speechless

It has been a while since I have been on here. It is easy to think that since I am off of the foreign mission field that this blog no longer has a purpose in updating people on my life...but as I sit here at my house, the Lord is just moving in my heart in a neat way. I just read blog updates for a friend of mine from Peru, Solomon...and then the blog of a new friend of mine, Andrew, who is starting a coffee shop with his wife, Gena, in Mexico to reach the climbing community, along with the Mexican people group. I have been continually reminded of how awesome the Lord is and how RICH His love is...and how I want to live a life of love (Eph 5:2) that is marked by the Gospel...ready to go at any time to any place at the leading of the Spirit. I have so much going on from this past week's experience of multi-pitch climbing and being with the OLD Schoolers...that is just another marker of the Lord's refining hand in my life. I am the clay; He is the Potter...

SWO-tastic time

This is a delayed response to my experience of coming back to the States. I have been back in the States since the 17th of May. I spent several days with the entire FUSION crew in Virginia. It was a much needed time of catching up with folks and hearing the experiences of my brothers and sisters who had just spent 4.5 months of their lives on foreign soil as well. There were stories shared that made me laugh really hard and others that broke my heart. We spent several hours in one-on-one conversations with each other...so much to share and so little time. We eventually made our way to Kansas City. I spent less than 24 hours back in KC before I flew out to Atlanta...where my Mom, sister, and three sweet friends (Cynthia, Jenna and Hayden) of mine greeted me home. What a joy it was to see my family...I have never been so warmly greeted by my family and friends (their presence at the airport spoke volumes to me!) We went to see two of my friends from my freshman year of college (Lauren and Mandy) before driving a couple of hours to Greenville, SC to stay at my Gramps'. I reunited with my grandparents for the weekend before heading to camp for the final week of staff training into this first week of camp.

My integration back to the States has been crowded with getting plugged into ministry here, reuniting with folks I hadn't seen in a while, a change of pace or task...separation from the folks I just shared 9 months of my life with...I have been exhausted and busy at the same time. Moments to just have my mind rest long enough to process it have been few and far-in-between. In fact, I found myself sharing with a random youth worker this week about my thoughts on life in Peru and the folks I met over there...and some regrets I have...debriefing with myself at some random moment because nothing we were talking about had no relation to Peru. I just haven't opened up in a way to really start processing because it wears me out and I feel like I am in preserve mode. (Pray for me in this as I know there are people who care to hear...and I need to talk about it...but I clam up when people ask me about it...and I don't know what the fair balance is of taking those opportunities to make myself talk about it when there is someone interested in hearing because I need to talk, but not forcing myself to share just to do it and it becoming more of a burden than a joy/release. Nonetheless, I will say that I have been in a WHIRLWIND upon my return. There have been moments of great joy and others of feeling quite confused....a cloudiness over my eyes in how to handle my emotions- not just emotions concerning transition from countries, but with relationships and the next step and what God is doing and etc.

I did feel more separated from my family in the midst of feeling a greater love for them. There is becoming less of an understanding from them concerning my life and decisions to genuinely follow Christ. There was the perspective of my Gramps in which he said, "You have taken this religion thing too far." There are concerns for me about health insurance, retirement plans, not having an established base to cover any unexpected hits I may take...but I believe more and more that the Lord truly is my Provider- to trust in Him as HE leads me, not me working to establish my own life with me own limited strength and perspective. This has been a process (and I am in the thick of it), but there has been more revelation that obedience to Christ is the only place I will find satisfaction. With that, He is showing me He knows my heart and I am trusting in His sovereignty...it isn't just a lofty concept (sovereignty), but it is a reality that God is sovereign! I want to live under His leadership and love and in His truth. This is another prayer request- that my life will be marked by Him (living a life worthy of the Gospel).

I am working with SMO (missions camp) this summer. This is new for me. I have also decided to stay in Andrews in the Fall... I have a home I am renting, which is strange because I am used to living with mass groups of people (not solo). It is a blessing for me right now to have some alone time. The schedule of camp keeps me going all day...so a quite place to spend time in for a few hours a day warms my heart. I am looking forward to the Fall and leading the 2-week backpacking trip for OLDS semester. Discipleship of these girls in the Fall is exciting to me! I am simply walking as the Lord reveals the next step...Spontaneity (in the Lord, really) has become my middle name since I graduated college in 2007. My life is RICH and I praise the Lord... stay tuned...and please keep praying for me. Thanks for ALL of your prayers and support during my journey in Peru. It isn't over yet...

Pizza, Laundry, and Receipts!

Folks, I am winding down my time in Peru. I will be en route to the States in less than 48 hours!! I am just unsure how I will handle this transition. It is bittersweet to the core. That blog of more reflection and thought will come at another time. I just wanted to check in.

Tonight, I spent well over 4 hours in the kitchen cooking. We (Abbie and I) made homemade pizza for the crew. I have made homemade crusts from a bag of mix before. This was the first time I made it for real from scratch. It was fun! I enjoyed the time in the kitchen with one of my girls...

My clothes are swishing away in the washer. After spending months of hand-washing my clothes, I like the idea of the machine washing them to really rinse and clean them. There is something great about the spin cycle of a machine!

Lastly, receipts! I am trying to organize money stuff for my whole team! HEADACHE!! I really don't know what I am supposed to do...so I am making spreadsheets of each expense. This is the best way to end a day! (NOT!)

Nonetheless, things are going ok. I am going to wake up early and get some stuff done...my last Saturday in Peru (quizsas- perhaps). Can't believe it all...

update...finally, another one!

I am thankful for technology because I am able to sit in my room and type up this blog, all the while listening to some jams that are encouraging to me. I find myself in Santa Rosa de Tambo for the month of April (and now into May). It is May 1- cannot believe it! We are here until March 8th (in Tambo) and then I find myself reuniting with my entire team in Lima. We fly out of Peru on the 16th and I am not sure I will know what to do with myself. I suppose there is no need to fret about it... it just seems unreal, kind of like when I found myself on a plane headed here back in January. Four months later with a slew of memories I am typing this up to send out as a blog....this season of life has been nothing short of stretching, challenging, eye-opening, and much needed.

Nonetheless, I want to share a few things from this month's time in Tambo. The people of this small village have been then most receptive and curious out of all of the villages I have spent time in. Atico was unique because it was a coastal town where no one had visited yet and it was my first village. I will always be fond of my time there because it was different than the rest of my time in Peru (shout out to Tania, Torro Mata, and Faustina!!) Chupa was the toughest situation I found myself in...VERY different experience. It was my first mountain village, with a different translator, in a hardened town....ministry was tough because the people were not interested in us...BUT I was the most encouraged by the body of believers that met regularly in the annexes of Chupa. God showed Himself to me in a manner that encourages me as I type this. Also, it was the first time I felt like I was beginning to disciple one of my girls...which was the reason they 'hired' me to do this job. Chupa- mixed emotions, but undoubtedly a needed experience to shape me. And now, I find myself in Tambo. The team I have is two of my girls and a male translator. There has been a truly edifying experience of having both Kate and Amy on my team. There is daily discipleship time that we're plugging into- me with Kate and then me with Amy...but we're connecting as sisters in Christ for the first time, I do believe. The Lord has allowed me to start pouring into these girls, and they've been receptive. We are also meeting as a group on a daily basis to walk through Philippians and now 1 Timothy. On top of that, we are in a village where people enjoy talking with us, they are thrilled to teach us Quechua, there are believers to encourage, the people have chacras to work on and we can join them, it is beautiful here...and it is the smallest village I have been to. I told my girls that I am thankful we have found ourselves in this village to 'close out' our time in Peru.

(This is me milking my first cow!!)

There were a couple of days that we were without a translator because the one we originally had decided to leave us in the early hour of the day...he missed his family and he wasn't mentally prepared to be out for this long. Needless to say, we were shocked...we were then sent Solomon. He is a believer that we have spent some good time with while being in Lima. He has excellent English, he loves the Lord, and it is such an encouragement to have him finish out our time together.

