14.12.09
The Best Sunsets Come
...with clouds. They can be the kind that God has splashed across the sky in a seemingly haphazard manner, or the kind that are big, comfy, and settle deep into the atmosphere. With summer comes clouds here. I've been enjoying the sunsets from my roof--almost every night a plethora of color descends and the sky becomes a canvas, with blues, purples, oranges, pinks, reds, and yellows lighting up the heavens. Here are some pictures. Enjoy, and praise God.
9.11.09
I love Europe.
This is some of the food we ate in Lisbon: We ate and ate and ate some more. They had amazing pastries and coffee.
Above: A mill close to the lookout for the Western-most point in Europe, Cabo da Roca.
Right: They have some beautiful beaches in Portugal. We saw a pro-surfing competition, and later we got to surf!
Below: Susan and I in a historic part of Lisbon.
Below: Caroline and I at Parque Retiro in Madrid; all the girls: Susan, Brittany, Caroline and Julia (and myself in the middle).
Below: Pretty shots of a flower store, a street "bookstore" and the Retiro greenhouse in Madrid (with fall colors showing); Our very cool hostel.
8.11.09
On writing.
I recently read an article by Jon Foreman (the lead singer of Switchfoot, and probably a potential best friend, should I ever meet him) and he wrote that "Poetry can get under the skin without your permission." I love the truth of this statement, and I would say the same applies for anyone who desires to craft words into some sort of meaningful outlet, whether it's poetry, music lyrics, prose--it all has a way of creeping into the veins of the artist and shaping itself into something uncontainable, irrepressible...wild.
I am just finishing up a journal. I love completing something, writing until I can't write anymore and then saving those words, knowing that they're on a page on my bookshelf. I can access them at will. I can open the pages and find sacred thoughts, yearnings, and words that my hand produced. I write because it's the one creative outlet I feel like I'm actually decent at. I write because it's fun. I write because I get excited at the prospect of someone reading my words someday (is that vain?) :)
More than anything, I have realized that I write to glorify God. The words that spill from my pen onto the page are no accident. I can look back in a completed journal and find exactly what I was feeling on any given day, whether I expressed it as a prayer, as a poem, or as a simple catalogue of my day.
Starting a new journal for me signifies starting a new season of life. As I record the last words in my well-worn friend, I think about how excited I am to experience new blessings and new trials in the year to come. It's been a good year--a hard year, but a good year. The ride continues.
My prayer is that God continues to allow me to enjoy what He has given me, to His glory.
Here is an excerpt from my journal that I wrote when I was riding on a train in Lisbon, Portugal (a beautiful trip, by the way--more on that later).
**********************************************
Why is it that I search for beauty? I found myself trying to constantly stray from anything remotely ugly yesterday as we were traveling around the city.
God made us to long for beauty--Himself, namely. Things eternal, not of this world. Yet not everything in life is pretty. Sometimes it's ugly, hard, what-have-you.
I might be too idealistic. I might be in this stage of "maybe the next thing will be more beautiful than this" (see Ecclesiastes 3, which came to mind later). But what if it isn't? God doesn't promise ease, nor does He promise beautiful, happy circumstances all the time.
Therefore, in everything, whether it be physical surroundings or my lousy spiritual state, I should seek out God...even in the not-so-breathtaking moments.
He is there.
***********
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jon-foreman/goodness-precedes-greatne_b_322551.html
I am just finishing up a journal. I love completing something, writing until I can't write anymore and then saving those words, knowing that they're on a page on my bookshelf. I can access them at will. I can open the pages and find sacred thoughts, yearnings, and words that my hand produced. I write because it's the one creative outlet I feel like I'm actually decent at. I write because it's fun. I write because I get excited at the prospect of someone reading my words someday (is that vain?) :)
More than anything, I have realized that I write to glorify God. The words that spill from my pen onto the page are no accident. I can look back in a completed journal and find exactly what I was feeling on any given day, whether I expressed it as a prayer, as a poem, or as a simple catalogue of my day.
Starting a new journal for me signifies starting a new season of life. As I record the last words in my well-worn friend, I think about how excited I am to experience new blessings and new trials in the year to come. It's been a good year--a hard year, but a good year. The ride continues.
My prayer is that God continues to allow me to enjoy what He has given me, to His glory.
Here is an excerpt from my journal that I wrote when I was riding on a train in Lisbon, Portugal (a beautiful trip, by the way--more on that later).
**********************************************
Why is it that I search for beauty? I found myself trying to constantly stray from anything remotely ugly yesterday as we were traveling around the city.
God made us to long for beauty--Himself, namely. Things eternal, not of this world. Yet not everything in life is pretty. Sometimes it's ugly, hard, what-have-you.
I might be too idealistic. I might be in this stage of "maybe the next thing will be more beautiful than this" (see Ecclesiastes 3, which came to mind later). But what if it isn't? God doesn't promise ease, nor does He promise beautiful, happy circumstances all the time.
Therefore, in everything, whether it be physical surroundings or my lousy spiritual state, I should seek out God...even in the not-so-breathtaking moments.
He is there.
***********
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jon-foreman/goodness-precedes-greatne_b_322551.html
14.10.09
Springtime.
Hola a todos. I haven't written in awhile, but thought I'd do a quick update.
I love spring. I love how it begins and how it grows into summer. I love the breezes, the smells, everything. Spring here is beautiful. Purple flowers are starting to bloom, the grass is turning green, people are passing more time outside. It's the kind of weather you want for a picnic. It's the atmosphere that speaks of something coming. In my mind, the "something coming" with summer is newness.
Newness=change. I have never liked change. But I'm used to it now, very much, actually. Change can be good; it leads to growth. I have come to appreciate that, even though the pruning that often comes with change is painful.
I have no idea what is going to happen after December. I will still be here (I leave in August), but I won't have roommates, possibly for awhile. I have come to appreciate solitude in a way, and God reminds me that I'm really not alone. I have new ideas about ministry. Please be in prayer over new opportunities. I was talking to Miriam (another missionary here) the other day, and I commented on how difficult ministry is. When you couple that with a new culture and potential problems in that arena, serving others is "otra cosa" (a whole other story). Pray that humbleness comes, only because I'm being shaped more into the image of Christ.
Notice that my English is going away. I've started to take a Spanish class once a week for four hours at a time. I love it. It's been really good to be learning again, and I feel like I'm being productive. I've also started taking salsa lessons, which is a lot of fun...except when weird latinos who think they can dance want to enlighten me to the ways of their dance moves. No, gracias. At least I have fun stories, though. :)
I'm going to Europe very soon! I will spend some time with girls I met at training in Virginia more than a year ago; in fact, I'll celebrate my first year as a Peruvian in Lisbon. I'm truly looking forward to this time. Please pray that it is encouraging for all of us; also pray specifically that I don't look to these beautiful girls as my answer to any troubles I've faced recently. I will return to Arequipa, possibly to face other trials. But I know God is preparing the way.
Thanks for visiting my life through this blog. This is just a small piece. Sometimes I wish all of you were here to live life with me, to know this culture, these people. I'd ask one more thing: Lift up a renewal in my heart to see lost people come to the Lord. More than anything, ask for a softening of my heart. That's hard to admit in web-land...but it's the truth.
Much love. Blessings.
Run after Christ. I say that to remind myself, too. :)
I love spring. I love how it begins and how it grows into summer. I love the breezes, the smells, everything. Spring here is beautiful. Purple flowers are starting to bloom, the grass is turning green, people are passing more time outside. It's the kind of weather you want for a picnic. It's the atmosphere that speaks of something coming. In my mind, the "something coming" with summer is newness.
Newness=change. I have never liked change. But I'm used to it now, very much, actually. Change can be good; it leads to growth. I have come to appreciate that, even though the pruning that often comes with change is painful.
I have no idea what is going to happen after December. I will still be here (I leave in August), but I won't have roommates, possibly for awhile. I have come to appreciate solitude in a way, and God reminds me that I'm really not alone. I have new ideas about ministry. Please be in prayer over new opportunities. I was talking to Miriam (another missionary here) the other day, and I commented on how difficult ministry is. When you couple that with a new culture and potential problems in that arena, serving others is "otra cosa" (a whole other story). Pray that humbleness comes, only because I'm being shaped more into the image of Christ.
