TEAMissionsinperu

TEAMissions in Peru - Friends

2011-11-04T10:22:00.001-04:00

We all have our definition of what a friend is. We have Webster to refer to. But, how does the Word of God define a friend? Jesus says his friends are those who obey him John 15:14 and in verse 15 His disciples are his friends because He has made known to them everything He heard from his Father. In Proverbs 18:24 we read there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. We need to share one another’s burdens according to the book of Galations.

We agree we all have friends. Some are a lot closer and more intimate with us, and others fall in the category of being acquaintances. We have childhood friends that we remain in touch with throughout our lives. Or friends from camp, scouts, school, neighborhood, Bible study, Sunday School, church mission trips all come to mind. What about all our FaceBook friends? I mean some people have hundreds of friends/acquaintances on that site. Just recently a young teenager joined F/B and within 24 hours had over 60 friends. That means over 60 people who knew her reconnected with her on line.

Back to my original question, what or who is a friend? A friend loves at all times, regardless of what you say, do or think. The true friend is there for you; loving you, accepting you, forgiving you, guiding you, listening to you, sharing the gutsy stuff with you, helping you along life’s journey. Now I don’t know about you; I seem to have a lot of acquaintances. But I have just a very few friends. Why is that? Am I not friendly? I’m thinking it’s because I can’t nurture a lot of good friends; the kind that are described at the beginning of this paragraph. Think about your friend, maybe your ‘best’ friend. Maybe you come up with more than one name. The only remaining question I have for you is this….did you think of Jesus? He is the only friend I know who consistently loves me and even died for me! And, we know, He is a lot more than a friend could ever be.

There may be times when we think we are all alone; our friends have moved on, forgotten us, we are no longer important to them; we’ve been replaced with new friends. We may find F/B is great to reconnect with these friends. How often do we have a longing to reconnect with Jesus? We are never alone and no F/B friends can compare. Jesus is the answer to the original question, “who or what is a friend?”

Distance separates me from many of my friends. FaceBook helps bridge that gap. But there is no one like Jesus and my friends who emulate Him are the closest thing on earth to a real friend. Thank you to those few who are here for me; loving me, accepting me, forgiving me, guiding me, listening to me, sharing the gutsy stuff with me, helping me along life’s journey, praying for me and caring for me. You know who you are. Remember, those tears we’ve shed, the prayers we’ve prayed, the deep conversations we’ve shared? I thank God for your love and friendship and I couldn’t close without saying this…Don, I consider you my best friend. (Yes, we have celebrated, cried, danced, dined, laughed, longed, loved, planted, prayed, pulled, rejoiced, reminisced, sweat, served, walked, worked, and even worried {shame on us!} together.)

2011-10-28T09:14:00.001-04:00

Ahhh…the comforts of home!

It’s interesting how we adapt to our surroundings so quickly. When we moved to Peru, we had a lot of adjustments to make. Visitors to our hometown are usually only with us for 10-15 days, so there are a lot of things they must quickly get used to. Returning short term missionaries are reminded each and every time they come that some of the comforts of home are just not available and soon they are back in the swing of living in San Juan de Lurigancho, even for a short period of time!

Returning to the states we were re-introduced to so many comforts of home that are unavailable where we live in Peru. For example, during our recent stay, we enjoyed God’s creation in nature more than ever. In another blog, we wrote about our trip to the lake in the mountains. Day after day we marveled at the blue sky, lawns, landscapes, gardens, crystal lakes and even birds and butterflies! You may not think of these as comforts, but they bring to us a peace and comfort that is missing in the neighborhood where we live.

Some of the luxuries we soon were re-acquainted with included showers with a great spray and constant water pressure and temperature, running tap water which we can drink (without boiling the water), rinsing tooth-brushes under the water faucet, multiple small kitchen appliances, television, literally thousands of choices in the local grocery store (including low fat, sugar free, and low salt), hundreds of titles at the book store (all in English!), pickles and relish, ribs, pork loin, salad choices, blueberries, and several options of coffees to enjoy!

Having a set of wheels to get up and go whenever we wanted to, to visit family, run errands, keep appointments, shop, and go to church. It’s amazing how much that is a privilege. Not having to carry a backpack and walking everywhere, or to a bus stop, is certainly a luxury! Openings doors and windows without hearing barking dogs, hawking vendors, bullhorns, bicycle bulb horns tooting, and taxi horns; what a privilege!

The list goes on and on and we appreciate each and every one of these comforts! As usual, while I’m thinking about the comforts of home, I can’t help but think of our destination, our eternal home! Ever think of that? Right off the top of my head (and yours, too, if I’ve led you to thinking about it) we know:

our ‘treasure is to be laid up in heaven’
Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

And Matthew 19:21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

our ‘rewards are in heaven’
Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Luke 6:20-23 Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven

and heaven is where we have our citizenship and will be with the Lord forever
Philippians 3:20-21 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

John 14:1-3 "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

II Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens

Revelation 21:3-4 our eternity is described here, where God will be with us!
“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Okay, so I admit it, I got off to thinking more and more about what scripture says about our future, the future for those of us who are sons and daughters of God the Father. I looked up several verses to share with you, (I looked them up because I couldn’t quote them; so sad!) and know that many of our pastors and teachers could do such a better job than I have on this subject. Simply put, we enjoy many comforts on this journey we are all travelling but this is not our final destination! As the old song goes, ‘we are just a paassin’ through’. That destination should be what we are looking forward to even if it means giving up something along the way, as He has called us to do. Our eternal home is the only comfort we can fully depend upon.

2011-10-21T22:30:00.002-04:00

Vacation – a holiday, break, trip, rest, retreat or an escape
Staycation – new word not found in the dictionary but we know it to mean the very same thing, although usually the trip portion is not more than a day from home.

While we were in the states on a vacation (known as a furlough to some) we were taken to the mountains for a few days. Oh my goodness; just a couple of hours from home and so very beautiful! The air was crisp and clean. The sky was clear, blue and had some puffy clouds. The congestion, traffic noise and busyness were almost non-existent. The sun shone brightly and warmed us in the fall air. The trees ever so gently moved in the little breeze. Their colors were beginning to show; bright yellows, reds, and rust colors amid the evergreens along with pine cones and needles of varying sizes and quantity.

We were on Lake Burton; peaceful with little boat activity since it was early October. The sun reflected off the water, deep shadows in some areas where the water depth was great and crystal clear in the shallow areas where one could actually see the bottom of the lake. The mountains all around us took on different shades of color according to the time of day or evening, where the sun was shining and the number and location of clouds. Clearly the same mountains were as green as ever when we drove through the winding, narrow roads. In the distance they looked dark blue and light grey depending on the alternating sun and shade. They even had a purple appearance at times. It was fabulous!

While out on a boat, and while driving around the lake, we viewed the areas devastated by a tornado about six months ago. Homes completely demolished; others with much damage still untouched; and properties littered with downed trees, now dead and needing attention. Some homeowners have begun the process of cleanup and rebuilding. The reports are that one life was lost in this shattering of homes and boat houses.

During our visit to the lake we saw the hand of God in the beauty all around us. The panoramic view, no doubt, changes with the seasons. The Artist provides those visiting with a different dynamic beauty and His creation surrounding this place is amazing. Squirrels scurrying about, fish inhabiting the lake, snakes, crickets, beetles, ants and bees all living in harmony. Only God could (and would) bring such a balance forth for enjoyment. I am reminded of the old hymn “This is my Father’s World”

“This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears, all nature sings and round me rings the music of the spheres. This is my Father’s world I rest me in the thought, of rocks and trees, of skies and seas, His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise, the morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise. This is my Father’s world, He shines in all that’s fair, in the rustling grass, I hear Him pass; He speaks to me everywhere.”

Thinking back to what happened six months ago, we noted that the power of the tornado tore through cottages, houses, and castles. It had no respect of persons. Those of meager resources and those with much to spare were both greatly affected by the storm; again, God’s power at work. No matter how much one has, or what preparations were taken to build a strong abode, these things happen. The road we travel is rough. We know that scripture tells us to be thankful in all things or circumstances. There are hills and valleys to be navigated. There are detours that challenge us. No matter how much we have, we cannot avoid what the journey offers. We must continue to rebuild when life’s circumstances tear down our efforts all the time seeing, appreciating, and thanking God for the beauty He has surrounded us with and for the plan He has yet to show us. We continue to marvel at the presence of God all around us and whether it be north of Atlanta, or north of Lima, as the hymn says, “we hear Him pass and He speaks to us everywhere.” (It is our responsibility to be listening.)

Thank you to the Kublers for the vacation at the lake!

2011-10-14T14:01:00.001-04:00

Life; an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

Unexpected Blessings!

Have you ever wanted something really, really bad? You’ve prayed about it. You’ve determined how it would work out, the benefits to you and those involved, what would make it affordable, and all the other variables involved. We were in that very situation. We had it all planned, were actively working on the details, but it just wasn’t to be! Ummm….a little disappointed to say the least. We knew we could make it work, but we also knew we didn’t want to make it work, but we wanted to know that it did so because it was in God’s plans.

After researching the opportunity for about 8 weeks, it became evident it was no longer affordable. We recognized the cost was becoming more than we budgeted. Did we want it bad enough to change the criteria we previously established for ourselves? Or were those criteria something we felt we needed to stick to. We finally came to the conclusion, that our plans were not God’s plans. We were okay with that, because as you often hear me say (or read what I write) “Father knows best”!

You see, our hearts desire was to return to the states for Christmas. It’s been 3 years since we spent the holiday with our family. We wanted it so bad, we could taste it! Last Christmas one grandchild even asked Santa to bring us home for the holiday! But the airline fees continued to rise beyond what we felt we should spend to fulfill a personal wish.

Once we had given up on the whole idea, God chose to bless our socks off! We received an email from some friends from our home church that they wanted to provide us with air miles so we could return for Bridgeway’s 20th Anniversary Homecoming event! This was even better than we could have imagined. Some of you reading this journal know the rest of the story, but for those of you who don’t, let me share a few details with you.

We planned to surprise our kids and grandkids, so we chose not to share our visit with very many people. We didn’t post anything on FaceBook. We kept emails to a bare minimum. We made arrangements to borrow the Sewell’s car, stay at the Kubler’s home, and spend one week with our children, grandchildren, and church family.

A day after our arrival we were travelling through our hometown, Duluth, and stopped in to say ‘hello’ at our doctor’s office. She is a personal friend and emails us regularly. Upon seeing us she insisted Don visit his cardiologist because she was aware of his recent medical episodes (fainting spells) in Peru, and really wanted him to get checked out. She made an appointment and within a couple of days he had some tests completed. They didn’t find any answers to their questions so they scheduled him for additional tests at the local hospital. As they, too, were inconclusive, the next step was to do a heart cath where they discovered he needed two stents, and after reviewing his file, the files sent from Peru, his episodes, etc. they scheduled him to receive a pace maker.

The cardiologist in Peru, primary care physician in Duluth, and cardiologist in Lawrenceville, were all taking steps in the same direction, but being we were here in the states, the steps were taken to complete the necessary testing and procedures immediately.

At the beginning I said, we wanted to return to the states for the holidays. At this point in time, we believe that God orchestrated the visit for this specific day and time. We once pondered whether or not we were to return to the states. We now know the answer to that question was ‘yes’, for this moment in time. We know it was because we needed to be here, now. God’s timing is perfect. We were in the right place at the right time. When Pastor Doug and his administrative team set the date for homecoming, our friends provided air miles, the Kubler and Sewell families took care of our needs, our three doctors were all on the same page, what more could we ask for? Nothing! We could never have ‘made it all work out’. Only God could do that and would do that for us because He knows best!

2011-10-07T11:04:00.000-04:00

Life; an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

Oikos

We have had the privilege recently to be guests of an Oikos group – a family group – from Bridgeway Church in Georgia. Small groups are common in many churches. They have different names, some catchy, others according to age, subject, or activity. They may meet for different reasons, have different goals, and provide different things for different people. This year at Bridgeway, the Oikos groups are meeting in homes, mid-week. In modern society these social groups focus on quality time spent with one another, face to face. Thus enriching the lives of those devoted to the group meeting regularly.

Looking in scripture, Acts 2:42-47 a passage that is often called the Fellowship of the Believers is quoted here below

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily.

The Oikos in Acts met daily in the temple and they met in their homes. They ate together, devoted themselves to the Word and one another, and they were of one accord, meeting one another’s needs. The result of this was that they were full of thankfulness, praised God, and enjoyed favor.

Our recent experience has re-enforced our opinion that small groups are so very important in reaching and teaching one another, caring and sharing with one another, ultimately growing together – as a family, or part of a larger family, as in the case of the local church. The Oikos group we attended met for food, fun, fellowship, conversation, study of a book, prayer, and genuinely cares for each member of this small part of the large family (Bridgeway). Families consist of several generations, related in different ways, and often include others who have similar interests or live nearby. In this group the age ranged from a child not quite a year old to some in their 70’s. Children of all ages, teenagers, young adults, both single and married adults, as well as parents, grandparents and great grandparents all met together. One can very easily understand the multitude of experiences, different walks of life, and myriad of challenges facing each other are too numerous to list, but they make up a vast resource for each member to tap into, lean on, and learn from.

In our busy lives today, we find we don’t have time for this and that. Family often takes second place to our activities. This is sad. It is unfair to our children. When miles distance us from our parents/children there is still a longing for acceptance, family, and those who care. That family is often close friends, co-workers, neighbors, or members of a group we share many hours with. It’s natural to become family (loosely defined) with those who have similar interests.

However, when we are born again, we become part of the family of God and that’s a huge family! How do we function in this new family? Where do we fit in? Oikos helps members soon become attached and involved. The first time I visited, I felt it was an opportunity to get to meet new people and reconnected with friends of years gone by. The second visit was totally different as I was no longer the new kid on the block. Learning about one another continued during the fellowship time and dinner; with mixed ages it was easy. During our study the younger children were in a separate area watching a video, doing homework, and coloring. Sound familiar? Same as in your household when family gathers. The teens and adults exchanged thoughts and ideas in a lively conversation about the book “Radical”. Truth is, we read scripture that was important to the subject at hand, and discussed what we know we should do and why we don’t do it! As a family we were able to acknowledge the areas we tended to fear, shy away from, or conquer! Hearing from one another was encouraging and comforting!

Oikos, family, small group are all very similar. If you are not involved in one, start one yourself and begin to enjoy your place in this little part of the big family of God.

2011-09-23T16:03:00.001-04:00

Quiet moments….

In reading my devotions (some on line, some from a little book, etc.), I find verses of scripture seem to jump off the page at me. It’s like God put them there for me because He wanted me to read them again and think on them. Sometimes they come across loudly; like God was using a bullhorn to get my attention. Sometimes they are whispered to me and I need to pause because the quiet, calm voice got my attention. Whatever is the case with you, I’m sure you know when some passage, verse, or even phrase is meant for you. I want to share four such verses today.

When we believed God was calling us to move to Peru, to come alongside the Peruvian Christians and provide them with additional opportunities to grow their churches, we were overwhelmed with what was facing us. Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. This verse kept coming back to us over and over again. We are His and He has a purpose for us. How could we not go? There were many situations, the cultural differences and language to begin with, facing us that seemed to be insurmountable, and they would have been had we not just trusted in God to take care of them for us. We just had to walk by faith. You know, without seeing, but believing! These times have been exciting and some have been sheer terror! But through it all there has been spiritual growth that only can take place when He stretches us and when we are obedient He blesses us. The challenges are definitely God-designed! I would never, in my life, have set these goals and achieved them without Him.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not always exciting. There is daily monotony involved. Walking, public transportation, days in the office, no one to speak our language, no car to just pick up and go, and hours some days, alone. Does the excitement fade? Yep! At times it even becomes boring. Why? It could be I’m out of step with the Father. I lose my focus for a period of time. Somehow I think a change might be good to get me out of the rut. But those of you who know me, know that change is not something I embrace! The daily monotony doesn’t have to be boring. My response to the daily tasks is what needs to change; my attitude. Woah! Does this sound familiar? Is your job, commute, household tasks, caring for the family and other things like this getting the best of you?

Let’s look at the second scripture verse I said I wanted to share with you. Isaiah 30:21
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Here we read that we will know the way to walk, but we need to be quiet and listen. It is not my privilege to change what God has shown me to do. The change is not in the goal, the direction, the task or the challenge; it’s within me! I need to change. Yep, my attitude. Listening to the Holy Spirit is so very important to know what it is we are to do, and where it is we are to go.

Instead, there are times I might find I’m trying to do what needs to be done on my own, in my strength, my plans. After one task or another, I might even begin feeling pretty good about it, successful, capable; and when I do that I am less likely to be dependent upon the Lord who called me to begin with. It is His plans that are best for me, and for which He has called me. (Remember, Father knows best!) And that’s where the third verse comes into the picture. Says pretty clearly, that I am foolish to do things my way! Galations 3:3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?

The final verse that screamed at me recently is found in Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me..." The first thing I need to remember is that my job is not done, until I know that God has shown me the new path He has planned for me. Now I did say, ‘my job’, not that I am anyone special, but it’s the job He had for me. There are others who will pick up where I leave off to complete ‘the job’, and make it theirs, as that may be what God has in store for them. There is a tendency in all of us, not to finish some tasks at hand. Sometimes they begin to mount up and we give up! But as any athlete will tell you, it takes a focused mind to push through to the end of the event.

I’m sure you are thinking, four verses taken out of context, with no relevance to one another, she’s crazy. But they do speak to me. First, God has a purpose for my life that I want to fulfill. Secondly, the Holy Spirit will guide me in the direction I need to go and I cannot waiver because I feel like it. Thirdly, I need strength from the Lord, and lastly, completing the task is important to Him, not only me! Anything other than these will leave me unfulfilled and incomplete. Jesus came to bring life full and abundant.

In July we reported Don began to have some medical issues and now it is September and we have realized that through these difficult times, seeking information, directions, resolutions etc., that God has orchestrated so much of our lives connecting us with the right people at the right time both in Peru and in the USA. I woke up the other morning with the following verse on my mind. Psalm 121:2 My help (continually) comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. It is not only in times of trouble, but daily our strength and help is provided by Him

2011-09-17T12:14:00.000-04:00

Life; an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

A friend to everyone!

We first met Richard many years ago when we were on a short-term mission trip coming to work in the church under the leadership of Pastor Gino. Richard is a small Peruvian young man in stature, but has the biggest heart you can imagine. His grin is huge! He has a heart for Jesus and is a servant.

He worked at the church back then, and every time the team came to the church for a meal or for ministry, Richard was there to greet us and help us in anyway. As I was struggling with the steps to the “soup kitchen” he was there to assist me. As one would be looking for something, he would jump right in and help them find it. Cleaning the church, wiping down the handrails, re-organizing the chairs in the temple or the dining room, carrying suitcases, moving to and fro Richard was always one step ahead of us, smiling and yet so quiet one would wonder where he came from and how he completed the task at hand so quickly. He always enjoyed making the midnight run to the airport to welcome the Americans, help with their luggage and effortlessly carried many, many suitcases weighing close to 50 lbs each without any problem, any complaining, and with a big smile.

Over the years Richard has remained a good friend. When we moved to San Juan de Lurigancho, he was at the apartment ready to lend a hand, helped us move in, and accompanied us on trips to the Mercado to buy many of the necessities for the apartment. He has done us numerous favors, helped Don find his way around the local ‘man stores’ in the Mercado and just continued to serve us in every way possible. He helped Don restore an old trunk into a piece that graces our bedroom and our blankets and other off season items are stored there safely. He took some drawings Don had done for a plant stand, and returned a few weeks later with the piece of furniture completed; fixed Don’s desk, hung mirrors, and repaired the water faucet! He also had a shelf made for our kitchen from some of Don’s drawings and proudly carried it up 5 flights to put it in place just as we had pictured it would fit! He’s a great guy, with a servant’s heart.

During this past year or so, Richard has been working for the Lord in the jungle. He buys coffee from the jungle and sells it as a part time job. He is also a painter and handyman. Recently he gave the inside and outside of Pat’s Place a new look with fresh paint and vibrant Peruvian colors chosen by the house director. His brother is a pastor of a church in the jungle so he spends as much time there as he does here at ‘home’ in SJL. He works with the youth and their band at the church. He is interested in us starting an AWANA club in his brother’s church.

Today our intercom buzzed and sure enough it was Richard. Totally unexpected; a surprise visit. We learned that he had been back home (in SJL) and landed a job painting a house for a man. While here he didn’t get out to church because the man said he couldn’t have the day off, but needed to finish the job of painting his house. Richard was so disappointed he had not been to church and had not seen Papa Don that he came by to say hello and goodbye as he was heading back to the jungle for an undetermined length of time. To travel to and from the jungle it is a 10 hour bus ride and of course sets him back a little with finances. But he didn’t come to ask for anything. He just wanted to be in Don’s presence. His firm embrace indicated that upon entering our apartment!

We shared a glass of juice with him, spent about 45 minutes talking, and it was really good to see him again. Before he left, I gave him one of the “Total Integrity in Christ” tee shirts from Crosswave and he was thrilled! He has great memories of the Crosswave Team. What a blessing Richard has been to us and many others.

2011-09-09T09:28:00.001-04:00

Life; an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

Keyboard reminders!

I spend a lot of time on the computer. I’m self-taught and need to learn a lot more, but I can get by. Typing documents and communicating is what I really do most of the time. Before the computer, I had one of those Selectric Typewriters with the metal ball in the center that whizzed around in circles placing the letters in order as I struck the keys. It had a correction key built in. Pretty cool after years with an electric typewriter and before that the old manual typewriter models on which I learned to type. Although the keyboards are ‘similar’ they definitely have changed over the last few decades.

Remember, no you couldn’t possibly remember. Well, many years ago there were typewriter erasers. They were pretty rough and you had to be very careful using them or you would tear the paper and then have to start typing the document all over again. Well, do you remember “white out” or some would call it “liquid paper”? Oh my goodness this was the best stuff to make corrections. But with both of these tools, you could always tell there was an original mistake being covered up!

Today we have: the backspace key, and better still, on some electronics the pause button; and even better than that we now have the delete key! We can easily retrace what we have done and fix it and no one knows except us. No doubt you and I both use these keys every day when we are using technology. Nice and convenient, aren’t they?

But today they got me to thinking…..what about in our everyday life as a Christian? What about the wonderful backspace key that we have available to us? The verse in Phillippians 4:6-7 “Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” I know I need to backup and pray more often than I do. It seems as though I use the backspace option when I’m overwhelmed, frustrated and I need God’s peace.

And, then the pause button; it allows me to stop, take a deep breath, and see what it is God is telling me? I think of the story in the Bible of Mary and Martha. The Lord said to Martha “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better” Many times I need to use that pause button and I don’t always do it! I often wonder what God is telling me, but I don’t pause long enough to hear what it is He is saying. And to think, the amount of time I spend on the computer regarding our ministry and our family….I just need to pause, take a break, not because I am weary of the work, but because the pause will give me the time to listen to what is being said.

Finally, the delete key reminds me of my need to consistently use this button in my walk with the Lord. Why? Because satan is constantly whispering to me what is not true. John 8:44 tells us “he (the devil/satan) was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” When we press the delete key, it removes what was once there. We must remove the presence of satan from our very thoughts and focus solely on our Heavenly Father Who will remain there with us every step of the way.

I look at these keys in a little different light today than I did a few weeks ago. In summary:
- The backspace key reminds me to return to praying about specific matters.
- The pause button tells me to take a break and listen to the Lord.
- The delete key is my way of remembering to get rid of the lies from satan.

2011-09-02T15:26:00.001-04:00

Life; an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

The “other” Lima we hear so little about….

Just an hour from home lies the city of Lima with both old architecture and modern buildings intermingled throughout the city streets. The city is much like any other metropolitan city in the world. Not only are there quaint little shops, but there are street people begging for a handout; hole-in-the-wall restaurants and upscale coffee shops; alleys with all kinds of things for sale and department stores.

