We are now into December, but looking outside you would never know it here. Normally, from what I hear, rainy season usually ends beginning/mid-November, but I can tell you there really has not been any let-up in the weather here. The last couple mornings we have woken up to beautiful sunny weather and within a couple hours, the rain comes...it has not been fun.
More than just the inconvience of the rain, it has caused some major flooding. The east coast (Caribbean side) has had some major flooding. My big this is, please be in prayer for these areas. Many, who already do not have much, have lost a lot. Please pray for a let up of the rain.
Thanks!!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
This has been a Thanksgiving unlike any I have ever had. It sure did not seem like Thanksgiving to me (Costa Rica does not celebrate Thanksgiving, being as Thanksgiving is an American holiday). The nice thing was that I was able to talk, at least for a short while, to my family (it was a different year for all in my family because we were spread out in 4 different locations this year). Then this evening we had our normal Thursday night cell group. We ended the Bible study time with my director talking about what Thanksgiving was and a tradition many families hold to, giving thanks to God for things He has done/given us throughout the year, so we all shared. That is when I realized I should write about what I am thankful for on my blog, so you can know what I am thankful for this year.
This year I have many things to be thankful for. When we were told to share something this evening, the first thing that came to my mind was the time I had at home in October. I am so thankful for the opportunity I had to return home for a month and not only help with the Peruvian pastors, but also to be able to see family and friends whom I had not seen in at least 10 months. What a blessing it was to be home and be rejuvenated by everyone I saw!
However, the thing I realized I am most thankful for is what God has done and who He has become to me this last year. It was a year ago today I celebrated my last holiday at home and I was anticipating my trip to Costa Rica. When I look back at what I thought I would experience and how I thought I would feel a year ago during my time here, I realize how great God is and how much I have to be thankful for.
For those of you who know me well, you know I love being with my family. I am the "homebody" of our family. I thought I would cry every night for at least my first month here, yet I did not. I thought I would be extremely homesick, but I have not been. I thought I would be a bit lonely, but I am not. (That is not to say I have not had moments of each because, believe me, I have been homesick, I have cried, and I have been lonely, but definitely not to the extent that I imagined.) I definitely did not think I would sign on for an extra 9 months, yet I am. God has shown me how He is enough and that when I act in obedience to Him, He provides for me, He fills me, and He gives me what I need.
I am thankful for the family He has given me here in Costa Rica. I have many new little brothers and sisters here. I have aunts and uncles, and in some ways, parents. Even though I am living FAR from my blood family, God has provided me with a family here, and for that I am greatful.
I am thankful for my blood family back home. I am thankful for my parents who have stood beside me and supported me my whole life and even now, when I have moved to another country where communication is not always possible and we have gone long months without seeing each other. I am thankful they love God (and me) enough to let me go, even though they would rather hold on. I am thankful for my brother and sisters who have supported me as well. It has been difficult being so far from them, but they have continually given me encouragement. I am thankful for my grandparents. The have also supported me in everything. What a blessing it has been for me to grow up in a Christian home, with not only godly parents, but godly grandparents as well, all of whom have provided great examples to follow.
I am thankful for the spiritual family back home. I thank you for the support you have given, in sending me out and then continue supporting me in praying. What a huge blessing to have so many people behind and beside me, supporting me, lifting me up in prayer. It is humbling.
I thank each of you who have given me the opportunity to be here, serving God. May the Lord bless you!
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Do not forget to give thanks every day for the things God has provided for you. Thanksgiving should be an every day celebration.
This has been a Thanksgiving unlike any I have ever had. It sure did not seem like Thanksgiving to me (Costa Rica does not celebrate Thanksgiving, being as Thanksgiving is an American holiday). The nice thing was that I was able to talk, at least for a short while, to my family (it was a different year for all in my family because we were spread out in 4 different locations this year). Then this evening we had our normal Thursday night cell group. We ended the Bible study time with my director talking about what Thanksgiving was and a tradition many families hold to, giving thanks to God for things He has done/given us throughout the year, so we all shared. That is when I realized I should write about what I am thankful for on my blog, so you can know what I am thankful for this year.
This year I have many things to be thankful for. When we were told to share something this evening, the first thing that came to my mind was the time I had at home in October. I am so thankful for the opportunity I had to return home for a month and not only help with the Peruvian pastors, but also to be able to see family and friends whom I had not seen in at least 10 months. What a blessing it was to be home and be rejuvenated by everyone I saw!
However, the thing I realized I am most thankful for is what God has done and who He has become to me this last year. It was a year ago today I celebrated my last holiday at home and I was anticipating my trip to Costa Rica. When I look back at what I thought I would experience and how I thought I would feel a year ago during my time here, I realize how great God is and how much I have to be thankful for.
For those of you who know me well, you know I love being with my family. I am the "homebody" of our family. I thought I would cry every night for at least my first month here, yet I did not. I thought I would be extremely homesick, but I have not been. I thought I would be a bit lonely, but I am not. (That is not to say I have not had moments of each because, believe me, I have been homesick, I have cried, and I have been lonely, but definitely not to the extent that I imagined.) I definitely did not think I would sign on for an extra 9 months, yet I am. God has shown me how He is enough and that when I act in obedience to Him, He provides for me, He fills me, and He gives me what I need.
I am thankful for the family He has given me here in Costa Rica. I have many new little brothers and sisters here. I have aunts and uncles, and in some ways, parents. Even though I am living FAR from my blood family, God has provided me with a family here, and for that I am greatful.
I am thankful for my blood family back home. I am thankful for my parents who have stood beside me and supported me my whole life and even now, when I have moved to another country where communication is not always possible and we have gone long months without seeing each other. I am thankful they love God (and me) enough to let me go, even though they would rather hold on. I am thankful for my brother and sisters who have supported me as well. It has been difficult being so far from them, but they have continually given me encouragement. I am thankful for my grandparents. The have also supported me in everything. What a blessing it has been for me to grow up in a Christian home, with not only godly parents, but godly grandparents as well, all of whom have provided great examples to follow.
I am thankful for the spiritual family back home. I thank you for the support you have given, in sending me out and then continue supporting me in praying. What a huge blessing to have so many people behind and beside me, supporting me, lifting me up in prayer. It is humbling.
I thank each of you who have given me the opportunity to be here, serving God. May the Lord bless you!
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Do not forget to give thanks every day for the things God has provided for you. Thanksgiving should be an every day celebration.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Life Back in CR
Well, I've been back in CR for about 2 1/2 weeks now. It's been somewhat different getting back to life here after being home for a month, but not as hard as I was thinking. Both my transitions into life at home and life in CR were much different than I was expecting. (Which is a good thing!)
Since I've been back, the new intern has arrived. It has been good having someone else to do the different activities with, I am no longer riding around town by myself! We haven't done a whole lot yet, because he's working on learning Spanish (but he's progressing very rapidly!), but we've kept fairly busy.
Another new thing that has started since I have been back is a small group that we're hoping will turn into a church plant in a town not too far away. We have had 2 Bible studies. There have been about 12 adults and 5 kids at each so far, so that has been nice. Please be in prayer about this church plant. Please pray that more people (outside our church group) will start coming and that soon we will have enough to have 2 groups. This is an exciting time and your partnership through prayer will be greatly appreciated!
The final new thing that has started up is an ESL class. Last week we started a 4 week course to get the idea planted before Christmas, and hopefully after Christmas we will have even more students! For now, we have 6 teachers (our last week we will have 4 because 2 of the teachers are visitors) and we teach Tuesday and Wednesday nights for an hour and a half. We want to use this as an outreach ministry to bring in people from the community (our eventual hope is to use this near our church plant, but for now, we do not have the space, so we're staying at the Alliance churh we attend). We currently have about 20 students, and the majority attend our church (or other local churches), but we do have a few who are not Christians, so hopefully through this class, we will be able to win them for Christ. Please also be in prayer for this ministry. It is an exciting ministry because we will have people coming to us, and therefore will be more likely to be more open to the Gospel message. Please be prayer for us teachers, for the students, and the ministry in general.
Please continue to be praying for me as I am here and that I will be effective wherever God places me and with all the people He puts in my path. Your prayers specifically in that will be a huge blessing. Thank you for all that you are doing to make my time here possible. I am blessed and honored to have your support!
Since I've been back, the new intern has arrived. It has been good having someone else to do the different activities with, I am no longer riding around town by myself! We haven't done a whole lot yet, because he's working on learning Spanish (but he's progressing very rapidly!), but we've kept fairly busy.