Notice that my English is going away. I've started to take a Spanish class once a week for four hours at a time. I love it. It's been really good to be learning again, and I feel like I'm being productive. I've also started taking salsa lessons, which is a lot of fun...except when weird latinos who think they can dance want to enlighten me to the ways of their dance moves. No, gracias. At least I have fun stories, though. :)
I'm going to Europe very soon! I will spend some time with girls I met at training in Virginia more than a year ago; in fact, I'll celebrate my first year as a Peruvian in Lisbon. I'm truly looking forward to this time. Please pray that it is encouraging for all of us; also pray specifically that I don't look to these beautiful girls as my answer to any troubles I've faced recently. I will return to Arequipa, possibly to face other trials. But I know God is preparing the way.
Thanks for visiting my life through this blog. This is just a small piece. Sometimes I wish all of you were here to live life with me, to know this culture, these people. I'd ask one more thing: Lift up a renewal in my heart to see lost people come to the Lord. More than anything, ask for a softening of my heart. That's hard to admit in web-land...but it's the truth.
Much love. Blessings.
Run after Christ. I say that to remind myself, too. :)
16.8.09
"Electric"
defines this last week in Arequipa. The party started last Friday and didn't end until last night. While overwhelming (learned that word in Spanish: "Conmovida"), it was pure fun, ala latinos. Happy 469th birthday, Arequipa.
Last Friday I went to the "Tuna Match," featuring groups from AQP, Lima, Bolivia, Brazil, Spain, Chile, and Ecuador. Miriam and I still don't really know what a "Tuna" is. We know it's a fruit and a fish; apparently, it's also a Spanish tradition, with a group of guys singing who wear weird clothes and dance. Regardless of our confusion, it was a great time. Music, people on stilts dancing around, free stuff, and the always amusing and nostalgic cultural deal of thanking the city of Arequipa OVER AND OVER AND OVER again made it a lovely (and very cold, might I add) evening. It also solidified my assumption that Chilean men are good looking. :)
Throughout the week, I was able to really surround myself with people I love. I had surprisingly good English classes, which is always an encouragement. Those guys really do take care of me, which is great. I met new friends and potential translators. I got to hang out with Efrain and Dorcas and do what we do best: Eat. A lot. Miriam and I went to the Catedral in the Plaza de Armas and listened to the Cusquenan Symphony. I've started to volunteer at a children's daycare, so I hung out there for a bit and chatted with some women who also work there (I've GOT to practice Spanish). A friend's family invited me to lunch, and it was a lovely time of chatting and praying together.
God always surprises me when I least expect it. Picture this: Walking down the street and feeling a little low. Seeing no one you know, with no prospect of this beautiful thing (running into someone, getting a phone call) happening. Being "out and about" with no purpose--only leaving the house because you'll go crazy if you don't. Basically thinking that it's going to be a rough day. Then, all of the sudden, you realize you're not alone. For whatever reason, you make the choice to repeat and claim that you're not alone. When you start whispering prayers to heaven, choosing to recognize His presence wherever you are, joy overcomes you. A small miracle.
That happened to me this week. I think it was Wednesday or Thursday.
Moving on. This weekend was loco. That's Spanish for crazy, for all you English-speakers out there.
Observations of partying in Peru:
1. Imagine a college football game weekend crowd, then multiply that by 100. EVERYONE comes out of their house for Dia de Arequipa. I mean, everyone. I walked into the Plaza de Armas Friday night, and there was a sea of people that can't be explained.
2. People start partying WAY ahead of time. The actual day is Saturday, but the fiestas start Friday and last well into the night. Fireworks at 2 am, anyone?
3. Dress for these events is apparently very important. They're basically showing themselves off in front of the whole city, so they have to look your best (a HUGE paradox for a lot of Peruvians... sorry, but it's true).
4. A "parade" in AQP is a completely different concept than what we normally think of as a parade. What I witnessed yesterday was a parade. To Peruvians, this is more than a parade--it's a "Corso." I've never heard this word. I know it now, but I also know that they just had a parade. Nada mas.
5. People start sleeping on the sidewalks days in advance. Why, you ask? To save seats, so that they can later sell these seats for said "Corso." One seat can go for as much as ten dollars. I paid ten soles (3 dollars) for my seat and could see just fine. It was a lovely parade, might I add.
6. Rules of drinking in Peru: a. Everyone from age 12 to age 67 walks around with a HUGE bottle of Arequipa or Cuzco beer, just pouring cup after cup. b. 14 year old girls get drunk next to their family members. c. Women make a spectacle of themselves. d. Men become even more disgusting than usual. **I was going to say this is "different" than in the States, but is it, really?
7. Rivers of urine run throughout the streets and sidewalks, "watering" the grass. I don't even want to know what I was stepping in Friday night as I traipsed through downtown. They just love to pee out in the open.
8. It's dangerous to walk around after a certain hour if everyone's drunk. It's also practically impossible to find a taxi. What to do? Well, I didn't want to be groped or raped, so I waited and eventually got one. THEN you have to convince the taxi driver to take you where you need to go. Last night I waited on this whole process for about 45 minutes. It was worth it though: I got to hang out with some cool Christians. :)
9. Being the only white girl in the whole party is pretty crazy. Sure, tourists are around, but when I branch out of the tourist areas, it's always interesting, especially in the fiestas. Crossing through the parade (i.e., walking through the parade) MULTIPLE times with Efrain clapping and yelling "Mira la gringa" just to joke around with me is lots of fun.
10. Arequipenens are a proud people year-round. Imagine the pride felt on the anniversary day. Patriotism flows throughout the city. Heck, they get fined if they don't put a flag up. You have to be patriotic, it seems.
Ok. Well, there's a synopsis of my most recent adventures. Chau!
Last Friday I went to the "Tuna Match," featuring groups from AQP, Lima, Bolivia, Brazil, Spain, Chile, and Ecuador. Miriam and I still don't really know what a "Tuna" is. We know it's a fruit and a fish; apparently, it's also a Spanish tradition, with a group of guys singing who wear weird clothes and dance. Regardless of our confusion, it was a great time. Music, people on stilts dancing around, free stuff, and the always amusing and nostalgic cultural deal of thanking the city of Arequipa OVER AND OVER AND OVER again made it a lovely (and very cold, might I add) evening. It also solidified my assumption that Chilean men are good looking. :)
Throughout the week, I was able to really surround myself with people I love. I had surprisingly good English classes, which is always an encouragement. Those guys really do take care of me, which is great. I met new friends and potential translators. I got to hang out with Efrain and Dorcas and do what we do best: Eat. A lot. Miriam and I went to the Catedral in the Plaza de Armas and listened to the Cusquenan Symphony. I've started to volunteer at a children's daycare, so I hung out there for a bit and chatted with some women who also work there (I've GOT to practice Spanish). A friend's family invited me to lunch, and it was a lovely time of chatting and praying together.
God always surprises me when I least expect it. Picture this: Walking down the street and feeling a little low. Seeing no one you know, with no prospect of this beautiful thing (running into someone, getting a phone call) happening. Being "out and about" with no purpose--only leaving the house because you'll go crazy if you don't. Basically thinking that it's going to be a rough day. Then, all of the sudden, you realize you're not alone. For whatever reason, you make the choice to repeat and claim that you're not alone. When you start whispering prayers to heaven, choosing to recognize His presence wherever you are, joy overcomes you. A small miracle.
That happened to me this week. I think it was Wednesday or Thursday.
Moving on. This weekend was loco. That's Spanish for crazy, for all you English-speakers out there.
Observations of partying in Peru:
1. Imagine a college football game weekend crowd, then multiply that by 100. EVERYONE comes out of their house for Dia de Arequipa. I mean, everyone. I walked into the Plaza de Armas Friday night, and there was a sea of people that can't be explained.
2. People start partying WAY ahead of time. The actual day is Saturday, but the fiestas start Friday and last well into the night. Fireworks at 2 am, anyone?
3. Dress for these events is apparently very important. They're basically showing themselves off in front of the whole city, so they have to look your best (a HUGE paradox for a lot of Peruvians... sorry, but it's true).
4. A "parade" in AQP is a completely different concept than what we normally think of as a parade. What I witnessed yesterday was a parade. To Peruvians, this is more than a parade--it's a "Corso." I've never heard this word. I know it now, but I also know that they just had a parade. Nada mas.