On July 4th we were celebrating Don’s birthday and decided to take the bus to one of the newest modern malls. Plaza Real has an anchor department store much like you would find in the USA, similar to Khols or J.C.Pennys. It also has an anchor department store with groceries which you might compare to WalMart or Target. The other shops are small individual stores which are specialty in nature, including men’s clothing, sportswear, children, infants and toddlers, stuffed animals, shoes, purses, ladies, formalwear, watches, jewelry, fruit stands, ice cream, banks, kiosk for the local airline, and a food court with chinese choices, burgers, hot dogs, chicken, pastries, and several restaurants to choose from. You get the idea, I’m sure.

We went specifically for dinner at Pardo’s. We have eaten here before with our friend Rebeca. There is another Pardo’s on the coast at Lacomor where we enjoyed our anniversary dinner but this time decided to celebrate Don’s birthday at the one located in town. This is an upscale restaurant, where we were greeted by the hostess who spoke English to us. She gave us the choice of where we wanted to sit for dinner. It was warm and comfortable. They obviously have heat in this restaurant and for that we were very thankful! The menu was in both Spanish and English. Since chicken is the mainstay of the Peruvian restaurants and family dinners, we purposely chose the tenderloin steak dinner. This is our second steak dinner in 2.5 years while in Peru! Dinner was D-licious! There are no words to describe it other than that. We splurged and enjoyed a piece of cake and coffee.

During dinner the widescreen television was on the sports channel and we watched about 25 minutes of the soccer game between Uruguay and Peru. Another novelty since we do not own a television. I asked Don what better gift could I give him than a steak dinner and tickets to front row ‘box’ seats to the soccer game, with his girlfriend. Peru even scored a goal while we were there! Couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend an afternoon and evening together.

After dinner we walked the mall and discovered the “playland” where children of all ages have many choices of how to spend their time and their money. Families, young teenagers, couples on a date, all seemed to gravitate to this area to relax and have a good time. There was a monorail to ride, bumper cars to drive, flying swings to soar, mini roller coaster to enjoy, air hockey games, many video games, skeebowl, remote control auto race track and other interesting opportunities for a family to have fun, and for teens to hang out with their friends.

The Peruvians in this setting appear to be ‘better off’ (whatever that is!) many of them have furthered their education, hold down jobs in the city, enjoy the finer things in life, have more disposable income, you get the picture. But are they really ‘better off’? They, too, are a group of people seeking gratification and distance from or maybe solutions to their problems. It’s not what they have, but who they need. They are lost, needing to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There are many like ourselves who are sharing their story in this location, the “other” Lima we so seldom visit or talk about!

2011-08-26T09:19:00.001-04:00

Life; an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

And the giving goes on and on and on.....

The American TEAM has left and left us with some new and some gently used items to share with other Peruvians. Stateside before they come to Peru, the TEAM Members ask their family, friends, and churches to give ‘just about anything’ they no longer have need for, and in turn the TEAM gives these donations to the Peruvians. The TEAM did not completely distribute all that they brought with them. They entrust us to do so for them throughout the year, so their giving continues even in their absence. It is a way that we can minister to those in need – we are conduits for Christ, bringing the needs and resources together.

Hold that thought and let me tell you about a friend of ours. She and her family have adopted us and include us in family gatherings and holidays, as well as love on us, and help us time and again. Let me ask you a couple of simple questions. How many beds are in your house? How many sets of linens do you have? Do you have a linen closet? Is it full and over flowing? I don’t have to ask these questions of my friend. I know there were 9 in the house at one time, in 3 bedrooms and 3 sets of bunk beds. Count it up. You’re right, two to a bed in some instances. I did some detective work and found out that they didn’t have ‘extra’ linens. I’m not sure they even have one set per bed. And I’m positive they don’t have a linen closet!

Today we are going to deliver some of those gently used sheets and pillow cases to our friend. It is such a blessing to be able to give something to them in return for all they do for us. We are excited to surprise them. Let’s go. We put the linens in grocery bags and set out on foot to deliver them to the family. As we approached the house, we noticed the door that is always open, was closed. It may be due to the weather. After all, it is winter here in July. But when we knocked on the gate, when we called her name, we found no one answered us. We were disappointed and decided Don would go on with our next errand and return to the house, while I would wait and see if anyone would come home during that time. Sure enough, once he left, one of the ladies (there are 3) who live here was returning home from walking two of the children to school. She and her younger son recognized me from the corner and hastened their pace to see me.

Gently used sheets and pillow cases wouldn’t probably excite you or me too much. But she was ecstatic! She chatted on and on about the different patterns of the sheets. Some were brown stripes others were blue flowers, and others solid in color. I was not able to catch all she said, but I did catch the hugs, kisses, words of thanks and excitement that came pouring out of her.

It was so cool to bring together the resources and needs, once again. I only wish you could get a glimpse of what transpired. When I told her the American TEAM gave them to me to give to some Peruvians, she wanted to make sure that I thanked the TEAM. The joy and happiness brought to this family is beyond words. Thank you to the Americans for sharing with our Peruvian friends.

This reminds me of a song we have all heard Sandy Patti sing. The Gift Goes on. I’ve copied the words below for you as a reminder. The ‘gift’ in this case, of course, is the ‘gift of love’. But what I am reminded of is that whatever we give, even a cup of cold water, can be such a blessing. Let’s not forget the greatest gift and share it as well!

The Father gave the Son
The Son gave the Spirit
The Spirit gives us life
So we can give the Gift of love
And the Gift goes on
And the Gift goes on
And the Gift goes on
And the Gift goes on

Don't you love to get a present wrapped up in a Christmas bow
God gave each of us a present on that night so long ago
It's a Gift that keeps on giving if our spirits can receive
It's the secret joy of living if our hearts can just believe

And the Gift goes on
And the Gift goes on
And the Gift goes on
And the Gift goes on and on and on (repeat)

When your life is full of Christmas then your life is full of love
You can give away the present that began with God above
Just like ripples in the water the circles of our love extend
What was started with the Father is a Gift that has no end.

2011-08-19T10:46:00.001-04:00

Life; an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

Showers…..of blessing!

We know the old hymn says “showers of blessing we need! Mercy drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead.” He promises showers of blessing. Do we see them, recognize them, and are we thankful for them? We have personally been blessed by knowing Fanny. Thank you, Lord! Being in her presence year after year, and now on a regular basis, learning from her, and enjoying her friendship; we are so blessed!

We recently had dinner with Fanny & Glenn. Fanny is Peruvian and we met her several years ago as she translated regularly for the American TEAMs when they came into town to minister to her people! Fanny gave her up time, her money (to travel over an hour each way) and partnered alongside the Americans for many years. Fanny’s parents are not Christians and they could not understand her commitment to these people who came to visit every June. Truth is, Fanny was committed to the Savior and translating was how she could share in the spreading of the gospel. Glenn is from the United States and came here, won over Fanny’s heart, married, and they are now serving the Lord as pastors in a little church in Chincha, 3 hours from what Fanny knows as ‘home’.

During our time together, we asked them to share more about their new church family so we could better understand their needs, their vision and pray more specifically for them. Let me share a few facts with you. First, the church has about 15 members. That’s right. That’s not a typo. Fifteen members including one 17 year old young man, one adult man, and the rest are women. They have 6 youth that meet weekly, one of which is Fanny’s daughter. Saturday morning they are feeding breakfast to about 20 children who come to church and beyond physical nourishment they offer the Word of God to these precious children with the goal of winning them to Christ and ministering to their parents in the near future. What a blessing Fanny and Glenn are to the family of God in Chincha.

Chincha was hit by an earthquake a few years ago and the devastation is still evident no matter which way you turn. Unemployment is high. The people are in desperate need of a Savior, but they also seek a cold cup of water. Anything at all that is offered to them is appreciated as they have many needs. The school system is lacking in many areas, but is sufficient according to Fanny. It is a very poor neighborhood and if they have any income at all, it is about 300 soles a month (less than $100 US). Fanny and Glenn have been well received by the Christians and the community. Buildings are not safe and the house that they have made their home falls into that category. But they have no option; it is what the church had to offer. What a blessing to have a place to stay, but also to know God has a hedge of protection around them daily.

Don and I were both thinking…but what can we do? We are 3 hours away from them by bus. We cannot just drop in and encourage them. We cannot stop by with a meal. We cannot go to their service to be with them. We call ourselves conduits for Christ yet we are trying to think what it is we can do to bless them as an encouragement. When the American TEAM was here I asked them if they could share some donated items with Fanny & Glenn. We suggested stuffed animals and Beanie Babies might be a welcomed donation as they could use them in the outreach to children. What more could we do? We remembered we have gently used bath towels from the American TEAM and asked if they would like to have some to use as Christmas presents? They were thrilled.

Fanny did have one question for us. Did we have any children’s clothing, specifically anything warm for a 7 years old girl. I checked with Heather, another American missionary here in our home town, to see if she had anything available and with some friends who have a young girl. Fanny said this little girl has nothing but the clothes on her back. Praise God we were given a bag by Anaid for this little girl and delivered them to Fanny and Glenn. This is such a small request from those who are seeking to meet the needs of those in their church family. Their church family is blessed to have this couple in their midst.

Our prayers are with Fanny and Glenn as they minister in Chincha, reaching out to a hurting people, bringing them practical help and spiritual hope. Please pray with us that they may be drenched in showers of blessing as this is the promise of God!

4 weeks later…more blessings!

Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Glenn’s home church in Louisiana came with over two dozen workers to spend a week with them in Chincha. The report is that through ministering in town, VBS, evening gospel services, and practical construction projects, the church had 72 people in it one night at a service and a total of 21 received Christ that week. Praise God! We need to lift Fanny & Glenn up as they continue to minister to these new babes in Christ.

2011-08-12T09:52:00.001-04:00

Life; an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

Total Integrity in Christ

That’s what the t-shirt says! Yes, the theme for one of the American TEAM visits was ‘Total Integrity in Christ’ and some extra shirts were made available for us to share with some of the Peruvians after the team returned to the states. There was no doubt in my mind that Keila would be honored to receive the shirt and it would be honorable for her to wear it. She is a young lady who is on fire for Jesus and assists her parents in their small church just a few blocks from our house.

We have spent a little time over the past two years getting to know Keila and her family. She speaks some English so it is a joy to have her visit. We first met her when a family came from Alaska to serve here for the month of January and we arranged some of the details for their visit. We had a lovely dinner at their home at that time. Then this past year they invited us to speak at their closing VBS program one Sunday. Her dad has been a Pastor for 35 years. At this season in their lives they are working with a small church. It has about 25 members, with an additional 20 who attend the Saturday night youth program and another 25 attend their Sunday morning children’s program. The church meets for praise and worship and ministry on Sunday evening, and then both Monday and Tuesday night they meet for prayer. They also have some cell groups that meet midweek for prayer and fellowship. They are a few in numbers, but very active and of sound doctrine.

Keila read some FaceBook posts about the American TEAM coming to minister in San Juan de Lurigancho. She also has friends who attend our home church and learned of their visit. She asked me, no she begged me to ask Pastor Bill if the TEAM could come to her church. I told her their schedule was pretty full and I didn’t think they would have an opportunity to visit. She told me to “pray and then ask him again!” Talk about her faith! It was a pleasant surprise to see her at our church the night of the youth conference. We had a very quick moment to introduce her to Pastor Bill and told him of her hearts’ desire. But the schedule this year just did not permit the unscheduled visit.

With some of the donations still to be distributed after the TEAM returned to the states, Don and I felt that it would be a blessing to gather some of them together and give them to Keila for her church. She was very surprised to receive the t-shirt and put it on immediately! Then we provided her with a market bag of goodies from the generosity of the Americans. They received tracts, copies of the Gospel of John, 6 New Testaments, salvation bracelets, a “Big Book” wordless book with pictures telling the gospel, and silly bands. We also have a supply of beanie babies from Bridgeway, our home church in Georgia, and gave her 2 dozen for prizes or gifts for the children in her church.

Keila and her brother (she brought him with her) were very happy and wanted to pray for the Americans, for us and for the material blessings received. It was a precious time spent with them. Again, we feel being conduits for Christ and bringing the needs and resources together to glorify God is such a privilege.

Approximately six weeks later…..

Keila called and asked if she could come and visit us. She had read about Don’s TIA attack and hospitalization. The day and time were agreed upon and we looked forward to spending a little time with her. What a wonderful surprise we had when we opened the door and her parents were with her. They had come to visit and brought Keila as their translator.

After the Peruvian greeting of hugs and kisses, they presented us with a cake, and we invited them to sit down and make themselves comfortable. The next 45 minutes or so we chatted and learned that they had been praying for us since Keila read of Don’s recent episode. They, of course, wanted to know what happened, how he was feeling, and what our plans were. They asked more about our ministry, if we were ever lonely, warned us about the dangerous areas within walking distance, and encouraged us to visit them any day, any time. They reinforced what we have always said; building relationships with people is very important to Peruvians. They again invited us to worship with them anytime we could. We are all members of the Body of Christ Pastor Haura reminded us, so they hurt when we hurt and they wanted to make sure we knew they were always available. We continued sharing with one another and then they asked if they could pray for us before leaving. It was such a special visit. We were so honored that they would take their Friday night to come. Pastor Haura prayed fervently for us, for our health, for blessings, for our ministry, for our family, for God’s protection, physical healing, and for the Holy Spirit to work through us. He prayed for the work we have done and that which God has planned for us to do. (Yes, I got that much out of his rapid speaking!)

As we expressed our gratefulness for their visit, hugged one another and asked God’s blessing on each other, there was only final request from Pastor Haura and his wife. His daughter Darias would be celebrating her birthday on the 24th of the month and they would like us to join their family for the party. We thanked them for the invitation and said we would save the date. Keila will be contacting us with further details shortly. We were warmed by their presence, their present, their pleas for us to join their family and/or church anytime, and for their prayers!

2011-08-05T10:23:00.000-04:00

Life; an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

Church plant in Montenegro

Have you ever been involved in a church plant? Where does the money come from? If you are being sent out by a denomination, there may be some funds available, but that is not always the case. We are working alongside a new church plant in a very poor suburb of San Juan de Lurigancho, called Montenegro. The pastor and his wife have prayed specifically for God’s will in their lives and know that when they relocated here from the jungle, it was in obedience to God’s leading. They began their ministry in our home church, but soon felt led to move out and to reach an area that was not being contacted by the Christian Missionary Alliance Church.

In February they began meeting in a home with just a few people. The desire to ‘go public’ was possible in May when they moved into the community center in Montenegro. At present the building (no roof, large cement plaza, bathrooms, storage closet) is way too large for their group, but it is in the perfect spot, with room for growth. They have 2 dozen new chairs, a sound system, one another and a focus from the Lord. The church is located one block from the main avenue which all the bus lines travel, one block from the primary and secondary school, one block from the Mercado (outdoor market) and across the street from their front door is a park!

There are so many start-up expenses incurred such as rent, utilities, transportation, signage and seating to begin with. The pastor teaches at the Christian Missionary Alliance Seminary and he and his wife have no other income and live by faith. There are the other luxuries we are all used to having in our churches such as multi media, a band (or some musical instruments) materials for teaching children and youth. Many church plants are very small in numbers, that’s why they are a church plant! There are just a few believers who have joined together to begin a new church in a specified area. So, naturally, the tithes and offerings are slim. It is no surprise that the people to do the work are few in numbers. But the other thing that stands out to us as we talk with the pastor and his wife, is the excitement, the vision and the hope and peace that they have and are sharing with those who partner with them on this journey.

Although the American TEAMs which ministered in San Juan de Lurigancho this summer were unable to visit this new church or their church neighborhood, their generosity and that of their friends and families from the states still ministered in a practical way beyond their comprehension. We called Pastor Alfredo and his wife Yvonne and asked them if they could come by our apartment as we had some things that might be helpful in their ministry. It was a wonderful afternoon as we gave them the gifts from the Americans. It was like Christmas in July!

Your donations included coloring sheets, paper, and crayons for their children’s ministry program. These they have had to do without as there is no money available to purchase them for the children. They were given a few games and toys for them to use as either prizes, gifts, or with the children in their church. The silly band bracelets, Frisbee, bat & ball and glow sticks all brought smiles and excitement to their faces. They were very happy to receive a supply of tracts (the comic strip type which are very attractive to the general public) some copies of the Gospel of John to give away, and 6 New Testaments for people who start to attend their church services. The salvation bracelets and a few cards with an explanation of the colors on it got them talking in Spanish so quickly that we couldn’t even follow the conversation, but we knew they had great plans on how they would use them and share the gospel. We, personally, had received a few Spanish copies of books by John Piper that we offered the pastor and his eyes became like saucers as he read the titles and expressed his appreciation.

The next donation was a real surprise – and a practical one as well. They took everything home in a suitcase and we said they could keep it. In fact, we had 3 more suitcases and they took them as well with many thanks, much appreciation, hugs and kisses for us to share with the Americans! Suitcases and boxes are difficult to come by and they use them to store items to keep them clean as the dust and dirt of the area finds its way into buildings without any problem as buildings are not built tight here as we know them in America. Before every service in any church we have ever attended, there are volunteers who are dusting off the seats before those attending the service sit down. Dust is a big problem in this area.

We spent time in prayer together, thanking God for these gifts and for the greatest of all, His Son, Jesus. We prayed for the opportunities the little church family would have to use these donations. We prayed for the Pastor and his wife and the Americans. And lastly, Don and I again thanked the Lord for using us as conduits, bringing the needs and resources together to glorify God.

2011-07-29T14:54:00.001-04:00

Life; an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

Celebrate, Jesus, Celebrate (repeat 3 times)
He is risen (repeat) and He lives forevermore.
Come on Celebrate, the resurrection of our Lord.

The background music was playing the above song, the multi-media portrayed fireworks and the word “celebrate”, about 500 people were in attendance, there was excitement in the air! It was the beginning of a real big celebration – 11th anniversary of one of the local Christian Missionary Alliance churches. You could sense the enthusiasm all around you. The crowd was anticipating an enjoyable anniversary party. They were delighted to be there, with their church family, including their former pastors and members. This was going to be a night to remember.

The evening schedule included it all! The history of the church was shared through a power point presentation. Although it was definitely one of those ‘you had to have been there’ situations, many photos showed an active church working and playing together. Great memories for many of those in the worship center, I’m sure.

The music was lively! Songs we are all so familiar with like Great is Thy Faithfulness and How Great Thou Art. The band, and praise team led the congregation and the singing was sweet music to our Lord, and full from the hearts (and diaphragms!). The old hymns seem to bring out the best vocals from non-singers and everyone participated!

Several pastors and other invited guests were introduced to a round of applause of appreciation from those gathered together. The welcome was warm and genuine; even we Americans felt the sincerity and hospitality of the church family.

The Word was shared by someone well known by all (except us!) and his animated preaching kept all ears on what he had to say and all eyes on him. Psalm 133 “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity….for there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore.” The message rang loud and clear. We are called to unity! There He will bless us! As a church family, the body of Christ, we are called to live together in unity; one unit, together. How can we expect God’s blessing unless we follow His word? The speaker congratulated the congregation for continuing to strive to live in unity. He challenged them to keep keeping on, for the Lord’s blessing. This was reason to celebrate. And celebrate they did!

A traditional band (playing traditional Peruvian instruments) provided songs to sing along with, and praise choruses as well. They even sang a song of celebration. There was another soloist in traditional garb who sang and was definitely appreciated by the applause of thanksgiving she received at the end of her number. The hand clapping intensified when a group of young adults in costume, took the floor and danced some traditional numbers. As we were honored enough to sit in the reserved seats in the front row, as invited guests, we were able to see their feet stomping, toe tapping, and all the intricate movements that accompanied the beat of the music. It was amazing! They were huffing and puffing after the first number, but continued to dance a few more. Before the night was over, they reappeared as the music began, and took the pastors, their wives and other invited guests by the hand (including us!) to join them in one final celebratory traditional dance! Well, let me tell you, we are comfortable with the traditional square dance of the good ole USA, a two step and a waltz, but this beat was like no other and we found it difficult to do much more than move around the floor with the Peruvians guiding us. Celebrating proves to be both fun and tiring.

After the lighting of the eleven cakes (one for each year) which were lavishly displayed in tiers on a table, and everyone joining to sing happy birthday, the pastors and their wives blew out the candles, to the flickering of many, many cameras. It was now 10:00 pm and dinner was being served. What a wonderful expression of service. Church members prepared, plated, served, and cleaned up after 500 people enjoyed dinner at that time of night. What a family! What a celebration! What a night! We definitely were part of a big celebration – to celebrate Jesus and with those who strive to live in unity!

2011-07-22T10:33:00.001-04:00

Life; an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

Winter 2011

Well, winter in Peru that is! June, July, August the coolest months for two reasons, read on and see if you agree with me.

First of all the temperatures do seem to dip and there are more grey days. When the sun goes down (if it was even out to begin with!) the night air is quite cool and chilly. The apartment temperatures can get as low as 62 deg. F. Since there is no central heat in the homes, or most buildings for that matter, in winter we learn to layer on the clothing and keep a blanket nearby. Crawling out of bed in the morning is not very exciting when the floors and the room are just plain cold. When you get to sit and read, have your morning devotion, a cup of coffee at the table, or enjoy a meal, it’s usually cold. The plates are cold, so your food cools off real fast. So when I say these are the coolest months, I mean temperature wise. But I did say there were two reasons, right?

The second reason is the Americans arrive! And, to us, that’s pretty cool. We plan several months ahead for the arrival of and logistics necessary for the short-term mission teams, but June is when they are in town. It’s pretty cool to see how God brings all the details together for us. It’s pretty cool to see who comes for the first time, and who comes back time and again. It’s really cool to see the bonding that takes place, the trusting one another and the dependence upon the Lord individuals express and share. It’s cool to see first-hand the maturing of young teens, and young adults, not just physically, but spiritually! It’s cool to be in the midst of what we call chaos knowing that God is in control! It’s really cool to hear ministry in English 4 or 5 times during their visit, and to speak in our native language for about 3 weeks! June is pretty cool! This year we were led to work with over 85 people, in 3 different groups, during 22 days in June. Now, that’s cool!

At the moment, we are not sure what July and August will bring. What we do know is that there is work to be done. We face inventorying the tubs and suitcases of supplies left behind, making distribution as we see the supplies can fill a need, and continuing on the work that the Americans began. How do we do this in their absence? With these material blessings we continue sharing the love of Christ in every opportunity presented to us. Pray for us. We are ‘conduits for Christ’ bringing the needs and resources together.

The ‘other’ legs of our ministries also need some tender loving care and we will be scheduling visits to the three new AWANA clubs, shopping for the Good Shepherd monthly, dropping in on the family at Hope House a few times, and meeting with a couple of other pastors about teaching Lumps of Clay . Don has two construction projects awaiting his attention and I would like to host a few more game nights with some of our Peruvian friends. Although the cool weather is definitely a change from the hot summers, I’m thinking winter will pass all too quickly! There is much to be done.

2011-07-15T10:35:00.001-04:00

Julio Visits One Winter Day

It is downright chilly again today. The streets are wet from heavy mist. Nothing is drying on the clothes lines. We have layers on, long sleeves with a sweatshirt; can’t seem to get warm. Washing the breakfast dishes is a pleasure, since we have hot water and my hands are so cold! The temperature in the apartment is just 68 deg F, but the humidity in the air makes it feel so much colder. We would describe it as being raw and damp in the US.

We are expecting a friend to come over. He has a 35 minute ride by bus to get here. He serves the Lord with gladness; always smiling, always seeking opportunities to share the gospel. He is a talented man and uses his talent for the Lord. What is his talent you wonder? He is a mime! Children and adults gravitate to him. He says nothing to get their attention. He just begins to mime, or carry on an imaginary conversation with a puppet and soon people are attracted to him and stop and watch and listen. From that point, he acknowledges the crowd that appears out of nowhere, and begins to interact with them. When I asked him how he secures his props, he said he uses what is given him, but he only needs people and God always provides someone to listen to him.

Julio arrives and it’s no longer cold in our apartment. You can imagine the work it takes to speak with him totally in Spanish. We have an extensive conversation, all three of us thinking of simpler words to use to convey our thoughts. I say it’s no longer cold, because we are working so diligently to communicate, but it is also because he brings with him some natural warmth and love. It’s the love of Christ we share. Although Spanish and English can be confusing to Julio and us, the universal language of love is very clear. We spend the next hour learning more about Julio and he about us!

