembering His birth is wonderful, but then we must act on Who we know and Who knows us--the Good Shepherd. I am doing surprisingly well here during this time of the year, to the glory of God. I do miss family and friends, but He is all I need. May you be reminded today as you celebrate, as well as in the days to come, that Jesus es el Rey, el Salvador (Jesus is the King, the Savior).

More stories to come, and I'll expound on my Peruvian Christmas. Much love. Cuidate.

Beautiful days, park naps, celebrating friends, invitations, and moving on.

Today has been a good day. Despite this seemingly never-ending feeling of being unsettled, I know things are about to change. We are moving into the new apartment soon, Lord willing. I've just been bumming around the city, enjoying the day. It's ironic that in Arequipa one can say "It's a beautiful day." This really doesn't mean much, it's 70 degrees and sunny every day. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the day in a small park with some friends. I just love lounging in the parks around here, doing nothing. 

I'm still doing really well here. I've hit the one month mark of being in Arequipa, and I still love it. There is this strange feeling of still trying to get settled in. I consider this my home, but until I am IN my new house, I don't think I'll feel at home. Classes are going well, and I'm making friends with my students. As Christmas approaches, pray that I am able to really share with them the message of Christ. Speaking of Christmas, I have been invited to a Peruvian Christmas Extravaganza! I've been praying this would happen, and indeed it has. Mercederes, a new friend and owner of a cafe I have found, invited me to come. I'm so excited! I'll also spend some of Christmas with an American family here.

Tonight we are going to be having a Peruvian Italian dinner to say goodbye to Kathryn. She is heading back to the States for a bit before she gets married. I am very blessed to be surrounded by friends here and am in awe of all God has done. I remember being so concerned about not having any American friends in Arequipa. God has exceeded my expectations in providing American friends, Peruvian friends, English friends, and even German and Australian friends. 

Okay, some stories, per the request of my mother. :)

-I was in Lima for Thanksgiving. A much better trip than anticipated, though now I have to go back soon because my Visa stuff wasn't quite ready. I can tell I would enjoy Lima a lot more in the summertime. AND I got to eat good food that I can't eat in AQP. Also, it was so interesting observing the differences between Limenos and Arequipenans. Let's just say I am an AQP hippie and was very out of place in business-like Lima.

-Peruvians have a very different mindset about what it is to hang out for a holiday. At Thanksgiving, we had about 40 Americans, all who ate and hung out for a couple hours, then ran out. We had one Peruvian family who showed up late and then stayed until 8:30 or so. I had a blast with them, they were so great! I was just tickled at the cultural differences. 

-Last weekend we went to an orphanage. I had so much fun. Those kids are beautiful, and I was blessed by them. Raquel and I sang every Spanish Worship song we could think of. 

-I have become pretty good at a card game called Nertz. If you know me, you know I'm not much of a card player, but I love this game. I still can't shuffle to save my life. I'm waiting to learn from a pro, though. 

-I have become addicted to fresh squeezed Orange Juice, or "Zumo de Naranja" aca. It's so good. 

-I want to find the movie Elf. This has become a huge quest. I can't find it anywhere in AQP, so I might have to wait until I go back to Lima. I'm currently experiencing Christmas fever and gravitate to anything Christmas-y in this "Summer of Christmas." It's so strange seeing beach equipment next to Christmas decor in the department store.

-Speaking of Christmas, it's coming to AQP! They just put the tree up in the Plaza and I am curious to see if they'll actually light it up. It's huge!

-The other day, I fell and busted my butt. I mean, I bruised my tailbone something awful. It was bound to come. I've been limping around, to say the least. 

-I almost bought a dog. I decided not to, it wasn't overly cute. But I do want to get one someday. 

Well, these stories don't seem to be too exciting. Sorry. :) I'll try to be more entertaining for the next post. 

Happy December. Much love.