Another new thing that has started since I have been back is a small group that we're hoping will turn into a church plant in a town not too far away. We have had 2 Bible studies. There have been about 12 adults and 5 kids at each so far, so that has been nice. Please be in prayer about this church plant. Please pray that more people (outside our church group) will start coming and that soon we will have enough to have 2 groups. This is an exciting time and your partnership through prayer will be greatly appreciated!
The final new thing that has started up is an ESL class. Last week we started a 4 week course to get the idea planted before Christmas, and hopefully after Christmas we will have even more students! For now, we have 6 teachers (our last week we will have 4 because 2 of the teachers are visitors) and we teach Tuesday and Wednesday nights for an hour and a half. We want to use this as an outreach ministry to bring in people from the community (our eventual hope is to use this near our church plant, but for now, we do not have the space, so we're staying at the Alliance churh we attend). We currently have about 20 students, and the majority attend our church (or other local churches), but we do have a few who are not Christians, so hopefully through this class, we will be able to win them for Christ. Please also be in prayer for this ministry. It is an exciting ministry because we will have people coming to us, and therefore will be more likely to be more open to the Gospel message. Please be prayer for us teachers, for the students, and the ministry in general.
Please continue to be praying for me as I am here and that I will be effective wherever God places me and with all the people He puts in my path. Your prayers specifically in that will be a huge blessing. Thank you for all that you are doing to make my time here possible. I am blessed and honored to have your support!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
WA Vacation
Visiting Family!
Between translating for my church and another local church, I was able to spend some time with my brother and sister-in-law in Washington. That was a definite highlight of being home. It had been a year, almost to the date, that I last saw them, so it was SO good to see them again before heading back to CR. Not only was I able to spend time with them, but my Grandma traveled with me to visit them! It was definitely a GREAT time for us all to spend together!
My brother took us flying, which was BEAUTIFUL. Being in WA during the fall was perfect to see the different colors of the trees. Not only that, but we were able to see snow on the tops of the mountains!! We flew to Friday Harbor in the Puget Sound. We also visited Leavenworth. We had lunch at the park, and again, experienced the beautiful fall weather and scenery.
Then, to show how great of a brother and sister that I have, even though they only had me for a few days, they shared me with perfect strangers (to them) by allowing me invite friends from the first mission team I worked with (the CR team). It was fun being able to see those that were able to come.
I was definitely great being able to spend time with my brother and sister-in-law for a couple days!
Between translating for my church and another local church, I was able to spend some time with my brother and sister-in-law in Washington. That was a definite highlight of being home. It had been a year, almost to the date, that I last saw them, so it was SO good to see them again before heading back to CR. Not only was I able to spend time with them, but my Grandma traveled with me to visit them! It was definitely a GREAT time for us all to spend together!
My brother took us flying, which was BEAUTIFUL. Being in WA during the fall was perfect to see the different colors of the trees. Not only that, but we were able to see snow on the tops of the mountains!! We flew to Friday Harbor in the Puget Sound. We also visited Leavenworth. We had lunch at the park, and again, experienced the beautiful fall weather and scenery.
Then, to show how great of a brother and sister that I have, even though they only had me for a few days, they shared me with perfect strangers (to them) by allowing me invite friends from the first mission team I worked with (the CR team). It was fun being able to see those that were able to come.
I was definitely great being able to spend time with my brother and sister-in-law for a couple days!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Pastor Juan and Family in MN
I know this is extremely late in getting on my blog, but hey, better late than never!
Our time with Pastor Juan and his family (the pastoral family of our sister church in Peru) was wonderful! I will be completely honest and say it was VERY tiring as well, but it was definitely worth it!
After a late arrival (problems with the airlines lead to a late night call the night they were to leave Lima, which then brought us into a minor panic attack, and ended with them not leaving Lima until 24 hrs later than the intended time), we took off with the ball rolling full speed ahead. We had AWANA activities, pumpkin carving, visiting the Mall of America, the Zoo, Kohl’s, Wal-Mart, and the favorites: the Dollar Store and Goodwill. On top of all that was the services we had – Friday night, Saturday morning breakfast, Saturday evening, Sunday morning, and Sunday evening service. The week was jam-packed with activities, sights to see, and people and places to visit.
As I was the translator for the week and had the family staying at my parent’s home, I got to experience things through the eyes of this family. I knew there would various things that for us are normal, everyday events, but for them would be new and exciting. It was this that I was looking the most forward to, and I wasn’t disappointed. I was able enjoy having a personal car (when they are used to walking, taking taxis or mototaxis), the American streets (where this is less chaos, potholes, and garbage), shopping (everything is one convenient location), and a church that is completed (no dirt floors, a roof over head, a kitchen to cook, a gym to play, a nursery for kids). After having these things my whole life and living my whole life in the USA, I was ready to leave and be somewhere else, but it was fun being back and experience the things we all take for granted every day through new eyes and appreciate it all again.
It was also fun to see how involved people from church were. My heart and passion is to get other people EXCITED about missions, about what is going on around the world – outside of the little bubbles we put ourselves and to share what God has blessed us with others who have not been so blessed. So for me, having Pastor Juan and his family visit my church and help the people of my church to understand why I personally (and the dozen or so others who have been to Peru from my church) LOVE being there and want to help them, was the BEST experience of all. Then to see how the church responded, we had the highest attended, most involved and appreciated missions conference in YEARS, and then the love offering that was given to the family/church just topped it all off.
I am SO glad I was able to be home to experience all this and to play a small role in it. Thank you to everyone who was involved in making it all happen. I know you were publicly acknowledged in church, but I want you to know, and everyone who reads my blog to know, how blessed the church is to have you and how great was the work you did. I also want everyone to be aware of how blessed Pastor Juan and his family were by you and your thoughtfulness, and then through them, their church as well!! THANK YOU!!!!
Our time with Pastor Juan and his family (the pastoral family of our sister church in Peru) was wonderful! I will be completely honest and say it was VERY tiring as well, but it was definitely worth it!
After a late arrival (problems with the airlines lead to a late night call the night they were to leave Lima, which then brought us into a minor panic attack, and ended with them not leaving Lima until 24 hrs later than the intended time), we took off with the ball rolling full speed ahead. We had AWANA activities, pumpkin carving, visiting the Mall of America, the Zoo, Kohl’s, Wal-Mart, and the favorites: the Dollar Store and Goodwill. On top of all that was the services we had – Friday night, Saturday morning breakfast, Saturday evening, Sunday morning, and Sunday evening service. The week was jam-packed with activities, sights to see, and people and places to visit.
As I was the translator for the week and had the family staying at my parent’s home, I got to experience things through the eyes of this family. I knew there would various things that for us are normal, everyday events, but for them would be new and exciting. It was this that I was looking the most forward to, and I wasn’t disappointed. I was able enjoy having a personal car (when they are used to walking, taking taxis or mototaxis), the American streets (where this is less chaos, potholes, and garbage), shopping (everything is one convenient location), and a church that is completed (no dirt floors, a roof over head, a kitchen to cook, a gym to play, a nursery for kids). After having these things my whole life and living my whole life in the USA, I was ready to leave and be somewhere else, but it was fun being back and experience the things we all take for granted every day through new eyes and appreciate it all again.
It was also fun to see how involved people from church were. My heart and passion is to get other people EXCITED about missions, about what is going on around the world – outside of the little bubbles we put ourselves and to share what God has blessed us with others who have not been so blessed. So for me, having Pastor Juan and his family visit my church and help the people of my church to understand why I personally (and the dozen or so others who have been to Peru from my church) LOVE being there and want to help them, was the BEST experience of all. Then to see how the church responded, we had the highest attended, most involved and appreciated missions conference in YEARS, and then the love offering that was given to the family/church just topped it all off.
I am SO glad I was able to be home to experience all this and to play a small role in it. Thank you to everyone who was involved in making it all happen. I know you were publicly acknowledged in church, but I want you to know, and everyone who reads my blog to know, how blessed the church is to have you and how great was the work you did. I also want everyone to be aware of how blessed Pastor Juan and his family were by you and your thoughtfulness, and then through them, their church as well!! THANK YOU!!!!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
I'm Home!!!
I arrived home safely!! I'm SUPER excited to be in MN for a MONTH while translating/working with 2 different churches and visiting Peruvian pastors. Not only do I get to be home to work with these churches and pastors, but I get to have some time to meet with family and friends whom I haven't seen in at least 10 months!!