I am in the middle of some serious searching concerning the next step. It has been a tough week for me personally. The Lord has made it clear to me I am to deny myself. I realize this is a daily call to each of us believers- to deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Christ. He has made a point that I must spend some time physically denying myself in order to cling to Him as my satisfaction. A verse I have been meditating on is in Psalms 107:9: For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness. I am longing for His fulfillment in my life...realizing my expectation must be found in Him...nothing else on this earth. I have cried a few times...I have sat in silence- feeling overwhelmed with myself and my thoughts...I have laid my head in my hands several times....it has been a time for me with the Lord...and even as I type this, I am still in the middle of it all. When you read this, please spend some time just lifting me up in prayer. I believe I am in just a weird place in life with my age, gender, desires, status (single)...and I am wanting to live out 1 Samuel 12:24: Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all of your heart: for consider all of the great things has has done for you. All the meanwhile contending with my self...my emotions, expectations, desires...and knowing I must allow those to be crucified, but trying to work through some of the desires I have to go to a particular group of people and minister to them, along with the desire to be in a particular place in the world.... but being challenged not to just go to what is comfortable.. hmmm...Living a life that counts matters...that counts in being obedient to the Lord....I have many great opportunities and I am desiring to sift through them not motivated/influenced by my emotions or my expectations. I need the Spirit to lead me...

It is the final countdown for us. Staff training at camp starts on the 17th...I will get there, Lord willing, on the 23rd to join my missed family...I am looking forward to seeing how the Lord uses this summer to continue shaping me. I am in for a totally different summer than the others just based on schedule and tasks...Also, there is a brand new crew of folks that have come in to work, so I have many new folks to meet. I also will have a small group and I have no idea who is a part of my small group...It makes me smile to think about it, though.

I also have not ever missed my family quite like I have lately (lately being in the past 4 months). There is a love and excitement about my family that has grown in my heart during my time overseas that I am not certain I have experienced in my adulthood ever. Seeing my Mom, sister, grandparents...I am looking forward to hanging out with them as soon as I get home. Pray for our time together- that it will be encouraging to each of us and that they will see Christ in me through the way I have opportunities to serve and love them in our short time together in person before I leave.

Reading through the Bible during my time here in Peru has been a neat exercise in discipline. I really dropped the ball in March, but I have had some opportunities to plug into it while being in Tambo. I have completed the OT and am working through the Gospels right now. I have been amazed at the history of Israel and God's response to their disobedience...and there are a couple of accounts in Ezekial that I found myself utterly amazed. Early in Ezekial 33 has really challenged me to 'sound the trumpet' by sharing the Gospel...and the story in Chapter 9 made my jaw drop out of amazement. The amount of time I have had to feed on the Scripture has been invaluable- it is so rich and so intertwined in a manner that I had never personally been aware of until now in life...and I am still learning!! It is incredible.

It is Thursday night at 9:45 PM. Everyone is asleep, whereas I am still wide-awake. I find myself listening to music on my iTunes and clicking through pictures of my trip to Jacksonville this past January when I met up with my friend, Matt and his good friend, Benji; Mother's Day last year and pictures of my beautiful mother and sister; graduation from UGA in 2007; and my jungle trip when I played in a waterfall (catarata) on Easter this year. Ah- pictures...one of my favorite things.

I leave Tambo in less rhan 36 hours, and I leave Peru in 10 days ( am typing this on the 6th of May)... unreal. I am going to sleep on that note.

not enough time!!

I am in a rushed way right now....I am off to Tambo for the month with Amy and Kate and Ricardo (our translator). There will not be internet in Tambo...so second month in a row without internet access. Therefore, my updates will come way after the events happen...but I will send some information to teote upon my return to Lima in May.

Please pray for the relationships I have with my girls. I am super excited about this month for MANY reasons (all concerning my girls)....pray discipleship will begin to take root in their lives and that the Lord will grant me wisdom in this...there is SO much to say about this, but I have no time. I just need your prayers, and so do my girls!! And so do the people of Tambo and my translator!

I met with Tania this afternoon- the girl from Atico. GOOD news about the people in Atico. They have met several times for Bible studies in her home and in the store of another lady we met in Atico. More to come about this...

Sorry it is so short. Thanks for praying..

Sporadic update- past due

Casinos- a typical brand of cookie in Peru...I am eating some mint kind right now. Gives me the idea of Thin Mints, but they are not quite the same flavor. What is funny is as I am typing this, I keep thinking the Spanish words of the English words I am using to compose these sentences. I suppose this is a good thing- I do want to know the Spanish language. I did have a dream the other night where I translated a sentence in English into Spanish for someone in my dream. A baby was hungry and the woman asked me how to say that in Spanish. I said, “Tiene hambre.” I am also starting to comprehend it a great deal when people are talking in Spanish...AND I am getting to a point where I am more comfortable in carrying on conversation. Don't get me wrong: I have A LOT more to learn...but I am on my way.

I am in Chupa...It was 25 hours on a bus to get here from Lima. I am close to Bolivia...cerca de Lago Arapa...arriba Lago Titicaca. The elevation is about 13,000'...the highest I have ever been in my life. When I first got here I had the keen idea of climbing this 'hill' right on the outskirts of the town. Two and a quarter hours later, I am ontop of this mountain with a SWEET 360 degree view...but it took everything out of me, that trip did. When I got back home, I was wiped out. In fact, I suffered from one of the worst headaches of my life. I was absolutely miserable for two days. My body had no time to adjust to the elevation and it was evident, to say the least. The climb up Mount Ruckus (the 'hill' that is visually VERY deceiving) brought forth many memories of my AT hike. Hiking fascinates me because it really wears me out, but there is something about it that is incredibly gratifying...

I did visit Lake Titicaca...and I am convinced I could enjoy Peru much more without all of the tourism crud. I have spent a third of my time in Lima...I like Lima (at least the Miraflores part). I spent a third of my time in a small, coastal town that is not touristic at all. It is a pass-thru town on the Panamericano Hwy. The highlight of Atico was the beach, Puyenka... a local favorite. Now, Chupa, is small, too. It is a simple place...no internet here. They are just now laying some concrete roads, but these are very sporadic and few. Ok- so the simple life here I am talking about...so then, to go do a touristy thing was strange. Everything is expensive (or at least relatively so considering I know how much stuff costs in a different setting here in Peru)...and stuff can be cheesy with a tourist trip. I have become fond of the simple lives of many of the people I have met here...NOW- I would still love to visit Machu Picchu in Cuzco...and that is DEFINITELY touristy...

About the Lake and our experience. I saw snow-covered mountains in Bolivia from Peru. I walked on the floating islands of Oros, which was just a small area of dried reeds and soil that floated on the water and it was crazy. I almost got motion sickness from our morning trip to Isla Taquile...the water was incredibly choppy. One woman and one man did throw up on the hour long journey...while others were on the verge, including myself. We stayed with a family on Isla Amanati...and ate their traditional food. Apparently the Seventh Day Adventists have started a church there...so we did not eat any meat. The lake is huge...and we saw some beautiful sites, but it was not my favorite experience.

I have two more weeks here. I will send this out whenever I can. It is March 19th right now. I did remember St Patrick's Day on the 17th....made sure Kate was wearing something green or she was going to get pinched! I am off to bed...

March 22- The villagers asked my translator today when he went out into town alone if Kate and I were here for their gold. They saw us walking up Mt. Ruckus and are convinced we're here for gold. That is bizarre, but also disheartening. He said he was able to clarify that we are here to share accounts from the Bible. It took him by surprise, as well.

