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

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." 

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. 

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1877187,00.html

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. 

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.