I will say, that I was surprised to find how familiar it was driving home from the airport and getting back home (I haven't been anywhere else, so I don't know how familiar everything will be - such as some of the kids that have probably grown a TON since I've been gone). Every time I've gone on a mission trip I get the same feeling, but I thought that since I'd been gone for 10 months that it would be different. I thought that after being gone for so long (or at least so long for me) that more things would be different. I guess we'll have to wait and see what "tomorrow" holds. Maybe in the next coming days things will be more strange/foreign like I was thinking (and I don't even know how to explain it, and I'm not saying it's bad if things do feel different), I'll just have to keep you posted!
If you get a chance to visit, let me know, I'd LOVE to see you!!
I will say, that I was surprised to find how familiar it was driving home from the airport and getting back home (I haven't been anywhere else, so I don't know how familiar everything will be - such as some of the kids that have probably grown a TON since I've been gone). Every time I've gone on a mission trip I get the same feeling, but I thought that since I'd been gone for 10 months that it would be different. I thought that after being gone for so long (or at least so long for me) that more things would be different. I guess we'll have to wait and see what "tomorrow" holds. Maybe in the next coming days things will be more strange/foreign like I was thinking (and I don't even know how to explain it, and I'm not saying it's bad if things do feel different), I'll just have to keep you posted!
If you get a chance to visit, let me know, I'd LOVE to see you!!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Feliz Cumpleanos a Mi
Well, I celebrated my first international birthday! It was a birthday much different than I had imagined...a few more "firsts".
I found out the night before (Sept 25) that my host mom had a funeral to go to in the morning, so I planed to sleep in a little, then go walking (catch some rays if there would be any), and just have a low key day. However, plans changed. My host mom knocked on my room door at 8:15am to ask if I would accompany her to the funeral because she didn't want to go alone (she didn't really want to go in the first place, but she made a promise to herself that she would only attend the funerals of the people who were important in the life of her mother and attended her funeral 11 years ago). So I not only attended my first Costa Rican (Central/South American) funeral, it was also the first time I attended a funeral on my birthday. I guess going to a funeral on ones birthday really can make a birthday more meaningful. It's a reminder to be thankful for the extra year God has given, when He has, not only the power, but the right to take it away whenever he wants. So I thank God for this 23rd of life that He has blessed me with, and I hope for this year, I will be used in greater ways than I can imagine.
Now, back to fun birthday news, the afternoon, after getting home, was pretty laid back, then that evening, my host family (aunts and cousins) came over to celebrate my birthday. It was a fun time. We had a small dinner and cake! Then, because my host sister and cousin love the game Phase 10, we played that, all 10 phases!
The partying didn't end there (well it ended for the night), on Sat. I had another small party at a friends house. This was definitely an international party. There was a Tica Family and a Korean family. We had a little food from Korea and 2 kinds of cake. It was another fun time!
However, the fun still did not end...Sat. night, the Peters (the new CMA missionary family to study here) and I went to the Fanberg's house to have another celebration! It was fun having a more American birthday celebration!
Overall, I had a very internation celebration this year, I celebrated with Ticos, Koreans, Canadians, and Americans (and then with birthday wishes via internet from Peruvians as well), I must say, it was a very exciting weekend!! I am excited to come home (in 4 days!!) and celebrate a little with family and friends from home!!
I found out the night before (Sept 25) that my host mom had a funeral to go to in the morning, so I planed to sleep in a little, then go walking (catch some rays if there would be any), and just have a low key day. However, plans changed. My host mom knocked on my room door at 8:15am to ask if I would accompany her to the funeral because she didn't want to go alone (she didn't really want to go in the first place, but she made a promise to herself that she would only attend the funerals of the people who were important in the life of her mother and attended her funeral 11 years ago). So I not only attended my first Costa Rican (Central/South American) funeral, it was also the first time I attended a funeral on my birthday. I guess going to a funeral on ones birthday really can make a birthday more meaningful. It's a reminder to be thankful for the extra year God has given, when He has, not only the power, but the right to take it away whenever he wants. So I thank God for this 23rd of life that He has blessed me with, and I hope for this year, I will be used in greater ways than I can imagine.
Now, back to fun birthday news, the afternoon, after getting home, was pretty laid back, then that evening, my host family (aunts and cousins) came over to celebrate my birthday. It was a fun time. We had a small dinner and cake! Then, because my host sister and cousin love the game Phase 10, we played that, all 10 phases!
The partying didn't end there (well it ended for the night), on Sat. I had another small party at a friends house. This was definitely an international party. There was a Tica Family and a Korean family. We had a little food from Korea and 2 kinds of cake. It was another fun time!
However, the fun still did not end...Sat. night, the Peters (the new CMA missionary family to study here) and I went to the Fanberg's house to have another celebration! It was fun having a more American birthday celebration!
Overall, I had a very internation celebration this year, I celebrated with Ticos, Koreans, Canadians, and Americans (and then with birthday wishes via internet from Peruvians as well), I must say, it was a very exciting weekend!! I am excited to come home (in 4 days!!) and celebrate a little with family and friends from home!!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
El Dia De Independencia
By the end of 2008, I will have been in 3 countries (well more than that, but only 3 for longer than 4 days). Out of those three countries, I will have been in 2 of them for their Independence Day. The one country whose Independence Day I was not around to celebrate is that of my own.
While in Peru, they had their Independence Day (July 28). However, since I was working with a group at that time, I didn't really celebrate and I don't really know what all they do there in order to celebrate their independence.
Then, while here in Costa Rica I was able to celebrate their independence. Here, it is a 2 (and in some ways 3) day celebration. Costa Rica's Independence Day is Sept 15 (this year on a Monday). However, the celebration starts the night of the 14th. All the schools, public and private have celebrations. I went with my host family to Krish's (my host sister)school. There they had a short ceremony (it wasn't overly long, but I must still admit a bit boring). It started with a group of kids running into the gym with a torch (it reminded me of the opening ceremony of the Olympics). They did a lot of singing. I know what the Himno Nacional and one was the school song, but the others, I have NO idea. There were also a few people who shared. I'm sure it was a little about the history of the country, but I didn't really follow. Finally, it ended with a parade around the neighborhood with laterns. (The ceremony started at 6pm, so it was dark by the time the ceremony started.) The significance of this parade is that the night before Costa Rica officially became independent 187 yrs ago, they had people go through the streets telling of the independence. Because there was no electricity, they went through with only laterns.
Then, on the morning of the 15th, we went to Krish's school again for Part 2 of the Independency Day celebration. At the school, there was more talking and singing, but less, and some students performed some traditional dances. It was fun watching the little kids "dance". Krish was in one of the dances. After the ceremony, there is another parade. This one is bigger than the one the night before. (Here parades aren't what they are at home, where everyone sits on the side of the road to watch people go by and hope for candy...no...it's for the school kids, who walk in their groups, but the parents walk along side of the kids...so...something different.)
Then for the rest of the day, the kids are free to do whatever and for many schools, the kids have the 16th off from classes because it is MANDATORY for them to attend the 2 days of celebrations at the school.
While in Peru, they had their Independence Day (July 28). However, since I was working with a group at that time, I didn't really celebrate and I don't really know what all they do there in order to celebrate their independence.
Then, while here in Costa Rica I was able to celebrate their independence. Here, it is a 2 (and in some ways 3) day celebration. Costa Rica's Independence Day is Sept 15 (this year on a Monday). However, the celebration starts the night of the 14th. All the schools, public and private have celebrations. I went with my host family to Krish's (my host sister)school. There they had a short ceremony (it wasn't overly long, but I must still admit a bit boring). It started with a group of kids running into the gym with a torch (it reminded me of the opening ceremony of the Olympics). They did a lot of singing. I know what the Himno Nacional and one was the school song, but the others, I have NO idea. There were also a few people who shared. I'm sure it was a little about the history of the country, but I didn't really follow. Finally, it ended with a parade around the neighborhood with laterns. (The ceremony started at 6pm, so it was dark by the time the ceremony started.) The significance of this parade is that the night before Costa Rica officially became independent 187 yrs ago, they had people go through the streets telling of the independence. Because there was no electricity, they went through with only laterns.
Then, on the morning of the 15th, we went to Krish's school again for Part 2 of the Independency Day celebration. At the school, there was more talking and singing, but less, and some students performed some traditional dances. It was fun watching the little kids "dance". Krish was in one of the dances. After the ceremony, there is another parade. This one is bigger than the one the night before. (Here parades aren't what they are at home, where everyone sits on the side of the road to watch people go by and hope for candy...no...it's for the school kids, who walk in their groups, but the parents walk along side of the kids...so...something different.)