We go to the soccer complex at night around 5 and sit there until 6:30, which is when it gets dark. I have met this little girl, Kathia. She is eleven with a sweet smile and a kind heart towards me. We sat and talked some yesterday. Kate shared a Bible-story with her the other day and I followed up with her last night. I was talking with Rene, a man who knows very limited English and who has been visiting the villages with us in the Chupa area, how AWESOME it was to go to the church in Cututuni (where there were 16 believers meeting on their own accord to have a service). I was encouraged to join them because it reminds me of how big God is, but also how true He is...and Kathia was listening. Rene looked over to her and repeated that God is true. I then shared with her that Christ is real, but it has to be a personal relationship she has with him...that I hope one day she comes to know Him...that the Bible is filled with accounts of who Christ is and that a relationship with Him is the most important thing in life. It was a genuine desire to share with her that Jesus is not just tradition and religion, but truly relationship. I look forward to seeing her again tonight...hope she and I can keep talking- in Spanish!

THIS ENTRY WAS WRITTEN WEEKS AGO... a new update to follow...

This is it...

Only fear the Lord;

serve Him in truth with all of your heart:

for consider all of the great things

He has done for you.

1 Samuel 12:24

This is a view from Mt Ruckus in Chupa. The Lord is gracious to me, no doubt about it. I find myself in a place where the Lord is using this verse to minister to me. Please pray for me as I find myself in a very difficult place internally- lots of stuff going on with my heart and mind. The Lord desires me to serve HIM

with ALL of my heart.

Generic update...

Casinos- a typical brand of cookie in Peru...I am eating some mint kind right now. Gives me the idea of Thin Mints, but they are not quite the same flavor. What is funny is as I am typing this, I keep thinking the Spanish words of the English words I am using to compose these sentences. I suppose this is a good thing- I do want to know the Spanish language. I did have a dream the other night where I translated a sentence in English into Spanish for someone in my dream. A baby was hungry and the woman asked me how to say that in Spanish. I said, “Tiene hambre.” I am also starting to comprehend it a great deal when people are talking in Spanish...AND I am getting to a point where I am more comfortable in carrying on conversation. Don't get me wrong: I have A LOT more to learn...but I am on my way.

I am in Chupa...It was 25 hours on a bus to get here from Lima. I am close to Bolivia...cerca de Lago Arapa...arriba Lago Titicaca. The elevation is about 13,000'...the highest I have ever been in my life. When I first got here I had the keen idea of climbing this 'hill' right on the outskirts of the town. Two and a quarter hours later, I am ontop of this mountain with a SWEET 360 degree view...but it took everything out of me, that trip did. When I got back home, I was wiped out. In fact, I suffered from one of the worst headaches of my life. I was absolutely miserable for two days. My body had no time to adjust to the elevation and it was evident, to say the least. The climb up Mount Ruckus (the 'hill' that is visually VERY deceiving) brought forth many memories of my AT hike. Hiking fascinates me because it really wears me out, but there is something about it that is incredibly gratifying...

I did visit Lake Titicaca...and I am convinced I could enjoy Peru much more without all of the tourism crud. I have spent a third of my time in Lima...I like Lima (at least the Miraflores part). I spent a third of my time in a small, coastal town that is not touristic at all. It is a pass-thru town on the Panamericano Hwy. The highlight of Atico was the beach, Puyenka... a local favorite. Now, Chupa, is small, too. It is a simple place...no internet here. They are just now laying some concrete roads, but these are very sporadic and few. Ok- so the simple life here I am talking about...so then, to go do a touristy thing was strange. Everything is expensive (or at least relatively so considering I know how much stuff costs in a different setting here in Peru)...and stuff can be cheesy with a tourist trip. I have become fond of the simple lives of many of the people I have met here...NOW- I would still love to visit Machu Picchu in Cuzco...and that is DEFINITELY touristy...

About the Lake and our experience. I saw snow-covered mountains in Bolivia from Peru. I walked on the floating islands of Oros, which was just a small area of dried reeds and soil that floated on the water and it was crazy. I almost got motion sickness from our morning trip to Isla Taquile...the water was incredibly choppy. One woman and one man did throw up on the hour long journey...while others were on the verge, including myself. We stayed with a family on Isla Amanati...and ate their traditional food. Apparently the Seventh Day Adventists have started a church there...so we did not eat any meat. The lake is huge...and we saw some beautiful sites, but it was not my favorite experience.

I have two more weeks here. I will send this out whenever I can. It is March 19th right now. I did remember St Patrick's Day on the 17th....made sure Kate was wearing something green or she was going to get pinched! I am off to bed...

March 22- The villagers asked my translator today when he went out into town alone if Kate and I were here for their gold. They saw us walking up Mt. Ruckus and are convinced we're here for gold. That is bizarre, but also disheartening. He said he was able to clarify that we are here to share accounts from the Bible. It took him by surprise, as well.

We go to the soccer complex at night around 5 and sit there until 6:30, which is when it gets dark. I have met this little girl, Kathia. She is eleven with a sweet smile and a kind heart towards me. We sat and talked some yesterday. Kate shared a Bible-story with her the other day and I followed up with her last night. I was talking with Rene, a man who knows very limited English and who has been visiting the villages with us in the Chupa area, how AWESOME it was to go to the church in Cututuni (where there were 16 believers meeting on their own accord to have a service). I was encouraged to join them because it reminds me of how big God is, but also how true He is...and Kathia was listening. Rene looked over to her and repeated that God is true. I then shared with her that Christ is real, but it has to be a personal relationship she has with him...that I hope one day she comes to know Him...that the Bible is filled with accounts of who Christ is and that a relationship with Him is the most important thing in life. It was a genuine desire to share with her that Jesus is not just tradition and religion, but truly relationship. I look forward to seeing her again tonight...hope she and I can keep talking- in Spanish!

I am in Juliaca right now. I have not reread that blog update since I wrote it not too long ago...I think it is all valid info. Tonight I have thankfully been able to read up on some emails from friends, chat with two dear friends (Rachel Carpenter and Blue) on FB, and I am about to take a warm shower...something that has not happened in Chupa. I haven't had internet the past couple of weeks.....It has been fun to read folks fun comments, the very encouraging emails...THANK YOU!

I have to get off of here now. I will be in Lima soon and will have more online time to update on a different tilt- more about what I am personally learning and not just our actions. Seriously, MUCH LOVE!

Learning from the Word

²² For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people. ²³Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. ²⁴ Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.

1 Samuel 12:22-24 (NKJV)

I have been reading through the Bible, along with studying in 1 Peter, and it has been a really neat thing for me. It amazes me how many little nuggets of pure encouragement I have read in the Old Testament, such as the passage above. Verse 24 finds me right where I am in life...reminding me to fear only the Lord- not loneliness, language barriers, lack of ability in any form when it comes to this ministry (i.e. Bible Storying well), an uncertainty about my Fall plans, etc. I must serve Him in truth- with ALL OF MY HEART- and in doing so remembering all of the great things He has done for me....cause He knows my heart! I am, for the first time, starting to believe and see that He does know my heart and that is so neat....

1 Peter has been a champ...I recognize the ways the Lord desires to affirm me (because He knows I need it) through His Word and He has done that through this book. I have been thinking on what it means to be chosen by Him. I also have thought a lot about how chapter 2 talks on authority and submission, but also how Christ set the ultimate example of not threatening back or reviling back- rather, He committed Himself to the One who judges righteously... and He took on every offense- onto His own body- when He committed no sin...and how important it is to be led by that example. It is not about being right or saving my own face...it is about submitting to authority for the Lord's sake- when it is easy and when it is so tough... because it is a testimony of Christ that ought to be lived out in my life since the Spirit dwells within me. And then I just moved into chapter 3..which is, of course, supported by the previous 2 chapters...and I realize that my behavior and life and responses to people (especially authority) in my life are all important to the testimony of Christ. I cannot properly submit to any authority, or hopefully one day a husband, unless I am in true submission to the Lord. Otherwise, I will buck up and rebel against the authority...or I won't respond in a chaste or respectful way..and that type of hesitant 'submission' does not please the Lord. It is a learning process for me...

