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. :)
14.10.09
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.
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