We have a Bugs Bunny puppet to give him (gently used, from America!) and he is thrilled. He immediately puts it on his hand and chats with Bugs, then he encourages the bunny to have a sip of juice from the glass that I had poured for Julio. We giggled! It’s just that very thing that causes people everywhere to stop and listen to him. He shared that he was in Plaza de Armes, in the city of Lima, waiting for a friend one day, and pulled a puppet out of his briefcase and began a conversation. Soon people all around him were watching him. He then began to share the gospel with the puppet and of course those who had gathered heard the good news as well.

We also had a bag of individually wrapped mints. It was a huge bag. The contents said 550 pieces! We offered it to Julio with the caution that he should not eat them all at one sitting! Laughing out loud, he then inhaled and showed us his enlarged stomach and exhaled the mint aroma. If he could keep us smiling, imagine those on the street corner he entertains. He will use the mints as ‘gifts’ and will pass them out to those who stop by to listen to what he has to say.

Julio has a huge heart for Jesus and shares whatever he has with total strangers. His purpose in life is to win others to the Lord. He calls himself an evangelist, and that he is! He uses his talents and his resources to reach others.

His visit came to a close all too quickly, but not before we prayed together. It was such a nice way to spend a Saturday morning. We were giving him so little, on behalf of one of the American TEAMS, and yet we were warmed by his testimony, his presence, and his love for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Celebrate Everyday!

2011-07-08T10:40:00.005-04:00

Peruvian celebrations are culturally a little different, but they love to celebrate and we have had a blast at many of these occasions! Invitations are usually last minute. Decorating details, food preparation, and arrival of guests is on its very own timeframe! There appears to be no specific beginning or ending to the scheduled celebration. Everyone needs to be prepared to speak to the group gathered, and to pose for pictures. Both are very important and help document the special time on which they are focusing. They celebrate like never before.

One evening Don and I were at the dinner table enjoying a late dinner with no other plans for the rest of the day. It was quiet. We were discussing the week ahead and what we needed to do before leaving on furlough for six weeks. The telephone rang. It was our friend Laura. Her husband, Vico, has been attending weekly evening seminary classes for a few years now and she wanted us to come to his graduation. Another invitation which was a pleasure to accept so I asked what day? She said tonight! I asked what time? She asked if we could be at her house in 40 minutes! I gulped! But we really wanted to support the family so I said we would be there. I quickly relayed the message to Don; as he took in a little more potato and carrots, and I returned to the table, sat down, and began to finish what was on my plate. Quickly my mind went to a change of clothes (for both of us, since that’s my job when it comes to choosing Don’s outfit) leaving the dishes in the sink, grabbing the camera, planning the 7-10 minute walk to their house, etc. The phone rang again. This was unusual. There are days the phone never rings! Another interruption. Did I even have time to get it? I better! It was Laura again. She said Vico would pick us up in 10 minutes – I said NOOOO!!! Give us at least 15 minutes!

Well, that was the end of dinner. We both scrambled to the bathroom and the closet, freshened up, changed our clothes, and headed out the door to wait on the curb just a few minutes for Vico. At least waiting on the curbside would give us a chance to cool down rather than walking quickly to their house. It is rather humid here in Peru at this time of year, and perspiring is the norm. YUK! It wasn’t long until Vico arrived. Ahhh….we made it!

Vico has an old, dilapidated VW bug. His mother-in-law (a spry lady in her 80’s) was sitting in the passenger seat so Don and I had to fold up and maneuvered our bodies into the back seat together! Love my husband and sitting close to him. But it was so hot and humid. YUK! We were seated and soon flying down the street, over the potholes, and around many corners, taking back streets to avoid traffic and make better time. Don and I looked at each and smiled broadly. That’s all we could do. Together we said….another journal! The cool breeze coming in the open windows was wonderful – and breathtaking! We were off to the church, Grandma holding Vico’s cap and gown, Don and I holding onto one another. All of a sudden we pull up to the front of an auto mechanic shop. Now we know Vico’s VW is in bad shape, but cannot imagine why we are here. Hopefully we are not picking up another passenger. We sat quietly and waited, pondering what would be next. Vico soon emerged with two white plastic bags and handed them to us to hold. OUCH! They were HOT! I couldn’t stand them on my lap, or even on the seat between us, because they burned my thigh. Vico says….hot tamales, yummy. We could only assume we were the caretakers of some of the refreshments for the reception.

We continued to the church – thankfully it was not much further. As we arrived we immediately saw some friends, met new brothers and sisters, and sat on a bench while everyone chatted away catching up with long lost acquaintances. More people arrived. More friends walked through the door. We knew about 25 of the 40 in attendance. We were among friends, ready to celebrate.

We were soon ushered into the temple (worship center) and the graduation began. It was during this service, the praise choruses we sang we were very familiar with, the seminary class director shared a word from the Bible, spoke to the graduates, the graduates spoke to their family and friends, photos were taken, and the tassels on their caps were placed in their well-earned position as they graduated! God was praised and glorified! Great service (from what we could understand).

Following the graduation service, we were invited to a reception and enjoyed some Peruvian appetizers, the hot tamales, cake and Fanta soda. There were many more pictures taken, brief thank you speeches from the wives, and more pictures. It was after 10:30 pm when the party broke up and we began the ride home. Vico had to go to Lima to pick up his daughter from school so another brother from church gave us a ride home. What a great way to spend an evening. Although it was totally unplanned, unexpected, and a challenge to get ready in time, it was wonderful and we were so glad we were invited and able to attend.

Celebrating is such fun. Just recently we listened to a message on line about celebrating. The point made was that we are to rejoice in the Lord always, and today is the day He has made for us to rejoice and be glad! Why do we wait for circumstances or events to celebrate? Why do we not celebrate today, every day? We have so much to celebrate as His children. Start today celebrating!

A few weeks later……
Just looking through my documents to see what blog I have written that I have not posted. I was reminded (again) this morning we have so much to be thankful for, to celebrate, every single day.

My friend Jan has been diagnosed with cancer and has had many doctors’ appointments recently. Each one provides her with more information to consider and decisions to make. But through it all, she continues to praise our awesome God! She is happy and thankful as she recalls the promises He has given us. Each day brings new opportunities to depend upon Him. She is an encouragement to others, even during her challenging days of chemo.

Heather, another friend of mine has recently shared she is going through fertility treatments after years and many doctor visits. She and her husband have had many discouraging days, but they continue to celebrate the will of God in their lives. As she said, even when His will is not what we wanted, we know it’s best and we so celebrate! They really do want to be in His will, over the years their hearts desires have been crushed, but they continue to trust Him completely and praise Him.

While on furlough Don & I faced some medical situations that were not in our plans, but God has us in the palm of His hands and we too, found ourselves experiencing disappointments and frustrations. That doesn’t mean we were not thankful. We were truly thrilled Don had a good short stay in the hospital receiving two stents. Were we able to celebrate? Of course! We celebrated spring in the states with flowering bushes, budding trees, blue skies, and pleasant temperatures. All of these are uncommon in our neighborhood in San Juan de Lurigancho. We celebrated with our church family, the opening of the gym at Bridgeway and the new small groups that have started. We celebrated time with our family, over dinner, at soccer games, while
playing UNO. Lots of laughter and living life together with our kids and grands was a real treat for us during our stay in the states. So we celebrate!

We celebrate the good and the not-so-good because we know He is the Great Physician, our mighty God, and His love is incomprehensible, personal, and eternal.
Whether it be a special occasion or a normal day (whatever ‘normal’ may be!) we celebrate as life in itself is a gift from Him and we are glad! Are you celebrating? Don’t let another day go by without finding reason to be thankful and enjoy the celebration.

Called to serve -- yesterday, today and every day!

2011-07-01T11:13:00.002-04:00

As we returned to the states on furlough (March, 2011), the call to serve didn’t cease. The opportunities to serve the Lord with gladness continued to come our way. It was pure ‘fun’ to reach out and help others even though we were on furlough. After all, we were just in a different location, still ready and capable to lend a hand, to minister to others, to encourage, and to plan with the short-term mission Team Leaders for the upcoming trip. Come to think of it, we are all called to serve. Not just in a full-time service role, or in a specific organization, or on the foreign field, but wherever we are, yesterday, today and every day!

As we enjoyed being home in the states, we found ourselves meeting with some who needed a word of encouragement. We were able to visit some who were dealing with physical limitations; seeing them, hugging them and empathizing with them was a ministry in itself. Helping a friend with dishes, visiting another and doing some laundry, stopping at the library to catch up with a lonely friend, sharing with AWANA kids who wanted to ask some questions of a ‘real missionary’, and even listening as another shared their complicated medical issues. The opportunity to help our own children and grandchildren in simple daily tasks was fun. We listened as other friends shared the difficulties they were experiencing – financial, health, and unemployment. As we listened to them, we heard them and were able to encourage them personally without the use of the internet. That face to face communication is so rich. It seems to me it is missing in a lot of our lives these days. We are so busy we tend to use the internet for communicating, even when we are in close proximity to one another. What a convenience it is, and we can’t imagine life without it, but the internet also has eliminated personal interactions and thus we have lost the warm, rewarding benefits of having friends and being friendly.

There were email exchanges with the Team Leaders of a short term mission group coming to Lima this summer. Thanks to the internet, we were able to stay connected with these wonderful people, read their prayer requests, and join with them in the planning of trip details. In our absence from San Juan de Lurigancho, we maintained communications with the Bonners from Hope House, and other friends from our home church in San Juan de Lurigancho.

We are called to serve; not just Don and Joy Norris. That’s all inclusive of those who are part of the church, the body of Christ, Christians, born-again believers. Serving Him and His people are what we are called to do. No matter where we are. A furlough, vacation, or time off doesn’t mean we don’t continue to serve, but it means we have a break from the daily tasks facing us and we must take the opportunity to review and renew His call to us, and serve in a different environment for a short period of time. This is a reminder of the verse we claimed for 2011 – Proverbs 16:9 In our hearts we plan our course, but the Lord determines our steps

2011-06-24T09:13:00.001-04:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus
Known by your doings

People have often been heard to say, you are known by your doings, there are people watching you all the time. You’ve heard similar comments, and maybe have even been heard saying them yourselves.

One Friday night, date night, we went to the local “Chifa” for dinner. Here it is that we can have a “Chinese” meal, complete with more rice than an American would normally eat in one meal, and our choice this particular evening was chicken and Chinese vegetables. It’s just a short walk from our apartment (about a block, how very convenient!) and it’s a little hole in the wall restaurant. Upon arriving, the waitress and sidewalk chef (he cooks all the rice out on a gas fire by the sidewalk to attract walkers by and hope they come in for dinner) said hello and we chose our usual table. Next to us there was a young couple, all smiles, who said hello. We acknowledged them as well.

This young couple – we were not sure who they were and why they were so friendly towards us. Maybe they go to our church. It’s rather large and has five services, so although we didn’t recognize them, many people at our church recognize us. After all we are the Americans, tall and grey haired, older than most at the services!

We placed our order, and noticed the young couple was soon served their meals. We noticed them bow their heads and give thanks for their meals. Now, I have to admit, I assumed they were from our church and wondered if we had been introduced to them at one time or another. A mystery, yes, but our meals were soon served to us and I didn’t give it much thought. It was a huge plate, steaming hot! It looked so very delicious. And, from my experience in the past, it was going to be. This is my favorite to order at the local chifa. We held hands, bowed our heads and thanked the Lord for a few things (hurry up Don, my meal is getting cold) as well as our dinner.

After we finished eating, we were relaxing and chatting. The young lady came over to our table and asked if she could talk English with us. She had a little command of the language and we learned that they are missionaries from Pulcalpa, a city in the jungle. She learned her English at the missionary school. They were only visiting our neighborhood for the evening and the next day. They invited us to a church concert Saturday night, just a few blocks from our house. She and her husband work with children in a very poor city. We talked about the AWANA program. They wanted to know how long we had been here and with what church. We found out that her husband is from Lima originally, but they are now living and working four hours away from the city. RossMary asked for our email address and shared hers and the website of their mission organization. We said we would like to go to the concert if we could and soon bid farewell to our new friends.

We did go to the concert at the pentacostal church the next night. It was a youth concert, and the guests were rappers! The most interesting part was how everyone welcomed us, RossMary sat with us (stood most of the time – remember it was a youth concert!) and the pastor of the church spent some time talking to us and offered his help should we ever need anything. How good it is to meet other brothers and sisters in Christ. We are so, not alone here in our corner of the world!

Just for a moment, let’s go back and look at the first sentence of this blog. “People have often been heard to say, you are known by your doings, there are people watching you all the time.” Just suppose RossMary and her husband had not given thanks for the meal, and we had not done the same. We would have all missed out on the blessing of meeting each other and sharing a little about what God is doing in our separate lives, in different locations in Peru

Radical Change!

2011-06-17T13:28:00.001-04:00

Change? – How about a Radical Change?

Definition of 'radical' may help us get started in thinking about a ‘radical change’. Webster’s dictionary defines the word radical as extreme!

Now, I don’t consider myself extreme in any way at all. Many of your know that’s the truth. I’m a home-grown gal, down to earth, plain Jane, very traditional, not living on the edge. But, where has God got me? On an adventure!

A friend recently sent a devotion to me about this very subject, a radical change! The change referred to was the change in location and lifestyle of Abraham. In Genesis 12:1 we read: “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.”

We know that God promised to bless Abraham. But it took action on Abraham’s part to be a recipient. He could only receive (or claim) what God had in store for him by first being obedient. That meant he had to leave everything and live by faith.
Wait a minute! This sounds awfully familiar. We heard God telling us to leave the comforts of home, our familiar surroundings, our family, our church, our friends, our house, our car and truck, the list goes on and on. And you know what? We’ve been blessed beyond our comprehension!

Abraham did not know where God was taking him. He just followed. He was obedient. What a man of faith. We believed God was saying we should return to Peru. We were obedient. We followed, walking by faith. And here we are over two years later…..
Talk about a change, a radical change!

Since June 9th there have been TEAMs from American serving here in Peru that we are partnering with. The last one will go home about the 28th of the month. Their presence is also a radical change – for them and for us. Now after 7 years of partnering with TEAMS you would think it wasn’t that much of a change, it might be considered, same old stuff. One might think we would have the “been there, done that” attitude. WRONG! It is never the same. The change is radical in so many ways.
First the TEAM members are changed forever. Just talk to someone who has done short-term missions. They have a global perspective of the needs of people and how Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but by Him!

Secondly, the TEAM supporters learn of the radical change, through the TEAM testimonies and hear of what their prayers and financial support did for the Peruvians and the team members themselves.

Thirdly, the Peruvians who accept Christ, are in Him a new creation! That’s a radical change.

Additionally, the Peruvian Christians who minister to the TEAMs witness first-hand what the heart intentions are of those who come to share the gospel.

Are you ready for a radical change? Let me know and I can point you in the direction of walking by faith!

Watch out - never sure who is watching you!

2011-06-10T08:53:00.001-04:00

People have often been heard to say, you are known by your doings, there are people watching you all the time. You’ve heard similar comments, and maybe have even been heard saying them yourselves.

One Friday night recently, date night, we went to the local “Chifa” for dinner. Here it is that we can have a “Chinese” meal, complete with more rice than an American would normally eat in one meal, and our choice this particular evening was chicken and Chinese vegetables. It’s just a short walk from our apartment (about a block, how very convenient!) and it’s a little hole in the wall restaurant. Upon arriving, the waitress and sidewalk chef (he cooks all the rice out on a gas fire by the sidewalk to attract walkers by and hope they come in for dinner) said hello and we chose our usual table. Next to us there was a young couple, all smiles, who said hello. We acknowledged them as well.

This young couple – we were not sure who they were and why they were so friendly towards us. Maybe they go to our church. It’s rather large and has five services, so although we didn’t recognize them, many people at our church recognize us. After all we are the Americans, tall and grey haired, older than most at the services!
After we ordered, the young couple was soon served their meals. We noticed them bow their heads and give thanks for their meals. Now, I have to admit, I assumed they were from our church and wondered if we had been introduced to them at one time or another. A mystery, yes, but our meals were soon served to us and I didn’t give it much thought. It was a huge plate, steaming hot! It looked so very delicious. And, from my experience in the past, it was going to be. This is my favorite to order at the local chifa. We held hands, bowed our heads and thanked the Lord for a few things (hurry up Don, my meal is getting cold) as well as our dinner.

After we finished we were chatting and the young lady came over to our table and asked if she could talk English with us. She had a little command of the language and we learned that they are missionaries from Pulcalpa, a city in the jungle. She learned her English at the missionary school. They were only visiting our neighborhood for the evening and the next day. They invited us to a church concert Saturday night, just a few blocks from our house. She and her husband work with children in a very poor city. We talked about the AWANA program. They wanted to know how long we had been here and with what church. We found out that her husband is from Lima originally, but they are now living and working four hours away from the city. RossMary asked for our email address and shared hers and the website of their mission organization. We said we would like to go to the concert if we could and soon bid farewell to our new friends.

Just for a moment, let’s go back and look at the first sentence of this blog. “People have often been heard to say, you are known by your doings, there are people watching you all the time.” Just suppose RossMary and her husband had not given thanks for the meal, and we had not done the same. We would have all missed out on the blessing of meeting each other and sharing a little about what God is doing in our separate lives, in different locations in Peru.

2011-06-03T09:07:00.002-04:00

The Good Smaritan in 2011

Here it is, just another Wednesday night. I'm relaxing with the laptop, checking emails and scrolling through Face Book and see some pictures I need to learn more about. I notice all the captions are in Spanish, and one of my friends posted them. Okay, so everyone on F/B is friends, right? But this is a little different. She IS my friend.

Let me introduce you to Pamela! She's a young lady attending the university in Lima. She attends our home church here in Peru. She's bi-lingual (YEAH!) and has translated for us this past year a few times. She’s a fine young Christian not just talking the talk, but also walking the walk. You know what I mean. She's living for Jesus. No she's not perfect. She will even tell you that. But she has a heart that desires to seek the Lord, to share Him with others and to serve Him.

You may be thinking, "well, I know someone like that, too". Great! I hope there are a lot of "Pamelas" out there in our world. We all know the world sure could use 'em.

The photo journal begins with a young lady at the local Plaza Vea (much like a small WalMart) with several pieces of paper and a calculator spread out on a table in the food court. It appears they were checking their available soles (change) and their shopping lists. There are other photos of young adults in a hospital setting. I notice everyone is smiling. The pictures don't look posed. Many are candid. I can see these kids (I say ‘kids’, because they are so young compared to me, but they are all in the late teens or early 20’s) in action. Smiling. Walking. Talking. Serving juice. I recognize one of the other girls in the photos as one who has visited us with Pamela one Sunday noon. Her name is Rocio. She has demonstrated her love for the Lord through her lifestyle as well.

Within a very few minutes, Pamela actually comes up on the chat window in Face Book and asks me how I am doing tonight. I can't believe it. She can fill me in on what's going on in these pictures. (It will save me time from having to translate all the photo captions!) We chat a little and here's what I discovered.

On Wednesday, after classes, there is a group of Christian kids from the University who have a Bible Study in the afternoon. Pamela shared, “after the Bible Study we do different things, like go a local hospital to share the love of God and the gospel.” They minister to burn patients as well as the elderly and whoever might be there at the time. I asked Pamela where the hospital was and the name of it, but sure enough I didn't recognize either.

Today they purchased boxes of juice to offer to the patients. As Pamela said, "it was something different, to change their regular menu. They always eat the same stuff". Imagine that, the little things that we take for granted, these kids decided to do something about. They surely brightened the day for so many people and shared with them of their own resources by treating them to an afternoon fruit juice. How special!

This really spoke to me today because I was reminded of the many opportunities God has put in our paths, for us to come along and serve one another. We seem to walk around them like some did in the story of the Good Samaritan. But it touched my heart to see these pictures on Face Book and to chat with Pamela on line. She shared one last comment with me and that is that the mission of their Bible Study group is: “to do what He asks of them to do.”

I thought immediately of two big-hearts & hands-on ministries back in Alpharetta Georgia who also serve others. The first group is called FLOOD Student Ministries and it has developed local chapters in the middle and high schools. I have known Kimberly Scales, the Director, for a number of years, and many of the student leaders and participants were former Bridgeway Christian Academy students. Their mission? “Flood exists to provide local mission opportunities for students to saturate their communities with the hearts and hands of Christ.”

The second ministry in the same city is called ACT Together Ministries. It encourages everyone, singles and families, including children, to serve their neighbor. Heather Clark, Director, is also a personal friend of mine, and a former teacher of Bridgeway Christian Academy. There are all sorts of activities planned which need additional help, and which meet the needs of the less fortunate, or those who have found themselves in particularly difficult times. Their mission? “To meet the needs of children and families while sharing the hope that can only be found in Jesus. The Christ-centered organization is dedicated to improving the lives of children in distress while strengthening families and inspiring the next generation to serve.”

For those of you who are internet savvy, or have Face Book, check these out. You, too, will be impressed by the good deeds God has planned for them to do - Good Samaritans in 2011!

2011-05-27T09:56:00.000-04:00

Walking….one foot in front of the other, one step at a time. Yep! We’re back to walking now that we’ve returned Peru. It’s interesting how easily we moved from one culture to the other without batting an eyelash while we were on furlough. We did enjoy many, many of the conveniences of America to their fullest. We did not complain one bit. Returning to San Juan de Lurigancho, with those conveniences nowhere to be found, we still feel at home and have settled right back into life here and guess what, we have nothing to complain about. Not even the walking.

Walking has given us the much needed exercise we need. It gives us time to see, up close and personal, what is around us, rather than passing by at 30, 50, or more, miles an hour. Walking provides us with time to talk to one another, to discover things together. We pace ourselves for the long haul and for the steps at the end of the trip. Walking shows us our weaknesses, physically. Our limitations scream out to us and we again realize we are no longer as young as we used to be. Walking gives us insight into the challenges the Peruvians have. Walking, carrying, (lugging) each step of the way, without any options other than paying a motor taxi or bus fare. Many do not have the coins to do so. They continue on walking.

Many times we comment our feet hurt, or my knees begin to feel each step on the concrete (Don’s are only 3 years old, so he doesn’t have the same problem!) or the hips are beginning to ache or Don’s shoulder hurts from the weight he carries in the backpack. These are now common to us after being gone for 4-6 hours a day on mission.

That’s the clue right there! We are on mission! We are moving forward. That’s what walking is. We do not stop. We may rest and recuperate. But we do not stop. Noah walked with God! In Genesis 6:9 we read he was a just man, and perfect in his generations. NIV says he was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time. Noah walked faithfully with God. This thought came to me today when Don walked to the money changer to exchange dollars for soles. I didn’t go as we are expecting a visitor. But Don continued on with the task before him, and walked to the destination and back. And our prayers were answered again, God was with him!

When we are walking there is so much we can learn about ourselves. We have to plan ahead for the time needed to walk from one place to another. There is no other choice. Peruvians may see a friend or neighbor and stop to talk along the way. Time is not important to them. Not as important to them as to Americans. Relationships are important. They will stop and visit with someone they know right there in the middle of the sidewalk. That’s what seems to be important. I often wonder what the Peruvians are thinking as the physical limitations and the burdens they carry take a toll on them. When one of them stops us to talk, we are smiling down deep because they cared enough to do so, but at the same time we feel frustrated. The conversation is a struggle for us, we feel bad we cannot totally understand them or make ourselves clearly understood, and time is running out and we forget to “think” Peruvian, not American!

As you walk the dog, the kids to the school bus, to check the mailbox, the mall while shopping, or the treadmill consider this…Noah walked faithfully with God. He moved from one place to another with God. We, too, can walk (live) by the spirit of God. Can this be said of me? When we get tired, stumble, need to rest, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us in our lives today. Instead we often grumble or complain about the circumstances. We try to find another way to go, or we simply stop. We quit. I want to be faithful in my walk. Pray for me!