I will not have internet too often this month because there isn't any in the village I will be in...but I will probably type up an update to send once I do.

Please pray the Lord will continue to hold my heart in His hands, that I will trust Him in that, and that the Lord will work through me as I submit my heart, mind, and life to Him- allowing the Spirit to work through me...and that I will have a passion to learn the Bible stories- not to please man and to appear like a good missionary, but that I will see the importance of it being a tool to reach the people of Chupa... I honestly struggle with Bible-storying...but I think what I am learning in 1 Peter will help move my heart to a place of joyfully doing it..

Gracias! (I know more Spanish than that...promise!)

Mis piernas me duelen...

My supervisor (and friend), Shawn, came to visit the team here in Lima this past week. We went for a run on a path that runs alongside the ocean front. I had not gone on a run in a month and a half. Before then, I had not gone running in a month. I have had this once a month running schedule, apparently, but I want to keep it going. Needless to say, I am feeling the effects of a month and half off of runny (hence the title of my blog). It was good to go running..and I was happy Shawn suggested we run (this was right after we both ate donuts). His visit was good- too short.

My team has yet experienced more changes. Two of my team members are heading down to Chile for the next two months. My translator from this past month is unable to go on the field with us this month because his dad passed away and he is dealing with paperwork stuff. This, along with a couple of other factors, has resulted in switching the teams up. I am now going to be with Kate- going to the Puno area to serve with Lidman. Please be in prayer for my relationships with them both this next month. Kate- opportunity to disciple her and pour into her. Pray the Lord will give me wisdom in how to take advantage of this time to intentionally pour into her life. Also, pray for the relationship I will have with Lidman (our translator that I met in Lima and hung out with a good bit while here the first month). Pray we'll work beautifully as a team- together...the three of us.

Someone just gave me "The Kite Runner" as they walked out of the hostel...a new book to read.

I am tired- pray the Lord will rejuvenate me and give me a refreshed passion for the tasks at hand. Homesickness...or simply a longing to come home...I have been experiencing it. I am not miserable here when I say I am homesick. I have been experiencing different emotions with what I am doing, where I am (not just physically/geographically), the direction life is going... The Lord has loved on me and I have been more aware of it these past two months than I have in a long time. That has been so good for me.

Nonetheless, time to get money and receipts and etc situated. I will be near Lake Titicaca soon...after a 23 hour bus ride! WOWZER! Another update to come at some point. Thanks for following..thanks for praying for me and my team.

Volcano Misti...when will I see you?

Tomorrow I am Lima bound. Today, though, I find myself in Arequipa with a family. We arrived yesterday morning at 3AM and sat in the terrainpuerto for 3 hours. It was cold and uncomfortable, but it quickly threw my mind back to the public transportation days of last semester. Around 6AM we headed over to the family's house to catch some much needed Zzzz's to function through the day. I was awakened at 11AM to be informed that Arturo (my translator) needed to fly home back to Lima because his dad was hit by a car and in the hospital. We proceeded in getting the ticket and he was off for Lima at 1:45pm...around 10:30PM I chatted with Arturo online to ask him how things were going. His father ended up passing away yesterday. Arturo talked about his dad a lot while we were out; he lived with his dad when he was in Lima...this is simply surprising news. Life is short, no doubt.

PLEASE pray for Arturo and his heart during this time- that the Lord will soften his heart through this and that HE will be the One to minister to Arturo where he is...and that Arturo recognizes this and comes to Him...

We don't know how this will affect the next month's trip....how this will affect Arturo....none of it. Please lift up my team as we try to minister to him- being sensitive to the Spirit...

This is me in Atico- watching one of the most incredible sunsets of my lfie...

Farewell, Atico...??

Yesterday, the 24th, the Lord must have known I needed some love because 5 little girls in total today showed me the most love I have seen since being in Peru. The first group of two girls gave me an abundant amount of hugs. They were good hugs, too...full of life and love. One little girl, Karla, ran down the road to give me two last hugs. These girls were 5 or 6. The second group of girls I met when we were playing volleyball at the 'rec park'. They came up and asked me if they could play with us...we introduced ourselves (they were 4, 6, and 10)....they eventually left the court, but I saw them later in the road. They came up to me and started talking in Spanish. I enjoy conversing with them...but I had to go and catch up with the group. Before I left, though, the older girl whispered something in their ears. The youngest girl, Isabella, mumbled something, but I caught the word 'besito'...means 'little kiss'. They asked if they could give me little kisses on my cheek. I accepted. I got on my knees and they each came over to kiss my cheek..and then they asked if I would kiss their cheeks.. too cute how they asked. I gave each one of them kisses...and then we departed. They kept saying "Hi!!" as I walked away...and I said, "Bye!"....I think they only know 'hi' in English..it was really adorable.. But is absolutely warmed my heart in a MUCH needed way yesterday... just neat how the Lord met me through those little girls- touching my little girl heart.

We leave Atico tonight..at 8:45pm...and head to Arequipa for two days. We are following up with three ladies we've met here in Atico. Our time in Atico has been good. The people we have relationships have really begun to open up to us. It will be hard to leave. In fact, I am still curious if we're not supposed to come back...Please pray for my team in making that decision. We go to Lima on the 1st and stay until the 6th...so we have time to decide to come back. So many factors, but I don't want to focus on them. I am asking the Lord to speak to my heart about it and I would appreciate it if you join me in asking Him to speak to my team.

I have pictures to upload on FB later. I tell you- the sunsets over the ocean are incredible!! The little kids I have met are too cute....I enjoy listening to them talk with their little voices- a language I am learning. The women I have met, too, have been a real blessing to me. I now know how to make some very simple food items they eat here. I bought 5 little cookbooks... experiment time. I know how to better wash my laundry by hand. Simple, little things...enriching to me.

I am reading through 1 Peter these days in my study. WOW.. also, I am reading through the Bible while I am here in Peru. THAT has been a true blessing...yeah, I am amazed at the history of Israel and learning more about God through these accounts found in the OT....I am almost done with Joshua and will move into the next book today...just neat and it is about time I read through the Bible. The timing is right, no doubt about it.

Ok..there will be more to come later. I just wanted to touch base. Things are good.. I am TOTALLY looking forward to the letters sent from SWO- hope they've been delivered to Lima. Thank you for praying for me and my team. Pray the Lord will keep us (my team) and any other believers we interact with (missionaries and etc) in unity- one heart, one mind, one focus- in Christ and on Him. Pray for the work that has happened in each other the villages...teams deciding if they need to stay or go to another place. Pray the Spirit continues to bring conviction to areas of our hearts that are hard or unclean...and that He will continue to minister to us as some of the folks are homesick (especially Lauren), others just figuring out why they're here... (that is me, sometimes)...and that our faith would be strengthened in ways only He can do.

Off to hang out with Saul...cannot believe we leave today...

Farewell, Atico...??

Yesterday, the 24th, the Lord must have known I needed some love because 5 little girls in total today showed me the most love I have seen since being in Peru. The first group of two girls gave me an abundant amount of hugs. They were good hugs, too...full of life and love. One little girl, Karla, ran down the road to give me two last hugs. These girls were 5 or 6. The second group of girls I met when we were playing volleyball at the 'rec park'. They came up and asked me if they could play with us...we introduced ourselves (they were 4, 6, and 10)....they eventually left the court, but I saw them later in the road. They came up to me and started talking in Spanish. I enjoy conversing with them...but I had to go and catch up with the group. Before I left, though, the older girl whispered something in their ears. The youngest girl, Isabella, mumbled something, but I caught the word 'besito'...means 'little kiss'. They asked if they could give me little kisses on my cheek. I accepted. I got on my knees and they each came over to kiss my cheek..and then they asked if I would kiss their cheeks.. too cute how they asked. I gave each one of them kisses...and then we departed. They kept saying "Hi!!" as I walked away...and I said, "Bye!"....I think they only know 'hi' in English..it was really adorable.. But is absolutely warmed my heart in a MUCH needed way yesterday... just neat how the Lord met me through those little girls- touching my little girl heart.