5. People start sleeping on the sidewalks days in advance. Why, you ask? To save seats, so that they can later sell these seats for said "Corso." One seat can go for as much as ten dollars. I paid ten soles (3 dollars) for my seat and could see just fine. It was a lovely parade, might I add.
6. Rules of drinking in Peru: a. Everyone from age 12 to age 67 walks around with a HUGE bottle of Arequipa or Cuzco beer, just pouring cup after cup. b. 14 year old girls get drunk next to their family members. c. Women make a spectacle of themselves. d. Men become even more disgusting than usual. **I was going to say this is "different" than in the States, but is it, really?
7. Rivers of urine run throughout the streets and sidewalks, "watering" the grass. I don't even want to know what I was stepping in Friday night as I traipsed through downtown. They just love to pee out in the open.
8. It's dangerous to walk around after a certain hour if everyone's drunk. It's also practically impossible to find a taxi. What to do? Well, I didn't want to be groped or raped, so I waited and eventually got one. THEN you have to convince the taxi driver to take you where you need to go. Last night I waited on this whole process for about 45 minutes. It was worth it though: I got to hang out with some cool Christians. :)
9. Being the only white girl in the whole party is pretty crazy. Sure, tourists are around, but when I branch out of the tourist areas, it's always interesting, especially in the fiestas. Crossing through the parade (i.e., walking through the parade) MULTIPLE times with Efrain clapping and yelling "Mira la gringa" just to joke around with me is lots of fun.
10. Arequipenens are a proud people year-round. Imagine the pride felt on the anniversary day. Patriotism flows throughout the city. Heck, they get fined if they don't put a flag up. You have to be patriotic, it seems.
Ok. Well, there's a synopsis of my most recent adventures. Chau!
9.8.09
is it ever gonna be the same?
I’ve been thinking about blogging for some time now, and at the request of my mom, here it goes...
First, happy August. Peruvian winter is almost done, Praise God. The other day the weather changed dramatically for a few days: It got windy, cold and it started misting. I’ll include a photo of the volcanoes, which quickly became covered in snow. It was a dramatic weather change, but worth it to see the mountains blanketed in snow.
The last couple of months have been defined by sporadic busyness, ministry changes, and lots of visitors to “Hotel Sarah.” Since Stacey and Nathaniel were here, we had a lot of schedule changes, as well as new opportunities in ministry. It was good to have them here, but now that they’re gone, things will look significantly different since I can’t do the work of three people. There is a girl coming in September for a few months to help with ministry; be in prayer for her as she prepares to come.
In June and July, I had at least 24 people come through Arequipa to visit/rest. As summer missionaries are traveling throughout villages in Peru, they will sometimes come through the big cities, and I have the privilege of hosting them in AQP. Having people stay/visit my home really has become a ministry in itself, and while it can be tiring, God has taught me so much through it. I’ve learned what it is to just give without expectation, and how sweet it is to receive unexpected blessings in return!
I’ve had the opportunity to travel a good amount: I went to Lima again for the end of summer transition time (work related, but I also had a BLAST with some friends there), and in June, I got to go to Nazca in central Peru, also for work. We had a lot of meetings, but I did get to sandboard, which was one of the best things I’ve ever done. To be honest, traveling around has been tiring, so I’m excited to have a break until October, which will be the Europe adventure (Madrid and Lisbon!!).
In July, I got to go back to the States for a quick visit. It was good, but it was great to return to my current home country. God continues to use that trip to show me a lot about my relationship with Him. While it was good to hug my parents, spend time with my sisters and friends, eat good food, and reunite with my dogs, the Lord showed me what I really ought to be doing when I’m desperate, when I’m at the end of my rope: Go to Him. He is the only one that will satisfy, after all. Man, Jesus is good even when I turn away and seek out other things or people. Please pray for me during this time, that I will just be loved on by Christ and realize that He truly is all I need.
On a less serious note, some highlights from the States:
1. listening to rainshowers on my deck
2. sweet tea
3. thanksgiving food in july
4. getting a tan, going out on a boat
5. Athens fun, going to my fave places
6. driving
7. going to the grocery store and seeing food I can’t buy in Peru
8. laying on my fluffy, pillow-like puppies☺
9. sitting with people who know me…and knowing who your real friends are (a very valuable realization)
10. humidity (never thought I’d say that)
I thank y’all very much for keeping up with me. I’ve now worked for the Company for a year now; I’ll be back in GA next August, tentatively. PLEASE, PLEASE lift up the work here in the meantime. Because I’m going through some personal challenges, I’m feeling very un-motivated to work and to serve. I’m asking for your help; I don’t love asking for help, but if I’m going to make it over the next year, prayer will have to be huge. I want to be purposeful, I want to remember why I’m here, and above all, I want to be a vessel for Christ and see Him glorified.
...more to come as thoughts float around in my head...i'm trying to pull them all together...
First, happy August. Peruvian winter is almost done, Praise God. The other day the weather changed dramatically for a few days: It got windy, cold and it started misting. I’ll include a photo of the volcanoes, which quickly became covered in snow. It was a dramatic weather change, but worth it to see the mountains blanketed in snow.
The last couple of months have been defined by sporadic busyness, ministry changes, and lots of visitors to “Hotel Sarah.” Since Stacey and Nathaniel were here, we had a lot of schedule changes, as well as new opportunities in ministry. It was good to have them here, but now that they’re gone, things will look significantly different since I can’t do the work of three people. There is a girl coming in September for a few months to help with ministry; be in prayer for her as she prepares to come.
In June and July, I had at least 24 people come through Arequipa to visit/rest. As summer missionaries are traveling throughout villages in Peru, they will sometimes come through the big cities, and I have the privilege of hosting them in AQP. Having people stay/visit my home really has become a ministry in itself, and while it can be tiring, God has taught me so much through it. I’ve learned what it is to just give without expectation, and how sweet it is to receive unexpected blessings in return!
I’ve had the opportunity to travel a good amount: I went to Lima again for the end of summer transition time (work related, but I also had a BLAST with some friends there), and in June, I got to go to Nazca in central Peru, also for work. We had a lot of meetings, but I did get to sandboard, which was one of the best things I’ve ever done. To be honest, traveling around has been tiring, so I’m excited to have a break until October, which will be the Europe adventure (Madrid and Lisbon!!).
In July, I got to go back to the States for a quick visit. It was good, but it was great to return to my current home country. God continues to use that trip to show me a lot about my relationship with Him. While it was good to hug my parents, spend time with my sisters and friends, eat good food, and reunite with my dogs, the Lord showed me what I really ought to be doing when I’m desperate, when I’m at the end of my rope: Go to Him. He is the only one that will satisfy, after all. Man, Jesus is good even when I turn away and seek out other things or people. Please pray for me during this time, that I will just be loved on by Christ and realize that He truly is all I need.
On a less serious note, some highlights from the States:
1. listening to rainshowers on my deck
2. sweet tea
3. thanksgiving food in july
4. getting a tan, going out on a boat
5. Athens fun, going to my fave places
6. driving
7. going to the grocery store and seeing food I can’t buy in Peru
8. laying on my fluffy, pillow-like puppies☺
9. sitting with people who know me…and knowing who your real friends are (a very valuable realization)
10. humidity (never thought I’d say that)
I thank y’all very much for keeping up with me. I’ve now worked for the Company for a year now; I’ll be back in GA next August, tentatively. PLEASE, PLEASE lift up the work here in the meantime. Because I’m going through some personal challenges, I’m feeling very un-motivated to work and to serve. I’m asking for your help; I don’t love asking for help, but if I’m going to make it over the next year, prayer will have to be huge. I want to be purposeful, I want to remember why I’m here, and above all, I want to be a vessel for Christ and see Him glorified.
...more to come as thoughts float around in my head...i'm trying to pull them all together...
15.6.09
He has loved us since we've breathed, and He'll love us for forever...
**Two other new posts are also below this LONG one... :) All of this is in lieu of the email update I promised awhile back.
Psalm 118:13
…I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
I do pray that this finds you all well. Can we talk about how AWESOME God is? He just really astounds me, and I hope that you’re seeing Him in beautiful ways in these times, even if you're going through hard waters and hot flames...
