Hi there everyone. I have gotten several requests to write on my blog and I suppose it is about time to post again. We’ll let’s see…
The weather is changing and I have been to the beach 2 times this month in Huanchaco. I’ll post pictures tomorrow. These times are wonderful to get out of the city and away from air and noise pollution to enjoy the wonder of God’s creation. The Sun makes me happy. Two summers in one year makes me happy too!
We’ve moved into our new house which is awesome. Moving in was interesting to say the least. We had one pickup truck with a rack over the cab. We had to move 11 beds, a sofa, loveseat, armchair, 3 dressers, 3 sideboards and various items accumulated over the past three years. All of these items however, were scattered between twos houses and
We have green walls and have decorated with various scarves and shawls I have as well as maps and a calendar from Amanda’s time in
[Picture here]
Our kitchen is just about finished and soon the smell of polyurethane will fade with the smells of home cooking. We are really feeling like a family with the interns (3 guys, 5 girls) and two Peruvians Loida (who owns our apartment along with her parents) and Rebeca her sister who lives downstairs. Loida and Rebeca also teach English at SALI We gather in the living room for tea, movies, fellowship and most importantly we have begun “family’ devotions. We read Samuel II in the morning and Corinthians I in the evening it’s a great way to start and end each day.
This month has been much easier for me emotionally as I am becoming more efficient doing my job and am able to do things I enjoy for my ministry here. Forming a family away from home has been a good place to start. Having a good foundation at home and work really inspires you to branch out to reach your students and get involved with your church.
With my students I have begun reading a scripture each class period which has opened doors to discuss my faith. I have also worked conversation appointments into their grade which gives me one on one time with each and every student. I have been glad to answer questions about my faith during class especially today. We were doing interviews and the students decided to turn on me and put me in the hot seat. They are interested in missions and what I am doing here outside of the classroom.
My most treasured time of the week is on Friday. This is when I go to Arevalo, a suburb 20 minutes from here. I also go to church here. I teach the ladies to cook international dishes as we learn songs and study the Bible. For a while I was the only gringa (white girl) there. But Allen Smith has returned so I don’t feel alone. It a very interesting experience. Imagine cramming 30 people into the living room of your normal 4 bedroom house. Then imagine 20 5ft tall Peruvians under your armpits until you can’t move. Trying to understand what you are saying trying to help. Everybody has an interpretation of what I am trying to ask for. Here’s how I sound:
“I need the, the thing you boil water in, and the thing you fry things in, please chop the zucchini but don’t peel it. What’s that pan you use in the oven, the flat one I need that to put at the bottom of the oven so the shish kebabs don’t drip everywhere…etc.”
Arevalo is brand new and growing.
Please pray for them:
- Give thanks for the growth there. Pray that men especially husbands come. People are bringing their daughters, sisters, neighbors and friends to the Women’s League, it’s a regular Friday afternoon party.
- Give thank for Kids who are bringing friends to Sunday school. Pray that these new kids bring their families.
- For Pastor Eduardo his wife Noemi and their boys Juan, Alfredo and Benjamin. For Pablo Quiroz who leads worship and Youth and for Associate Pastor Percy Padilla
- For leaders and teachers. We are forming a choir soon and need people to lead song. There are so many children on Sunday that Amanda, Noemi and I are overwhelmed, we need help.
- For classrooms to be finished
- Associate Pastor Percy who is ill.
- Ask the lord for the people of the neighborhood to congregate in the Church
Believe it or not they pray for you too. It appears in the bulletin each week!
