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.