Some random updates:
-I had my first doctor’s appointment in Arequipa. I had to go to the dermatologist. I waited for two hours for a ten-minute consult. I am now on a ton of meds, and we’ll see if any of them actually work.
-We’re taking salsa dance classes from a guy named Edu, who is from northern Peru. I like Edu because he is normal and not sketchy. The same goes for my gym friend, Lucho—I actually like going to Peruvian gyms more than American ones.
-I can’t speak or think in English anymore. I know you’re thinking that I’m ridiculous right now, but it’s true. In being around Spanish and speaking it most of the time, I’m peppering English with Spanish, and sometimes I can’t remember simple words in English, but know what I’m trying to say in Spanish. It’s lots of fun. ☺
-Winter is coming. It’s quite strange. The sun is out all day for the most part, but it starts to get really chilly; it’s even pretty cold in the shade. I’ve learned even more just how much I love warm weather. In other news, we’ve had a couple earthquakes recently. One of them even made me actually get off the bed, prepped to leave my house if necessary…I think it was about a 5.4, five hours south of us.
-I am blessed by white people AND Peruvians these days: We have a small English study every Sunday night, and it is just great to worship in my heart language and be with Americans for a time. My Sunday morning fellowship is beautiful, too. I truly believe that God is using this small group to be an example of His light in a country that has a very-skewed version of the Gospel creeping into every corner. I’ve been blessed to be in a solid community of believers, and I meet new people all the time through Iglesia Refugio. El Pastor, El Jefe, El Comandante ,and my great amigo Efrain and his family have become like family to me (as have others within the church). We have such a great time together. I’ve gone horseback riding with them, eaten Pizza Hut to celebrate Mother’s Day together, had them over to eat, gone to eat at their house (Dorcas is a great cook, and we like to eat ☺) and had fun at the market. I’ve also started to volunteer at the Café, which is going to present some really great ministry opportunities. Pray that the church at Refugio is strengthened, and that recent monetary issues concerning the Cafe are resolved, because it truly is an incredible ministry.
-Things are in full swing with ESL classes! We have something almost every night of the week, and we continue to pick up things to fill our days. Nathaniel and Stacey are certainly blessings, and I truly believe that God is going to touch so many lives with their presence here. I LOVE our students, and their zeal for learning English AND the Bible is great. They bless me all the time, and I feel so encouraged by being able to meet, work, and fellowship with them. There are hard days, obviously, but the good outweigh the bad. Stacey and I are having our first women’s meeting on Monday (tomorrow), and Nathaniel will be having a men’s event as well. We’re asking that those go magnificently, so ask with us, please.
-I’m going to Europe in October! I’m so excited. Susan and Caroline and I will spend time in Madrid and Lisbon. I miss those beautiful girls so much, and I can’t wait to see them. I’m a little nervous about being around Spain Spanish, though…that will be interesting. Speaking of J-Man friends…Gosh, I miss y’all. I was so blessed to hear from some Africa friends and know that they’re in prayer over Peru. What a blessing to know that Africa is connected to Peru. Know that I’m so pumped to see friends again in the future, but until then, I’m so excited about the work God is doing around the world through all of you. Please pray for friends around the world who serve in obedience to Christ to see His name made known in all corners.
God is teaching me a lot. I’ve entered into a season of admitting some things to God that I haven’t wanted to talk about with him. Isn’t it interesting how we try to hide things from the One who created us? I do it even when I don’t realize I’m doing it. As always, He is faithful even when I am not; He forgives when I come before Him, ashamed of what I’ve done or what I’ve not done; He is here even when I don’t think He is; He provides for me in ways I can’t comprehend; He equips me in things I find myself to be not-so-good-at; He answers prayer in ways we want Him to and in ways we don’t want Him to, and that’s ok; He puts people in my life who teach me patience, who teach me love, and who teach me about Himself; He tests me and pulls me into the flames so that I emerge stronger in HIM. So much happens in this life as a daughter of God, it’s really beautiful. In eight months of being in Peru, I’ve learned more about myself, about others, and about Christ-in-me than I have in my entire life, or for that matter, my almost-five years of being a Christ-follower. I can’t wait for the year ahead.
Danielle (my friend in Africa) reminded me of one of my favorite verses the other day. I was spilling some of my troubles to her (and they've been great) and she was gracious enough to give me this: Micah 6:8, which says, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This is pretty much it, right? Let’s all go out, wherever we may be, and spread justice and love and mercy and righteousness in the name of Jesus Christ. That’s the heart of life.
Psalm 118:13
…I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
I do pray that this finds you all well. Can we talk about how AWESOME God is? He just really astounds me, and I hope that you’re seeing Him in beautiful ways in these times, even if you're going through hard waters and hot flames...
Some random updates:
-I had my first doctor’s appointment in Arequipa. I had to go to the dermatologist. I waited for two hours for a ten-minute consult. I am now on a ton of meds, and we’ll see if any of them actually work.
-We’re taking salsa dance classes from a guy named Edu, who is from northern Peru. I like Edu because he is normal and not sketchy. The same goes for my gym friend, Lucho—I actually like going to Peruvian gyms more than American ones.
-I can’t speak or think in English anymore. I know you’re thinking that I’m ridiculous right now, but it’s true. In being around Spanish and speaking it most of the time, I’m peppering English with Spanish, and sometimes I can’t remember simple words in English, but know what I’m trying to say in Spanish. It’s lots of fun. ☺
-Winter is coming. It’s quite strange. The sun is out all day for the most part, but it starts to get really chilly; it’s even pretty cold in the shade. I’ve learned even more just how much I love warm weather. In other news, we’ve had a couple earthquakes recently. One of them even made me actually get off the bed, prepped to leave my house if necessary…I think it was about a 5.4, five hours south of us.
-I am blessed by white people AND Peruvians these days: We have a small English study every Sunday night, and it is just great to worship in my heart language and be with Americans for a time. My Sunday morning fellowship is beautiful, too. I truly believe that God is using this small group to be an example of His light in a country that has a very-skewed version of the Gospel creeping into every corner. I’ve been blessed to be in a solid community of believers, and I meet new people all the time through Iglesia Refugio. El Pastor, El Jefe, El Comandante ,and my great amigo Efrain and his family have become like family to me (as have others within the church). We have such a great time together. I’ve gone horseback riding with them, eaten Pizza Hut to celebrate Mother’s Day together, had them over to eat, gone to eat at their house (Dorcas is a great cook, and we like to eat ☺) and had fun at the market. I’ve also started to volunteer at the Café, which is going to present some really great ministry opportunities. Pray that the church at Refugio is strengthened, and that recent monetary issues concerning the Cafe are resolved, because it truly is an incredible ministry.
-Things are in full swing with ESL classes! We have something almost every night of the week, and we continue to pick up things to fill our days. Nathaniel and Stacey are certainly blessings, and I truly believe that God is going to touch so many lives with their presence here. I LOVE our students, and their zeal for learning English AND the Bible is great. They bless me all the time, and I feel so encouraged by being able to meet, work, and fellowship with them. There are hard days, obviously, but the good outweigh the bad. Stacey and I are having our first women’s meeting on Monday (tomorrow), and Nathaniel will be having a men’s event as well. We’re asking that those go magnificently, so ask with us, please.
-I’m going to Europe in October! I’m so excited. Susan and Caroline and I will spend time in Madrid and Lisbon. I miss those beautiful girls so much, and I can’t wait to see them. I’m a little nervous about being around Spain Spanish, though…that will be interesting. Speaking of J-Man friends…Gosh, I miss y’all. I was so blessed to hear from some Africa friends and know that they’re in prayer over Peru. What a blessing to know that Africa is connected to Peru. Know that I’m so pumped to see friends again in the future, but until then, I’m so excited about the work God is doing around the world through all of you. Please pray for friends around the world who serve in obedience to Christ to see His name made known in all corners.