On a separate note: There is a “Race for the Cure” in support of cancer victims and survivors scheduled in May. We are JAN’s FANS and cannot participate in Atlanta. However, we plan to walk here at home in support of the cause. Distance stinks at times. And this is one of those times. But we will not let it hinder us, and we will walk, and we will talk, and we will pray for those who have dealt with and are dealing with this disease. At this very moment, we have many friends who are in treatment and will especially be thinking of them and their families. They include: Jan, Karen, Pam, Paul, another Pam, Carol, Coleen, Lora, Lee, Tink, Carl and Rebeca’s Mom.

2011-05-20T09:20:00.001-04:00

The Flood of 5/15/2011

This is truly a day to remember; the day of the flood of 5/15/2011 here in Peru. There is no dam that I know of on the river in Lima. There is no way we can even see the river from our home. There is little, if any, rain in San Juan de Lurigancho. They say the measureable amount is less than ½ inch per year. But we experienced the flood of 5/15/2011! It was on Las Orquideas. That’s the name of our street. In fact, it was at building #290! That’s us. We were up front and close when the flood took place.

Yesterday a friend of the landlord came to our apartment to change out a faucet in our laundry sink. Water was not flowing at a normal pace and the small stream left was not enough to warrant using that faucet. When he exchanged the faucet he shut off the water to the apartment. When he did that, he must have done ‘something’ else to the washing machine hoses in error. Today I put a load of wash in, and sat down to read while the machine performed its magic. Soon….

Well, let’s say we had to rapidly construct a bath towel dam, get out the mop and bucket, kick off the shoes, roll the pant legs, and move 9 suitcases that store linens for one of the American Teams, because the washing machine was draining out all over the kitchen floor! Don immediately turned off the power, but it had emptied out so much by that time, that we were like ducks splashing around as we attempted (and I mean attempted!) to stop the flow. It seeped out the kitchen door to the landing outside our door. Soon it was seeping back in our front door and under our couches. When I looked out the door, we had created a set of waterfalls right down the steps to the next landing! It’s sure funny now, but at the time it wasn’t. After sopping and mopping for over an hour, we were able to open the windows and let the clean floors dry!

With the washing machine re-connected properly (thank you dear Don!), we both sat down exhausted. Now I’ve always loved thick, luxurious, large bath towels – until today! How often have you had to wring them out by hand, time and time and time and time again? My fingers, wrists and arms were sore. The water was cold. I was soaking wet. But in the big scheme of things, it was nothing!
What was the lesson in all of this? We aren’t sure! But what we do know is that there were a lot of positive things that happened today and we like to think on those, and be thankful in all circumstances. First of all, we were home and not preoccupied when the flood took place. Second, we have a normal size washing machine, not one of those extra large sizes which would have caused a larger flood! Then, too, we were challenged to make quick decisions, and to work together as a team! We didn’t get upset. No one was hurt. The repair cost us nothing. We have clean floors and clean feet. We can laugh at ourselves. At this very moment, the towels are drying on the clothesline after successfully being spun in the washing machine. Just another day in the life of a missionary! Watch out – you, too, are a missionary!

Thinking back on the whole episode, I know there must be something to be said about our attitudes under these types of circumstances; our heart attitude and the outward appearance that others may witness. There is also the thought of the washing (cleaning) of our hearts. In Romans we read God’s loved ‘poured out’ upon us. We were definitely overwhelmed with the volume of the pouring out today. (I’m always looking for the lessons and the positive side of situations.)

2011-05-13T12:43:00.001-04:00

Another day of Life in Peru!

Reader’s Digest subscribers know what “Life in these United States” is all about. It’s a column containing personal, humorous experiences by some of the readership, submitted for publication. It’s easy reading, depicting life, especially those times when we can laugh at ourselves. Well, let me tell you from first-hand experience that “Life in San Juan de Lurigancho, Peru” is nothing like that. There are definitely those times when it is humorous and we do laugh at ourselves. But life is typically not that way. Life here in general is very similar to your life wherever you live.

Think about your day today. What was so funny about it? Probably not much! It was just another day. Today we walked to a hotel (30 minute walk) to meet Heather, our fellow American missionary. We needed to visit the hotel the upcoming American TEAM will be renting in its’ entirety for their stay. With the hotel contract negotiations complete, we were asking permission to enter each room to take measurements and determine the number of beds and sizes in each individual room. This will enable the TEAM leaders to begin making room assignments stateside as their arrival will be close to midnight (or later) when they finally arrive.

Don brought along a pad of paper, pencil, ruler, tape measure and me! The plan was for Heather to communicate our needs to the owners of the hotel and request permission to see each room. They were so accommodating. They opened each room, put on the lights and left us to do what we had to do. There was only one room occupied that we could not gather the necessary information from. However, two hours later, it seemed like Don and I had measured each and every wall in the hotel. He quickly did a draft drawing of each individual room including the placement of the bathroom, doorways and the beds. He sketched out the lobby space, stairwells and hallways for two floors. After completing the 29 rooms, we headed downstairs to buy a cold water and catch a bus home.

No way did Don ever expect to be using the skills he developed as a young man in life. Not as a missionary some people have been known to say! Since coming to Peru he has completed a wiring diagram for the campus of Hope House, drawings for the indoor outhouse for the church and house at Pachacutec, others for the wall separating the church from the bathroom, and its accompanying sink installation, penciled plans for the windows installation at Pachacutec, the roof at the same location, and now a hotel floor plan! Although the jobs have not been completed, he sketched a kitchen at Good Shepherd and building plans for the another orphanage a few years ago, as well. It just continues to amaze us that throughout our lives, God was preparing us for such a time as this.

We chose to take the bus home and walk the ½ mile to our home as we also needed to stop at the Mercado for some fruit. It was a pleasure to ride that short distance after being on our feet, in the heat, for a couple of hours.

Armed with the facts, Don now has to tidy up the drawings and scan them to send on to the TEAM leaders in North Carolina. Another day’s work facing him! Think I’ll spend some time reading one of the 45 books we brought home so I don’t get in his way. (tee hee!) Oh, the Life in Peru that we live. Not much different than yours!

2011-05-06T09:48:00.002-04:00

Living by His plan!

The year was 1989. We relocated to Georgia. Bridgeway is the church we decided to visit.

Today, the year is 2011. We returned to Georgia on a visit, after relocating to Lima, Peru to serve the Lord. We visited Bridgeway (our home church) again.

During those 21 years, we journeyed together with friends through life; one family in particular. There was back surgery, a lead in the church play, school concerts, AWANA club meetings, youth activities, baptisms, mission trips, difficult teenage years, graduations, marriages, birthdays, grandbabies born, family suppers at one house or the other, Sunday lunches at the local Chinese restaurant, hospitalizations, four knee replacements, funerals, The list goes on and on. With each of these we banked memories; we laughed and cried, prayed and supported one another.

The opportunity to live life together gave us insight into what one another was experiencing, personal needs, and plenty occasions to pray. We lived together in West Virginia on a mission trip, at Lake Burton on a mini vacation, in San Juan de Lurigancho, Peru on a mission trip (twice) and while we were on furlough. We still live life together although distance separates us during this season of our lives. We live life together, praying and sharing what we can and need.

Recently our time spent together has provided us with fewer challenges, more laughter, and some senior moments! Since we relocated to Peru to serve the Lord, our friends have supported us in practical ways beyond our comprehension. They stand in the gap for us. They are always available to us. Since we are getting older, walking the neighborhood streets to the market and carrying home groceries is manageable, but more so now that we have a cart to help, thanks to our friends.

Whether it is attending a church or school social event together, or watching television; we always have a great time. Whether it is a smorgasboard of tasty dishes, or microwaved left overs we are eating; we always have a good time. Lunch on the front porch, ice cream at the local stand, cups of coffee/tea, all have their own memories of living life together. When serving the Lord together doing carpentry, cooking, counting pills, cleaning, or carrying a mattress, we always have a good time. We might be giving each other a difficult time over wearing mismatched shoes to a funeral, suggesting a belly rub would solidify a relationship, or needing three trips to the airport for one flight. We live life together.

Why? Why would this friendship last over 21 years? Because this life we share has one common bond that brings us closer than a brother and that is Jesus Christ! HE is the reason. The Christians in the first church we read about in Acts, met together in homes, celebrated the Lord’s supper, were devoted to learning and fellowship. They had everything in common and gave to those in need. They were happy (glad and sincere hearts) and they praised God together. Living life together seems to be the pattern that was set for us as brothers and sisters in Christ.

We are so blessed to journey with Jesus, and the Kubler family. We thank the Lord for such good friends with whom we can share life and serve Him; living His plan.

2011-04-29T11:56:00.000-04:00

Friends are Friends Forever!

Spending time with family for over four weeks of our trip, left little quiet time, but lots of time for fun and laughter. Family comes first, and these days it seems as though grandchildren are the center of our attention, but “friends are friends forever!”

We arrived at the appointed time and place and found friends from our home church gathered together for dinner and great conversation. It was so good to see everyone and to reconnect with some of our Bridgeway Church family. In no time at all, we picked up where we left off a year ago, catching up with each other and our families. Dining on a delicious dinner, with dear friends, and having delightful conversation! Can’t get any better than that; but wait – the icing on the cake, yes it was a birthday cake in my honor. Now, that’s pretty cool when your friends plan ahead with a surprise. Joy had asked the church family to save beanie babies for us to use in our ministry, and for one of her birthday gifts she received another bagful of little cuddly animals from a friend who shopped at Ikea! Friends are friends forever.

Not long after, we were in the Northeast with family and friends, and the weather was far from pleasant. It was grey, cold and rainy. But the warmth of these relationships is indescribable. Since we don’t have rain in our home town in Peru, Joy was teased by our friends that they were glad she didn’t ask the Lord for snow because we would probably still be digging out! We spent the day with David and Carolyn Wells. We travelled up the coast, in and out of some little towns that brought back sweet memories, lunched on delicious New England Clam Chowder, and visited a favorite place in Maine, LL Bean. The return trip allowed time for dinner at one of the best restaurants. Good food, (good fish!) good friends, good fellowship.

The Nashua, NH Boy’s & Girls Club is the best hangout in town! Over 40 years ago at his kitchen table, Don began to brainstorm with a few men about the starting of the club. It was a huge undertaking and yet the family has remained involved in the club operation to date. While we were visiting Kurt (Don’s son) & his wife Diane, the local newspaper reporter interviewed Don and they travelled down memory lane together. Friendships were formed years ago and still today some remain.

We cannot be in New Hampshire without seeing friends from Community Chapel, our home church for 13 years. We were so excited to have a gathering at the local Dunkin Donuts to catch up with one another. These are special friends and special memories. We worship at Community Chapel when we are in town and find that this is a place we can still call home, although it has been years since we have been part of this fellowship. It is here that our girls also formed life-long friendships and although many have scattered to other parts of the states, the social network F/B has enabled us to reconnect and renew our friendships.

As I said earlier, family is most important and most of our time was spent with family in Georgia on this trip. But since we were originally from New England, there other family members remain. We had a blast with Kurt and his family, enjoying four generations together! Joy was delighted to see and spend time with her cousin, his wife and daughter during our quick visit. The conversation included some of the past as well as the present. It was a very special time for all of us.

As we journey through life, God brings different people into our lives during different seasons. Sometimes it is for our benefit and other times it is for theirs. But we trust we are glorifying Him as we build one another up and spur one another onto good deeds. We are connected in a special way with those who have been called to serve the Lord in missions. Therefore the friends we made, through short-term mission trips seem to have a special place in our hearts. We were able to visit with many of them (in addition to the people and places mentioned earlier in this writing) at the IHOP in John’s Creek, Arms of Love Church in Norcross, some at the Kublers home, others at the Duluth Historical Society, over coffee at the Rexall Drug in Duluth, at church and even in their homes. There are way too many to mention individually, but we are thankful for these friendships. We thrive on the connection with these people that God has blessed us with. Friends are friends forever – if the Lord’s the Lord of them. And He is!

2011-04-23T22:38:00.001-04:00

Think about it: Religion vs. Relationship

There are two verses I want to share with you. First is in the New Testament, and later we will read the one from the Old Testament. Matthew 15:8-9 "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men."

We seem to know people, and have ourselves been in the position of going to church, serving, giving, and doing all the right church stuff. But, something is missing with that. It is only by the Holy Spirit moving in us, because after all, since we have accepted the Lord and He has sent the Holy Spirit to live within us, somehow in the middle of this shallow life, when we hear and obey the Word of God, things come together. What we seem to have absorbed in our head, we never learned in our heart. But the difference comes when we are moved by the Holy Spirit to obedience.

Each day you and I, and many who are born again, spend a few minutes learning how to navigate life as His children. We tend to use our favorite daily devotional books, or sermons, or even music. But all that we hear is worthless if our hearts stay distanced from Jesus. It's not the devotion that motivates us to make it through one day or another. It’s a relationship with Him that He desires. Pretty little quotes to ponder and put into practice may be helpful, but it’s a relation-ship with Him that counts. Peace may make our lives more manageable or tolerable, but it’s the relationship with the Peacemaker that is needed. Do we yearn to look or feel better about ourselves? Or do we yearn to be more like Jesus, regardless of how that appears to others? What’s this Christian life all about? It should be about Jesus and knowing Him a little more every day. What is it He wants from us? A relationship!

When building a relationship with a friend or neighbor, it takes time, getting to know one another, sharing with one another, being open and honest, transparent with one another. It’s trusting and depending on one another. Well, the relationship we need to build with Jesus is the same. That cannot happen if we don’t spend the time and effort to strengthen the relationship. The relationship with a friend (and with Jesus) is a chosen relationship because we like, and come to love, the other. Then we want to spend time with them, live life with them, and help or serve them. That’s what friends are for.

Let’s now read the verse in the Old Testament I mentioned earlier. Isaiah 29:13, “The Lord says: 'These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.”

Both verses say that our hearts are far from the Lord. The distance keeps us from building a healthy relationship with Him. Religion is made up of rules. Many try to follow the rules. Religion is made up of roles. Many try to play the role. The routine of keeping the rules and acting a certain way leaves one with a shallow, systematic feeling, but certainly not a strong faith! The difference in knowing Jesus, really knowing Him, is that we choose to follow Jesus and build a rapport, a relationship, with Him. In time, we will have the faith to let Him lead us and we will follow. I recently read that “if you want to grow closer to God, you must distance yourself from distractions.” Jesus, himself, did this when He removed himself from the throngs of people following Him and went to a quiet place to pray. Ahh…..

Simply put…

Rules & Roles = Routine Religion. On the other hand, Rapport = Relationship!
(Okay, rapport may not be the best description, but it at least starts with the letter ‘R’!)

2011-04-15T10:26:00.002-04:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus!
The TEAM

TEAM – by now you know our ministry is a TEAM approach. We believe it takes all of us (that includes you) to fulfill the Word of God to function as a healthy body, and carry out the great commission. Our TEAM acrostic is: Together Each Achieves More. These words are not found in scripture. They are not particularly profound. They are simple and to the point. But as I reflect on most of what we do, over and again I am reminded that we cannot do it of and/or by ourselves. Even the little tasks in our daily lives, bring us to a dependence upon each other and others. Relationships are important and help us both get through the day, to remain accountable and to enjoy the journey over the hills and in the valleys. Our TEAM has been on my mind quite a bit recently. Let me share some thoughts with you. Being on a TEAM brings about a sense of belonging. Being on a TEAM makes you feel like you have a part to play. Being on TEAM encourages us to work harder together. Being on a TEAM – it’s the only way to go.

The Bible tells us time and again that we are the body of Christ, and we need each other.
Romans 7:4 So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.
Romans 12:5 so, in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now, you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

It is truly amazing to ponder our physical bodies, their complexity, and uniqueness, along with the fact that our Father knows all, yes ALL, about each one of us individually (even the number of hairs on our head!) Just thinking about that amazes me. Watching the birth of our grandchildren brought me to tears, each and every time. It is incredible, remarkable, miraculous, and as they say today it is mind-blowing! So should our lives be when we function together as the Body of Christ! I have to ask one question, “Are we functioning like that?”

To fulfill the great commission, we (we is all inclusive) must go. Go, tell the good news, make disciples. In different seasons of our lives God will direct our steps in different directions. But, now, we can all ‘go’. We can ‘go’ ourselves into our neighborhood, schools, and community; within an area not much more than a day’s travel, and to work; or even a greater distance or to a foreign country. We can all ‘go’ by sending others who know God is calling them to another place. We can send them with financial support and/or prayer support. This is where we (all inclusive) are a TEAM.

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. This is a constant reminder that we need one another. Seriously, how often have you been doing something and found you needed help? Alone we become distraught or weary in the task. We get beaten down going it alone. We may even give up. With another, we can work it out together, but when there are three working together, the additional support or strength carries us through the situation. The encouragement needed is close at hand. We can take turns bearing the weight of the situation, allowing one another to rest and recuperate, all the time focusing on the goal and not the problem. As our acrostic says….together each achieves more.

Earlier I said, even the simple daily tasks require dependence upon others. Not just Don and I. It would not be wise for us to be the team, but to be part of the team! And, that we are! We need translators to help us many times. In church services and our small group, sometimes at the clinic, and always at immigrations! Often times we will try to get our point across, but later ask Heather, Martha, Gina or Martin to call someone and confirm they understood what we were trying to say! We need those who are trained in computers to assist us as we are definitely TCP (technologically challenged persons)! When software or hardware problems arise, Eddie and Martin come to the rescue, or we call Tim back home in the states. When we are working on projects beyond our capability (because we have not been taught) we have help readily accessible. (Producing our DVD is one example.) We treasure our prayer partners because we can turn to them both when a need arises and when we are so excited about what God has done, that we just have to share it! We are reminded every month of the sacrifices of our financial supporters, and in turn pray for them and their families. Our family and friends emails are similar to you having daily conversations. We just have to depend upon the internet!

We have friends who are always willing to help and without them we would struggle or be lost. Even at the local Mercado, we have been building relationships with several vendors and they are so helpful when we try to buy something new, or when they don’t have what we usually purchase. Our neighbors and landlord would come to our rescue should it be necessary. They take time to try to understand us, and we them. At church there’s Orlando, Edgar, Pastor Arsenio, Nellie, Blanca, and the ladies in the café who regularly talk with us and assure we are attended to. Translators at services are a huge help to us as we listen to the message. Translators when we are in the community, or at one of our ministry sites are a great help and without Heather, Fanny, Jazmin, Pamela, Greg & Bridget or Rebecca we would not be able to accomplish the things before us which we feel we are called to do. They are part of our TEAM.

The list goes on and on. But what we want to stress is that we have learned that God’s plan for the body of Christ is exactly what we all need to know-- live life to it’s fullest. That’s the practical side of real life. The other thought is that within the church, we need to pull our weight, to do our share of the work. This has been part of the Lumps of Clay study. It’s amazing how much head knowledge of scripture we seem to amass, but the heart knowledge, the motivation to put what we know into action, is where we slack off. There’s always a reason we don’t follow through, but God’s purpose is for us to “live life together for Him.”

This month we are on furlough and are in the states with the family. We depend upon them for just about everything, but in exchange, we try to help out. We are living life together. It’s different, three generations in a house with individual preferences and needs, family rules, patterns, schedules and traditions all needing to be tweaked to make it work. We all share a responsibility to make it work and work well. Some give a little here and there. Others pick up the loose ends. It’s a little like Moses needing the help of his men to hold up his arms so the plan would work. Exodus 17:10-13 “So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

We (all inclusive) are a TEAM!

2011-04-09T14:53:00.001-04:00

Vacation – Love it!

Vacation: the change in location, schedules, meals, activities, and all the excitement is great, but it makes me begin to think I’m overwhelmed, I’m drowning in overstimulation, I’m loving it and at the same time, needing a pause button.

I have found that the peace and quiet, slow and purposeful, time we spend as a couple is non-existent in our children’s lives as they meet the individual needs of their children. I sometimes feel sorry for them. Then I remember how it was when they were young (and we were younger, too!). We didn’t know anything else other than to keep going and to get it all checked off the list of things to do. Now, we have come to realize we can say ‘no’ and we can pause and reflect, and take things at our pace, not theirs. Life is wonderful!

As a result of spending time ‘vacationing’ with so many family members and friends, I hope I’m not getting cranky, overtired, or down-right difficult. I might even be a bit ineffective, as a wife, mother, grandmother or most of all, as a Christian! Thankfully, I know that I can (and need to be sure I do) enjoy the vacation.

Whether it be the mountain air, rushing rivers, kids soccer, family dinners, or meeting with friends, I need time to separate myself for all the fun and listen to my husband, and of course my Father. You see, if I want to focus on what God is trying to say, then I need to drown out some of this vacation activity and not drown in it! Quietness comes in the night, whether it be 1000 pm, 1100 pm or even later. During that time I have found it is when I rest in the quietness and talk with the Lord.

There is a verse I want to share with you….
"I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints — but let them not return to folly." Psalm 85:8

In the Old Testament, the Psalms speak of peace as a gift for those who seek the Lord. Walking in His ways provides that peace. We can have the peace that passeth all understanding! The New Testament depicts Jesus, himself, often drawing away – drowning out the busyness and distractions which seem to interrupt Him daily. He withdrew to be with His Father, to pray or to a quiet location, probably to refocus and gather Himself together when the throngs of people continued to need Him and pull Him in many directions. Jesus sought peace.

In the verse (above) we see two things: 1. We need to listen to God and, 2. He promises peace. We have a responsibility to listen (hear). When we speak to our own children, we ask them to listen to us, and we expect them to give us their undivided attention to make sure they hear us. We, too, are like children. We need to stop, focus and hear from God. Then and only then, can we have the peace He promises.

This furlough (vacation) has been a whirlwind of activities, and yet I need the quiet time to hear from the Lord and to have peace. I’ve not been very successful at doing this. There always is something to do, someone to see, someone to play a game with, or someone wanting me to scratch their back. When evening falls, and later the night sets in, the quietness returns. Children and grandchildren are all snug in their beds. I curl up with Don and soon hear him falling into a deep sleep. Finally, time alone with the Lord. It isn’t much more than an hour or so later, I look one last time at the clock and begin to fall asleep. Vacation – love it!

2011-04-01T21:10:00.002-04:00

Looking back and Looking forward

The plans we all make throughout life….think about it, we make them with good intentions, many times with conviction, and others times with affirmation. What happens when they don’t “happen”? Someone or something doesn’t follow through. Often times it is we, ourselves.

Looking back, we review our original plans (January 2009) and they were documented after much prayer and counsel. We had intentions of working with Pat’s Place and Hope House to start cottage industries to help the residents as they one day would move out and become self-sufficient. We saw the need, felt the call, and had affirmation from the pastoral staff that a study for Christians and their place in the church was needed and would be appreciated. This study has since been named, “Lumps of Clay”. The desire to help the struggling business person who works 60 hours a week or more, was a seed planted in our minds and the mission/vision statement established is: “To assist Peruvian Christians connected with the local evangelical churches through the provision of funds and education to establish or enlarge businesses or ministries.” This arm of our ministry is called “Help from Above”. The AWANA ministry has been close to our hearts for many, many years. Therefore starting clubs with the goal of reaching the children with the gospel of Christ was work but also pleasure!

As year number one unfolded, we discovered God provided some additional tasks for us, and that of managing resources for American Mission Teams in Peru, to enable the work they started to continue in their absence, was one such new area of service. Another active area of service is ‘grandparenting’ the children of three safe havens. Visiting at least once a month, and oft times providing parties, crafts, watching videos, and just hanging with the kids, or taking them on a field trip strengthens the relationships. The AWANA clubs were seven in number this year!
In addition to the above-mentioned ministry areas, the second year (January 2010) we found Don deeply involved with construction projects; their review, architectural drawings and design, material lists and quotes, along with budgets and securing Peruvian laborers to assist the Americans, and overseeing purchase of materials. Our first AWANA GAMES was held with over 250 children and adults in attendance! Being Field Managers of resources and seeing specific needs of some Peruvians, we find ourselves bringing the needs and resources together and thus are “Conduits for Christ”. Grandparenting continues and we love it as much as the kids do. Although the makeup of the families at Pat’s Place, Hope House and the Good Shepherd Orphanage consistently changes, we remain faithful to our commitment to visit and love on ‘em.