Then for the rest of the day, the kids are free to do whatever and for many schools, the kids have the 16th off from classes because it is MANDATORY for them to attend the 2 days of celebrations at the school.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
I'm Going Home!!!
As many of you know, my home church has a sister church in Peru that we have been helping out for the last 2 years...in various ways. Well, our church invited the pastor and his family to visit our church in October. For multiple reasons, it's very hard for a Peruvian to get a US visa, so our church, their church, and others have been praying for a while that they would get their visas. After various problems, they were finally able to get to the US Embassy in Peru to interview for their visas. To be honest, I did have my doubts and fears, but thankfully, after a representative called my home church and talked with my pastor, they approved Pastor Juan and family for a visa!!
I am SUPER excited about this. I think it will be great to have Pastor Juan and family visit our church and meet this church who is the sister church for them. I also think it will be a GREAT way for my home church to see for themselves what the work in Chepen, Peru means and meet someone from the church, and KNOW that it's for real, it's not just some place in South America, in Peru, but it's REAL. Maybe...hopefully...we could get a lot more people involved in missions, both in Chepen and around our church.
However, I am excited for other reasons as well...I will admit that for personal reasons I'm excited about being able to go home as well. I'm excited to visit people, who by that time, I won't have seen for 10 months! Plus, I'll be able to help Pastor Juan and family travel and support them during a time of HUGE changes and lots of emotion (I at least I'm guessing since this trip will be filled with many FIRSTS for all of them!!)
Anyways, this is more that you can be praying about. Planning, traveling, experiencing, everything that could be related to this coming together!!
I am SUPER excited about this. I think it will be great to have Pastor Juan and family visit our church and meet this church who is the sister church for them. I also think it will be a GREAT way for my home church to see for themselves what the work in Chepen, Peru means and meet someone from the church, and KNOW that it's for real, it's not just some place in South America, in Peru, but it's REAL. Maybe...hopefully...we could get a lot more people involved in missions, both in Chepen and around our church.
However, I am excited for other reasons as well...I will admit that for personal reasons I'm excited about being able to go home as well. I'm excited to visit people, who by that time, I won't have seen for 10 months! Plus, I'll be able to help Pastor Juan and family travel and support them during a time of HUGE changes and lots of emotion (I at least I'm guessing since this trip will be filled with many FIRSTS for all of them!!)
Anyways, this is more that you can be praying about. Planning, traveling, experiencing, everything that could be related to this coming together!!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Holding Down the Fort
Well...I've been back in Costa Rica for about a week and a half...wow how time flies! It's been a week and a half of mixed emotions. I have enjoyed the warmer weather (it has been humid, which I haven't overly enjoyed, but...) and the GREEN of Costa Rica, my parents came to visit me (!!!), and I have been able to see some friends who I haven't seen for 3 months. However, I still miss Peru and ALL the friends I have there and I have had to say good-bye to some good friends. So I know this will be a time of drawing closer to God and to have Him fill me.
While my parents were here we went to the beach town of Manuel Antonio, said to be the prettiest beach in Costa Rica. From my experience (which isn't necessarily a whole lot) it was! The jungle comes right down to the ocean! There was the greenness of the jungle, the blueness of the ocean and sky, and the tan/white of the sand. As my former partner in crime (the other intern, Kari) would say it was LOVELY! We took a couple of tours. We took a Mangrove Boat Tour and saw some interesting wildlife. Then we took a tour of the National Park of Manuel Antonio. I think I liked this tour the best because we got to walk through the jungle and see a lot more animals, reptiles and insects...plus we were in the jungle! I definitely recommend this beach if you ever make it down to Costa Rica!!
Not only did we see the beach, but we toured around San Jose as well and my parents got to meet some of the people I have been working with in my time in Costa Rica! The final thing I did with them was to DRIVE them to the airport...yes I DROVE in Costa Rica...SCARY I know! But after a small detour, I did get them to the airport!
It was definitely GREAT having my parents come and visit me. Now they know where I am, what I'm doing, and who I'm doing it with. Plus, after not seeing them for 8 MONTHS it was definitely a hightlight to see them again!!!!
Now I'm holding down the fort in Costa Rica (and possibly all of Central America) by being the ONLY CMA "missionary" here...kinda scary! (Both missionary families who were studying here have gone, and Chuck and Robbi are visiting MN.) Not that much changes, but it's a little funny for me. Wednesday a new missionary from Canada comes, so I will be helping them out. I'm looking forward to having them come!
Please continue to pray for me...that I will be content here in Costa Rica. That I can excitedly get back into my ministries here. That the new family arrives safely and the transition is smooth. For the new intern arriving in Sept (I think). Finally, for the 2 missionary families who are starting their work in their fields (Paraguay and Mexico City).
While my parents were here we went to the beach town of Manuel Antonio, said to be the prettiest beach in Costa Rica. From my experience (which isn't necessarily a whole lot) it was! The jungle comes right down to the ocean! There was the greenness of the jungle, the blueness of the ocean and sky, and the tan/white of the sand. As my former partner in crime (the other intern, Kari) would say it was LOVELY! We took a couple of tours. We took a Mangrove Boat Tour and saw some interesting wildlife. Then we took a tour of the National Park of Manuel Antonio. I think I liked this tour the best because we got to walk through the jungle and see a lot more animals, reptiles and insects...plus we were in the jungle! I definitely recommend this beach if you ever make it down to Costa Rica!!
Not only did we see the beach, but we toured around San Jose as well and my parents got to meet some of the people I have been working with in my time in Costa Rica! The final thing I did with them was to DRIVE them to the airport...yes I DROVE in Costa Rica...SCARY I know! But after a small detour, I did get them to the airport!
It was definitely GREAT having my parents come and visit me. Now they know where I am, what I'm doing, and who I'm doing it with. Plus, after not seeing them for 8 MONTHS it was definitely a hightlight to see them again!!!!
Now I'm holding down the fort in Costa Rica (and possibly all of Central America) by being the ONLY CMA "missionary" here...kinda scary! (Both missionary families who were studying here have gone, and Chuck and Robbi are visiting MN.) Not that much changes, but it's a little funny for me. Wednesday a new missionary from Canada comes, so I will be helping them out. I'm looking forward to having them come!
Please continue to pray for me...that I will be content here in Costa Rica. That I can excitedly get back into my ministries here. That the new family arrives safely and the transition is smooth. For the new intern arriving in Sept (I think). Finally, for the 2 missionary families who are starting their work in their fields (Paraguay and Mexico City).
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Leaving...
Hey family and friends...sorry it has been a LONG time since I last wrote. I feel that is how I've started all my blogs since arriving in Peru, but I assure you it's not for lack of things to write about, on the contrary, I have TOO many things to write about and I'm busying DOING them all the time! But as my time is winding down (unfortunately), I feel as though I need to write again.
I am currently working with the 2nd Riverside group. We are having a GREAT time. We have a little more variety in our schedule with this group. We are doing some construction (definitely NOT like the last team with tearing down a building, but rather clearing out the rocks, dirt, cement, and garbage that was covering the lots). We are also doing some painting of a study center for some children, plus a little work at the recycle house. These are all our morning activities, in the afternoon, we have been working with the Nor Oeste church on a VBS program, mostly helping out the troop leaders. That has been fun, especially getting to know kids after spending 2-2 1/2 hours 4 days of the week with them. It's been fun and special. Then the nights have consisted of door to door evangelism, small groups, or fun times with the leaders of the church. So we have had some CRAZY busy schedules!!
This team will be heading out Sunday morning by plane and Kari and will follow Sunday night by bus. I do not look forward to leaving. As many of you know, I love Peru. Every time I come, I never want to leave, yet each time I must. This time is even harder as I have met SSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many people and have built SSSSOOOOOOOO many friendships. I have realized that in 2 1/2 months in Peru I have met and build more friendships than I have in 6 months in Costa Rica. That's not to say I don't like CR and don't have any friends, it's just the difference in cultures and people. The friends I have in CR are GREAT and I love them to death, but it's not the same. Especially since in Peru I have met friends my own age, a HUGE bonus, something I didn't realize I missed until I got here. All this said, I know my time here in Peru has almost come to a close (at least for this year ;) ) and I know my responsibilities are in CR. Please be praying for me as I transistion back to CR. Pray that I will be able to jump right back into things full heartedly. Pray for me as I know I will become lonely after returning to CR, as I won't have tons of friends around ALL the time, but also as Kari returns to the States shortly after returning to CR, Chuck and Robbi will be heading to MN help their daughter move into college and visit their sons and families, and as a missionary family that are my good friends will be moving to Mexico City - all happening within a week and a half of my returning.