God is teaching me a lot. I’ve entered into a season of admitting some things to God that I haven’t wanted to talk about with him. Isn’t it interesting how we try to hide things from the One who created us? I do it even when I don’t realize I’m doing it. As always, He is faithful even when I am not; He forgives when I come before Him, ashamed of what I’ve done or what I’ve not done; He is here even when I don’t think He is; He provides for me in ways I can’t comprehend; He equips me in things I find myself to be not-so-good-at; He answers prayer in ways we want Him to and in ways we don’t want Him to, and that’s ok; He puts people in my life who teach me patience, who teach me love, and who teach me about Himself; He tests me and pulls me into the flames so that I emerge stronger in HIM. So much happens in this life as a daughter of God, it’s really beautiful. In eight months of being in Peru, I’ve learned more about myself, about others, and about Christ-in-me than I have in my entire life, or for that matter, my almost-five years of being a Christ-follower. I can’t wait for the year ahead.
Danielle (my friend in Africa) reminded me of one of my favorite verses the other day. I was spilling some of my troubles to her (and they've been great) and she was gracious enough to give me this: Micah 6:8, which says, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This is pretty much it, right? Let’s all go out, wherever we may be, and spread justice and love and mercy and righteousness in the name of Jesus Christ. That’s the heart of life.
Home for now. Some photos...
Violeta y yo being silly. I love her, she blesses my life on a daily basis.
Pretty much fanstastic. By the way, those are Volcanoes.
Welcome to Peru.
Me and my kiddoes. They're just really, really cute. :)
This is a pic of me (with the Reap folks) at the airport in Lima. We were picking up the summer m's that rolled in for training.
25.5.09
In the waiting room.
Hola a todos!
I'm in Lima right now, in Starbucks, actually. Yay! Oh, how I miss overpriced coffee, elevator music, and the rich folks in Miraflores. I don't love Lima, but I love visiting; I feel like I'm in the 21st century. Then, as I arrive in my city in the always-perilous airplane landing, I'm overjoyed to be home, away from the bustle of Lima, exchanging that bustle for the Arequipenan bustle. I will return to AQP on the 1st of June, after our summer missionary training is over.
Some stories for you until I can write more:
1. I saw two cows in a taxi in Arequipa recently. Two cows, stuffed in the back of a station-wagon taxi, driving down a major road.
2. I helped lead worship in church one Sunday. Can I sing, you ask? Everyone can sing in Peru... :) It was fun, nonetheless.
3. Ten road workers tried to pick me up in AQP as I was leaving for Lima. Usually I don't say anything in response, but TEN, all saying things....Let's just say, I got a little frustrated. My spanish is always better when I'm angry.
4. The Swine Flu (gripe porcina) has arrived in Lima and Arequipa. Peruvians are always faithful to remind me that Americans bring it in--they should prep themselves for 120 college students to arrive tonight then, all potential threats. ;) They also love to wear masks around, thinking we're all going to die.
5. I have gifts! People have sent/brought in natural peanut butter, chocolate chips, CHEERIOS, body lotions, and other random goodies (thank you, Chris Harris, for the Dolly cd).
I'll update you with more doings in a few weeks. I know I said that I would send out an email update. It's coming! Be in prayer over Malea's travels as she returns to the States. Kelsey, Stacey, and Nathaniel are here until the end of July. Pray as we get started in Arequipa that ministry opportunities flourish, and that God gives us His vision for that city. I've been praying for some time for vision, join me in that, please. As I was listening to my ipod on shuffle the other day, "Be Thou My Vision" came on, and it was beautiful meditating on Christ as my principle vision; all else will come in time.
Love to all, blessings as you enter new seasons. (Above: Some cute kids I teach at a colegio.)
I'm in Lima right now, in Starbucks, actually. Yay! Oh, how I miss overpriced coffee, elevator music, and the rich folks in Miraflores. I don't love Lima, but I love visiting; I feel like I'm in the 21st century. Then, as I arrive in my city in the always-perilous airplane landing, I'm overjoyed to be home, away from the bustle of Lima, exchanging that bustle for the Arequipenan bustle. I will return to AQP on the 1st of June, after our summer missionary training is over.
Some stories for you until I can write more:
1. I saw two cows in a taxi in Arequipa recently. Two cows, stuffed in the back of a station-wagon taxi, driving down a major road.
2. I helped lead worship in church one Sunday. Can I sing, you ask? Everyone can sing in Peru... :) It was fun, nonetheless.
3. Ten road workers tried to pick me up in AQP as I was leaving for Lima. Usually I don't say anything in response, but TEN, all saying things....Let's just say, I got a little frustrated. My spanish is always better when I'm angry.
4. The Swine Flu (gripe porcina) has arrived in Lima and Arequipa. Peruvians are always faithful to remind me that Americans bring it in--they should prep themselves for 120 college students to arrive tonight then, all potential threats. ;) They also love to wear masks around, thinking we're all going to die.
5. I have gifts! People have sent/brought in natural peanut butter, chocolate chips, CHEERIOS, body lotions, and other random goodies (thank you, Chris Harris, for the Dolly cd).
I'll update you with more doings in a few weeks. I know I said that I would send out an email update. It's coming! Be in prayer over Malea's travels as she returns to the States. Kelsey, Stacey, and Nathaniel are here until the end of July. Pray as we get started in Arequipa that ministry opportunities flourish, and that God gives us His vision for that city. I've been praying for some time for vision, join me in that, please. As I was listening to my ipod on shuffle the other day, "Be Thou My Vision" came on, and it was beautiful meditating on Christ as my principle vision; all else will come in time.
Love to all, blessings as you enter new seasons. (Above: Some cute kids I teach at a colegio.)
3.5.09
transparency.
it's always best writing late, i usually feel real at this hour.
these have been hard days. i've been avoiding updating anyone on anything because sometimes i selfishly want to ignore the difficulty around me--you know, let the bad subside, then tell you something wonderful whenever "wonderful" shows up. but i was thinking the other day, "when is something wonderful going to come?" in emotion, in not-thinking-clearly moments, i tend to think that greatness is beyond me. then i remember that greatness has come and is within me:
Christ Jesus.
so even when i'm awfully low, He picks me up and reminds me of His wonder. when i see gray, when i feel tears, when i can't breathe, God gives me warm/bright sun rays, cool/refreshing tears mixed with belly-ache laughter, and His very own breath...
good days are ahead.
in the meantime, He brings me to Himself and to my knees.
thank you for your prayers, i covet them. continue to lift up the work here with the ESL ministry. our summer missionaries are coming in June, please pray for their precious lives to glorify God in great ways during their months in AQP. pray for other Great Commissioner's, that they would be a blessing to the work God is doing in Arequipa and in South America. perhaps more importantly, ask that the Father would create a revolution in this city that points people to Himself.
i'm begging Him to make His name known through all creation, for His renown. come quickly, Lord Jesus.
17.4.09
Just because...
Hola from sunny Arequipa. It's utterly amazing how much weather affects my mood. It's warm, the sun has been out, the gorgeous snow-capped mountains are visible, and I'm a happy Peruana. :)
Just a quick update, basically because I haven't gotten around to actually writing an email update to send out....
All continues to go well here, there are about to be some major changes, though. Malea is leaving at the end of May, and God is bringing at least two (maybe three) summer M's to me. Pray that Malea's transition goes well as she leaves; also lift up the newbies coming.
Another important prayer request: There was a bridge collapse in Coracora, a small town north of Arequipa. 2 teachers were killed, as were 6 or 7 school children. That is a town that my team has down work in, and we currently have people there ministering. Pray that the people there affected by this tragedy are open to hearing why they can hope in life eternal.
God is good, isn't He? I continue to face challenges, but He reminds me that everything will be fine. It's been good to be surrounded by friends, Americans and Peruvians alike. I'm trying to stay busy and find other opportunities to minister.
Right before Easter I took a day vaca to the beach, perhaps one of my favorite places in the world. It was glorious because no one was there, the weather was great, and I was able to have great communion with the Lord. Easter came and went, but not without great fellowship and remembrance of Christ on the Cross. Praise the Father that the Son is alive. That's just beyond words for me.
I spent Easter dinner with American friends and Peruvian friends, and we did it up right. We had all kinds of yummy food, and I made my mom's Mac and cheese casserole dish. My pastor, Ephrain, tried Jello salad for the first time and made a priceless "ick" face. :)
I do pray that you guys are well and communing with the Father. Pray that I continue to do so. Be blessed, and until next time, much love.
Look for a newsletter update soon!
8.4.09
Parading around town...
These go along with the parade story in the post below. :)
Before Semana Santa started, Arequipenans wanted to march for life, so that's what we did....
7.4.09
Surprising Reality.