Here it is the beginning of year three (January 2011) and we must review where we have come from and where we are going. The closing of the AWANA clubs (in July 2010) by a new pastor was a disappointment to us, but we cling to the scripture that promises His word will not return void. There are many other churches seeking an outreach program, and three new clubs were started early this year. Praise God! With the Lumps of Clay teacher manual and student workbook completed, printed, and now being used in small group setting, another study is being researched. There are and always will be many children to love and to share God’s love with, so we continue to “grandparent” them on a monthly basis with the goal of living a life which they can relate to even when language is a problem. The Teams from the USA have scheduled their visits for this year and have asked for our support again before, during and after their visit. This is an on-going commitment we are only too happy to make.

At the beginning I asked a simple question. What happens when our plans don’t ‘happen’? In Proverbs we read that “we make our plans but the Lord directs our steps.” Two of our dreams and plans have fallen by the wayside.

The first was to begin some cottage industries for the residents of both Pat’s Place and Hope House. After living in Peru for the past 2 years, we realize this is easier said than done. We are open to helping in any way we can. However, the door has been closed at Pat’s Place so when a mother and her children choose to leave and become independent, we will be there for her at her request. The older girls at Hope House need to seek additional education and if they choose to leave and go out on their own, hopefully we have built a strong enough relationship that they would come and visit. That’s exactly what three of the girls have done.  At this point in our journey, we seek opportunities to help those from these two homes who help themselves.

The second was to establish a Peruvian business “Help from Above”. The question we have to ask ourselves is this: Was this God’s plan or ours? Unfortunately we still do not have an answer to this question. But what we do know is that God’s timing is not our timing. Peruvian businessmen (an attorney and a banker) need to be called by the Lord, discovered by us, and step up to the plate willing to help their fellowman. This arm of our ministry may not be functioning at 100% at this point in time, but the framework of the business plan has been established and we need to fervently pray for God to raise up the people He wants in this ministry, or close the door. Please pray with us for clear direction.

We look ahead and see ourselves continuing with the research and writing of a new Bible Study as a tool for the Peruvian Pastors to use with their church family. We continue to serve as “Conduits for Christ” for the American Teams, work in medical clinics, minister to the Good Shepherd Orphanage, start additional AWANA clubs and grandparent the children as opportunities arise.

There are two other outreach programs that are heavy on Don’s heart. Without any detail at present, just let me ask that you pray for the doors to open or close on: 1.) a neighborhood volleyball court and 2.) the opening of a coffee house in San Juan de Lurigancho.

We do not know what the future holds, but as you know, we are confident who holds the future!

2011-03-28T15:21:00.002-04:00

Celebrate!

Peruvian celebrations are culturally a little different, but they love to celebrate and we have had a blast at many of these occasions! Invitations are usually last minute. Decorating details, food preparation, and arrival of guests is on its very own timeframe! There appears to be no specific beginning or ending to the scheduled celebration. Everyone needs to be prepared to speak to the group gathered, and to pose for pictures. Both are very important and help document the special time on which they are focusing. They celebrate like never before.

Monday evening Don and I were at the dinner table enjoying a late dinner with no other plans for the rest of the day. It was quiet. We were discussing the week ahead and what we needed to do before leaving on furlough for six weeks. The telephone rang. It was our friend Laura. Her husband, Vico, has been attending weekly evening seminary classes for a few years now and she wanted us to come to his graduation. Another invitation which was a pleasure to accept so I asked what day? She said tonight! I asked what time? She asked if we could be at her house in 40 minutes! I gulped! But we really wanted to support the family so I said we would be there. I quickly related the message to Don; as he took in a little more potato and carrots, and I returned to the table, sat down, and began to finish what was on my plate. Quickly my mind went to a change of clothes (for both of us, since that’s my job when it comes to choosing Don’s outfit) leaving the dishes in the sink, grabbing the camera, planning the 7-10 minute walk to their house, etc. The phone rang again. This was unusual. There are days the phone never rings! Another interruption. Did I even have time to get it? I better! It was Laura again. She said Vico would pick us up in 10 minutes – I said NOOOO!!! Give us at least 15 minutes!

Well, that was the end of dinner. We both scrambled to the bathroom and the closet, freshened up, changed our clothes, and headed out the door to wait on the curb just a few minutes for Vico. At least waiting on the curbside would give us a chance to cool down rather than walking quickly to their house. It is rather humid here in Peru at this time of year, and perspiring is the norm. YUK! It wasn’t long until Vico arrived. Ahhh….we made it!

Vico has an old, dilapidated VW bug. His mother-in-law (a spry lady in her 80’s) was sitting in the passenger seat so Don and I had to fold up and maneuvered our bodies into the back seat together! Love my husband and sitting close to him. But it was so hot and humid. YUK! We were seated and soon flying down the street, over the potholes, and around many corners, taking back streets to avoid traffic and make better time. Don and I looked at each and smiled broadly. That’s all we could do. Together we said….another journal! The cool breeze coming in the open windows was wonderful – and breath taking! We were off to the church, Grandma holding Vico’s cap and gown, Don and I holding onto one another. All of a sudden we pull up to the front of an auto mechanic shop. Now we know Vico’s VW is in bad shape, but cannot imagine why we are here. Hopefully we are not picking up another passenger. We sat quietly and waited, pondering what would be next. Vico soon emerged with two white plastic bags and handed them to us to hold. OUCH! They were HOT! I couldn’t stand them on my lap, or even on the seat between us, because they burned my thigh. Vico says….hot tamales, yummy. We could only assume we were the caretakers of some of the refreshments for the reception.

We continued to the church – thankfully it was not much further. As we arrived we immediately saw some friends, met new brothers and sisters, and sat on a bench while everyone chatted away catching up with long lost acquaintances. More people arrived. More friends walked through the door. We knew about 25 of the 40 in attendance. We were among friends, ready to celebrate. We were soon ushered into the temple(worship center) and the graduation began. It was during this service the praise choruses we sang we were very familiar with, the seminary class director shared a word from the Bible, spoke to the graduates, the graduates spoke to their family and friends, photos were taken, and the tassels on their caps were placed in their well-earned position as they graduated! God was praised and glorified! Great service (from what we could understand). Following the graduation service, we were invited to a reception and enjoyed some Peruvian appetizers, the hot tamales, cake and Fanta soda. There were more pictures, brief thank you speeches from the wives, and more pictures. It was after 10:30 pm when the party broke up and we began the ride home. Vico had to go to Lima to pick up his daughter from school so another brother from church gave us a ride home. What a great way to spend an evening. Although it was totally unplanned, unexpected, and a challenge to get ready in time, it was wonderful and we are so glad we were invited and able to attend.

Celebrating is such fun. Just this week we listened to a message on line about celebrating. The point made was that we are to rejoice in the Lord always, and today is the day He has made for us to rejoice and be glad! Why do we wait for circumstances or events to celebrate? Why do we not celebrate today, every day? We have so much to celebrate as His children. Start today celebrating!

A few weeks later……

Just looking through my documents to see what blog I have written that I have not posted. I was reminded (again) this morning we have so much to be thankful for, to celebrate, every single day. My friend Jan has been diagnosed with cancer and has had many doctors’ appointments recently. Each one provides her with more information to consider and decisions to make. But through it all, she continues to praise our awesome God! She is happy and thankful as she recalls the promises He has given us. Each day brings new opportunities to depend upon Him. She is an encouragement to others, even during her challenging days.

Heather, another friend of mine has recently shared she is going through fertility treatments after years and many doctor visits. She and her husband have had many discouraging days, but they continue to celebrate the will of God in their lives. As she said, even when His will is not what we wanted, we know it’s best and we so celebrate! They really do want to be in His will, over the years their hearts desires have been crushed, but they continue to trust Him completely and praise Him.

This week Don & I have been facing some medical situations that were not in our plans, but God has us in the palm of His hands and we, too, find ourselves experiencing disappointments and frustrations. That doesn’t mean we are not thankful. We are truly thrilled Don had a good short stay in the hospital receiving two stents. Now onto reviewing other test results and dealing with whatever may need addressing. Are we able to celebrate? Of course! We celebrate spring here in the states with flowering bushes, budding trees, blue skies, and pleasant temperatures. All of these are uncommon in our neighborhood in San Juan de Lurigancho. We celebrate with our church family, the opening of the gym at Bridgeway and the new small groups that have started. We celebrate time with our family, over dinner, at soccer games, while playing UNO. Lots of laughter and living life together with our kids and grands is a real treat for us during our stay in the states. So we celebrate! We celebrate the good and the not-so-good because we know He is the Great Physician, our mighty God, and His love is incomprehensible, personal, and eternal.

Whether it be a special occasion or a normal day (whatever that may be!) we celebrate as life in itself is a gift from Him and we are glad! Are you celebrating? Don’t let another day go by without finding reason to be thankful and enjoy the celebration.

2011-03-19T06:55:00.002-04:00

Carnival

In South American, Carnival is held every February! Following is the description in one of the visitors guide.

"If you don’t mind getting a bit soaked, the February Carnival celebrations in Peru are celebrated throughout Peru with significant fanfare and revelry. During the Peru Carnival, perfect strangers soak each other with water, most often in the form of water balloons and water guns. It is not rare to find yourself the aim of such a liquid assault, and getting mad about it won’t help any, so the idea is to go with the flow, quite literally."

We have been a witness – but not attacked! Children will fill water balloons and stand on top of the roofs of their houses, and drop the balloons down on passersby. It is rumored, that those who think it is funny may fill the balloons with other liquids (paint, oil, urine) etc. However, we have never seen any of that.

Children in a neighborhood will also gather in the streets with their ammunition of balloons, water guns and buckets of water, and choose up sides to pelt each other much like the children in North America do in a snowball fight. Everyone is thrilled to get involved because it is summer, very hot, and water play always has a cooling effect.

We were at Hope House when the girls held “carnival” this year. It was a time of fun and frolic! We were sitting on a stairway in the shade. I was not feeling well. We did not participate. However, we fully enjoyed the whole thing. The girls were so very excited. They had their buckets of balloons and extra water, liter bottles with whole punctured in the tops, and they were anticipating a good time. It was nice to sit and watch them and their interaction although it did get a little rough. We only felt a light spray of water droplets a couple of times and I must admit it was very refreshing. The buckets were soon empty and everyone was wet from top to bottom! Don and I moved inside as the carnival appeared to be over. Not! The girls just left the scene of the water play to refuel. Soon it became a travelling troupe and the water attacks were on the very steps where we were safely away from the previous play. The laughter was non-stop as was the squealing and hoorays! You can imagine the pitch of the voices of 14 teenager girls when they either successfully soaked a sister, or when she was able to dodge their water balloon hand grenade. Dodging them was the plan at first, but soon after it was cool to get doused! Of course, there are no losers in this game. Everyone’s a winner, and that’s what makes it so much fun.

I’m not so sure “carnival” would be fun for those who are perfect strangers walking down the street as the original game was played. But, when friends and family get together to have a water fight, it is good old fashioned fun. Something we seem to forget in America. Talking to our parents, or grandparents, I’m thinking there was an element of that kind of fun in their childhood. Why not select a country, and one of it’s fun traditions, research foods from that country, look up some names of missionaries in that location and have a day with your family celebrating together. For instance, if you chose Peru, this carnival could be a tradition you could adopt, rice and chicken are standard fare here, and we happen to know someone you could pray for!

2011-03-11T09:06:00.002-05:00

"There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place."

Deuteronomy 1:31 (NIV)

A year ago in January, my dear friend Diana began to suffer again with the horrible disease cancer. It had invaded her body a second time. This was a very difficult time for everyone in her family of course. You may remember that I have written about her and her daughter Anaid. Diana is no longer with us in the flesh. The Lord took her home to glory in March of 2010. But, she is with us in spirit. We have wonderful memories, photographs and stories to tell that bring her very close to us.

As I read the verse in Deuteronomy today, I began to think about Diana. How precious to realize that the Lord our God carries us. He carries us as a father carries his son… all the way! Just recently I saw on F/B a video of a father who carried his son on a marathon….all the way! Imagine the love that Dad has for his son, and the love his son has for him, to carry him all the way to the end of the course. God our Father, it is He who carries us. It is He who loves us that much! He IS our Daddy. But I want to look at this a moment. Hang in here with me. Maybe you will have some personal reflection and encouragement from these thoughts.

First of all, as children we are carried by our loved ones to and fro. It is such a secure feeling for a child to be lifted up into the arms of their mother or father. As infants, it is the arms of the parents that calm an anxious child. Many children beg to be carried, and long to be in the safety of the arms of another. When children and parents are reunited after an extended absence (like our soldiers coming home from an assignment) children, both big and small, run and jump into their parents’ arms. It may be a struggle to carry (I’ve even seen some teenagers respond this way) but it is a joy for those in the family to pick up and carry their loved ones. As adults, we carry our little ones with such tenderness. As they get bigger, we find them sitting on our laps, wanting to be close and we enjoy that as well. As my friend Diana became less self sufficient, and especially in her last few weeks of life, her mother, Paula, tenderly carried, nursed, cared for , and even massaged her legs, arms, and hands. Paula continued until Diana reached the place waiting for her, until the Father took her home.

Our heavenly Father carries us even when we are not focused on Him enough to realize it. It’s during those times that our pain and problems surface and we lose sight of Him. But He carries us all the way. You are, no doubt, familiar with the picture/painting/photograph titled “Footsteps”. It shows two sets of feet in the sand. Then all of a sudden there is only the larger footprints showing. That’s when Jesus picked us up and began to carry us because the way was too difficult for us.

Let’s not think on just the biggies! He cares about our every need. Let me share an example. Here in Peru, the suns rays are very hot and the shady side of the street is the place everyone walks. It’s like a breath of fresh air when you get out of the sun. But in the winter time, the shady side of the street is most undesirable because those same sun rays that we avoided in summer, are those which warm us and make us feel cozy. So, naturally we meander over to the sunny side of the street. Since homes do not have heat, it’s nice to get out into the sun during the winter. Imagine having sun full blast all the time, or nothing but shade. We would be uncomfortable to say the least. God knew that. He provided both for us at our time of need. It’s His way of carrying us all the way into the next season.

In what ways have you realized He is carrying you through? Here are the lyrics to a song we all know.

There is no problem too big God cannot solve it
There is no mountain too tall He cannot move it
There is no storm too dark God cannot calm it
There is no sorrow too deep He cannot soothe it

If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my brother (sister) that He will carry you

He said come on to me all who are weary And I will give you rest.

2011-03-04T10:04:00.003-05:00

"Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other,
Let us show the truth by our actions." 1 John 3:18 (NLT)

Actions speak louder than words. Can you hear your Mother saying that to you? I can! What you do says more than what you say. You don’t have to open your mouth and I know how you are feeling. You may be the only Jesus people meet or see. These thoughts have been ringing in my ears recently. Not that I’m having a particular problem with what I do (not that I know of!) but because we deal with the foreign language daily. I am constantly reminded that the Peruvians may not understand what I am try to say, but they are watching me!

So, what is it I’m really saying to them? I’ve never studied body language, but through the years I’m come to recognize some familiar signs that speak very clearly. Like the frown, folded arms, glare. The person looking over their shoulder, tapping fingers or breathing deep sighs. They all mean something and are sending a strong message. But what am I saying as I go about living life in San Juan de Lurigancho?

My embrace response to a friend at church, does it truly say I love you and am glad to be here? Does my smile indicate peace and happiness to another? Does my arm around someone tell them they are safe with me and I with them? Does the work of my hands show others that I’m here to serve? Does the time I take to try to understand someone indicate I care what they have to say? How do the people of Pachacutec know that I love them? How do the girls at Hope House (who have come from dysfunctional families) know they can trust me and I love them? How do the children and mothers at Pat’s Place (who have been abused and/or neglected) know that I care and love them? How do the Peruvians at the local Mercado perceive me? And my neighbors, what are their thoughts and comments about these Americans living next door? How do my new friends and acquaintances know much about me? By my actions!

I make the decision to daily (moment by moment) consider my actions and how they demonstrate my love for the Lord Jesus. Jesus was a servant who laid down everything for others, to show them His love. I am called to be like Jesus. Am I a vessel of His love?

Here’s a personal experience I want to share with you. I know that I know that Laura knows that I love her. We speak a different language. We are of a different generation. I just need to be myself with her and let her see Jesus in me. Does she? I believe she does. First of all, she is always welcome in my home whether I’m expecting her or not. She is warmly greeted with a hug and a kiss even when she has just walked a mile or so in the heat and is sweaty. She is like family, even encouraged to get a glass of juice from the refrigerator! She is trusted. We have left her in the apartment to run an errand in the past and she knows she has earned our trust. Her children climb up on my lap, have games in a basket here to play with, share their crackers with me and I share my cookies with them. Do I go out of my way for Laura and her family? I do. Does she do the same for us? She does. But this didn’t just happen. We have been building a relationship now for over two years. It began with both of us seeing an openness to be kind, friendly and loving towards each another. We do have more language (and communication) now. Our laughter has grown, as has our life experiences together and our love for one another.

"Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other,

Let us show the truth by our actions." 1 John 3:18 (NLT)

2011-02-25T09:57:00.001-05:00

3 generations and a science lesson!

WOW – science is really pretty interesting. I mean, it can be if you are that ‘kind’ of person. I’m not sure what ‘kind’ that is, but we recently found out a little more about individual personalities and science. Let me explain.

Don & I have several children who have adopted us as their grandparents here in Peru. Not just the orphanages, but a few individual children. Most of them are from our home church in San Juan de Lurigancho. A couple of them are from our neighborhood. We enjoy their hugs, and chatter, and they are so patient and understanding as we try to communicate with them. A visit is always a highlight for both them and us. Lollipops help! We have puzzles and games for them to play with if they are at our house. We have been invited guests to some of their birthday parties.

Moving fast forward….school will begin March 1^st and that means summer vacation is almost over. The children will have more structured schedules and less time for visits. Sniffle, sniffle. But we wanted to go on an outing with them before they headed back to school. Looking on the internet for a children’s activity, I happened to come upon “el parque de la imaginacion” and found that it is a science museum.

Science? Ahhhh have to think about that. Who wants to go to a science museum for fun? Fun? Doesn’t sound much like fun. Let’s see, will Gabriel, Diana and Mattias like it? They are all under 4 years of age. Don’t think so. What about Natalie, Sondros, Jonathan, Bruce, Anaid, Sayra, Angela and Katy? They are all in school and probably get enough science already. Don’t think so. So, what do you think? Should we take them some place we’ve never visited? Some place that they might not enjoy? We looked at the website, made a phone call, and decided to go for it! Sounds like it’s a hands-on exhibit hall of science experiments. Science is really a body of facts learned by study or experience.

We were off to play, learn, discover, and laugh together as we experimented with science. The excitement was building as we boarded the bus (with Edgar as our driver) and travelled to Lima to our destination. The surprise to us was that there were as many adults as there were children at the museum and everyone was having a wonderful time. The exhibit hall had hands-on experiments for everyone to try in distinctive areas and in the category of space, science, energy, mechanical, illusion, and life. We had the opportunity to experience a tremor, space movie, gigantic bubbles, balance and equilibrium, the body (birth, head, heart, and hearing) as well as magnetic fields, life-size gyroscope, hot air balloon, and electric chair! There was a lot of attraction to the 15’ piano keyboard you played with your feet, and the sand pendulum. Visiting the mechanical area gave both big and little kids (adults and children) a chance to try pulleys lifting their own weight, and test their knowledge and strength. These were just some of the 77 different experiments available for one to play, learn, discover and laugh together.

A simple conclusion – three hours later….Yes, the youngest members of our group had a blast! They continued to return to their favorite section to try the science experiment again and again. The school age kids never complained a bit about being bored because all the hands-on opportunities provided them with what they needed to keep interested. The adults themselves were a thing of science. Right before our very eyes they ‘metamorphasized’ from adults to children and had more fun than anyone. Yes there were 3 generations on a science trip, playing, learning, discovering and laughing together! On the bus ride home eight of our kids and grands fell asleep. Needless to say science can be fun but also tiring.

2011-02-18T09:15:00.000-05:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

Safety First

The call came in – it was an invitation to a party! How exciting! What a privilege to be included in the plans. Lookiing at the date, we see we are available. Location is not a problem by any means. We’ve been there before. Although it is over an hour from home. We are both thinking this ought to be fun. But, there remains one problem. It surfaces over and over again. Peruvians start their parties about 8:00 p.m. and don’t stop until close to midnight. Well, that in itself is not the problem. We certainly can party til midnight J

The email included us. Another invitation. This was a great opportunity to fellowship with other English speaking Christians. They meet once a month for a pot luck dinner and just enjoy each other’s company, share their needs, and their experiences, and learn from one another. Again, it is over an hour from San Juan de Lurigancho and after dinner and socializing, it will be close to 11:00 pm by the time we would be able to graciously bow out.

The problem is getting home. You see safety and availability come into play and we must consider both. The public bus transportation slows down tremendously after 11:00 pm and we have been warned (and have observed) the buses are overcrowded, pick pocketing is common, and we, being Americans, are great targets. So you see why safety is a concern. The only other option is to travel by taxi. The taxis like to cover local areas because they can serve more customers, thus increase their income, in a shorter period of time. Travelling to our neighborhood is not considered local to the places we have been invited. Therefore, availability is the concern.

It would be such a convenience to have a car. We could come and go as we please. But it is still a problem. The traffic is horrible, driving habits are unheard of, if there were a problem, we are not sure we could solve it in a foreign language, and we would have to find a garage to rent to park it in! Walking to and from the garage would take about the same time as walking to the bus stop. The additional expense may not be worth the additional stress.

Back to the invitations. Once again, we thank those who have invited us to join their get together. Once again we decline their invitation. Once again, we are a little saddened, but then realize that we are being wise in not taking foolish chances.

The question comes up….what about the others who are invited to the party? Why don’t they face the same situation? To begin with, if they are Peruvians, it’s not a problem! And, most likely they are not living such a long distance from the party location. You see, we have built relationships with many who are not from San Juan deLurigancho.

So, when you head out the door, jump into your car, travel to someone’s home, concert, play, mall, dinner, or the lake, remember how privileged you are to have the opportunity to do that without thinking of how you are going to get home safely!

2011-02-11T08:26:00.000-05:00

Alone?

How often is it you wish you could be alone? Just about every day, at some point in the day, especially if you have little children running to and from in your family, right? Or maybe you are the family chauffer and sitting at a stop light (again!) or driving mile after mile you think, when will I have time to myself? Got teenagers who think you’re from another planet? It would be great to get some time away from them; totally alone! Quite possibly you are working, in an office of some type, and you can’t wait until everyone leaves you alone! Even in your own castle, you feel pulled from one family member calling out for you, to the phone ringing, to the computer beeping, door bell ringing, family pooch at your knees, and the oven timer is about ready to go off. The thought comes to mind that you may be one who just finished at the office, drove through the traffic, and enter your castle to a myriad of voices and those needing attention and you think, when can I have some time alone? Will it ever stop? Don’t you just want to be alone?

I’ve been there – done that! And, now I am alone, well sort of! It’s not totally a sad thing believe me. It is very interesting though. You see, for 2 years it’s been my wonderful husband and I. You think to yourself, oh you lucky girl (well, you fortunate lady!). Yes, I am! And I am very thankful for that. But seriously, it’s been interesting and at times difficult. YOU, the kids and their families, the one-on-one intentional conversations with meat and matter in them, the light hearted chit chat of friends and neighbors, these are what’s missing.

You see, God made us for one another, to love one another, to serve one another, to commune with one another. In our Lumps of Clay study we have had this driven home to us. Another commandment is to love our neighbors which means we have to get to know them! Serving one another is also important, as we are all the same body. It takes communication within the body to function effectively. But when you are alone, unaccompanied, out there on your own, asking yourself if you are fulfilling these purposes, doubt seems to creep in. Then you weigh the fact that you are in the place you are (by yourself, with your husband) in answer to the prodding of the Holy Spirit and in obedience to God the Father. WHEW! I have to think on these things over and over, not because I want to but because as I was recently reminded ….this is life!

A Pastor friend of mine (Pastor Kevin Twombly, from New Hampshire) blogged an experience he had. I’ve copied it here (with his permission, of course).