We leave Atico tonight..at 8:45pm...and head to Arequipa for two days. We are following up with three ladies we've met here in Atico. Our time in Atico has been good. The people we have relationships have really begun to open up to us. It will be hard to leave. In fact, I am still curious if we're not supposed to come back...Please pray for my team in making that decision. We go to Lima on the 1st and stay until the 6th...so we have time to decide to come back. So many factors, but I don't want to focus on them. I am asking the Lord to speak to my heart about it and I would appreciate it if you join me in asking Him to speak to my team.

I have pictures to upload on FB later. I tell you- the sunsets over the ocean are incredible!! The little kids I have met are too cute....I enjoy listening to them talk with their little voices- a language I am learning. The women I have met, too, have been a real blessing to me. I now know how to make some very simple food items they eat here. I bought 5 little cookbooks... experiment time. I know how to better wash my laundry by hand. Simple, little things...enriching to me.

I am reading through 1 Peter these days in my study. WOW.. also, I am reading through the Bible while I am here in Peru. THAT has been a true blessing...yeah, I am amazed at the history of Israel and learning more about God through these accounts found in the OT....I am almost done with Joshua and will move into the next book today...just neat and it is about time I read through the Bible. The timing is right, no doubt about it.

Ok..there will be more to come later. I just wanted to touch base. Things are good.. I am TOTALLY looking forward to the letters sent from SWO- hope they've been delivered to Lima. Thank you for praying for me and my team. Pray the Lord will keep us (my team) and any other believers we interact with (missionaries and etc) in unity- one heart, one mind, one focus- in Christ and on Him. Pray for the work that has happened in each other the villages...teams deciding if they need to stay or go to another place. Pray the Spirit continues to bring conviction to areas of our hearts that are hard or unclean...and that He will continue to minister to us as some of the folks are homesick (especially Lauren), others just figuring out why they're here... (that is me, sometimes)...and that our faith would be strengthened in ways only He can do.

Off to hang out with Saul...cannot believe we leave today...

It's a novel...yes

Let me start off saying, “I have a wicked canker sore in my mouth and it is killing me!” That is truth...I mean, it isn't killing me but it is enough to drive me crazy. It hurts! It is right on that piece of tissue that connects my lip to my lower gums- in the center of my lower jaw. It keeps growing and making itself known, especially when I eat and my lips have to move. This is canker sore number TWO since I have been in Peru- never happens back home. What causes these things?!

We've made our journey down the coast of Peru to a place called Atico. It is a port city, so there are a lot of transient people in this region. (You know...I can do this in the morning. Everyone else is asleep- it is 11:30PM...I am going to sleep and will do this tomorrow. Buenas Noches)

Two days have passed since I first started this entry...and it will possibly be a couple more before I post this. I may be able to get to the internet today, but it really is not that important to me right now so we will see what happens. There is an internet cafe in the town, but we have tried to keep ourselves busy in the town- AND I just don't want to deal with my email account because I anticipate there will be plenty of pointless emails mixed in with the important ones...it takes times to sift through it all and I am not excited about that aspect of it. ANYWAY- I definitely just wasted time explaining that to each of you who have decided to follow up on me via this blog.

Today we met with a couple of people, but let me start with what happened yesterday. As I write this, I just want to cry...crying out to God about purpose and direction. God, I am just a girl in a foreign country- wanting to share Christ with them, but not quite understanding how I have been equipped despite my lack of Spanish. I am here, though, and so help me work through all of the hoops and to jump over any barriers that rest in place. He has most certainly shown Himself faithful, though...and this is what I want to share.

I took a break from this last night...Arturo and I sat down for a little over an hour to work on my vowels in Spanish. It is tough to try and trick my brain to say the “A” sound when I see an “E” in a Spanish word....or to say “E” when I see an “I” in a Spanish word. We also tried to work on my ability to roll my “R”...whew...my tongue does not want to move in the ways the Spanish words demand! I do pray I learn this language...

Yesterday we took our time getting out of the house. We spent the day before in Caraveli walking around and meeting people all day...and then we rode on a three hour bus ride to get back to Atico. Needless to say, we were spent from the LONG day the day before. After studying and talking and showering and cleaning our rooms, we went out for lunch at a local menu. On the way out to lunch we met two fishermen- nicknames are Torro Mata y Hannibal. Torro Mata was fixing his nets- like a pro! We asked a variety of questions for about half an hour concerning fishing...nice guys. After lunch (which consisted of sopa de pollo con pasta, pescado frito y arroz), we walked down to the beach. There were a massive number of seagulls! The waves were quite impressive, too. I took video- look for it on FB soon. Anyway, on the way back to the main part of town from the beach we met three ladies hanging out on the sidewalk while their children ate ice cream just purchased from the ice cream man. The older of the three women, Lucrecia, interacted with us most- laughing and making conversation about the area. Eventually the conversation turned into the typical topic of questioning why a gringita, such as myself, was doing in Peru. Oh- open door. It is crazy how this open door provides great excitement, but at times a slight hesitation in thinking about what is the appropriate way to share. They asked if I was preaching- told them no...simply trying to share the Word of God through my life and share His Word with people who are interested. The women went inside the house to get three chairs so Vinnie, Arturo and myself could sit and share. The first question asked was, “Why are you here? How did God tell yo to come?” It is SO cool...That morning I was reading at the desk before we left- during our 'lazy' morning. I was thinking about why am I here...God led me to read Matthew 28 and I really believe He wanted me to gain perspective of my responsibility to be obedient, but also to have confidence in Him because He is with me to the ends of the world- even here in Peru. So- I joyfully shared with the ladies that passage and shared my heart about wondering what this life is all about...and how God so graciously continues to show me the importance of being obedient to Him. The Lord lead me to share my testimony with these three women while Arturo translated for me. We were able to share several passages of Scripture. I read out of my English Bible while Arturo read from my Spanish Bible...The ladies asked us how do they discern who to believe because the Jehovah Witnesses come and tell them they need to believe, too...the foundation of Scripture, and Scripture alone, in what we share is most important and we shared that with them. I had a pretty overwhelming moment as I shared my heart with these ladies. My prayer really is to just share the Lord. I don't want to convince anyway that they must believe the way I do...rather, just a heart that asks the Lord to come and make Himself known to these people in the same powerful and real way He did to me on December 8, 1999. The Lord has been awesome in taking me to passages each morning and then using those very passages in specific ways during the day as I talk with the Peruvians. Nonetheless, the ladies slowly peeled away from the group while Lucrecia stayed around. She invited us to partake in some ceviche at her store the next day (today) to see her again. On the way back home, we stopped at a random store to buy some drinks...and we end up meeting Lucrecia sister, Raquel! We plan on going back to her store to share with her, too.

Ok- so today. We are headed out to visit the town and we run into Torro Mata fixing his nets- two different ones. We sit with him and converse a great bit about fishing- trying to simply build relationship. Tomorrow the men go out fishing for 3-4 days so the nets must be ready. Arturo asked him if we could possibly see them off tomorrow and he said we could...and Torro Mata said the owner of the boat may be willing to give us a ride out in the ocean. (Atico is a city right up on the ocean...fishing is what Atico is made of- these men have been fishing all of their lives, so it is neat to learn about these men because they make up Atico.) After an hour and a half of talking, we headed over to see Lucrecia and have some ceviche. She was pleased to see us and she happily sat us down at a small table in her small store (which is a unit in this market). She served us ceviche, which I was hesitant to try at first but knew I had to just do it. It was quite good, actually- much better then the first time I tried ceviche (which was at a menu in Lima). She asked us if we wanted fruit juice... Yes! Surtido, por favor! (Mixed fruits)...and then she gave me a piece of cake...We sat and talked with her some. I worked on my Spanish some with her by trying to talk in Spanish...what a mess! After about an hour of being there we were going to get going...I asked her how much it would cost. She insisted it was a gift and she thanked us for sharing yesterday and then coming to visit her again today. I was overwhelmed- again....I couldn't help by cry. We asked if we could pray over her and she said we could. I prayed and Arturo translated...what a moment for me in regards to being faithful in sharing and desiring to build relationships with folks. Blessed my heart- seriously.