Thank you for checking the blog out, it's been awhile since I've updated. Good things continue to grace our lives as Malea and I press on in Arequipa. Praise God for new opportunities, March and April have been incredibly busy. We have had a huge amount of interest in English classes, and we've continued to see existing classes grow. We've started teaching at new locations, and we've also started private classes--everyone wants to learn English all of the sudden. We're also volunteering services at a colegio attached to a church; I work with kids ranging in age from 3 years to 17 years. It's been so beautiful hanging out with these children, and I love that I can help Pastor Ulysses and his wife advance their small mountain school.
New friends are always being made. Denka has become one of my mothers here in Arequipa. She is the mom to Muriel, the little girl I work with in English. Muriel is certainly a fiery spirit, but I enjoy hanging out with her and her mom. I feel blessed to have met Denka, a sister in Christ, as well as Violeta and Dorcas. Violeta is married to Renato, and Dorcas to Ephrain; all four are leaders in the church I've been attending. God has been good in blessing us with a church family. It certainly was unexpected, if only because I've seen such unsound doctrine pervading the "Christian" churches in Arequipa.
Semana Santa has started, and it has been a wake up call. For the first time in some time, God has shown me just how many people are without Hope because they worship things or people that are absolute lies. I've recently come to terms with the fact that Arequipa is the most Catholic city in Peru. Evidence of this includes witnessing people carrying their palms as they parade up and down the streets, as if to show off that they've attended mass; others sell their goods in the name of Jesus or Mary or whatever, hoping to make a profit in some weird "carnival-esque" fashion. Still others seem to just go along with whatever event is happening in the name of "Holy Week" to seem like they fit into the good Religious bubble. Please pray that eyes and hearts will be opened; Pray that God empowers us to speak Truth; Pray that the Spirit moves and people come to know that Jesus Christ is the only Way.
Random things...
-TONS of friends passed through AQP recently, and we were able to host them. It was so great to see fellow Americans, but I have to be honest, it was a shock to my system. It made me think about my return to the States, considering that I've only been here six months and I wanted to hide under a rock as I was surrounded by non-Peruanos.
-Funny story #1: I got to walk in a parade. I didn't know what I was committing to when I told a friend I'd go somewhere with her one Saturday morning; Kristen and I ended up being the only gringas in a parade, walking as reps. for an English institute. It was pretty funny. Check out facebook for photos.
-Super random, but I finally got to see Slumdog Millionaire. I've been waiting on this movie for a long time, and I finally saw it. Check it out, it was great!
-A group came through from Alabama to work with the Rainses, and it was great having fellow southerners here, they were so sweet. I had fun working with them and seeing their hearts for this city. They held a Pastor's conference for the Peruvian pastors and their wives, so that was neat. It also allowed me to meet some new translators. Yay for Roberto, Yessinia, Benjamin and Josue!
-Praise God for my friend and sister in Christ, Betty, as she has been such a support in some hard times. Lift her up. Lift up other friends, including Eva, Katy, Esmeralda, Giannina, and Laura. I would LOVE to start a women's study here, we'll see what happens.
-Lightbulb moment of the month: Peruvians have no filter (make that Latinos in general, a broad statement, I know...). Example: I had really, really, really bad acne and two of my friends thought it appropriate to say "Sara, what happened, you look awful." They then proceeded to ask me if I've been eating a lot of fat. All I can do is laugh at the differences in culture. :)
-Ephrain, our pastor, wants to start a new church plant in a district called Mariano Melgar. It is a fairly poor area outside the city, so he took us there recently to check it out. He leads a Bible study there now (there is no church), and he wants me to teach at the study sometime--in spanish. Ha! We'll see....Anyway, Ephrain is so vision oriented, I love it. Apart from this new church, he is also looking into creating a home for young pregnant women and ministering in that way. Pray for Ephrain and his family.
-New spanish praise and worship music has made me smile. :) I'm also learning how to make several Peruvian dishes, and I love it. My newest teacher was Kevin, and he made a mean Lomo Saltado.
-Classes are going well, people are hearing the Truth, seeking out more information, and wanting to hang out with us. Pray that they continue to come.
-Funny story #2: I travel up into Enace twice a week to teach at the school for ninos. The first time I went, I met Rambo--not his real name, obviously. When I heard this nickname, I chuckled and said "Like the movie?" and he nodded, knowingly. Anyway, Rambo, 8, is the class clown, the talker, but I love him. He looks at me after we'd made our introduction and mutters something like "bootefool eeis." Turns out he was trying to say "beautiful eyes," I assume, to me. Gracias. :) After teaching the class the correct pronunciation of his flattery, I look at Rambo, who then informs me, very matter-of-factly, that I should take off my earrings because I look better without them. It made me laugh, and I obliged. I love kids.
-We had an earthquake. We're fine, but it's always interesting. I was out in public for this one, and people seriously freaked out.
-Finally, praise the Lord that it has gotten warmer!! I miss spring in Athens, so the fact that winter is coming is difficult to handle. BUT the return of the sun has made the "cooler" temps seem warmer. I've been able to relax on my roof and catch some rays while viewing my gorgeous mountains, which have also reemerged. I'm still anticipating some really cold nights coming up, I'll let you know how it goes.
Blessings to all of you, prayers are appreciated, and know that I am on my knees for you. Until next time, much love.
18.3.09
"psalm 1 prayer"
Plant me in the ground.
Make my roots dig deep into fertile soil.
Water me with the Word.
Make me to not falter.
Your precepts drift downstream
And my heart reaches for them...
clinging to them with rusty,
yet steadfast, hands.
Because of You I bear fruit,
Saturated in Your love
and watered by the
oil of Your Spirit.
May these roots dig deep into You.
15.3.09
Pure Joy...
A month and five days after my last post, I find myself in a very different state of mind now. I'll try not to wax too poetic in this post, but be forewarned that God is moving in my heart like He hasn't (or at least like I haven't recognized) in a long while. Because of these lessons, many of them difficult to swallow, I've been fairly introspective, moreso than usual. In an attempt to just wait and "be inspired" to blog, I instead journaled a lot over the last month; this blog post, I think, will be paraphrasing much of what I've written in my journal. Here we go...
Lesson 1: Keeping myself in God's love. Jude 21 says "Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life..." This verse, though I've read it a lot, jumped out at me on Feb. 17. After our Valentine's Party (which went very well--thank you for your prayers), Peru celebrated "Dia del Amor/Dia de Amistad" for about a week, and I was reminded that there is no greater love in this universe greater than the love of God.
Lesson 2: Only God can point people to Himself, I am just a vessel. I think as each day passes, I'm reminded that this is a lifelong lesson. I've started to read the Psalms, and I am continually in awe of His power.
Lesson 3: God spreads His protection over me. I read Psalm 3 on Feb. 18: "But You are a shield around me, O Lord; You bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy hill." The end of last month was filled with whispers from the Lord that He is my protector, in everything: In physical trials, in my emotional/mental state, and in my spiritual life. Little did I know that I would enter into a trying time in which He would spread His protection over me (Psalm 5).
Lesson 4: I now have the supernatural ability to replace my mind with that of Christ. He has set me free from myself, praise God. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. See Galatians 2:20...Enough said.
Lesson 5: Spiritual warfare is a reality. At Iglesia Refugio last week, we talked about being "mas que vencedores." "Sea preparada," He says, and that "mis armas no son de este mundo..." ("more than conquerors," "be prepared," and "our weapons are not of this world," all from 2 Corinthians). I've not felt so spiritually attacked in a long time. The last few weeks have been rough, and I covet your prayers: Pray that I flee all temptation, pray that I give no foothold to Satan, pray that I am given strength to persevere, pray that I choose to be joyful, and pray that God continues to refine me into a fisher of men. Perhaps more than anything, pray against the work of the Devil here, for he is moving; instead, pray in the name of Jesus that hearts are turned towards Him and that revival starts in Arequipa.
Lesson 6: Offering a sacrifice of praise. Again, fairly self-explanatory. In times of trouble, I learn what it is to praise the name of God, even when it is the hardest thing to do. Ultimately, it seems to be the only thing I can do.