I See You

kevintwombly | November 7, 2010 | 0 Comments

This morning at our second service I excused myself during worship to go use the facilities. As I walked through the lobby I noticed two men who have been regular attenders for a while. Both of these gentlemen are homeless and get a ride with another member from the church. As I walked near them I made a point to stop and say hello to each of them and mention that it was great to see them. The reply from one of the men, which would have meant nothing if it were anyone else, shook me to my core. “It’s good to be seen.” was his reply. At that very moment I realized that both of these men have spent far too many days sitting in public places where most people avert their eyes from them as they pass them by. A simple “hello” and a handshake brought them back into community and existence.

My prayer today is that the Lord gives each of us eyes to see those who truly need to be seen.

These two men were also possibly feeling alone in a crowd! It’s their place in life at the moment, to be homeless. I think it’s so cool that Pastor Kev began to ‘see’ them with new insight and opened eyes.

Now I know you are thinking, but we’re not alone. God is with us! Yep, we know that. We are talking about minimum to non-existent daily substantial conversations with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We have been living in a foreign country, trying to understand and speak a foreign language, and managing to get along. We’ve made a lot of friends. The Peruvians are always warmly greeting us, love on us, and want to care for us. But, seriously, when the total conversation in passing consists of: “Hello! How are you? God bless you!” there isn’t much you can do to build a relationship where you can share and grow together in the Lord. We are missing a few ingredients to successfully fulfill the Word. We can keep the fires going, and God’s love shows through in our body language, but the laughing, crying, sharing, praying, exchanging of ideas and thoughts are missing. We feel alone! At times I would go so far as to say I feel deserted or abandoned.

When we go to church there are over 500 people at the service. When we are on a bus, it is usually pretty packed and I feel blessed to find a seat. The grocery store has lines at the check-out. The Mercado is crowded with people and a little overwhelming! There are people everywhere – we are not alone, but we may feel alone in a crowd of two dozen or a few hundred. So, what can I do? How do I handle it? Where is the body of Christ to encourage and support me? I focus on being thankful and praising the Lord continually. Oh some of you may hear from me, and I may vent to you about something or other, but I’m still very thankful for you and your patience and under-standing of me, so our Father hears all about that too!

Alone! Ummm….not so bad after all.

2011-02-04T08:53:00.003-05:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

Year three begins!

On January 22, 2009, we met as a family at Bridgeway Church and ‘officially’ began our “journey with Jesus” as the elders prayed for us and commissioned us as missionaries. Two years ago. It’s very hard to believe. But looking at the family photo, and seeing how much the children have grown in that time (and another one has been added to the family since then) we are reminded that time really doesn’t stand still. We are older, and hopefully a little wiser! What about you?

I’m not going to take you all down memory lane and recount everything that has happened since then. But I do want you to pause, reflect, and praise God for what has transpired in your life in the past two years. Why?

Because that’s exactly what we have done and it’s truly amazing! I mean, AMAZING! We cannot pinpoint one specific experience that was the pinnacle of all, but we keep returning to the fact that God has never let us down. Not once. Not in a situation, answering our prayers, providing for our needs, preparing the path, protecting us, directing our steps, giving us opportunities to serve Him, to see Him at work, giving us peace and affirmation. He's been faithful. And, the following song rings in my ear as there have definitely been moments as described here, but His faithfulness continues to sustains us.

In my moments of fear / Through every pain and every tear / There's a God whose been faithful to me / When my strength was all gone / And when my heart had no song still / He was faithful to me / Every word He promised, is true (Oh, yes it is) / And what I thought was impossible / I see my God do.

Chorus 1: He's been faithful, faithful to me (He's been faithful) / Looking back, Your love and mercy I see (mercy I see) / In my heart, I questioned your will / And I failed to believe / BUT You've been faithful, faithful to me.

Our prayer has been Colossians 1:10-11 “that we may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that we may have great endurance and patience”. I cannot say that we have been faithful all the time, but I can say that He has been!

As we begin our third year (wow!) we have chosen two verses for 2011. You may have already read them in a previous communication, but they bear repeating again.

Proverbs 16:9 In our hearts we plan our course, but the Lord determines our steps.

John 15:16 I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.

2011-01-29T08:49:00.001-05:00

The struggle continues….

It’s sad; hard to get my mind around. It’s the culture. It’s acceptable (in Peru!) It’s common to hear the Americans say…..after all, we are in Peru! Or English speaking missionaries might say….welcome to Peru (with a little tongue in cheek)! When something we as Americans find very extraordinary and possibly unacceptable in our way of thinking happens, we try to stop and remind ourselves to think Peruvian. It’s very difficult.

One of these things has become part of our lives and we deal with it every day. Let me share a little of it with you. The concept of time: being on time, making appointments and keeping them, allowing enough time, hurry up and wait, why even hurry, morning, afternoon and night. They all are challenging for us as we try to understand and work with our Peruvian friends.

For instance, when a friend calls and asks if they can come over in the morning, it could mean any time (and I mean any time!) from 800 am until noon. They don’t usually give a specific time. But if you do settle on a time, say 900 am, I guarantee you will not see them before 900 am and may not see them until 1000 or later. You see, to a Peruvian being an hour late is socially acceptable.

Very seldom does anything start on time. A concert, church service, party, meeting appointment, all start when they start and not before!

When we have been invited to a home for dinner or to a party and the invitation was for 800 pm, we arrive at 800 pm. We are always early (according to them) and possibly the decorating is still taking place, or the hostess still plans to shower and change before the event begins.

If you have an appointment with a Peruvian friend (not a business associate) for the afternoon, it can be anytime up until 600 pm. Since the meeting may run a couple of hours, and it may start an hour or more late, you can see where the timeframe gets out of hand, meals are missed, and our judgment has not yet been accurate on how to plan many of our days’ events!

People arrive to church anytime within 45 minutes of the start of the service and it’s perfectly acceptable in their opinion. I asked why and the answer I was given is that only at your job or school do you have to be one time, or you may get fired, or not be allowed into class. Church is considered a social affair I was told. Interesting!

Other cultural examples are very difficult to accept and one in particular we observed today confirms what we’ve been told more than once and for which we must be very careful. Many Peruvians consider whatever it is they can put their hands on, belongs to them.

For instance, when a friend of ours planted a tree outside by her front door a few years ago, she was warned it may not be there in the morning. Seriously! If someone wanted it, they would take it. Thank you Jesus, the tree is still there and has flourished.

We also have friends who are fortunate enough to have vehicles. When they visit, they get up from their seat, meander over to the balcony, take a peek over, just to be sure their car is still there and not being tampered with, all while holding a conversation with us! This will happen every 30 minutes or so throughout their visit.

The local water company is doing a major construction project the length of one of the streets in our neighborhood. They have been laying a new pipeline for quite a distance over the past few weeks. The site has been blocked off with security fencing. Traffic has been rerouted and people walking are using the sidewalk with caution. The motortaxis don’t want to take the detour, so they just drive on the sidewalks leaving those on foot to watch out for their personal safety. After the construction crew left today, we observed three men removing all the construction materials from the site for several blocks and carrying 16’ 2x10” pieces of lumber and 16’ poles, and even the company ladders (!) back to their home and locking them up. We even watched a police truck pass them as they crossed the street with their treasures! It took about 30 minutes to get everything of the worksite.

For us it is very hard to stand by and watch. But many other Peruvian neighbors sat on the sidewalk with a beer and some friends and never seemed to bat an eyelash. For our safety we need to be careful what we say and do. Again, if this is culturally acceptable….I just don’t get it.

Another offensive to us, but culturally acceptable to Peruvians, is the invading of personal space. People cut in front of us all the time because we are in the habit of allowing a little space between each other. Whether it be at the clinic, lab, grocery store, Mercado, church or even waiting for someone to dismount the bus, I seem to get pushed aside because I haven’t closed in close enough to the person in front of me. And by close enough, I mean, so close that we are physically touching one another.

All this to say, the learning curves are never-ending! Believe it or not, I am not a fan of learning curves. But God continues to teach me to see things with His eyes, to hear the things He wants me to hear, and above all to do what it is that is pleasing to Him.

2011-01-21T08:19:00.001-05:00

WWW – Whirl-Wind Week

In my last blog, I told you about a TEAM coming in for a few days and the anticipated schedule of work facing us. Today I am glad to report that they have returned safe and sound to the USA, forever changed! And, we are taking it easy after a whirl wind week, forever grateful.

The TEAM was small, but great things were done! In a debrief session, the following two activities tugged at the hearts of the TEAM members, so I thought I would share them with you.

The medical clinic had about 50 patients and each one was seen and attended to. The medical clinics are merely offering a cup of cold water to those who comes seeking it. We provide them with a listening ear. If there are serious problems there is a Peruvian Doctor with us who can write them a prescription. They other patients receive a 30 day supply of much needed meds which all have been donated by friends from the USA. At this clinic, there was an unexpected addition – Bridgeway Christian Academy sent several gently worn school uniforms down and every single child who came to the clinic with their parent received a new outfit. The children were all smiles, lining up for me to take their photographs. Finally, before leaving the clinic, each person is counseled and prayed with. What a neat opportunity, to love on these people and to pray for them.

One of the TEAM highlights was delivering a mattress to a single mom with 4 children who live in the hills of Casablanca. They were all sleeping on a cot mattress, and then the 2 school age girls moved to the cot springs with a blanket over the springs, to make a little more room. It was such a privilege to have the funds to purchase the double bed mattress for this family. Our driver, Edgar, and our translator, Martin, hoisted the mattress up over their heads and climbed up the hill without any problem. We Americans picked each step carefully as we ascended the hill, huffing and puffing! The mother shared her story with us and it was hard to hold back the tears. But today she is healthy emotionally, physically, and spiritually. She is providing a simple home for her children and has managed to begin life anew. Praise God!

Today, the trip is over. The week flew by. But the memories and the experiences for the Americans will last a life time. More importantly, their demonstrating God’s love in such practical ways has impacted the lives of the Peruvians.

Have you ever considered being part of a TEAM? Shoot me an email if you have an interest. I can connect you with those who organize such opportunities. I promise, life will never be the same once you participate in a short-term mission trip. About a year ago, I saw the following statement on a t-shirt….

Missions: serving short term, thinking long term!

2011-01-13T23:24:00.003-05:00

Tonight we are anticipating the beginning of another adventure in our journey. As I write, we are waiting for Edgar to arrive for the trip to the airport to pick up a small TEAM from Alpharetta, GA. It will be close to 2:00 a.m. by the time we get back home and hit the sack. Although tired, there is an excitement in the air, and sleep will be hard to come by. Kind of feel like a kid again, anxious for the trip to the beach, camp, Christmas vacation, or the birthday party!

You see, when the Americans come to visit, we are thrilled to have some English conversation, work together serving the Peruvians and the Lord, see Peru and the areas of need through their eyes, and be refreshed in a way that we cannot explain. So, having a TEAM come on a short-term mission trip, provides us with the shot in the arm we need to carry us on until the next TEAM arrives.

This group will only be here 5 days, but they are packed with opportunities -- to grow, to learn, to worship, to minister, to serve, to see and to shop!

The TEAM will conduct a one-day medical clinic in one of the poorest areas along the coast near Callao.

They will purchase groceries and deliver them and tour an orphanage, Good Shepherd.

The kick off of a new program by Face to Face Missions of providing Fruit & Milk to about 70 kids in Pachacutec, and 25 others in Jicamarca are on their list of things to do.

Delivering a mattress to a single mother with 4 children, all sleeping on a cot, will be a little challenge, but well worth the effort. What a blessing to provide this family with linens and towels as well.

Soles for Souls -- a grassroots effort to provide flip flops and tennis shoes to the girls at Hope House twice a year, will make it's first delivery this week.

Bridgeway has provided some clothing for distribution in one neighborhood.

A construction project will be evaluated, and hopefully plans will come together for improving ventilation at a little church. The actual construction will have to be at another time.

Visiting Shama Boys Orphanage to learn more about the rescue of boys living under the bridges in the city of Lima, sniffling glue to ease their hunger pains and how life at the orphanage has given them hope, an education and God's love.

WOW -- gotta run, gotta get to the airport, gotta get started -- so much to do, so little time!

2011-01-07T13:39:00.004-05:00

Stressed or Stretched!

You’ve probably read this somewhere recently in some of my communications. Well, that’s exactly how I feel. We have been (and continue to be) s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d. Many, many times we are not in our comfort zone. We are facing issues we have never had to deal with over the years. Some of the issues are dealing with our walk with the Lord. We just need to stay focused, and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us so we can be more like Jesus. There are days I am more like Mary and other days more like Martha. Need to live intentionally, every day. Need to remember that activity and productivity are totally different. The enemy is at work full time. We feel the distance from family. Every challenge is met head on after prayer. That’s where you come in. We covet your prayers and are so very thankful for those who are prayer warriors. And, for the rest of you, we appreciate it when you do think of us and remember us in prayer. So those are my thoughts. It’s hard to type fast enough to keep up with them as they come to mind. So, I’ll slow down, breathe, deeply. Ahh…..

I want to share an excerpt which I’ve been thinking a lot about recently. It’s straight out of our Lumps of Clay manual.

Isaiah complained: Isaiah 49:4 “I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing.”

Job said: Job 7:6 “My life drags by----day after hopeless day.” Job 7:16 “ I give up; I am tired of living. Leave me alone. My life makes no sense.”

This is NOT how we live, nor how we want to live. Thank goodness! Now let’s look at a couple of other verses and really spend time considering them.

Ephesians 5:17 “Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.” Philippians 3:15 “Let’s keep focused on the goal, those of us who want everything GOD has for us.”

2 Corinthians 3:18b “As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more.”

Philippians 2:13 “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”

We read over and over that Jesus was a servant. I am to be like Him. So, I need to be a servant? Not necessarily all the time, right? Wrong! Years ago, I remember the common phrase among Christians went something like this. “Be patient with me, God is not finished with me yet.” And then in more recent years, it was not uncommon to see and read “WWJD -- What Would Jesus Do.”

Why is it I need to be stretched? The Holy Spirit wants to draw me closer to the Father so I will be all that He wants me to be. Remember the verse in Jeremiah we all quote about He has plans for us, to prosper us, and not to harm us? Stretching is at times uncomfortable. But the end result is worth it. You see, when I am stretched, I am blessed! Isn’t that just like our Father, blessing us when we are obedient. How cool to feel blessed and not stressed!

It is with this thought I want to leave you. Let’s start the new year being stretched and not stressed!

2010-12-31T14:57:00.003-05:00

The Lights of Christmas

The lights – twinkling, white, colored, spot lights, light shows, candles, luminaries….think about all the lights we see, and enjoy, throughout the Christmas season. They are a huge part of our decorating. Why is that? Is it just tradition? Here in South America, families save their money to purchase fireworks and sparklers and the midnight sky is lit for miles around with the brilliant colors and dramatic explosion of both lights and sound!

Don and I have been talking about the history and the origin of lights at this time of year. We read on line that they were used in the 17^th century. We learned about the first Christmas trees with electric lights rather than candles. But scripture tells us a little more of what we want to know.

Luke 2:8-9 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and there were terrified. Look at this passage, it tells us it was night. Nights are usually dark. You know, look outside on a night when there are no stars or moon shining in the sky and it is dark! But, the angel appeared and what else does it tell us? The glory of the Lord shone! Another translation tells us a heavenly host suddenly filled the sky. Now, that’s light! We see how the artists over centuries have portrayed this scene. The angel is usually dressed in white, which lights up the sky for the shepherds.

Let’s move on to the other scene we are so familiar with – the wisemen; well, let’s be accurate and find in scripture what is said about the Magi Visit! Matthew 2 1:2 says, After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” There it is! The star! They saw it, followed it and actually had to look for the Savior. Right there is a message for each one of us. Do we look for the Savior? I think they were wise men! Seriously, the star was their sign and they responded to it.

So, let’s think about life today! What if we didn’t have light/s for a day (well, a night!) like those times when we lose electricity due to a storm. We usually scamper to find a flashlight and hope the batteries are still good. We might light a few candles. It’s kind of fun to start with, but as the time ticks on, and maybe hours pass, we find being in the dark is not fun. We get frustrated. We may trip over something or bang into things as we move about. Making a meal by candle light and without the convenience of electricity would be a challenge for some of us. Reading or playing a board game (since there would be no TV or video games) is not that easy by a flickering light. Seriously, we would not be content for very long, would we. Darkness brings upon some of us a natural fear, we are very conscious of the dangers lurking, we are not comfortable and become irritable. We seem to want (or need) to be busy about stuff. Sitting in the dark and contemplating life is not what we find satisfying I tend to say that we want light in our lives.

Back to scripture and we read in 1 John 1:5 God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all. With that said, do we embrace the light of God, total transparency, nothing obscure? His light reveals truth. Is that good news to you and me or is it a little too revealing? Remember, God is light – and that is the light that was sent to us as a baby in the manger so many, many years ago.
We enjoy celebrating His birth. Do we enjoy the light He brings?

There are two more verses in scripture I want to leave with you. I just ask that you think on these things. 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. And, the second one is in 2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

It seems to me that the lights that we enjoy during the Christmas season originated with the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Wouldn’t it be something if we carried that light with us all year long? Maybe we can’t leave the Christmas tree and other decorations up, but when the last strand of lights is taken down, Christmas should not be over. We need to continue to celebrate Christ’s birth and Jesus, the light of the world!

2010-12-24T09:16:00.001-05:00

Celebrating by Sharing....

Fifteen days til Christmas…what were you doing? Shopping? Baking? Partying? Decorating? I’m sure you are busy, aren’t we all? We received a call from our friend Amalia the other day, asking if we would help her and Evelyn (from the USA) take a few things to the neighbors of the Hope House family in Jicamarca. Evelyn had some money given to her by friends in the states to use for others on her trip. When she visited Hope House with us last week, and saw some of the neighbors, she knew what the money would be used for. Today was the day. We were to meet them at the local Metro at 9:30 a.m.

By 10:15 a.m. we were checked out of the store with nine bags of groceries! They had brought with them a carryon suitcase of toys and a large bag of new clothes all for some of the neighborhood families as well as the groceries. They had purchased some goodies for the Hope House family including a bingo and an UNO game. We got a taxi, loaded up, and headed to the Mercado for fruit. There they were able to purchase 20 kilos of oranges for 19 soles and a couple of hands of bananas. Now it was off to the orphanage.

We arrived unannounced and surprises are the best because they were very happy and excited, and it’s always good to bring that kind of joy to someone else. We know it is better to give than to receive. And, today it was exactly that!

After unloading the taxi and paying the fare, we had the help of many hands to bring all the things into the dining room. At that point, it was explained to the Hope House family that we brought things for their neighbors and needed their help delivering the items. We unbagged all the groceries and sorted the milk, juice, oil, tuna, spaghetti, rice, lentils, split peas, sugar and oatmeal into piles and were pleased with the girls willingness to help. Evelyn wanted to take a picture, and couldn’t find her camera. Finally, in a little panic, she admitted she must have left it in the taxi. Amalia took Basillia (one of the older girls) and returned by bus to Metro. It is quite a distance, so in her absence, there were tears of sadness and yet Evelyn still wanted to move forward with the plan and the girls received their gifts of games and we began to play games with them to pass the time. About 40 minutes later Evelyn got a phone call that Amalia had her camera. The taxi cab driver had it in his hands waiting for someone to come and retrieve it. Praise God! This was an answer to prayer. Evelyn is not a believer so we were thrilled that God heard our prayers and favored us. But now there were tears of joy. Evelyn’s tears for finding the camera, and ours for God’s faithfulness! Since that time, we have seen the taxicab driver at Metro and he remembered us and chatted about the camera. I guess we are easy to recognize being two older Americans!

When Amalia and Basilla returned there were more hugs and tears and soon the preparations were underway to take 9 bags of groceries to the neighbors in need. Carmen, Roberto and the girls pitched in and we were soon off to make some home visits. The first house we stopped in, had 4 mothers and more children than I could count. These children do not go to school, are barefoot, hungry, dirty, and most likely long for friends. Outside the house were three 50 gallon drums of water which leads me to believe they do not have running water in their homes. Their mothers were quite surprised someone would come and give them food and clothes and toys….just because. Amalia shared with them that these were gifts from people who loved Jesus Christ and that Jesus loved them as well. After a 40 minute visit we meandered up a hill and stopped at two other homes. One had two mothers and 3 children. They said they were ‘evangelicals’ when Amalia began to share with them about Jesus. The other home we visited had two children and mother said they attend the Catholic Church. It was nice to be able to give and watch these mothers and children receive with both surprise and gratefulness! At each home, Amalia shared a little about the love of Jesus and pointed them to the local Baptist Church as it is the closest evangelstic church to where they live.

The Hope House family cannot afford to give to their neighbors. They are barely getting by themselves. This was so much fun for them to help carry the bags and give to others. They were very happy to have this opportunity and loved being helpers. They hugged the little children, and showed them how some of the toys worked, tossed balls with them, and just had such a good time. Don and I were privileged to introduce Evelyn to Hope House when we had our Christmas in a backpack painting party. From that visit she was burdened to make today’s visit but wanted our help in pulling it off.

After a dinner of rice with some spinach and carrots for extra flavor, red onion and tomato salad, and juice, we bid our farewells, while the family returned to playing games, we trudged down the hill from the house to wait for the public bus, and were feeling pretty tired, but very grateful for such a wonderful day.

Once again, it was a TEAM effort, where as “Together, Each Achieves More”! We believe it is a privilege to be Conduits for Christ in bringing people and opportunities together.

2010-12-17T08:24:00.005-05:00

Who: Don & I

What: Silent Night

Where: San Juan de Lurigancho, Lima, Peru

Why: It’s my favorite time of the year

When: Tis the season (to be jolly)

Here we are, in a rather warm climate, (it is South America remember) celebrating Jesus’ birth! I can’t help but notice the differences and the things which seem to be missing. In our city there are no malls, Santa to visit, performances of the Nutcracker, concerts, few decorated houses, and there is no chill in the air to encourage chestnuts roasting on an open fire, or hot chocolate and marshmallows! Children may very well have dreams as never before, and wishes may be granted, I don’t know. But what I do know is we still get into the spirit and will celebrate the reason for the season - the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Our home is decorated! Yep, shortly after Thanksgiving, with the wreath being placed on the door first thing! The candle centerpiece on the dining room table and Christmas music are the simple chores. Don even participates in this annual, pre-holiday undertaking. He is the ‘light’ man. There are more lights on the balcony this year. At dusk he makes sure they are turned on and blinking in the appropriate sequence and just before hitting the sack he makes sure the little white lights are turned off. I don’t have to worry about the lights! The tree is decorated in traditional red and gold shiny ornaments which reflect the white lights and it is brilliant! A few Peruvian ornaments were added this year, some candy canes and there are two tiny santa stockings hung with care. The nativity sets (there are 3) are carefully set up for us and our visitors to enjoy. One is very typical, with a moss covered floor and roof, several figurines including the animals; another sits on a small Peruvian blanket (about 5 x 6 inches) and the figures include musicians! The third is in a matchbox. Just slide it open and there you will find Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. We have both English and Spanish Christmas CDs and of course 104.7 the FISH to enjoy throughout December.

We have been propagating some coleus plants to give as gifts to some friends who have pretty much adopted us this past year and include us in their family activities quite often. The plant that has a red velvety center, similar to the shape of a heart, in the middle of the green leaves, is called “the heart of Jesus” here by the Peruvians! Checks were sent by mail to our kids for shopping for themselves and our grandkids. I’m not so sure they enjoy the extra shopping responsibilities, but from our point of view it’s great to have elves doing this for us!

We have hosted two ‘parties in a backpack’. You may have read earlier communications with an explanation, but for those of you who don’t know….we take home baked blonde brownies, no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies, punch, a Christmas craft, paint, brushes, glitter (of course!), and music along with a friend to tell the Christmas story from Luke, to both Pat’s Place and Hope House every year the first weekend in December.

We have visited a local (1.5 hours from home) upscale community to enjoy a walk through the park (literally) and see the handcrafts available for purchase, have lunch, and take in the seasonal atmosphere of window shopping and city square decorations.

