February 2009 Newsletter

February 2009 Newsletter
Life: a journey, an adventure with Jesus
Here in Peru, There in Duluth
Dear Family and Friends:

Here in Peru – Arrival was a couple of days ago. The flight was late leaving Atlanta, and again late leaving Ft. Lauderdale, and therefore late arriving in Lima. However, waiting to meet and greet us were dear friends Heather, Fanny & Rory. We went to immigration the morning after we arrived and finished the application process for our resident cards and received an appointment on the 17th to get the photos completed and pick up the cards. Glitch! We are scheduled to be in school, 1.5 hours (by air) south on the 14th. So, we are very happy we didn’t have our plane reservations made, but not happy about the situation. Heather phoned the school to advise them we will be coming 3 days late. We are not used to being late. But this is Peru! We are learning patience in an area of life where we have not had to exercise it in the past. This is all out of our control, so we need to believe He is in control and these things have happened for a reason we have not yet learned.

It is important that we learn to open our mouths (some of you are laughing out loud!) during the next 4 months. You see, we can only absorb so much and hear so much, but still need to speak this new foreign language enabling us to learn what we need to know to communicate with the Peruvians. Pray that our minds will be sharp, that our ears will be clear, and that our focus will be intentional, so our tongues will respond confidently,

The children here are on summer break so Pat’s Place is a buzz with laughter, music, giggles, and lazy mornings not much different than with the children in America. There is a field trip planned this week to a water park. Imagine taking public transportation with 14 of your family members, and all that is needed including drinks, lunches, bathing suits, towels, etc. I think we in the states would probably nix the whole idea. Here it is a very exciting event to look forward to and all the preparation and plans will bring about a fun-filled, memorable day in their summer vacation. However, we are brought back to reality very quickly while here at Pat’s Place.

The other day Blanca sat on the driveway with a bucket of 18” long pieces of yucca, a root vegetable like potato. She whacks it with a butcher’s knife into 4” pieces and peels it with the same 10” long knife. The children toddle around her, and they are all singing and chatting. What a teachable moment they make every task. Caty, 13 year old girl, stands hand-washing her clothes in a bucket of water. This activity takes places outside in the beautiful sunshine. Remember, this is summer. It is hot. It’s South America! We are indoors working on our newsletter without the benefit of lights – to save on the electric bill, and to reduce the heat of the day. A child’s first birthday is a BIG celebration here in Peru. We went to a party and well over 200 people were in attendance. Before going, Blanca boiled a rather large pot (10 gallon or so) of yucca, chicken, onion, potatoes, chili, and other seasonings and also made a purple corn drink. Everyone was involved in helping as this took all morning for them to prepare and cook. The journal of this tradition will be available in the near future on the blog.

We have nothing but good reports to send from Pastor Gino and his ministerial staff regarding the OANSA Clubs. One of the five clubs had a graduation program and invited parents when the first group children completed their entrance tests. It was the first outreach program to the parents. Another had a Christmas party for the children and their parents and shared the real meaning of Christmas. And one church, invited the OANSA children to Sunday School and 17 of them have come! The seed is being sown every Saturday in 5 clubs! Thank you to those of you who have provided the start up funds. When Pastor Gino was asked to rate the satisfaction of the clubs to date on a 1-10 basis, he stated that they were at an eight because there is still room for improvement. We have a meeting with the OANSA missionary, Julio Serrano to determine the calendar year and fees incurred, so we can do a financial forecast and begin to determine fund-raising efforts to maintain the clubs.

Having returned from a two-day visit to Hope House, it’s a joy to share how well everyone is doing. A family of four children left to go live with their uncle a couple of weeks ago. Another brother and sister went back to their mother, but returned after a month. The children, ages 6-19, have learned many household skills and are responsible to cook and clean for the Hope House family. It’s neat to watch them work, because they don’t complain, do a good job, and are motivated to do it without being reminded. Bridget has a hug, quiet conversation, or encouraging word for each of the children all throughout the day. As we played with the children, learned their names, tried to learn the alphabet, heard them participate in devotions, shared several meals with them, watched “Flicka” in Spanish and just offered laughter and hugs, they were a delight to spend time with and we cherish the time.

There in Duluth – Gary and Sue Laws are in an almost fully-furnished house making it their home. Their bed awaited them with clean linens, closets had coat hangers in each of them ready for them to unpack. Telephones were plugged in and service transferred so they are waiting for friends and family to call. With fresh apples on the table, a pan of brownies to munch on, and the sun shining in the window, we trust they will enjoy their time at Irvindale Road, Duluth. It is truly a blessing to have them renting our house and caring for it as if it were their own. Please pray for the Laws as they transition into life in Duluth, Georgia rather than Syracuse, New York.

Thanks to Jon Kubler, our dear friend, for rising before the sun on the coldest day of the year, to provide us with transportation to the airport. Our trip to Hartsfield, through the early morning traffic, checking in, security, and boarding was without incident. Although delayed by 45 minutes, we were privileged to experience a smooth departure, praise the Lord!

Bridgeway, our home church, is embarking on a new journey together, as they began the study of “One Month to Live” and we have the study book with us so we can move in the same direction as they are moving. Pastor Douglas Turner has a blog and his sermons will be available on line. This will enable us to maintain a unique connection with our church family. We are thrilled to have their support and know they will be praying for us as miles separate us. And topping it all off with doing the same study they are, is really exciting!

Because of Him,

Don & Joy 770-272-2075 Magic Jack
c/o Bridgeway Church, 4755 Kimball Bridge Road, Alpharetta, GA 30005