Also, please pray for my parents as they are coming to visit me for a week shortly after I return to CR. This highlight is definitely something to return to CR for!!
I am currently working with the 2nd Riverside group. We are having a GREAT time. We have a little more variety in our schedule with this group. We are doing some construction (definitely NOT like the last team with tearing down a building, but rather clearing out the rocks, dirt, cement, and garbage that was covering the lots). We are also doing some painting of a study center for some children, plus a little work at the recycle house. These are all our morning activities, in the afternoon, we have been working with the Nor Oeste church on a VBS program, mostly helping out the troop leaders. That has been fun, especially getting to know kids after spending 2-2 1/2 hours 4 days of the week with them. It's been fun and special. Then the nights have consisted of door to door evangelism, small groups, or fun times with the leaders of the church. So we have had some CRAZY busy schedules!!
This team will be heading out Sunday morning by plane and Kari and will follow Sunday night by bus. I do not look forward to leaving. As many of you know, I love Peru. Every time I come, I never want to leave, yet each time I must. This time is even harder as I have met SSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many people and have built SSSSOOOOOOOO many friendships. I have realized that in 2 1/2 months in Peru I have met and build more friendships than I have in 6 months in Costa Rica. That's not to say I don't like CR and don't have any friends, it's just the difference in cultures and people. The friends I have in CR are GREAT and I love them to death, but it's not the same. Especially since in Peru I have met friends my own age, a HUGE bonus, something I didn't realize I missed until I got here. All this said, I know my time here in Peru has almost come to a close (at least for this year ;) ) and I know my responsibilities are in CR. Please be praying for me as I transistion back to CR. Pray that I will be able to jump right back into things full heartedly. Pray for me as I know I will become lonely after returning to CR, as I won't have tons of friends around ALL the time, but also as Kari returns to the States shortly after returning to CR, Chuck and Robbi will be heading to MN help their daughter move into college and visit their sons and families, and as a missionary family that are my good friends will be moving to Mexico City - all happening within a week and a half of my returning.
Also, please pray for my parents as they are coming to visit me for a week shortly after I return to CR. This highlight is definitely something to return to CR for!!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Pictures!!
Here are some pictures from the Corban concert we had on the Saturday the big group was playing games in Trujillo. For those who don't know (which is probably everyone because I didn't know Corban before), Corban is a Christian band from the Alliance churches in Trujillo. They are a fun group of guys who have a message to share with a great way to share it! Enjoy the pictures!!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Project in Chepen
Hey everyone... I just thought I´d let you know what´s happening in Chepen.
With the group of 27 people (plus me and another intern), we hoped to get the roof started on the church...however due to various problems with the cost of materials rising, we were not able to get as far as we had hoped. Also, having 30 people, 60 hands, was a bit much to have here at this time. So that was the discouraging part. However, it has been great getting to know the people on the teams. When I was told I would be working with 28 other people, I was thinking, "how and I ever going to learn all their name??" I also wasn´t sure how all the translating would go. Fortunately, I have learned ALL the names of everyone I am working with! Plus the translating hasn´t been as bad I was thinking. A few of the girls on the team speak a little spanish (like what I knew the last couple years), so that definitely makes it easier because they can talk to people a little as well!
Our focus wasn't only on construction, but also on evangelism. So we spent 1 night in the Plaza in groups of 2 with a Peruvian talking to different people about God. This was a great experience for everyone. It was great talking to the team later that night at our debrief and hearing how many of them enjoyed their experience. (We were supposed to do this another night, but there was a concert in the plaza, si we couldn't, we had a birthday party for one of the team members instead.) Half the group also visited various people from the church in their homes. The time was spent getting to know people from the church and praying for them.
I think it´s interesting to see how things are different this year than in years past. I think things are different because this is a group primarily of people between the ages of 14 and 18, also including 21, 22 (2 of us), and 28 (2), with only 2 people above the age of 40. This just brings about another whole dimension to the group. This is also a group made up from 2 churches that didn´t know each other before landing in Lima, and actually before getting to Chepen. It has been fun to watch how they have bonded into 1 group. There are no longer 2 churches, but 1 family and I LOVE it! The only thing that could make me happier would be to see the people in these group bond and form a family with the Chepen church.
Then Saturday, all the teams (all 180 people, plus interns, and locals) had a sports day in Trujillo. It was a lot of fun and there was a lot of competition in the games we played. My AMAZING team got 2nd in 2 games (one was tug-a-war, where I cheered so much I lost my voice) and we got 1st in a game sort of like Steal the Bacon. It was a lot of fun to see them all come out of their shells a bit and get into the events. We didn't do so well at soccer, but the improvement over the 3 games we played was HUGE! Volleyball also didn't go so well for us, but all had fun and that is the most important. (Plus with the amazing win in Steal the Bacon, it didn't matter how everything else went, everyone was high off that win!)
I wish you all could have been here to experience this week with me. It was way better than I could have imagined and I am SO thankful to everyone who came and helped and encouraged the church of Chepen!
With the group of 27 people (plus me and another intern), we hoped to get the roof started on the church...however due to various problems with the cost of materials rising, we were not able to get as far as we had hoped. Also, having 30 people, 60 hands, was a bit much to have here at this time. So that was the discouraging part. However, it has been great getting to know the people on the teams. When I was told I would be working with 28 other people, I was thinking, "how and I ever going to learn all their name??" I also wasn´t sure how all the translating would go. Fortunately, I have learned ALL the names of everyone I am working with! Plus the translating hasn´t been as bad I was thinking. A few of the girls on the team speak a little spanish (like what I knew the last couple years), so that definitely makes it easier because they can talk to people a little as well!
Our focus wasn't only on construction, but also on evangelism. So we spent 1 night in the Plaza in groups of 2 with a Peruvian talking to different people about God. This was a great experience for everyone. It was great talking to the team later that night at our debrief and hearing how many of them enjoyed their experience. (We were supposed to do this another night, but there was a concert in the plaza, si we couldn't, we had a birthday party for one of the team members instead.) Half the group also visited various people from the church in their homes. The time was spent getting to know people from the church and praying for them.
I think it´s interesting to see how things are different this year than in years past. I think things are different because this is a group primarily of people between the ages of 14 and 18, also including 21, 22 (2 of us), and 28 (2), with only 2 people above the age of 40. This just brings about another whole dimension to the group. This is also a group made up from 2 churches that didn´t know each other before landing in Lima, and actually before getting to Chepen. It has been fun to watch how they have bonded into 1 group. There are no longer 2 churches, but 1 family and I LOVE it! The only thing that could make me happier would be to see the people in these group bond and form a family with the Chepen church.
Then Saturday, all the teams (all 180 people, plus interns, and locals) had a sports day in Trujillo. It was a lot of fun and there was a lot of competition in the games we played. My AMAZING team got 2nd in 2 games (one was tug-a-war, where I cheered so much I lost my voice) and we got 1st in a game sort of like Steal the Bacon. It was a lot of fun to see them all come out of their shells a bit and get into the events. We didn't do so well at soccer, but the improvement over the 3 games we played was HUGE! Volleyball also didn't go so well for us, but all had fun and that is the most important. (Plus with the amazing win in Steal the Bacon, it didn't matter how everything else went, everyone was high off that win!)
I wish you all could have been here to experience this week with me. It was way better than I could have imagined and I am SO thankful to everyone who came and helped and encouraged the church of Chepen!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Next Group
I realize I haven't been doing a very good job of keeping up with what I've been doing during my time here...I'm SUPER sorry for that. When the groups are here, I'm busy almost ALL the time with them, and when I'm not working with groups, I'm off doing other things.
Last weekend I spent about 2 days in Chepen. It was a VERY short trip, but I was able to talk about the next group and what some of the plans are for them. Just a little background. The next group that is coming is from Ohio. It's a district-wide missions trip so we will be having 180 people here. We are taking them to 4 locations, one of those locations is Chepen. We will be having 27 people (from 2 churches) in Chepen (plus me and anther intern), so almost 30 people!! I'm so excited for having them all come and help further the church there. I think this will be a GREAT encouragement for everyone. We will working on putting the roof over the part of the church that is currently finished.