And, yet to come, next week…baking for the vendors from whom we buy our fruit, vegetables, eggs, bread and ice cream bars! (That’s 5 goody bags to make up.) Baking for our Senior Adult Christmas party and company’s coming Monday night (for 18 days). They are really visiting other family members, but are staying at our place because there is more room in our inn!

We have accepted an invitation to the home of a Christian friend Gabby (Sheyla’s Mom) for their family Christmas eve celebration, and will be taking a birthday cake with us – after all it is a birthday party celebrating Jesus’ birth!

Sounds like we are all set! What are we missing? We are missing YOU! Our family and friends and the wonderful time we could be spending together. But that’s okay because we look forward to your emails and F/B messages, your attached photos and newsletters. We even hang them up on our door much like some of you do with your cards that arrive in the snail mail.

Peru is a predominantly Catholic (87%) country. The city we live in is one of the poorer suburbs of Lima. These two factors in themselves tend to make the celebrations ‘different’ in many ways. But our desire is to simply bring about a feeling of Christmas year round. Maybe we can’t leave the tree and lights up, but we can certainly celebrate with passion every day, the birth of our Lord Jesus, his life, death, resurrection and His coming again! We share this reason for the season all year long.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2010-12-17T08:24:00.001-05:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

(Pre) Christmas 2010

Who: Don & I

What: Silent Night

Where: San Juan de Lurigancho, Lima, Peru

Why: It’s my favorite time of the year

When: Tis the season (to be jolly)

We have accepted an invitation to the home of some a Christian friend Gabby (Sheyla’s Mom) for their family Christmas eve celebration, and will be taking a birthday cake with us – after all it is a birthday party celebrating Jesus’ birth!

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2010-12-17T08:24:00.000-05:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

(Pre) Christmas 2010

Who: Don & I

What: Silent Night

Where: San Juan de Lurigancho, Lima, Peru

Why: It’s my favorite time of the year

When: Tis the season (to be jolly)

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2010-12-10T10:38:00.001-05:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

Praise Report!

Our ministry here is a TEAM ministry. Together Each Achieves More! We have family, monthly supporters and prayer partners. I recently sent this praise report out to them, but thought it worth sharing with the rest of our friends who might enjoy reading this brief praise report as well.

I wanted to share a little something that happened the other week and let you rejoice with us!

Our intercom rang and when I answered it Milligras from Pat's Place answered and asked to come up. I was a little concerned because according to the clock she should have been on her way to school. I was also a little puzzled what would bring her to us midday. From our balcony, I watched as she climbed the steps. She didn't have anything in her hands. She was dressed in her school uniform. I opened the door and was greeted with the usual big hug and kiss.

Then came the flood of Spanish words I had to ask to have repeated, and then repeat to her so I was sure I understood. She was on her way to school. She wanted us to pray for her. It was the first time she was going to school (several blocks away) by herself. The rest of the children left in a motor taxi and she missed it. She said she would feel better if we would pray for her. We were so touched. Milligras is about 8 years old. Made me think of our Andrew. Off for the first time, by foot, without friends or siblings, to school. She was obviously anxious. She just asked over and over again, as I tried to clarify things, that she wanted us to pray for her while she walked to school "solo".

It was such a privilege to lift her up to our Father. It was so cool to embrace her in our arms and pray for her. We prayed for her courage, safety, memory recall (to find the way!), for her to be calm and at peace knowing Jesus was with her each step of the way. She didn't ask us to go with her, and we felt that she needed to experience the walk with Jesus, without us. It would have been so easy to drop what we were doing and to go along, but we needed to teach her to trust in the Lord, and to lean on Him.

I said I wanted you to rejoice with us, because we felt so touched that a little girl that we have invested in for months now, would turn to us for one of the most important things ever -- for prayer. Gosh, I was teary eyed, and I am again!

2010-12-03T08:39:00.000-05:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

Trash or Treasure?

There is a saying, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” and we know that to be true from our years and years of having an ‘antique’ shop. We use the word ‘antique’ although maybe old and unique is more descriptive of the items we have bought and sold over the years. Our love for the things you might find in grandma’s attic goes back to my youth, and Don immediately respected this appreciation I had and fully embraced it. He increased his knowledge of things from the past and thus our antique business took off.

When we relocated to Peru, we had several estate sales and then called a Christian auctioneer who took the remaining items from our house and sold them for us. It was a sad day because we let go of a lot of items we treasured, but it was okay because we knew that God was taking us on this journey and His plans are good for us. (Jeremiah!) And, what a treasure this journey is!

Shortly after completing language school in Arequipa, we were living at Pat’s Place until we could find our own apartment. One morning as I was walking down from the 4^th floor, I heard a ringing of a bell, and looked out over the railing to see a man on a bicycle with a cart filled with trash. This was the junk man, reminding me of the days a junk man would pass by my Grandmother’s house in Rhode Island. However, today I spotted a treasure – not just trash. He had an old wood chest in his cart so Don immediately flagged him down. Our friend Blanca talked to him and asked if he would be willing to sell this piece of junk. He was. We bought it. Fifteen soles. He was happy. I was delighted. Don was anticipating the work before him to get it restored!

Of course, the ladies at Pat’s Place (and the junk man) thought we were nuts! This piece was pretty dirty, ugly, and downright unattractive. However, we were able to see the finished work with a different set of eyes than everyone else.

Don and I began to work on the trunk. The children stopped to help remove layers of glued on paper. They enjoyed soaking the paper, and peeling it off. It was hard to make any progress with 4 or 5 children all getting their hands (and heads!) into the project. But it was fun for everyone.

A few days later our friend Richard came by and saw Don and I scraping off years of paint and crud from the wood and rust from the hinges. Richard got right in and gave Don a helping hand and soon I was out of a job. Between scraping, sanding, and scouring the old trunk the guys were able to find some very nice wood grain and uncovered a painted label indicating the original use of the trunk. It was for shipping. They also discovered some deteriorated (rotted!) areas. How sad. But Richard, being the Peruvian with the knowledge we were missing, began to take the trunk apart, and soon had the individual pieces of wood that needed to be replaced in his arms ready to take a walk. A day or two later he returned with new pieces of wood, cut to size to be used to put the trunk back together. The restoration process was well underway, although some slats were new wood.

After a final sanding, giving the wood a couple of coats of sealer, painting the hinges black and adding leather straps for handles, everyone in the house found a new love and appreciation for this piece of trash. It was transformed into a piece to treasure.

We, too, are trashy or junky aren’t we? I mean, seriously, we have a lot to be desired about us. We are not attractive on the inside or outside at times. We are valued though and a true treasure to our Father in heaven. It takes time to fix our problems, to correct the bad areas, to become what He wants us to be. We have some rough edges that need sanding down and with just the right amount of pressure and continual stroking, the rough areas become smoother and eventually quite nice. We have some stains that need to be removed. We may have years of junk that we seem to never get rid of. We need to work on our thoughts and attitudes even though we confess our sins. When we sin, and repent, restoration is immediate as He welcomes us with open arms. But it still is a process we must go through to become restored in the eyes of others. You see, others see only what we were, and it takes time for them to learn to trust and believe we have changed. The trunk was in bad shape and undesirable to many when we first purchased it. That’s similar to us when we are living in sin. Who wants us? No one! But our Heavenly Father who loves us beyond our comprehension. Only after caring for, working on, and providing what was needed, does the trunk have a new value and purpose. That’s similar to us when we turn our lives over to the Lord. Scripture tells us that we are chosen by God out of all the people of the earth to be His treasured possession!

2010-11-26T09:58:00.002-05:00

Life: our journey, an adventure with Jesus!

Surprises Visistors – Good or Bad Timing?

Visitors? Good thing or bad? Especially when you are not expecting them. Think about that. You may really enjoy a drop in visitor. You may be busy, not in the mood, etc. but here in Peru the visitors don’t usually call. They just ring your doorbell (in our case, our intercom) and once you answer it, you can’t pretend you’re not home! Or as you walk the city streets, you can’t very well wave and continue, as in Peru everyone stops and talks because time is not important to them – people are. So, when we have visitors…..let’s see what happens.

The phone rang and a friend asked if she could drop over in 15 minutes. Now, if you know anything about Peruvians, 15 minutes usually means at least 30 or more! Boy were we ever surprised when in 15 minutes the intercom rang and she was here! Amazing! She wanted to give us something her brother had made for us (at Don’s request) and we were very, very pleased with it and with the quick response to getting it made. Usually the Peruvians work (and play) on a different time frame than most Americans; they are very slow in responding. So this was a pleasant surprise and an enjoyable visit as she stayed for about an hour chatting with us. Totally unexpected – totally delightful!

(Names of locations and people in this next story have been changed to protect their identity.) This particular Sunday afternoon, we had two of the girls who used to live at one of the locations we often visit, stop by and visit with us. They were so excited to say hello and surprise us with a visit. Another young lady was on her way to meet up and visit with all of us. Sondra shared that she is working as a sales girl in a city not far away, rents a room, enjoys being responsible for herself. She is no longer in school because she has to work to pay her expenses. She’s lost some weight from walking everywhere, but she looks great; just as polite and pleasant as you would want your daughter to be. She was genuinely interested in what we were doing and asked a lot of questions. What a pleasant surprise! Suzanna on the other hand was very quiet. She’s always been a quiet girl, but more so today. She opened up and shared that she was not happy at her job so she was in her last week of employment and is moving in with Sondra, and looking for a new job next week. We were a little disappointed in her decision, but we, of course, do not know or understand why the change in jobs and living arrangements. She definitely will be looked after by Sondra and the two of them get along very well. Paula was obviously not happy and on the verge of tears while talking. Sondra asked Paula a lot of questions, and did not like the answers Paula gave her. She shared that she is living with her boyfriend’s family. Sondra told her that was wrong and she needed to get out and that was why she was unhappy. She even offered to help Paula and to get her a room and show her where some good paying jobs were. However, Paula sat quietly contemplating her circumstances, but asked no questions. Since she showed very little interest, we assume she will remain in her present situation. We chatted with the girls about our missionary work, places we have been, and what keeps us busy on a day-to-day basis. We do not know if these girls know the Lord Jesus as their Savior, but we do know that they know of Him. We exchanged telephone numbers with the girls – at their request. We really felt honored that they took time to visit us and assured them we would enjoy a visit again. Their visit encouraged us to continue building rapport with the children, teenagers and staff in the houses we visit. These girls in their late teenage years are independent, on their own, without their immediate family. The family units they knew as children were dysfunctional and they have been taught to be responsible for themselves. The hugs and greetings we received spoke words that we cannot explain. Please pray for these girls and others like them who face difficult decisions at such a young age.

Today Don was walking to the bakery and Mercado to buy bread and bananas. A young man came up to him in the street and greeted him like a long lost friend. His name is Fernando. He and his family operate the fruit stand where we make our purchases. He speaks some English and about a year ago he asked to meet with us. We met on the sidewalk and discussed his plans of going to England to study for a few months. He knew we spoke English so he wanted to talk with us before going. We have asked his parents several times about him. Today he recognized Don and hastened his pace as he walked down the street to catch up with Don and to chat. It was a pleasant surprise to realize that he cared enough to make contact with Don. This is another relationship we started building, and in Fernando’s absence, we befriended his family. It was encouraging to know that he remembered us.

On Sunday a young lady came up to us and asked which service we were attending. We have recently changed from the 4^th service to the 3^rd service at the suggestion of one of the pastors and of Martin, our friend who translates for us. However, this young lady wanted to make sure we had some help and offered to sit with us if Martins was absent. It’s very interesting that we have built such a good relationship with both of these young adults, and they are now offering to help us. What a neat surprise for us. Imagine that, they are reaching out to us now after we have invested in them over the past couple of years.

On a pretty regular basis, Richard drops by to visit. He has been in the jungle for the last couple of months so we have not seen him. We never know when to expect him or why he hasn’t shown up at the door for weeks on end. It was very rewarding when the doorbell rang and his big, I mean huge, smile is there to greet us. He’s obviously a friend. We usually communicate pretty well with him and his visits last about 20-30 minutes. This time he said he had come by two days earlier and no one answered the door. He was worried about us. He said we have always been home when he has come before. But now he knows everything is alright. How cool is that to know someone was worrying about us!

Just a minute ago I was standing in the office looking out the window. A man walking down the street about 300-350 yards away from our house, stopped and wildly waved his arms. He continued doing so. I didn’t see anyone between our place and where he was located; didn’t know who he was waving to. All of a sudden he gave up trying to get the attention of the person to whom he was waving and began to walk away. Maybe he did get the person’s attention; I had no way of knowing. But he stopped and looked back and waved again. All of a sudden I realized it was a friend of ours! He doesn’t live in our neighborhood. I recognized his stride and his stature. Once I waved and called Don to the window, he waived again, and then began to continue his journey to his destination. Here we are, just gazing out the window in the late morning, day dreaming, and a friend appears out of nowhere. Another little day brightener!

We have been investing time and effort into building relationships for over 18 months and this week we began to reap what we have sown. We have been the recipients of doses of love and friendship this week; very basic simple appreciation. Both in Ecclesiastes and Luke we read that…”If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure.” We cannot out give God. Even our gift of time and effort He will return to us. These people went out of their way to share their time with us. No gift or act of kindness is too insignificant to go unnoticed by the Lord. Remember the passage about “offering a cup of cold water and the reward it brings.” The interesting thing is that we are in a dry season right now. We definitely needed a cup of cold water! With the pending changes in ministry direction, there has been a lot of time sitting, listening, being still, knowing that He is God, the One Who has plans for us (Jeremiah). What perfect timing for surprise visitors. His time is perfect.

2010-11-20T08:22:00.000-05:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

Celebrate!

This journey we (you, too!) are on, is one of learning from, listening to, and of course leaning on Jesus! We are extremely humbled to realize He chose us to be here during this season of our lives. We don’t feel worthy of this privilege although at times we are tired, worn down, discouraged and question ourselves. Then along comes God in the form of other people and we see Him at work, just like He uses us. And we are encouraged, we are ministered to, and we are thrilled to be here in Peru. Today’s journal is nothing profound. Just a little insight into “Halloween” here in the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in San Juan de Lurigancho, Peru!

Celebrate - Jesus is All Powerful! What a truth to focus on. It was the theme of the Children’s program at church held Halloween night.

The church was brilliantly decorated in crayola colors, balloons, streamers, and huge (4-5’) musical notes outlined in silver, on the temple (sanctuary) walls. The platform was skirted in bright colors and circles of different sizes and different colors dotted it from top to bottom and side to side. It was so inviting and exciting. The children’s chairs were also brought in (red and blue) for the younger children and it just added to the happy, exciting feeling that was obvious as you entered the church. The Sunday School staff sported their new royal blue t-shirts and greeted everyone in a tunnel. After a while, they had to let their hands down as they were tired, and just applauded the arrival of each and every one.

The temple was totally filled. The balcony seated another 200 adults who enjoyed the evening festivities. The courtyard had approximately another 50 chairs in it. Children of all ages attended. Some were so young they of course didn’t understand what was going on except a lot of entertainment. Some were so old (ok, some even older than us!) that ascending the balcony steps was a challenge for them!

The evening began with videos of familiar songs being sung by cartoon characters. The young adults who led the singing and dancing were dressed in bright colored shirts and jeans. They were full of energy and it was contagious. On the main floor additional young adults and some children danced their heart out for the hour of celebration leading up to the message time.

The message time was animated, clearly aimed at children, included an invitational prayer, and the scriptures read were also on the multi-media overhead for everyone to read along.

The planning and preparations for: “Celebrate: Jesus is All Powerful” was obvious. The program was extremely well done. This was a one-time event that took a lot of work and the Children’s Ministry staff went all out!

And now that’s it done and over with, we always think about what we have observed/participated in. The one thing that I said to Don is that the Peruvians know how to celebrate! Music sets their hands to clapping and their feet tapping. They move continuously to music! It is rather loud music, and not always very melodic, but it’s their culture. Why do our ‘celebrations’ begin to take on a more passive tone as we get older? Why do we not ‘celebrate’ freely, with abandonment? We certainly have a greater appreciation and understanding of what we have to celebrate! Hooting and hollering “Praise Jesus” has taken over the deep resounding chorus of “Amen” of years ago. Now this may not be the case in all churches (we both know that!) but it is uplifting to witness such joyfulness when people “Celebrate: Jesus is ALL Powerful.” We don’t need Halloween to celebrate this fact. Let’s begin today with uplifting praise music. Include some handclapping and toe tapping (if you are at home, no one else will even notice! If you are in an office, you might think twice, and each of you will have to determine whether or not that would be acceptable in your place of employment!) Listen to the words of the music you choose. I dare you to “Celebrate: Jesus is ALL Powerful!”

2010-11-12T09:12:00.000-05:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

My hometown!

This journey we are on, takes us in more than one direction at a time! You see, we go back in our thoughts, look forward in our dreams, and deal with detours as we travel. Just stick with us, though, as God is always pointing the way. Today our blog is nothing profound. But the end gives us plenty to ponder.

At this point in our lives, the exact location of our ‘hometown’ is questionable! We can make a withdrawal from the memory bank and picture the place where we both grew up, or where life began for us as a couple. Already that’s many different places for us; and probably would be for you, too, if you were to contemplate an answer to that question. But none of those places, no matter how fond I am of them, and no matter how many great memories I have from living there, none of them come to mind as my “hometown”.

As you know, we are on a journey. We don’t know how long the journey will last. And, yes, we have a hometown here in Peru. Somehow that seems to be temporary in my mind; although, San Juan de Lurigancho is definitely home for us right now. With all this in mind, I have to admit I think of Duluth, Georgia as the place which best describes my hometown.

Norman Rockwell should have visited Duluth. If he had, he would have painted a picture of the white crosses and the American flags that dot the roadsides every Memorial Day and Veterans Day. I just love the public display and annual reminders of our veterans who sacrificed so much for each one of us. Mr. Rockwell would also have had a pallet of paint with lots of red and white on it when he captured the Rexall Drug and it’s memorabilia as we all fondly remember it. Just a couple of Duluth memories I love to pull out of the bank and mull over.

Duluth has its own Norma Rockwell – oh, I mean Ann Odum! We are so fortunate she has used her talents to capture, in painting, the places no longer in existence in town, so we have a record of the historical landmarks. Speaking of historical landmarks, I think of the Strickland House. Don and I were in the antique business for a number of years, and our home had many, many things from Grandma’s attic. I’m sure our children and grandchildren thought we were a little outdated! We really appreciate things from years gone by. And the Strickland House sits atop a knoll on the side of the road, proudly displaying itself for many, many years. Once an antique shop itself.

I mention the Strickland House, which is presently home to the Duluth Historical Society and Museum. This is one of my favorite places to visit. We were on the board of directors before we left Duluth, and know the heart and desire of those who painstakingly work to preserve the past for each of us. Duluth with its neighborhoods as well as some subdivisions, tree-lined streets, sidewalks for walking, a town green for relaxing, swinging, romping with the children, nearby shopping, restaurants, allow each of us to please our fancy! This is not meant as an advertise-ment for Duluth, but an introduction to you to our hometown!

San Juan de Lurigancho (SJL), our present hometown. I don’t even know how to begin to paint a picture for you of this city, but let me try to compare our neighborhood to the above Duluth neighborhood which was right up the street from our backdoor. SJL, has sidewalks a plenty, with a few mature trees dotting the roadside, but no town center near our home. However, let us walk around the immediate area of our home and notice a few other things. For one, there are no front yards in sight. The houses sit on the edge of the sidewalk, approximately four feet from the street. There are many neighborhood parks and there are two we can choose to visit. One is about two years old, and has cement benches for one to rest and relax, play equipment for the children, and soccer fields. You have to pay an admittance fee to enter the park. The other park consists of a sidewalk through the center of the park, grass and planted trees, with barbed wire around the perimeter! The local shopping (within 2-3 blocks of our place!) consists of venders offering the things you might need in the immediate future – groceries, laundry soap, videos, school supplies, trinkets, notions and inexpensive gifts, a few items of clothing and an internet café with pay telephones. We have not located any libraries, public office buildings, banks, or places to visit within 20 minutes walking distance. There are many local restaurants, and of course you can pick up snacks and your meals from a sidewalk vendor if that’s your preference (warning!). There is a huge Mercado (several city blocks in size) we visit when we walk about 15 minutes in the opposite direction. It’s amazing, overwhelming, and a very, very congested place for buyers and sellers alike.

We have some ‘history’ of our own in that over the seven years that we have been coming to and living in SJL, we have seen a huge difference in the major thoroughfare which once was a place for tossing and burning garbage, but now includes a grass median with many newly planted trees and flowerbeds. Large posters with before and after pictures have been made available by the local government officials to show all that has transpired in these past few years. A little other piece of ‘history’ is the old, pine chest we rescued from a junk dealer. Now restored, it is a piece we treasure.

Guess when all is said and done – Duluth wins out with my vote as still being ‘my hometown”. However, this too is temporary. Because we read in the Bible that:

Heaven is an actual “prepared” place (John 14:2-4)

Heaven is described as a city (Heb. 11:16; 12:22; 13:14; Rev. 21:12)

Heaven has 12 gates which shine like pearls (Rev. 21:24-25; 22:14)

Heaven has a river (Rev 22:1-2)

Heaven has a garden (Rev 22:1-2)

Heaven has a golden streets, clear walls, throne, buildings of pearls (Rev. 21:18-21)

The names of Christ's redeemed are written in heaven (Luke 10:20; Heb. 12:23; Rev.20:15)

Heaven has the Fathers house (John 14:2)

Heaven has light, trees and healing fruit (Rev. 22:1-5)

Heaven contains animals, at least in its millennial phase (Is 65:25)

We will serve God (Rev. 7:15)

We will welcome people into our dwelling places. (John 14:2-3, Luke 16:9)

Now, seriously, you know I had to look up these verses, but that’s okay! Imagine this “hometown” we will be moving to one day! I’m ready, are you?

2010-11-05T11:57:00.000-04:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

Habas vs. Peas

As you know, we are on a journey with Jesus – beyond our imagination. This journey includes all aspects of living in a foreign country, even new experiences in the kitchen. Just thought I'd share a recent experience with you. Nothing profound. Don't get excited. Just read on for an interesting break in your day. We often send our family and monthly partners emails with tidbits about life. These are usually not worth blogging or sending out in our monthly newsletter. So, for those of you who have already read this, let me say that I’ve updated it a little, so enjoy rereading about habas vs. peas.

We were at the mercado and when purchasing some vegetables Don saw the green pods and suggested we get some peas, he would shell them and it would be a nice change. No problem. After all, you can't buy frozen or canned veggies, so we haven't had peas here at home since we arrived! We got home and he sat down to shell the peas and found the pods were tough. I mean they were really tough and once he got one open, oh my gosh, these were not peas, but the size of the bean was huge. It was bigger than a lima bean. So, I headed to the internet and found out they were habas. I had seen them on my dinner plate one day at a friend’s house, but didn't know how to tackle them and I thought I heard them called habas so that was my lead.

Well, habas they were. After getting one pod open, we found a beautiful (really, it was beautiful!) lush, velvety lining to the pod that these huge green beans were nestled in. Don continued to struggle getting the pods open, and removing the beans to a separate bowl, while I read what I could find on the internet. Guess what? Well, if you are familiar with habas, you'll know what's next. After getting the pod open and removing the beans, you have to cook those beans for 6 minutes, drop them in ice water and remove their skins. So, there's more than one step to cooking these things. Don agreed to shelling them, so the rest was up to me. I followed the instructions on line and soon had the beans ready for cooking in a recipe. They were a very pretty, bright green color. Seriously, this was an interesting experience in the kitchen!

Before I move onto the final cooking stage, let’s look back at these habas. The pods are pretty ugly. They have brown spots on them, and remember I said they were tough to open. Well, here I am a day later thinking about these habas and it dawned on me that they were like our lives. We can be pretty tough skinned. We can be pretty ugly at times. And, now that we are older, we certainly are not as physically attractive as we may have once been. Don’t stop reading here. I also said that once Don got a pod open, he found a beautiful, lush, velvety lining. There inside that protected area, the bean with it’s skin lie. So, maybe once you get through my outside and see the inside you will find a person who isn’t so bad after all. After you read the next paragraph you’ll see that once the habas were cooked according to directions, they were delicious. Hopefully one will find me to be palatable as well!