Lesson 7: Repentance...and grace to forgive. I can be so stupid sometimes; even when I am told by the Lord that I have the mind of Christ and He has given me power over my enemies, I make some dumb decisions. I falter. I mess up. I'm still dirty...But His blood washes over me and makes me clean. God is faithful to forgive when I ask for forgiveness and acknowledge my sin. What incredible grace, what deep love He has for me; I cannot fathom it. I just know that the grace of God covers me everyday. Perhaps even more lovely: He gives me grace to forgive others, even when it is the last thing I want to do.
March 11: I was up around 3:30 because I could not sleep, I had an ache in my stomach. After speaking to the Lord about some things, He granted me sleep. The next morning I woke and praised Him and spent time in His presence. The first shuffled song that came up on my ipod was called "The Sun is Shining," by Third Day. One of my favorite bands, but not necessarily one of my go-to songs. Mac P. put words to what I was feeling that morning: "Yesterday I lost everything I had and loved. I cried out for you Lord, and You picked me up. The sorrow lasted through the night, but the joy came with the morn. The sun is shining...there is hope for me again."
How lovely that in the midst of struggle, He is shown strong in me. In the moment of my weakness, Christ Jesus is glorified because His power is made perfect. That's been a great lesson. Growing closer to the Lord, seeing His hand of protection, hearing His whisper of love, being encouraged in small, surprising moments...those times make this whole mess worth it. Jesus is worth it.
I praise God for these difficult times. I rejoice in Him for making Himself known. I glory in Him just because. Finally, I thank Him for the Body of Christ. I've been encouraged by you, and I thank you for your prayers. I would list you all, but there are too many, and this is already massive. People aren't kidding: This life is hard. But it isn't hard just because I'm in Peru. I'm learning more every day that being a Follower of Jesus Christ is a difficult path. I'd encounter hardship in Georgia, maybe in a different way than I encounter it here. But for now, with the knowledge that I am in obedience to Christ, the fact that He has placed me here for His purpose is all I need to know.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3
10.2.09
Let's go on and LOVE.
Happy February! As we quickly approach March, I'm in awe that I'm about to surpass the six-month term mark. Some things to look forward to: A possible trip into the mountains in March, summer missionaries coming at the end of May, and a family vacation in July.
First off, here is a photo of the mountains that you see when you fly into the AQP airport. Brittany tagged me in this thing to post the 4th photo of the 4th album on your computer; this is what I came up with...
Not only do I get to see these mountains everyday, God continuously reminds me that He is the Creator-God who fashioned them with His hands. May people in the mountains, near the sea, atop rolling hills, and nestled into valleys hear the name of Jesus and come to believe and confess that He is Lord over all.
The last post mentioned the strikes that had started in Arequipa; no worries, I'm still alive. I'll keep you posted on any future political turmoils that might arise. While the strikes were winding down, I was able to go to Lima for a team retreat. Not only did I get to meet a ton of new people AND see old friends, I got to hang out with my team for over a week. I shopped, went to the Fountain Park, ate yummy food, hung out with Limenos, and saw movies. While in Lima, I had to go to several doctors for checkups (including a small dermatological procedure, all is well) and to get blood drawn. I hate needles. I was a brave little girl, though, and made it through. Needless to say, I never want to get sick and have to go back to the doctor or the lab.
Lima was hot and sticky (a big change from the mild temps in AQP), but the retreat center outside of the city offered a nice break from the bustle (and heat) of one of the biggest cities in the world. I was blessed to sit and play with friends (and cute kids), but more than that, the Lord blessed me with His presence. We had some nice chats there, and I can't wait to meet with Him again in May when we travel back for the summer missionary orientation week.
In other news, James and Malea are both here! You knew about Malea's arrival in January, and now James has joined the team until the end of March. He has just jumped right in, which has been such a huge help. It's been great getting back into the swing of classes, and we're already thinking about how to improve them; we also want to potentially add another day of class, Lord willing. Pray that we are sensitive to how God would like to use us; pray also for continued language learning for myself and James, and that Malea will determine how the Lord wants her to learn Spanish.
To update you a bit on the boring doings of my small town life...well, not much is going on. I've been working on details for a trip coming in March. I hung out with some girlfriends yesterday, whom I haven't seen in some time. Malea and I have our ritual American Idol tv time over the weekends. I went to a small group on Saturday evening, which was a blessing. In fact, the small groups at church will be having a cake bake-off on Saturday for Valentine's Day, so some people are coming to my house on Friday evening to make it. That should be interesting, I didn't tell them that my oven is awful. Speaking of baking, I made some yummy peanut butter banana bread the other day, which was a good reminder of home. We've started a Beth Moore Bible Study on the life of Paul, which is wonderful.
In hitting the four month mark of being in Peru, my heart has started to miss home--not just people, but home. I know that this is my home for now, but I'm restless to be in the place I know like the back of my hand. Until then, however, God has been faithful to remind me that even in the hard moments I find myself in, He is here. As I reflect on my time here so far and enter into a phase of the "newness" wearing off, I realize how much He has already done and how much He will do. I've also witnessed the beautiful verbal encouragement of friends around the world who are in the same position as myself. As my friend Caroline recently told me, may we push through this discouraging stage to find that there are opportunities to love everywhere.
Enjoy the "Love month," as I like to call it. Let's press on to know Him and supremely encounter His love for us. In loving Him more we see Him even more, and we get to share that Love with others. Some prayer requests for this time:
-A "Valentine's Party" this Thursday at 7 pm is going to be a great opportunity to talk about God's love and the Gospel. Pray that people understand and are receptive.
-Continue praying over new friendships and an increase in the number of people coming to class.
-Pray for the teams coming out in the near future, and for the opportunity for me to tag along on a trip in March...more on that later.
-My personal request would be that I seek after His face harder than ever; that He makes me more and more homesick for Himself and for my heavenly home, rather than for the place I call home on this earth.
Know that I miss you all and am praying for you. A verse that has spoken to me recently is Psalm 116:7:
"Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you."
7.2.09
As if blogging might not be narcissistic enough...
I did this "25 Things" deal on Facebook, which has apparently become increasingly popular. In an effort to indulge this narcissistic fad, here is my list on the blog. Following the list, I've posted a link to an incredibly funny story about it from TIME Magazine. Check it out.
25 things, just because.
1. In “The Sound of Music,” I will sometimes fast forward to the gazebo scene with Captain Von Trapp and Maria confessing their love. I love this part.
2. I can’t bake, but I like to think I can cook. I make messes when I cook, it’s therapeutic for me…
3. I like using periods when typing....................
4. I have no idea what I’m doing tomorrow, much less in a year or two. Waiting on God to tell me.
5. I am really really really afraid of thunder and lightning.
6. I have been told I’m a networker (Caro ☺). Really, I just love being surrounded by the people I love.
7. I love to sing and have a secret (not-so-secret anymore) desire to be a backup singer in a band.
8. When I was little, I wanted to be a meteorologist, an Olympic swimmer, the President, a lawyer…I finally settled on teaching somewhere along the way. Now I hang out with people/teach in Peru. And I still like the weather, swimming, watching Letterman make fun of whatever President we have at the time, and being right.
9. I have an orange tank top (more like coral-ish) that earned me the name “ray of sunshine.” Let’s just say I’m not a morning person. CT and Sara found that out the hard way (Rule 1: Don’t jump on me while I’m sleeping). Also, I will never forget Dossy and Steph whispering “Sarah Bond Junco….” for fear of "waking the beast."
10. I love milk. Love love love it. I’m convinced I can complete the gallon challenge, though everyone tells me I can’t…one day.
11. I love a good hug, especially a reuniting hug.
12. I want to go to Russia.
13. I want to go everywhere. Especially a road trip around the U.S.
14. There is absolutely nothing like a good sunset.
15. I wish I could do a lot of things better than I can, but am learning that God has gifted me with everything He wanted to give me, and that is enough.
16. Back scratches are my favorite. Good stories are a close second. Back scratches during a good story…I’m golden.
17. I’ve got my dad wrapped around my finger, but I fear him as well…a nice balance. My mother and I are more similar than I think. ☺
18. My jaw clicks really loudly sometimes and I’ve even gotten it stuck.
19. Cristina and Kathryn can never get rid of me. I’ve realized after being in Peru, even for such a short time, that I will always, always need them—they’re the link back to memories, back to youth (good and not-so-good), back to when life was nothing complicated.