If you could be praying for this time. The hotel that we stayed at last year will be able to hold us all (YAY!!), but for the meals it could be a little difficult with such a large group. Our lunches will be at Pastor Juan and Martha's house, which really isn't all that big and could hardly hold our group of 10. Our dinners will be eating in restaurants, which in Chepen really aren't that big either. Pray for the ladies who will be cooking our food, that they won't get stressed over the number of people coming. Pray for the church to not be overwhelmed meeting so many gringos all at one time. Pray for the groups as they prepare to come and that while here we can bond as 1 team, completely united. Pray for me and Patrick (the other intern whom I have yet to meet) that we will do good at leading the groups and keeping communication open between the 2 of us and the pastors and the groups. Finally, pray for me, as far as I know, Patrick doesn't know Spanish - or at least not much - and I'm not sure on the groups either, so please pray that communicating for 28 other people will not be too much for me.
I'm really excited about this opportunity to share Chepen with another group of people whom I hope will fall in love with them as well and will consider returning to help in the years to come! (Especially as a cement floor is REALLY needed as the last time I was in Chepen my arms got bitten way too much and I still have the bumps and itches to prove it!)
Thank you for your continued love and support!
Last weekend I spent about 2 days in Chepen. It was a VERY short trip, but I was able to talk about the next group and what some of the plans are for them. Just a little background. The next group that is coming is from Ohio. It's a district-wide missions trip so we will be having 180 people here. We are taking them to 4 locations, one of those locations is Chepen. We will be having 27 people (from 2 churches) in Chepen (plus me and anther intern), so almost 30 people!! I'm so excited for having them all come and help further the church there. I think this will be a GREAT encouragement for everyone. We will working on putting the roof over the part of the church that is currently finished.
If you could be praying for this time. The hotel that we stayed at last year will be able to hold us all (YAY!!), but for the meals it could be a little difficult with such a large group. Our lunches will be at Pastor Juan and Martha's house, which really isn't all that big and could hardly hold our group of 10. Our dinners will be eating in restaurants, which in Chepen really aren't that big either. Pray for the ladies who will be cooking our food, that they won't get stressed over the number of people coming. Pray for the church to not be overwhelmed meeting so many gringos all at one time. Pray for the groups as they prepare to come and that while here we can bond as 1 team, completely united. Pray for me and Patrick (the other intern whom I have yet to meet) that we will do good at leading the groups and keeping communication open between the 2 of us and the pastors and the groups. Finally, pray for me, as far as I know, Patrick doesn't know Spanish - or at least not much - and I'm not sure on the groups either, so please pray that communicating for 28 other people will not be too much for me.
I'm really excited about this opportunity to share Chepen with another group of people whom I hope will fall in love with them as well and will consider returning to help in the years to come! (Especially as a cement floor is REALLY needed as the last time I was in Chepen my arms got bitten way too much and I still have the bumps and itches to prove it!)
Thank you for your continued love and support!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
MN Group!
Kari and I just finished working with a group from MN working on another church site. This project has been the most physically demanding project thus far, but a project I really enjoyed doing. Not only was the group from Riverside a GREAT group of people to work with, but there was plenty of support from the Nor Oeste church as well. As you can see from the following pictures, we started with a building, and ended the week with open land (and a few bricks and dirt). The church as purchased this property, but in order to build their church, they needed to tear down the current building. It looked like a lot of work in the beginning, but we were able to get a lot farther than I orginially thought.
Some of the work was rather teadious, such as cleaning off all the bricks one by one and moving them from one location on site to another, then loading them and moving them to another site. But the end result was great! Kari and I came home every day covered in dust and made the people who work at the house we are staying at laugh because we were beginning to look like Peruvians. Overall, as far as work is concerned, I think this was my favorite project...I really feel as though something was accomplished (not that I don't think the other groups accomplished things, because, believe me, they did, but after being able to a lot of hard physical labor, it just feels as though more was done, especially looking at it was before, and what it is after).
Here are a few more pictures to help you see what the week looked like!!
(I'll try adding more later, I just ran out of time...)
Some of the work was rather teadious, such as cleaning off all the bricks one by one and moving them from one location on site to another, then loading them and moving them to another site. But the end result was great! Kari and I came home every day covered in dust and made the people who work at the house we are staying at laugh because we were beginning to look like Peruvians. Overall, as far as work is concerned, I think this was my favorite project...I really feel as though something was accomplished (not that I don't think the other groups accomplished things, because, believe me, they did, but after being able to a lot of hard physical labor, it just feels as though more was done, especially looking at it was before, and what it is after).
Here are a few more pictures to help you see what the week looked like!!
(I'll try adding more later, I just ran out of time...)
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Journey Group
Well, a couple days ago, we said good bye to the second Peru mission group. This group was from Arizona...I'm going to have contacts all over the country by the end of my summer!!
It was a group of 9 people who were here for about a week. We continued on with the work at the Guardaria (where we were working with the first team). We moved bricks to the roof - again preparing for the 2nd floor to be built. Then, we also painted. We added color to the white walls the first team painted. The main color we painted was yellow. The main room and the hall has been painted yellow (the bottom half of the wall). Then a large back room has been painted green (again, only the bottom half). Then, out front, we painted a cream color on the bottom half of the wall and a bright blue around the windows. It's been fun waiting the building come together with the colors. It is much more bright and friendly and inviting now! (I'll add pictures later.)
It is fun watching the groups because every group is different. The group make-up and the people who come on each team. I have enjoyed getting to know the teams and becoming part of the group. It has given me ideas of how to help groups in the future.
Tomorrow I will be helping with another team, but this will be a short time as I will be going to Chepen and helping out with the church there while waiting for a team to come help with their construction project.
It was a group of 9 people who were here for about a week. We continued on with the work at the Guardaria (where we were working with the first team). We moved bricks to the roof - again preparing for the 2nd floor to be built. Then, we also painted. We added color to the white walls the first team painted. The main color we painted was yellow. The main room and the hall has been painted yellow (the bottom half of the wall). Then a large back room has been painted green (again, only the bottom half). Then, out front, we painted a cream color on the bottom half of the wall and a bright blue around the windows. It's been fun waiting the building come together with the colors. It is much more bright and friendly and inviting now! (I'll add pictures later.)
It is fun watching the groups because every group is different. The group make-up and the people who come on each team. I have enjoyed getting to know the teams and becoming part of the group. It has given me ideas of how to help groups in the future.
Tomorrow I will be helping with another team, but this will be a short time as I will be going to Chepen and helping out with the church there while waiting for a team to come help with their construction project.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
PA Group Pictures
Here are a few pictures of the PA group's time in Peru. There only a few few because of the time it takes to put them online...sorry. I've been having some computer and internet issues with these machines/connections here in Peru, so please have patience all summer!!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
9th Anniversary Celebration
On Friday I arrived to Chepen in the afternoon to join in the 9th Anniversary of the CMA church there. In the afternoon I was able to visit the church before a bunch of people came and talk with some friends who were preparing for festivities.
A little after 8pm the festitives began. We had a time of singing with a pastor from Trujillo. Then there was a baby dedication for 2 babies. One baby was Jose, Pastor Juan and Marta's youngest son. The other was for Henry and Rosa's newest addition (yes, for those who have been to Chepen and know Henry and Rosa, they have had another baby! A 2 month old little girl named Rut Elena and sh'e adorable, looks a bit like her brother.) Then there was another pastor from Trujillo who shared a message with the congregation.
It was great being with the church again. There were about 90 people in attendance! It's starting to look more and more like a church - much farther than it was 2 years ago, our first time there. They now have a sound box, paint on the permanent walls, plus an enclosed roof (although it's only temporary). The ushers also dressed similarly to stand out - white tops with black pants.
After the service, we had a dinner. It was good, but, as usual, a lot of food. It was also a little more spicy than I'd like, but not bad. We finished the night off with cake! This time was also spent talking with people. I mostly talked with the people my age - those I know the best. It was great to just sit and talk with people. I didn't understand everything, but definitely more than my last visits - the good thing too was that they noticed the difference in my language abilities too! The party was so great, I didn't end up getting home until about 12:130am!
I must admit it si different being there alone, without a group of gringos. In some ways I liked it better because I'm seeing more what things are "normally" like. However, at times I wish I had some gringo with me. If I thought I got stared at lot with everyone, it's worse now because I know it's me they're looking at, not someone else in the group.
Chepen team members: I want you to know they remember everyone of you, even if it was only 1 yr you came. They have asked about each of you by name. I am sending you their love!