After ceviche, we left to find the store her sister owns because I wanted to talk with her...maybe share the Bible stories and make conversation. We had a basic idea of where it was (the store), but we were not 100% sure. We turned up a random road and there was this old boat out on the street. I stopped to take a picture of it. While I was messing with the camera, a lady's voice gets our attention from inside of a home and behind the security bars of the windows. She asked where we're from....we start to talk. She proceeds in giving us marcianos (popcicles)- lucuma y leche. They were quite tasty!! Fresh milk from the cows, she said. So, as the sun was beating down and we were enjoying our marcianos, we were able to talk. I practiced a little more Spanish (because I have to be intentional in it...it is very easy to hide behind Arturo's ability to translate instead of putting myself out there to learn). Kati y Carmela- mom and daughter, it seemed...they invited me to come back and visit. I think I will and I hope we can work on my Spanish some while I share the Bible stories. We left their home to get to Raquel's store, but Vinnie had a bathroom emergency. We headed back to the hostel to accommodate Vinnie's need and to get ready for lunch. (Faustina, the woman we're staying with, is making our meals for us for very cheap!) We were supposed to meet with Faustina yesterday because she asked for a meeting time to read the Bible (because she was VERY interested in home-service visits with reading the Bible- no one does that here) but she had many things going on yesterday. Well, today was the day to meet!! After lunch, which was pretty tasty, she came in to do some reading with us. We talked about MANY things...and it was AWESOME how the Lord used Scripture I read this morning to make a point about needing to be in His Word... So faith is by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Romans- what a book! After 2 hours of talking and sharing and finding Scripture, Faustina asked if we could meet again tomorrow to read. We are going to work through a book of the Bible while we are here. I pray the Lord absolutely captives her heart. She told Arturo she wished I spoke Spanish so we could talk more about the things we were discussing... I was so thankful how the Lord was truly giving us the words to speak. I also experienced a time or two where I felt the Lord tell me to not say anything just for the sake of sharing something...rather to just wait on Him. This has been a REALLY neat day for me.

I also shaved my legs! I couldn't handle it anymore. I have had dreams about shaving...it was time! Silky smooth goodness...

February 14- Valentines' Day... yep, only mattered to me one year (when I was a junior in high school- Thanks, Ryan.) Valentines' Day reminds me of one thing these past couple of years- it was the day I entered into the Smokey Mountains on my thru-hike experience back in 2008. I was with Racheal, Vagus, Stormennorm, and Waterbear. Today, in Atico, it is a day for a major party on the beach. The people of Atico really pride themselves on their beaches, their seafood, and they enjoy drinking- perfect excuse to party today. I am hoping to get some laundry done, update my stuff online (emails and blog), and spend some time with Faustina- reading through John.

Yesterday was cool (chevere) because we were able to see the life of a fishmerman. Saul (aka Torro Mata) was going out on the sea for 4 days. We asked if we could watch them head out from the pier and he welcomed us to tag along. There were many bags of nets and lots of gear for their 4-day job out on the sea (I almost put 'adventure', but this is their livelihood- not a hobby). After all of the gear was emptied off of the truck and then loaded onto the boat, he invited us to get on the boat for a short trip out onto the water. His friend gave us the tour while Torro Mata loaded up 5 huge bags with ice....we arrived back to the pier, loaded the ice, and said farewell... And it was simply neat to have this man allow us to tag along to see how he makes a living. We hope to see him come in- to see their catch and welcome them back- on Thursday.

This is a lot to read, but a lot is going on. We just met with Faustina again this morning, despues desayuno, and we walked through the passage of John 1:1-18. We talked about baptism- she was under the impression that baptism brought salvation (like many folks). We shared with her about being born of the Spirit- bringing in John 3 and Nicodemus. Her daughters are coming from Arequipa tomorrow and I think we will get to sit down with the three of them. PLEASE pray for our time with the ladies, especially pray for Faustina and her salvation. We have had some pretty neat conversations and I am hopeful (certain) the Lord put us here (in her home) for the reason to share with her and to see Him at work.

Another update to come on another day... Don't hate me because I am wordy. Much love from Peru!

P.S. The wicked canker sore is slowly healing. It is about time...

Delayed and learning

I am trying to use this computer until it completely dies on me. I don't have much time...

Our plans to leave yesterday have not come through...our plans to leave today, fell through...our plans to dip out tomorrow- not happening.. What is the Lord doing? I don't know. It is interesting to me, though. The men around me (or not around me, but connected to me through this Fusion program and through the body of Christ) have been purposeful in encouraging me. I don't know if I come across as discouraged or they just assume I would be thrown off by the events not going smoothly to my plans, but I don't think I am as stressed as it may come off to some of those guys. Regardless, it has been good to have people encouraging me to remember this is a minor set-back and God does know what He is doing.

SO- we are going to help with a children's ministry in Pamplona tomorrow. There are 4 adults from a church in NC who have come over for a week. They would love to have help with the abundant number of kids they've seen all week...and it will be good for us to get out and help serve folks. Lima or some other place in Peru, it is time to get moving. I am excited. I hear the kids don't mind well, though, which I am interested in seeing how it plays out.

The girls and I hung out some tonight. We went to the juice bar...we tried a couple of different fruit drinks/smoothies. The one Amy and I shared had lucuma, fresa y plantano. After ordering and partaking of our yummie beverages, we made out way to the central circle outside of our hostel. I sat with my girls outside in the Ovalo..we asked each other questions and played a few games...i.e. 2 truths and a lie, "I have never ever..." We then decided to just ask questions and each person in the group answered, such as: What is a goal you have?, What is the sweetest thing a man has ever done for you?, What nickname do you dislike the most?, etc...We laughed some, we reflected some...we had girl time and I REALLY enjoyed myself.

I am going to bed now.. I will post this in the morning. I Skyped with my grandparents today- that was good.

It is Wednesday morning.The original plan was to depart from Lima on the 1st, and then the 2nd...and it is now the 3rd. There is no telling when we will get the green light to go. There is a delay due to getting funds squared away, but it is interesting to me how the delay keeps occuring because it is minor, but I think there is a good reason for it that I am not quite able to see right now. So- please pray for us all as we figure out what is going on. Today we are going to Pamplona to help with a children's VBS kind of thing. There is a team of 4 adults from NC here for the week and today is their last day with the kids, I think....we are going to help them out and spend some time with 40 kids. :o) I have had some neat times with my team...with my girls...thanks to the delay. I don't have to know what is going on. I just need to be obedient in being a good steward of my time...and any place here in Peru (or anywhere in the world..wherever we are) is a mission field, so I must not waste time or opportunities. Off to read and eat breakfast. Keep the scene alive wherever you find yourself as you read this...much love (something the Lord is teaching me).

Let not truth or mercy forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the table of your heart. Proverbs 3:3 <-----the Lord has me stuck on this verse and in this Proverb.

Another late night.

I am sitting in the hostel here in Lima. There is a man from Chile who was engaging

some of my friends in conversation- violating the standard American 'personal bubble' and making Chris uncomfortable. At this point, the man went over to talk with Blake. Blake questioned why the man was in Lima- 'traveling,' he said...then the man returned the question and Blake explained why he was in Peru- 'I am a missionary. I love Jesus,' Blake returned. There was aLidman is here- he speaks Spanish and he is a believer in Jesus. He is sharing the Gospel with this man. Blake started it, but due to the language barrier Lidman has stepped in to have a smoother flowing conversation. It is really neat to be a witness to this...praying the seed falls on fertile soil.

