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.