Hope Church particularly, but everyone is included in this: Continue to pray for this church. One group that was supposed to come isn't able to anymore, so in some ways that's a discouragement, although you won't hear anyone complaining. Thankfully, in Juyly we'll still have 1 group. The church has been issued a challenge. If they can raise $1000 by the end of June, Chuck, a missionary who used to work in Peru (and my director), has said he would get $7000 from outside sources. With this $8000, they can get the 2nd floor of the church at least started, if not finished. Pastor Juan is sure they can get their $1000 raised. He has challenged the people of the church to donate $10 each. He believes that at least 60 people will do that, giving them $600, needing to raise only $400 more. That last $400, he hopes to raise in a yard sale and by selling baked goods. Please be praying this month for this opportunity to raise $8000 for the church!
Also please be praying for Pastor Juan and family. The are working on getting their visas for coming to visit in Oct. As it is difficult to obtain visas to the US, please be praying for this process. I'm hoping to travel with Pastor Juan and Marta to Lima to visit the Embassy to try to help in this process. Please also be praying as they prepare mentally and spiritually to come. They have a lot of questions and concerns, but I know they are excited about the opportunity to come!
(Sorry this is so long and there aren't any pictures. Hope to get those up soon!)
A little after 8pm the festitives began. We had a time of singing with a pastor from Trujillo. Then there was a baby dedication for 2 babies. One baby was Jose, Pastor Juan and Marta's youngest son. The other was for Henry and Rosa's newest addition (yes, for those who have been to Chepen and know Henry and Rosa, they have had another baby! A 2 month old little girl named Rut Elena and sh'e adorable, looks a bit like her brother.) Then there was another pastor from Trujillo who shared a message with the congregation.
It was great being with the church again. There were about 90 people in attendance! It's starting to look more and more like a church - much farther than it was 2 years ago, our first time there. They now have a sound box, paint on the permanent walls, plus an enclosed roof (although it's only temporary). The ushers also dressed similarly to stand out - white tops with black pants.
After the service, we had a dinner. It was good, but, as usual, a lot of food. It was also a little more spicy than I'd like, but not bad. We finished the night off with cake! This time was also spent talking with people. I mostly talked with the people my age - those I know the best. It was great to just sit and talk with people. I didn't understand everything, but definitely more than my last visits - the good thing too was that they noticed the difference in my language abilities too! The party was so great, I didn't end up getting home until about 12:130am!
I must admit it si different being there alone, without a group of gringos. In some ways I liked it better because I'm seeing more what things are "normally" like. However, at times I wish I had some gringo with me. If I thought I got stared at lot with everyone, it's worse now because I know it's me they're looking at, not someone else in the group.
Chepen team members: I want you to know they remember everyone of you, even if it was only 1 yr you came. They have asked about each of you by name. I am sending you their love!
Hope Church particularly, but everyone is included in this: Continue to pray for this church. One group that was supposed to come isn't able to anymore, so in some ways that's a discouragement, although you won't hear anyone complaining. Thankfully, in Juyly we'll still have 1 group. The church has been issued a challenge. If they can raise $1000 by the end of June, Chuck, a missionary who used to work in Peru (and my director), has said he would get $7000 from outside sources. With this $8000, they can get the 2nd floor of the church at least started, if not finished. Pastor Juan is sure they can get their $1000 raised. He has challenged the people of the church to donate $10 each. He believes that at least 60 people will do that, giving them $600, needing to raise only $400 more. That last $400, he hopes to raise in a yard sale and by selling baked goods. Please be praying this month for this opportunity to raise $8000 for the church!
Also please be praying for Pastor Juan and family. The are working on getting their visas for coming to visit in Oct. As it is difficult to obtain visas to the US, please be praying for this process. I'm hoping to travel with Pastor Juan and Marta to Lima to visit the Embassy to try to help in this process. Please also be praying as they prepare mentally and spiritually to come. They have a lot of questions and concerns, but I know they are excited about the opportunity to come!
(Sorry this is so long and there aren't any pictures. Hope to get those up soon!)
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Peru Mission Team 1, Goodbye
Well, the first mission team of Peru has left. I have decided it will be a very emotional summer. I will be saying goodbye a lot this summer. But I have also come to realize that the life of a missionary will consist of many goodbyes. That also means, however, that there will be many Hellos and many new friends to meet along the way!
It was sad to say goodbye to another group who as become like family, not the same type of family as the WA group, but a family still (since no 2 families are the same). It is great knowing that I have people in PA to visit and who will let me stay with them if/when I am able to visit (or at least they tell me I'll have a few homes to visit)!
Please be praying for everyone on the team. Please pray their fire/passion is strong, not only for their mission experience, but for God and that the fire will be noticable in their lives to the people around them. Please pray as they prepare to present to their church, that the words they speak will sink into those that weren't able to come and their church would be able to see what they did, but more importantly, what God did.
THANKS!!
PS. Another prayer request from CR. I received an e-mail from one of the missionary students about how there has been a lot of attacks on the missionary students - a lot of robberies at gun or knife point, as well as break-ins. Please pray for safety and strength for the students, as well as peace that the Lord will protect them and their family. Also, pray for encouragement. I can only imagine how hard this is for them (especially since many families have small children). At the beginning of their missionary experience, this could make them wonder why they are doing this, pray they will stay strong in their faith.
Thanks again!
It was sad to say goodbye to another group who as become like family, not the same type of family as the WA group, but a family still (since no 2 families are the same). It is great knowing that I have people in PA to visit and who will let me stay with them if/when I am able to visit (or at least they tell me I'll have a few homes to visit)!
Please be praying for everyone on the team. Please pray their fire/passion is strong, not only for their mission experience, but for God and that the fire will be noticable in their lives to the people around them. Please pray as they prepare to present to their church, that the words they speak will sink into those that weren't able to come and their church would be able to see what they did, but more importantly, what God did.
THANKS!!
PS. Another prayer request from CR. I received an e-mail from one of the missionary students about how there has been a lot of attacks on the missionary students - a lot of robberies at gun or knife point, as well as break-ins. Please pray for safety and strength for the students, as well as peace that the Lord will protect them and their family. Also, pray for encouragement. I can only imagine how hard this is for them (especially since many families have small children). At the beginning of their missionary experience, this could make them wonder why they are doing this, pray they will stay strong in their faith.
Thanks again!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
The Craziness From PA
Where to start with this group and this time...I haven't written much because we have been kept fairly busy and by the time I have time to write, I'm too tired and just want to sleep.
To refresh your memory, there is a group from a PA Alliance church who came for a mission trip to Trujillo, Peru. We had the exciting adventure in Lima where my things were taken (or left somewhere). But since then, we've been in Trujillo doing various ministries. The main job - and most physically demanding - is working near a dump where a new building has been constructed to hold activities for the kids whose parents work in the dump. There has been sanding down of the walls and painting primer, and final color. There has been a lot of playing with kids (it has been great to watch them just completely love on the kids), going door to door (this was stretching for me as well since in my group, I had to share twice and translate once), we ate in the homes of the people, we attended small groups as well as church, and visited a historical site.
It has been amazing watching this group come together as a church body, after sacrificing their time, energy, family, work, etc, to come help out a church in another country.
Today was our last full day together. Tonight we will be taking another late night bus to Lima so the group can head out tomorrow on the plane. It will definitely be hard to say good-bye as we have grown close. But I suppose this is what my summer will look like. I will constantly be building relationships only to have to say good-bye after a week or 2. I am glad, however, to have shared in this experience and to share my passion for missions with this group. I hope and pray that they will return home with a strong fire and light the fire in others too! I also hope and pray that they will go home changed people, and not just a change for the short term, but a life change.
To refresh your memory, there is a group from a PA Alliance church who came for a mission trip to Trujillo, Peru. We had the exciting adventure in Lima where my things were taken (or left somewhere). But since then, we've been in Trujillo doing various ministries. The main job - and most physically demanding - is working near a dump where a new building has been constructed to hold activities for the kids whose parents work in the dump. There has been sanding down of the walls and painting primer, and final color. There has been a lot of playing with kids (it has been great to watch them just completely love on the kids), going door to door (this was stretching for me as well since in my group, I had to share twice and translate once), we ate in the homes of the people, we attended small groups as well as church, and visited a historical site.
It has been amazing watching this group come together as a church body, after sacrificing their time, energy, family, work, etc, to come help out a church in another country.
Today was our last full day together. Tonight we will be taking another late night bus to Lima so the group can head out tomorrow on the plane. It will definitely be hard to say good-bye as we have grown close. But I suppose this is what my summer will look like. I will constantly be building relationships only to have to say good-bye after a week or 2. I am glad, however, to have shared in this experience and to share my passion for missions with this group. I hope and pray that they will return home with a strong fire and light the fire in others too! I also hope and pray that they will go home changed people, and not just a change for the short term, but a life change.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Situation Update
Well, the farmers' strike is over...it was only a 1 day thing I guess. Our Peruvian friends think it was over money (not a big surprise), but don't know much else. There wasn't anything on the news to explain anything, we just had to take the bus people's word that something was happening.