This picture is of a little girl that I met at the beach. She spoke quick Spanish...she liked my camera..she touched my heart...O how the Lord has grown my heart for children.. This is also a time of swimming at sunset.. LOVE IT!

Our departure date has been delayed due to needing to get funds to the teams....snow in the States and a delay on my end in getting the budget have contributed to this. The question is: what to do with tomorrow's day? Today I sat with two of my girls, Iesha and Abbie, in Starbucks. We shared our hearts, laughed some, cried some...we prayed as a group of girls. Iesha prays very simple, yet strong prayers. I love being around when she prays because she does share her heart with the Lord in a simple, real way. I hope to take Amy and Kate somewhere to spend some time with them- they are a team...and then go somewhere with Lauren. It is strange to think we are departing ways to go do ministry in different parts of this country. As I type this, a wave of excitement and understanding come over me....this is why we are here. I am proud to see these girls go. little encouraging from me to explain the 'why' of that statement...to go deeper.

We had a group time of worship. Folks shared some passages in the Word that have been sources of comfort, encouragement, correction. I do believe the Lord is going to show me what it looks like to bind mercy and truth around my neck...and write them on the tables of my heart (Proverbs 3:3). That verse in Proverbs has stood out to me a lot recently...and I pray He teaches me what that means. The picture of having truth around my neck and written on my heart- sticks out to me. I see the NEED to have truth and mercy around me and stored within me, especially during this time where I do anticipate different types of trying times. Contentment should not be affected by circumstances...it should stand firm because it is based on the hope found in Christ. TRUTH- must store it in my heart so the enemy cannot throw insecurities or weaknesses or unpleasant circumstances at me to push me off course. TRUTH- God's Word...

I have uploaded some videos on FB. They are videos of Solomon, Lidman and I swimming in the Pacific Ocean at 2AM on my 25th birthday. What a way to welcome 25...very youthful and spontaneous.. good for my spirit.

I won't be seeing the Andes Mountains as soon as I had hoped. I will be near the beach this next month...and in the desert. My heart's desire is to be in the mountains, but I am also mindful that God knows my heart and He knows what work needs to get done...so, I trust that even if I don't get to see those mountains everything will be okay. I AM IN PERU...it is not about the mountains or my Spanish....or my preferences... People are lost in the desert...some lady, man, or child I will meet in the desert area may change my perspective on life, the Peruvian people, this country... I may fall in love with the area...I may struggle the whole time... Regardless, obedience to the Lord must come first and then the emotions/feelings with change...

Please pray for the teams as we depart...and pray we are proactive in doing what we've been commanded to do...share the Gospel, in love...to die to ourselves, pick up our crosses, and follow Jesus Christ- DAILY... Pray for the relationships of the smaller teams. Pray for this man that Lidman is sharing the Gospel with... Benjami...muchas gracias.

Another day...

It is Friday night here in Lima. The air temperature is just right when the wind blows. I am sitting on the roof of a friend's house so I can soak it all in...the air temperature, the sounds of the city, the full moon that is resting in the sky above me. After wringing out the water from several articles of clothing I just hand washed and then hanging them up to air dry, I found myself appreciative of the view the roof offered...the life here in Lima....the way of life, that is. The people here are not too different than me, but then again they are...I appreciate that and continue to wonder how my life will fit into theirs, especially as I am about to make the 'big move' to the village I will be in for the next month. It is crazy to think, though, that I have been in Lima for two and a half weeks already. What will life in the village be like?

I haven't posted in a little while. In the time passing from the last post I made and now, a lot has kind of shifted for me. Let me share. I found out who my team mates will be and where we were going...which has changed two more times from my original idea of what was going to happen. It was emotional for me the day we determined the teams and announced it. Anxiety and apprehension and fear started to overwhelm me for some reason...fearful of what the negative outcome of what it will be like being the lone female on my team for a month...but then I am reminded of what a super neat opportunity this is to CLING to my Father and draw intimately close with Him. Oh- the latter is the cry of my heart. So- I am headed with Arturo (a very good teacher and translator) and Vinnie B to a village that apparently has a lot of green olives! I am most interested in seeing how the Lord uses this team in the village we're going to...and how He changes us through this next month.

I was able to meet with a woman today- one of the J-girls. We talked for a few hours over our meal at Crepes and Waffles. The Lord is good. I most certainly needed the time of open conversation with a woman of God who would be real with me...who would hear me out...who would offer words of encouragement...who understood my heart because she has been or is in the same place. We both know the Lord is aware of where we are and who we are...we both declare the Lord is good. ..we both desire to see what the Lord is going to continue to do in each of our lives. (Those statements sound so generic, but the reality is those statements came alive in the conversation I had with her today and It was sweet to my spirit.)

Sickness has occurred...I have some head congestion and nasal yuck..A few days ago I woke up with an unusually sore throat. I sucked it up and did not say anything...figured it was from the air. Another day passed and my throat was sore...and then I lost my voice for two days. Not fun. And now I am at a place where I feel like crud...woke up this morning with a headache, congestion and just plain tired. My stomach has held up fine. I am now dealing with a cold or something that I did not quite expect. Go figure! Speaking of sickness. I had to make a hospital run with one of my girls. Everything is fine...it made for an interesting adventure at midnight, in Lima, with a stomach issue... We have laughed about it now.

Today I caught a taxi on my own. I worked through a tinge of fear of trying to travel alone in a foreign country with some level of a language barrier. My thoughts were: hope I can convey the correct place I want to go without him asking too many questions because I cannot quite understand the language when it is spoken unless it is slower (which doesn't happen!)-thankfully he did have an idea of where to take me; hope he doesn't try to rip me off because I am not spending more than 3 soles for this ride... (of course he asked for 4 and I told him I would give him 3, which he did accept)..I was successful at conquering those fears. I held my own, stayed calm, and had a pleasant ride. I even sparked up conversation with the man while he was driving- practicing the Spanish I do know.

Proverbs 3- read that yesterday and I really like it. I reread it today out loud to Solomon...I need to read it again. I also had an encouraging conversation with Blue about being chosen...and I was able to leave a handful of messages on people's answering machines today because people did not answer their phones today. I did talk with Maw and Natalie...that was good. I have a few other people to call...Skype is a great thing.

Prayer requests:

My heart is burdened for issues and people back home...I want to be diligent in praying for people back home, but I also don't want it to be a distraction. I think it is fine now...and I am not homesick or anything, but I don't necessarily know how it all is going to play out when I am more isolated in a matter of days.

Language learning to help communicate with the people of the village. I desire to be a good student of the language- studying, putting myself out there to practice, asking questions.

The Lord will draw me to Himself and I will follow Him...that the enemy's attempts to distract, deter, discourage me will all be thwarted...

Team morale as well all go four separate ways...being away from each other for a month and then regrouping for a few days at the beginning of March...and our boss/supervisor/fearless leader possibly coming out to see us.

We have a group of Fusion folks in Haiti..and that means the group in Europe is split up...

Catching up- bday and all

I just added pictures...this sand boarding picture should be with another posting, but oh well..

I haven't updated this blog in a couple of days. Realistically I won't keep it up as well as I have thus far, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't work

on it diligently while I can. I am awaiting the beginning of our morning meeting. One of the girls left her money at the hostel and we are waiting for them to come back before we begin. The past couple of days have been good, which is so generic it will require details- my forte!