20. Crafting words=favorite Outlet 1. Reading=relaxation Outlet 2. Painting=creative Outlet 3. Good photos=I wish I could take better ones Outlet 4. Wishing I had money to take a pottery class=potential Outlet 5.
21. Unfortunately, I enjoy keeping up with the more shallow doings of the world, ie. Hollywood junk. The upside: If you ever need to know who just broke up with whom, ask me.
22. I used to have a really good memory; I feel like it’s starting to go downhill. The first sign of old age. ☹
23. Athens coffee with Athens people is always best. Frisbee in the park is the cherry on top.
24. Some of my best memories involve spooning—the closeness of girlfriends and just hanging out, being silly. Roomie Love and dancing with JG is irreplaceable ("Here we go again...")
25. I’m realizing that this life is really short. I was going to say too short, but I am also recognizing more every day that nothing is better than walking with God on the way to meet Him and His Son in Paradise. To end the randomness of all this: Life isn’t random. That’s cool.
1. In “The Sound of Music,” I will sometimes fast forward to the gazebo scene with Captain Von Trapp and Maria confessing their love. I love this part.
2. I can’t bake, but I like to think I can cook. I make messes when I cook, it’s therapeutic for me…
3. I like using periods when typing....................
4. I have no idea what I’m doing tomorrow, much less in a year or two. Waiting on God to tell me.
5. I am really really really afraid of thunder and lightning.
6. I have been told I’m a networker (Caro ☺). Really, I just love being surrounded by the people I love.
7. I love to sing and have a secret (not-so-secret anymore) desire to be a backup singer in a band.
8. When I was little, I wanted to be a meteorologist, an Olympic swimmer, the President, a lawyer…I finally settled on teaching somewhere along the way. Now I hang out with people/teach in Peru. And I still like the weather, swimming, watching Letterman make fun of whatever President we have at the time, and being right.
9. I have an orange tank top (more like coral-ish) that earned me the name “ray of sunshine.” Let’s just say I’m not a morning person. CT and Sara found that out the hard way (Rule 1: Don’t jump on me while I’m sleeping). Also, I will never forget Dossy and Steph whispering “Sarah Bond Junco….” for fear of "waking the beast."
10. I love milk. Love love love it. I’m convinced I can complete the gallon challenge, though everyone tells me I can’t…one day.
11. I love a good hug, especially a reuniting hug.
12. I want to go to Russia.
13. I want to go everywhere. Especially a road trip around the U.S.
14. There is absolutely nothing like a good sunset.
15. I wish I could do a lot of things better than I can, but am learning that God has gifted me with everything He wanted to give me, and that is enough.
16. Back scratches are my favorite. Good stories are a close second. Back scratches during a good story…I’m golden.
17. I’ve got my dad wrapped around my finger, but I fear him as well…a nice balance. My mother and I are more similar than I think. ☺
18. My jaw clicks really loudly sometimes and I’ve even gotten it stuck.
19. Cristina and Kathryn can never get rid of me. I’ve realized after being in Peru, even for such a short time, that I will always, always need them—they’re the link back to memories, back to youth (good and not-so-good), back to when life was nothing complicated.
20. Crafting words=favorite Outlet 1. Reading=relaxation Outlet 2. Painting=creative Outlet 3. Good photos=I wish I could take better ones Outlet 4. Wishing I had money to take a pottery class=potential Outlet 5.
21. Unfortunately, I enjoy keeping up with the more shallow doings of the world, ie. Hollywood junk. The upside: If you ever need to know who just broke up with whom, ask me.
22. I used to have a really good memory; I feel like it’s starting to go downhill. The first sign of old age. ☹
23. Athens coffee with Athens people is always best. Frisbee in the park is the cherry on top.
24. Some of my best memories involve spooning—the closeness of girlfriends and just hanging out, being silly. Roomie Love and dancing with JG is irreplaceable ("Here we go again...")
25. I’m realizing that this life is really short. I was going to say too short, but I am also recognizing more every day that nothing is better than walking with God on the way to meet Him and His Son in Paradise. To end the randomness of all this: Life isn’t random. That’s cool.
22.1.09
I can't leave my house, so I blog.
I just got home from a mini-adventure. I am supposed to teach at the University downtown every morning. I hop in my taxi, tell him where I'm going, and he says "Well, if we can get there..." I'm a little nervous at this statement already, given that we've hit day 3 of strikes in Arequipa. These strikes are "indefinite," so there is no telling how long it will last, and public transportation has shut down. It's interesting to see how these strikes affect the whole city: the workers, the stores, the schools, the whole economy in general. I've yet to get a really good answer about the reason these are occurring. Somewhere deep down I just think that Arequipenans like this kind of thing. Who knows.
Okay, back to my story: I'm in the cab, on the way to school. We come to the bridge and I see what he means by "manifestantes." It is a MASSIVE "strike parade" going over the bridge into downtown. I see the throngs of people and think, "I don't really feel like getting caught up in that." I ask my taxista if he thought it would be best for me to go back, and he says yes; I also see some neighbors, who tell me the same thing. We're goin' back, I decide. Thus, I sit here for day 2 of sequestration (yes, this is a word, I looked it up). :)
In other news, because of day 1 of being confined in my house, I did get to watch much of the inauguration on TV. That was very exciting. I'm still happy I'm not in the US for all this "change"--even given my current country's situation with "paros" (strikes). Nevertheless, I enjoyed watching history in the making. In my lazy state that day I also set up skype call forwarding, which means if any of you lovely people want to get in touch with me and I'm offline, you can call my name/number/whatever-it-is, and it will direct the call to my cell phone. I'm also setting up Vonage soon, which is just another step in the direction of communicating with family back home.
Tomorrow Malea (my new roommate, who is hysterical, by the way) and I are traveling to Lima for the week. I have a doctor's appointment, as well as business-related things to do. At the end of the week our whole team will leave the city for a mini-retreat of sorts. I don't really know what to expect, so pray that good things come of it. I am excited to go meet new friends, see old ones (Sandi, who is leaving in April!) and see a decent movie (I heard "Bride Wars" is out there now--I'm pumped!) So I'll be leaving the strike zone for the beach. I lead a hard life. :)
And now it's time for "Cultural moments that I have to learn to get over:"
-I have now had to twice remove my feet from a chair/bench. Apparently people here have a huge problem with feet being propped up somewhere. I think this is very ironic, given some of their other habits. Anyway, the first time this happened, I was in a park with Christy, and we were chatting on a bench. I pulled my feet up to my chest (shoes on), and the guard comes over, blows his whistle at me and tells me to put my feet down. Weird. Well, the second time this happens is at a cafe. Once again, shoes on. I had one leg down and one foot resting on the chair I was sitting in. The waiter comes over and asks me to stop. At this point, I've gotten the hint. They clearly don't like that here, but like I said, I'm a bit confused that they condone certain things and yet I can't do this.
-I have discovered since Malea came (because she points this out) that Peruvians have different sidewalk manners than we do. Ie, they don't move out of the way. You better be ready to just hop off the sidewalk if they are heading toward you, because they will not give anything.
-I am still a tourist to them. This is frustrating after having lived here 3 months. I think it's because I am very blonde and appear either American or Chilean or Argentinian (I can't remember if I've mentioned that I've been told I look like I'm from Chile or Argentina...) I also wear some of the things that the tourists here wear: chacos, blue jeans rolled up, dresses, COLOR. Arequipenans wear very little color, I've noticed. Anyway, I still get awful taxi rates because they think I'm a stupid tourist, and I still get asked to go to all the tourist joints. I think I am going to start wearing a sign that says "Vivo aca" (I live here).
On a fun note, I'm in the process of discovering some new music. It's been awhile since I've acquired a lot of spanish musica, so I thought I'd share what I've found: Fonseca, Reik, Camila, Black Guayaba, Tommy Torres, and Abel Zavala (a really good Christan artist). Check 'em out.
Finally, continue to be in prayer over the ministry here. We are having our second class at the cafe tonight. We will be studying some in 1 John, as well as having some fun with a game or two. Malea and I have been discussing the possibilities of growth in the classes, and I'm excited to hear what her creative little mind has to say. I'm so blessed to have her here with me. We are also thrilled to have James come and help out.
Blessings to all of you. Counting down the days until I get to see each of you again. Much love.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)