Tuesday, we spent a lot of the day trying to figure out what the next plan was. We didn't know if we'd be able to on a bus for another day or so, so we thought we'd try to leave by plane. Janet (a Peruvian), Scott (the Somerset pastor), and I went to see about buying tickets. We thought we had by phone confirmed $90 round trip tickets, but when we arrived, a round trip ticket to and from Trujillo was $169 plus tax...that was WAY too expensive. So we ended up heading back to the bus station to see if we could get on a bus. Gracias a Dios (thanks to God)there was a bus leaving that night at 11:05pm that we could all get on. So we went to dinner and relaxed a little before heading back to the bus station to leave.
Unfortunately during this time, my bag disappeared. A friend was carrying it for me while I carried the bag of one of the ladies on the team (her bag was big and a little heavy). Either while waiting for everyone to get in taxis someone cut it off my friend, or it got left in her taxi. No one turned it back in, so now I have to get a new passport. Please be praying for this process. Pray that there aren't any problems and that my old passport doesn't have any issues. It's kind of scary knowing someone out there has my identity...God's a big God and in control, so I've been at peace and know there must be some purpose, even if it's just more missionary training, and or reliance on God.
Anyways, we are now currently back in Trujillo. The group is getting to know the areas of ministry here. They have been great about the whole thing and are still super excited about being here and getting to work! Please continue to pray for the group, the ministries, and the people we come in contact with. Thanks!!
Tuesday, we spent a lot of the day trying to figure out what the next plan was. We didn't know if we'd be able to on a bus for another day or so, so we thought we'd try to leave by plane. Janet (a Peruvian), Scott (the Somerset pastor), and I went to see about buying tickets. We thought we had by phone confirmed $90 round trip tickets, but when we arrived, a round trip ticket to and from Trujillo was $169 plus tax...that was WAY too expensive. So we ended up heading back to the bus station to see if we could get on a bus. Gracias a Dios (thanks to God)there was a bus leaving that night at 11:05pm that we could all get on. So we went to dinner and relaxed a little before heading back to the bus station to leave.
Unfortunately during this time, my bag disappeared. A friend was carrying it for me while I carried the bag of one of the ladies on the team (her bag was big and a little heavy). Either while waiting for everyone to get in taxis someone cut it off my friend, or it got left in her taxi. No one turned it back in, so now I have to get a new passport. Please be praying for this process. Pray that there aren't any problems and that my old passport doesn't have any issues. It's kind of scary knowing someone out there has my identity...God's a big God and in control, so I've been at peace and know there must be some purpose, even if it's just more missionary training, and or reliance on God.
Anyways, we are now currently back in Trujillo. The group is getting to know the areas of ministry here. They have been great about the whole thing and are still super excited about being here and getting to work! Please continue to pray for the group, the ministries, and the people we come in contact with. Thanks!!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Missionary/Intercultural Experience...
I just I´d let you all know that the first group to Peru arrived today! It´s a group of 13 from Somerset, PA. So far, so good...as far as the group is concerned...
Of course, there has to be something exciting in the trip, so for us, we are currently stuck in Lima. There is a protest with the farmers, so it is unsafe to travel up to Trujillo. We are stuck in Lima until it becomes safe to travel once again. It is unsafe because the farmers who live along the road to Trujillo don´t let cars pass, they throw rock and whatnot at the cars as they pass. Traveling in a large (charter-like) bus is a large target, not only for rocks, but also for thieves, so we are staying in Lima.
Please be praying for this situation. We are currently on a moment to moment basis, so we really don´t know what tomorrow, or the next day, etc holds. Please pray the farmers can get this situation resolved, pray that we´ll get to Trujillo, but while we are here in Lima, that God will use us in whichever way He wants. (We know He has a reason for us being here and not in Trujillo.) Please help the money to stretch however far it needs. Pray for the Peruvians who are in charge, that they can figure out things for us to do, keep the stress to a minimum.
The group has been great. They have been very understanding. No one is upset about being stuck here and the situation. They understand God is in control and there is a purpose. How blessed are we!! The only problem for Kari and I is that we weren´t planning on staying here, so we only have the clothes on our back. Luckily, however, we did pack our toothbrushes/paste, facewash, and I packed my contact stuff, we´re safe as far as that´s concerned. We´ll just be wearing the same clothes...but there are worse things!
Thanks for your prayers!
Of course, there has to be something exciting in the trip, so for us, we are currently stuck in Lima. There is a protest with the farmers, so it is unsafe to travel up to Trujillo. We are stuck in Lima until it becomes safe to travel once again. It is unsafe because the farmers who live along the road to Trujillo don´t let cars pass, they throw rock and whatnot at the cars as they pass. Traveling in a large (charter-like) bus is a large target, not only for rocks, but also for thieves, so we are staying in Lima.
Please be praying for this situation. We are currently on a moment to moment basis, so we really don´t know what tomorrow, or the next day, etc holds. Please pray the farmers can get this situation resolved, pray that we´ll get to Trujillo, but while we are here in Lima, that God will use us in whichever way He wants. (We know He has a reason for us being here and not in Trujillo.) Please help the money to stretch however far it needs. Pray for the Peruvians who are in charge, that they can figure out things for us to do, keep the stress to a minimum.
The group has been great. They have been very understanding. No one is upset about being stuck here and the situation. They understand God is in control and there is a purpose. How blessed are we!! The only problem for Kari and I is that we weren´t planning on staying here, so we only have the clothes on our back. Luckily, however, we did pack our toothbrushes/paste, facewash, and I packed my contact stuff, we´re safe as far as that´s concerned. We´ll just be wearing the same clothes...but there are worse things!
Thanks for your prayers!
Friday, May 16, 2008
PERU!!!
I'M IN PERU!!
Kari and I left our houses around 7:30am Wednesday morning to embark on another journey...to PERU!! After a layover in Bogota, Colombia, we made it to Lima, Peru around 7:35pm. A family, who is originally from Trujillo (the city we'll be spending most of our time in Northern Peru), but is currently living in Lima due to work, was there to great us. They took us out to dinner and then we spent the night at their house. Thursday morning they took us on a mini tour of Lima. We toured a Catholic church and catacombs (my very first look at catacombs). We had a great time with this family. By the time we got on the bus last night (the 11:15pm bus), we felt as though we had known the family for a long time!
We took the late night bus to Trujillo, arriving this morning around 9:15am. Now we'll just be hanging around here until Sunday night when we take another night bus to Lima to pick up a team Monday afternoon (and return by bus to Trujillo - it's a good thing the buses are SUPER comfy!!).
Please be praying for Kari and I as we become familiar with Trujillo, the people, and how things are done here. As well as our translating as the accents are different and they use different than CR. Please also pray for the teams that will be passing through over the summer that we will be meeting, that God will us, them and the Peruvians to teach each other and challenging each other and impact the people around Peru.
Thank you for your continued support!
Kari and I left our houses around 7:30am Wednesday morning to embark on another journey...to PERU!! After a layover in Bogota, Colombia, we made it to Lima, Peru around 7:35pm. A family, who is originally from Trujillo (the city we'll be spending most of our time in Northern Peru), but is currently living in Lima due to work, was there to great us. They took us out to dinner and then we spent the night at their house. Thursday morning they took us on a mini tour of Lima. We toured a Catholic church and catacombs (my very first look at catacombs). We had a great time with this family. By the time we got on the bus last night (the 11:15pm bus), we felt as though we had known the family for a long time!
We took the late night bus to Trujillo, arriving this morning around 9:15am. Now we'll just be hanging around here until Sunday night when we take another night bus to Lima to pick up a team Monday afternoon (and return by bus to Trujillo - it's a good thing the buses are SUPER comfy!!).
Please be praying for Kari and I as we become familiar with Trujillo, the people, and how things are done here. As well as our translating as the accents are different and they use different than CR. Please also pray for the teams that will be passing through over the summer that we will be meeting, that God will us, them and the Peruvians to teach each other and challenging each other and impact the people around Peru.
Thank you for your continued support!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Shari's Visit
Kari's sister, Shari, came to visit her. Shari was able to stay for 10 days. She was at the retreat with us, we also did a variety of other activities together. Take a look at the pictures to get an idea!
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