I had a wonderful birthday. There was a much needed time of conversation, sharing, prayer and singing starting around 11PM on the 16th. We sat around the living room as a group with Lidman, Solomon, and Blake joining our group. I was able to share some of the things I am

learning and apologize for my shortcomings, but also begging my brothers and sisters to pray for me- to fight with me (very similarly to the last blog I shared). We sang several songs...we prayed. Abbie and Kate were the first to wish me a happy birthday as midnight rolled around...and it was my 25th birthday!! We then began to pray as a group, which was just a sweet time. We finished our time together a little before 1AM. Solomon then suggested we go to the beach! After asking the crew, half of us decided to be game and go. We dropped the others off at the hostel and the rest of us proceeded to the beach. The first half of our time was spent being conservative with the water. I stepped in it- the first time I had

done that since being here. There were pretty decent sized rocks and lots of pebbles- not sand. Solomon first walked into the water with me...we danced and played and I about fell in. We eventually convinced Lidman to get in the water. Abbie was video-taping all of this. The waves crashed into our legs and got our pants/shorts wet, so it was inevitable we would get immersed. Little did I know (or expect)- sea urchins with very real and very painful spikes broke off into the sole of my feet as I tried to stand up in the ocean. We laughed, played, and simply enjoyed each other- FELLOWSHIP! After goofing off for over an hour, we walked back home and I got cleaned up. Abbie and I stayed up- laughing, me crying (because I had those sea urchin spines broken off into my feet and she had to do surgery on my feet), and just sharing a few thoughts. It was 3:45AM before my birthday-tail went to bed...and we woke up at 7:30AM.

The crew met up with some J-men (Journeymen) to go to Alianza (a church). We caught taxis and headed that way. We got there early, so we stopped off at a Starbucks to get some drinks. Abbie bought me a birthday chai tea- any size I wanted!! MMMM! Afterwards, we went to church- really great time. I enjoyed the time of worship through song...and the message was about reconciliation within the body and how Christ is the ultimate example of this. It was all in

Spanish and I understood about half of it. That is exciting to me... After church we went to lunch at San Antonio's. I was able to eat some palta (avacado). YES! The crew went to the beach afterwards- some played soccer, some walked on the beach and played in the water, others laid and journaled. The day was beautiful. The cliffs with paragliders floating off of them and the rocky beach with waves crashing up against the shore were the bookends of my space. Beautiful!! After the beach, we went to TGIFridays- spent way too much money on a meal no one really even liked...but I did get a neat birthday song (and dance with the waiter)...the crew then sang the bday song for me again- loud and obnoxiously!! Liked it- a lot. Ice cream and hangout time finished the night. Good stuff!

The next day- well, I had a lapse in attitude for some dumb reason...i don't really remember anything spectacular from that day because I was so distracted by my own idiotic emotions. AH- yes...orientation began. We are going through sessions about leadership, teamwork, cultural realities of the Peruanas, Bible storying. The days of orientation are short, but it does thankfully open up the rest of the day to just be. We have been successful in moving hostels 4 or 5 times! It is tough having 8 people and finding a 'long term' place to stay in a transitional living space. We're thankful, though, because we have experienced different parts of Lima even by staying in different types of hostels. We also dropped our clothes off at the lavanderia- laundry mat. I have since purchased some laundry soap so I can continue to handwash my clothes. Let's see...I am also practicing my Spanish with folks here.

In fact, I have a really neat story about sharing in Spanish during our Spanish class. Yesterday I was talking with Mayra- having conversation and she was teaching me new words. We spoke about places I have traveled and people she knows in the states. We eventually got on the subject about sharing how I became a missionary or what my testimony is.. I told her that I know I am here doing 'mission work', but to label myself as a missionary doesn't necessarily settle too well with me. The better question was about my testimony. I began to talk with her about how I became a believer. As I spoke, Mayra listened attentively. I shared with her how I do know that the Lord has great plans for me- all in Spanish. She looked at me and said, "Amen!". It just hit me in a deep way...the beauty of the moment ministered to my spirit. I just shared my heart, in Spanish, in Peru...

Today is Friday. We are going to come up with something to do. We made dinner last night here at the house. Aji Gallena con papas, huevos, y arroz. It was spicy. Abbie, Lidman and I were in the kitchen for almost 3 hours cooking. During dinner we had a time of sharing. Vincent opened up and addressed the group. The Lord is using him in needed ways within this group. He addressed the separation between the Natives and the others on our team- and how divisive that is and we cannot settle for it. We then sang some songs together and Lauren, Amy and I prayed...those types of moments of this trip warm my heart in a much needed way because it is then we share in fellowship.

Pray for us as we are learning the language, learning Bible stories, gearing up for our last week in Lima before we hit our base city and the mountains in groups of 2 team members and translators...Pray for Lidman and Solomon- the two Peruvian men who have been with us each day. Pray for the unity of our team and the meshing with the J-men here and the translators. Things are good...definitely a time of growth and learning.

A couple of days.

Today was spent doing some tourist-like stuff, such as shopping at the Inca Market in town. The day started late for most of the crew. I did wake up on my own at 8AM...I did a few personal things to get the day rolling. It was good to have some alone time set aside, in my mind (even though I was in the room with two other girls). As I reflect upon the time I get to have 'alone', I think about camp mornings in the metal building. I find myself surrounded by a small group of folks, yet it is quiet (except for when Sam is chopping up the sausage for the gravy) and it is my favorite part of the day- very sweet time. When the Bible speaks of the morning with such high regard, like there is a treasure hidden in it, I totally agree...something really neat about the morning time.

I bought a couple of bracelets and a change purse at the Market. I am not too big on buying trinkets and such for folks back home just to prove they were thought of...please don't hate me because of it. I am pretty sure gift giving in that manner is not my love language. The market was neat, I suppose. I am not a big shopper- not typically...there were a lot of booths with the same stuff. It seemed to be a matter of simply finding the booth with the lower priced item and then haggling the price down. For instance, the change purse I bought was offered at 10 soles (a little over 3 bucks) and then 30 minutes later I found another one for 4 soles (about a dollar and a quarter). I held out on the first one, thankfully. It is also important for me to remember I am here for 4 months, so I don't really need to buy stuff up now. Kate and Iesha bought me bracelets (one I made into an anklet that they also have matching ones of) for my birthday!! That was cool.

(Some of you would absolutely lose it in laughter if you knew where I was while I was typing this...and others of you would be absolutely disgusted.)

We went to Larcomar, which is basically a plaza of shops and restaurants that overlook the ocean. It is sweet...I hope to go back again because it was beautiful. I shared a couple of neat moments with a couple of my girls. We cannot believe we're here- it is really neat.

This was written Friday night- the 15th.

Today is the 16th. I am having an incredbly hard time right now. I need someone to please be in prayer for me because I know I am supposed to be here but I don't know what God is doing with me. My mind knows this- that I am here and God has a purpose...but my emotions, my insecurities, my whatever are really struggling personally in trusting in this and resting in it, especially as the team leader. Hearts knit together in love; walk worthy of the Lord; life a life of love...Words from scripture that resonate in my mind right now, but the struggle to accept these or know how to live those out in spite of my failed heart- man. I just want to cry. I feel helpless in a way. I write this on here so you know how to pray a little more than just writing, "I am struggling personally; please pray. Thanks." I have been in the Word the past two days and I have really experienced a different type of frustration/heartache more evidently these past two days than when I wasn't studying. Spiritual attack...I should be living a life led by the Spirit considering I have been praying and studying- being intentional, but it seems the opposite 'effect' is happening...the fight is more evident around me and it is tough. I need some prayer warriors to fight alongside me. I tell you that so you don't think I am belly-aching and not fighting on my end...I just need help. Thank you.

We did the Amazing Race in Lima today. We had a good time- broken into smaller groups of 3. We did not win, but we did run a lot and complete all of the tasks in the designated time. Therefore, we were successful. Lima is a neat place. The first taxi had "Dios es amor" on the mirror of the car- good reminder.

Tomorrow I turn 25...in Lima. Wow...