The recipe on line suggested stir frying them in a little oil with onion and chopped ham. Well, I looked for another recipe, since ham is non-existent in our neck of the woods. Couldn't find an 'easy' one, so I substituted a pork chop (which I chopped/diced) and voila! the dish was soon ready, delicious and now I know what habas look like and taste like. Something we would definitely enjoy again, but the three step preparation you have to be ready for!

2010-10-29T11:07:00.002-04:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

Election Day

There are very important elections coming up in the states and I thought of all the campaigning that must be going on back there. The hundreds of thousands of dollars involved, promises being made, people taking a stand and speaking out, all culminating in early November when each registered adult has the opportunity to cast their vote.

As election day here in Peru approaches we see candidates’ signs, hear cars with bullhorns spreading campaign promises, and observe sidewalk booths available to share information with passersby. Much the same as you would see and hear in the states. We don’t understand it all, but we have been watching with curiosity as each week there appears to be more of the above happening. We found out that election day is Sunday, October 3rd. And, how did we come to that conclusion? Because we learned that there are no public gatherings allowed. Therefore church services are illegal! Our home church will have Saturday services on the second of the month.

As in most all elections, there are those who strongly defend a position or candidate and those who don’t seem to care. Maybe it’s because we are in our own world (English speaking) and are not voters, but there appears to be a keen interest but not a large percentage of people show up at the political rallies that are held on the sidewalks. The candidates’ supporters are usually handing out flyers and balloons, having drawings of some sort for prizes, and trying to draw in those who maybe in the immediate area. But these rallies have had fewer than 50 people at them when we have seen them. I’m sure in the larger cities, it may be different.

We also learned from our Peruvian friends that it is mandatory that everyone age 17-70 vote. They have a DNI card with a number on it and that is tracked to make sure everyone gets out and casts their vote. Those who choose not to vote can be fined by the government. Now I don’t know if they are fined, how much the fine is, or how the government goes about collecting the fines, but non-voters may very well be facing that fee in the days following the election. We’ve been warned that bus transportation is a challenge. Seems as though there is quite a commotion on this particular day every four years! We just might be spending the day at home.

It makes me think of the story of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Luke we read about it in the second chapter….

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to

Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

I find it very interesting that all of life today, here and now, makes me think of some scripture passage, or story that I’ve learned in the past. The only similarity in the elections in Peru and the days of Caesar Augustus is that “everyone went to his own town to register”. But I cannot help but wonder what it was like for Joseph and Mary. So it is there, thinking about them, that I leave you with your own thoughts today.

Well, election day has come and gone and from our observance and limited knowledge, it is a day of mass confusion. The reason? The government assigns your voting location and it can be miles from your home. Not only that, all members of the same household do not necessarily vote in the same place. The Ali family, our friends, has three members of voting age in their household, and as I said earlier, they were all heading in different directions to fulfill their civic responsibility. The public schools are used for voting so the roads for several blocks approaching the schools are congested. Taxis, motorcars, busses and people on foot cannot make any headway, because the congestion is so bad. Motorcars were seen driving down the wrong side of the street, on sidewalks, etc. Don went out to the corner to see what all the congestion ‘really’ looked like and people asked him for directions! It was later explained to us that they probably were not from this neighborhood and were just here to vote. It takes literally 3-4 hours to leave home, arrive at your voting location and return home. And, everyone is doing the same thing on this particular Sunday. We also learned that the schools close the doors at 4:00 p.m. Finally, it takes a full week or longer to hand count the votes cast. They do not have electronic equipment for voting.

2010-10-22T10:23:00.002-04:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

Telling your story……

I recall Pastor Doug harping on this time and again, a couple of years ago. Do you have a story to tell? Who have you been telling? We all have a story – although yours may not be one you want to share. Does it need a better ending? You know, as well as I, that the answer lies within the Word of God. Jesus is all you need! Ah, you say, I have Jesus. Then I have to ask the five questions…who, what, where, when and why? Maybe you can’t answer all these questions. Let’s look at the excuses we give and what scripture says.

Who –

You think no one will listen, or no one cares. In my case, it’s difficult because of the language limitations. But what does scripture say? It says in Luke, Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and preaching the gospel. Jesus is our example. He was sharing his story with the general public and in Mark we read that the good news should be preached to all creation.

What –

Your story is yours and yours alone. My story is mine and belongs to me. It’s the details of our relationship with Jesus Christ. People often refer to it as a testimony. The Bible says in Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. And then in 2 Timothy 1:8 we read, “do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord.”

Where –

Here’s where it gets hairy or scary! You and I think there has to be the perfect time, place and situation. At least, it would be easier that way. Maybe the thought is that it should be done in church! Let’s look at scripture and read what Jesus says. In the book of Mark 16:15 Jesus said to the eleven as they were eating that they should…”go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” That doesn’t leave any wiggle room, does it.

When –

Are we asking what time, or what day, or what season? When? Now! 2 Corinthians 6 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. Then in John 9:4 we read, as long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me; night is coming when no one can work. We should not be wasting any time.

Why –

After reading the above passages, I don’t think we need to ask why. We are commanded to. Matthew 28 says therefore go and make disciples of all nations……and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. In John there is a verse that says If you love me, you will obey what I command. If we want to show our love to God, we will want to be obedient and do as He tells us to do. Finally, we read earlier in the book of Mark that Jesus said the eleven should go … and preach…..to all.

2010-10-15T11:36:00.000-04:00

The work force in San Juan de Lurigancho -

Unemployment is high and it cannot possibly be documented accurately here in Peru. Jobs are scarce. Many work menial jobs. Many work hours upon hours, at the market, on the street corner, in the city, selling whatever they can and almost anything you would ever want. From prepackaged snacks like chips, cookies, and soda, to q-tips, toilet paper, key chains, pens, and rags. The items for sale include fresh fruit, and home cooked meals. On any given day you can find nail clippers, jewelry, shoelaces, phones minutes, t-shirts, hats/caps, pets, and even religious items for sale. Others work shining shoes, selling newspapers, construction, driving motorcars, cabs or busses or collecting fares on the busses. There are definitely the professionals who work in the fields of civil service, finance, insurance, medical, government and education, as well. And then there are those who have a home business other than food preparation to sell on the street. Our neighbor is one.

On the roof top of his house, across the street from ours, we see him hard at work every day. In the blazing sun, he will wear a long-sleeve t-shirt on top of his head like a scarf and tied under his chin, letting it drape from the top of his head down the back of his neck, as protection from the suns’ burning rays. He is there diligently dipping white pieces of material (looks like plaster of paris to us, but maybe another casted material) into a bucket of yellow liquid. After coating each piece he lays it out to dry. Hundreds of these are done every day. On other days, he pours molds by the hour, sanding off the rough edges when they have dried in the sun. We asked our friend Laura what it was he was doing and she explained that he was an artisan preparing for the upcoming Christmas season. The cast items were figurines from the nativity scene. She told us the next step would be for him to paint them or have them painted. And, we can only assume the final step would be selling them. Sure enough Don saw a taxi arrive one afternoon and there were boxes of the yellow items packed neatly in the back of the cab along with a plastic stool and a plastic bag. Not sure where he was going, but his son, about 10 years of age, was with him.

Thinking back on my conversation with Laura, immediately my mind went to that day in Bethlehem when the Christ Child was born, many years ago. Does this man, this artist, who spends hours upon hours, actually days and weeks working with these figurines know the one central figure of the scene? Does he know Him? I mean know Him? Oh there are so many who are religious in this predominantly catholic country. Seeing nativity scenes, crucifixes, and statues every which way you turn makes you wonder, although seeing an empty cross is hardly ever the case.

The Peruvian people are open and hungry for the gospel. We continue to seek opportunities to share Jesus in practical ways coming along side the Peruvian Pastors and Christians as they share the Savior and the Word in their native tongue.

2010-10-13T17:07:00.000-04:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus!
September 6, 2010

USA Labor Day 2010 -- We enjoyed the day, but not with the typical celebrations of those we have known in the past. The day dawned sunny and warm, just beautiful. We boarded the bus and found no seats available for the first few miles, but since it wasn’t a holiday here in Peru, soon people were disembarking for various reasons and a gentleman pointed two open seats to us for our enjoyment. We were glad to accept his offer and sat watching the passing scenery that has now become familiar sights to us on this trip. About 40 minutes later we arrive at the bus stop where we surrender our seats to others patiently waiting. We join the crowds as they hurry and scurry to wherever it is they are going. The stores are beginning to open up, and it’s not uncommon to see folks picking up the morning newspaper at the corner stall, or greeting others they see with a kiss on the cheek, or waving to someone across the street. It is obvious they have all gone this way before many, many times.

After walking several blocks, we arrive! Downtown Lima! But our destination is just past the Palace and the Plaza de Armes in the next block, on the way to the Indian market, where we come to a favorite place of ours, which has a touch of home – Dunkin Donuts! It is here we enjoy ‘traditional’ coffee and splurge on a donut named ‘delirium’. The second floor dining room is cozy and there is a table for two (or 3 or 4 or more!) by a window where we can often be found. The double window opens wide, and soon we have the feeling of being in an outdoor café. The street noise below rises up just enough to give us that feeling and the busy sidewalk has people coming and going at a brisk pace, and others meandering along window shopping.

With coffee in hand, we sit and chat for a few minutes before Jasmin arrives. We arranged to meet Jasmin here to share a little with her and learn more of her plans as a missionary. Jasmin is a Peruvian young lady (early30’s! in fact today is her birthday!) we met a couple of years ago. She is bi-lingual and has helped the American Team as a translator. This summer we spent more time with her and learned of her plans to be a missionary in Africa, with Wycliffe Translators. Her dream is to help translate the Bible into a foreign language! She has completed her education in linguistics, speaks and translates in four languages (Portuguese, French, English and Spanish) has completed jungle training and is raising support for herself. She is looking forward to January and her first assignment. In speaking with Jasmin, we learned this is a 20 year committment on her part, as it takes at least that long to complete the task of her passion. Wycliffe missionaries have a two month furlough every two years according to what she has learned from the division she is going to be working with. It was amazing to sit and listen to her chatter about her experiences to date, her upcoming challenges of raising support, and of course, her plans -- living her dream through Christ! Jasmin is a strong Christian and knows her stuff! She talked about the need to translate the Bible in its entirety, not just portions or one of the testaments. What a great morning for us, just hearing her talk; a young lady on fire for Jesus, and moving forward with a life-long commitment.

After Jasmin headed out to return home, we walked the historical city blocks and captured some of the old architecture on camera. The government buildings, cathedrals, and other old buildings are such a contrast to the modern banks, restaurants, and some department stores. It was interesting to see them from street level and the second floor of a coffee shop! The old and the new; there is a beauty in each of them, distinctively different, to be appreciated individually, much like the generations of Christians today.

The next part of our walk may not be very exciting to most people, but it was for us. We stopped for lunch at a new, thoroughly modern McDonalds - that's a rarity for us because it is so very expensive compared to a chicken and rice dinner in a Peruvian restaurant. Really. But this place was unbelievable. Clean. Sleek. Leather chairs. Two floors. The bathroom was ultra modern - very cool. There were huge plate glass windows looking over the walking street. It had a “McCafe” on the 1st floor, similar to Starbucks and WiFi throughout the building. We sat and chatted and people watched for some time. Simple pleasures!

Early in the afternoon we met Amalia and Evelyn as planned. Amalia and her husband Nelson are pastors of a recent church plant and have had several exciting experiences she shared with us. One reason we were meeting today was to give her some paperback Bibles for some of the new Christians who have been coming to their church. Recently they held a children’s festival in celebration of Peru’s ‘day of the child’ and they had over 125 people come to celebrate with them. Of course, many came that one time, but they know the planting of the seed, sharing the gospel, has been done. Who the reapers are, no one knows at this point in time. She and Nelson are shepherding this little flock on a shoestring. They are planning a leaders retreat and are so excited to be able to take about 10 from their little congregation – away for a while to pray, plan and project for the church family. Amalia and Nelson have a heart for God and a heart for good. They only want His will in their lives and seek God’s guidance in all they do for Him. They are a testimony to everyone they meet. They are not rich by any standards, have a small and young group of believers to nurture, work very hard, and yet are so very happy to be serving Jesus without all the glamor and glitz of a gorgeous building and large numbers!

Evelyn is a friend of their son, Isaac. He attends Southern Nazarene College on a full soccer scholarship. Evelyn has come to Peru to visit, enjoy the historical sites, a little anthropology and archeology. She is praying and seeking God’s will for the next step in her young adult life.

Spending time this particular afternoon with these ladies was a nice interlude in our holiday trip to the city. We bid farewell to them and began our walk (a half dozen city blocks) back to the main thoroughfare to catch the bus back home. This time we secured seats immediately and paused to acknowledge it had been a good day. Thank you, Lord.

2010-10-10T19:26:00.003-04:00

Romans 8:24-28

For in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know how we ought to pray, but the spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And, he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the spirit because the spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And, we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

So, why this passage you ask? We seem to be in a holding pattern with detours facing us in each direction. Nothing too big for our God! Computer problems (the reason for this brief blog), ministry redirection, language challenges, all include changes. We ask that you continue to pray for us as we wait patiently, seek discernment, and continue the journey.

2010-10-02T11:46:00.002-04:00

Home made :)

Homemade….yum, yum. It must be good, especially when it’s home made. I’m thinking of so many homemade goodies from my own mother’s and grandmother’s kitchens. Like, split pea soup, baked beans, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding with au jus gravy, banana bread,
jello cake, and yes, even home made root beer! I’m sure your thoughts are returning ‘home’ and maybe your taste buds are wakening up. It’s no different here in Peru. There are favorites that everyone gets excited about. We have enjoyed some of them and wish we could whip ‘em up in our kitchen, but even getting the recipe leaves much to be desired. Recently when we were in the city of Lima we stopped in a bookstore and asked if they happened to have a section for those of us who are English readers. Sure enough they did. It was a rather large section, too. During our brief visit, we came upon the perfect cookbook. It was bi-lingual! How cool is that? Well, we bought it and I’ve read it from cover to cover. A lot of the ingredients are still a mystery to me, but it has definitely whetted my appetite!

Homemade….aww, that’s beautiful, did you make it? That’s another whole take on the ‘homemade’ thought process. We have found the Peruvians to be very creative and there are many who are to be considered artisans. From wood working, knitting, crocheting, jewelry making, the list goes on and on. Again, it takes me back to the days we made our living doing professional craft shows. Yes, we were one of those craftsmen that set up at fairs, in the mall, and worked days at a time selling the wares we made at home. That may be why we so appreciate the arts and crafts we see here, at such affordable prices, we cannot imagine how the Peruvians can make a living. Our neighbor is such a craftsman and his home workshop is on the roof top of the house across the street.

Homemade….do what you can with what you have. You know what I mean, the Christmas crafts, the Mother’s and Father’s Day gifts you made as a child, or recently received. They are often made from recyclables, or kits, or craft items. But they are treasured because of the maker. Other things we may have homemade years ago, were a baby’s first bed out of a dresser drawer with a cozy quilt. (You may be laughing, but some of us know others who actually slept in dresser drawers those early days!) And, what about the button on a string that we played with, or the pin the tail on the donkey, or maybe “nose on a pumpkin” we drew on a large brown paper bag from the grocery store?

I want to relate an observation we made the other evening. We stopped in at the pizza parlor down the street. As we sat and enjoyed our dinner, we noticed the sales girl (possibly the owner) as she took a large piece of white cardboard, pencil, ruler, and pair of scissors in hand. Believe it or not, she handmade the take out box for the next order! It was amazing to us to think that they didn’t come already made and just needed assembling. She had to start from scratch and make the box.

Homemade…nothing, absolutely nothing is like ‘homemade’. In other words, the time, effort, patience, resources, are all wrapped up in one word – love! Homemade has a connotation of being made with love; whether it be a meal, an item to use or enjoy, or a gift. Do you and I take the time to make things with love?

Nothing deep here today, but a glimpse into life in San Juan de Lurigancho.

2010-09-24T16:02:00.002-04:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus!
His Hands

Today may have been a pretty usual day. Yet, I continually see the Lord in our every day
‘normal’ activities. The sense of touch and feeling, it really is a wonderful thing! Today I realized (again!) how much I still enjoy the warm feeing of belonging to him. His hand in mine…ahhh! Don’t say TMI (too much information) just keep reading and see if you can relate.

His hands, large and strong, yet gentle. Holding hands with him provides me with a sense of security. There isn’t a time I get off the bus without seeing his hand stretched out to assist me down the rather-large steps. Crossing busy streets can be challenging especially with the drivers here in Peru. When the intersection is without walk lights, and that is most intersections, his hands hold me back when it’s unsafe and gently guide me when it is clear to proceed. I am so very thankful for his hands.

Household tasks are on-going whether you live stateside or in a foreign land and his hands continue to hang bulletin boards, carry out the trash, mix crystallite, and scoop ice cream! I really am thankful for his hands.

His steady hand still captures life in Peru on camera to include with my journals for our grandchildren. His hands gently lift the little children at Pat’s Place and provide high-fives, hugs, and tousle the hair on the boys’ heads! His hands offer these touches of love to each one of them.

Fine motor skills remain and the Lord is using his hands to prepare mechanical drawings for construction projects, material lists, budgets, and manpower timelines. Years have taken their toll. Strength continues; endurance wanes. Physical activity is limited. God is good. He is using his hands in this season, enabling him to sit and still be of service by typing his research findings to complete the Lumps of Clay teacher manual and student manual.

These hands make both quiet and loud statements to me and to others. Quietly they say I’m here for you. Loudly they proclaim the awesomeness of God Almighty.

What does the Word of God say about “hands”? Here are a few of the verses that came to mind.

Deuteronomy 2:7 The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast desert. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.
(My guy could personalize that verse and increase the number of years by over 30!)

Deuteronomy 33:11 Bless all his skills, O LORD, and be pleased with the work of his hands.

Psalm 47:1 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.

Psalm 63:4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.

Psalm 90:17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.

1 Thessalonians 4:11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you,

Yes, I am more than thankful for his hands. Don’s hands bless me! Thank you Lord. But even better than Don’s hands, I am reminded of Jeremy Camp’s lyrics to a song I often hear on the “Fish” radio.

“I have seen the healing hand of God
Reaching out and mending broken hearts
Taste and see the fullness of His peace
And hold on to what's being held out
The healing hand of God.”

2010-09-17T16:41:00.000-04:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus!
Bags, Purses, Day Timers, Journals and Backpacks

You are not long in Peru, or SJL, without realizing everyone is carrying something. That in itself is not unusual, because you’ll find it true in the states as well, but here, walking and using public transportation, people carry whatever it is they just might need over the entire day with them, because they cannot leave it in the car, or pick it up later.

It’s interesting to note that the men most always have a day timer, journal, or notebook with them. Many carry backpacks! While riding on the bus, you’ll notice they hold onto it and onto the overhead rail without any difficulty. Not Don! We are so thankful we found leather Bible covers with handles on them. We are not able to keep our balance, carry items, dig into our pockets for fares, and still stay standing and smiling like the Peruvians do!

It’s interesting that there are three types of ladies on the busses. Those with a plastic bag carrying whatever it is they might need, those with a purse, either large or small, and those who choose a backpack. Many ladies, of course, also tote along a young one, or have a baby or toddler in a sling on their backs. Trips to the Mercado will find both men and women lugging home plastic tote bags full and overflowing with the necessities they have purchased.

Now that I’ve painted a picture for you, I’m thinking you want me to get to the point! Seriously, the point is that we all have baggage we carry. It may be in the form of a notebook where we keep thoughts, appointments, lists, and accounting organized. It may be a pretty little purse which holds all we need – change for the bus, and a new lipstick! It may be a large purse which seems to collect items galore and gets heavier and becomes an unruly mess, but we seem to think we need it all.

These pretty purses remind us of the beauty we want others to see, but what’s inside is more important and made me laugh. The small purse only has the capacity to limited things. Is my heart and life like that small purse? Do I pre-select what’s important to me to allow in my life? The larger purse I can stuff more and more into, but I could get frustrated keeping it all sorted and manageable. Ummm….is that what my life is like? Think of the backpack. My goodness we can carry a lot in there and survive a couple of days on its contents! And the journals or day timers usually have an abundance of notes, obsolete phone numbers, and all the previous appointments stay with us until the end of the year because we might need them again!

So, in all reality we are not bags, purses or backpacks. But seeing them over and over, and noticing the people carrying them, and thinking about the individuals, and about myself…..there has to be some Biblical application, right?
- The big purse, my thoughts return to chaos and control. I know that is not of God.
- The pretty purse (on the outside) reflects something entirely different on the inside. God sees my heart.
- Those with the day timer, journal, etc. Do they need to stop overbooking and slow down? Are we stewards of our time? How much of our time do we give God?

None of this is a big discovery, or brilliant finding. None of this is scripturally based. It’s just life. But in life there are little reminders, sometimes just hints, that cause me to think and relate to what it is God may be saying to me, or what He may want of me.

2010-09-10T09:54:00.000-04:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus!
Balcony Gardening

Apartment living has advantages, but it also comes with some disadvantages. We really miss our yard, trees, gardens and the visitors we watched daily, like the cardinals, bluebirds, blue jays, titmice, juncos, chickadees, woodpeckers, nuthatches, and hummingbirds. Here we have a 3’ wide by 18’ long balcony, with bright morning sun, and lovely shade the rest of the day. But, looking off through the neighborhood, there are few, if any, gardens and they are only strips of land about 4’ by 10’ that have very little vegetation in them. The few friends with wings don’t stop by to visit, and there are more chickens (they do have wings) and pigeons than any other birds in sight.

What does one do to bring back that comfortable feeling that only a bit of ‘mother nature’ can provide? We both knew we needed to get some plants on the balcony and so we set out to do just that. Six months have passed, and the 3’ potted trees of red, yellow, orange, brown and green leaves, have just about passed on. What happened? It’s the delicate balance of light, water, wind, and fertilizer we didn’t get right. We have propagated about eight coleus plants from one that we purchased for 66 cents. Not a bad return! Now to get them to continue to grow once we move them outside to the balcony. We also have two white geraniums which Don has started to propagate to increase our ‘garden’ in size.

Thinking back to our mistakes, we can only wonder what we could have done differently. We don’t know the name of the potted trees, can’t research them on line without a name. The care they require is a mystery. We may never know how to get plants here to do well, but we continue to try. We don’t have instructions or a manual to define the ideal conditions needed by the plants. There are no identifying tags on the plants. Sound familiar? Ever had the same problem?

Think about it, as Christians, we are in the same situation. We need to be cared for properly. We need certain conditions to even survive, and appropriate feeding, nurturing and pruning to flourish. And, man, what a difference we feel and others see (and hopefully enjoy!) when we are spiritually healthy! Thank goodness there is no mystery as to who we are and how we are to be tended. We even have a manual – the Bible – to give us all the instructions needed.

2010-09-03T10:15:00.001-04:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus!
Bandaids, beans, books and birthday blessings!

So, how’s your day been? Bet you didn’t deal with bandaids, beans, books and birthday blessings! It’s all part of life here and we do whatever it takes. Maybe I should explain a little further.

Today was one of those days where we had no appointments, meetings, expected no visitors and really nothing pressing to do. Could easily have been a television day had we been in the states. But there always seems to be something to do here and we got right to it!

Don spent his day reviewing the Lumps of Clay manuals (books!) Finding several areas that he wanted to rework, some typos, and a few more verses he wanted to include took up a great deal of his time. Mission accomplished – he finished proof reading the Teacher’s Manual.

What about the bandaids? Over the past two years, donations have been received by Jan Daigle for the medical mission clinics of the team ministries. Bandaids have been received in abundance! In fact there were hundreds of loose bandaids – not in boxes, but all in a huge zip lock bag. I sorted, and bagged them into individual sandwich baggies. Twenty-four assorted sizes per bag. These are now ready for free distribution to Mommas with children at the next medical clinic. All total, we now have 100 such gift bags to be shared with the Peruvians. (Remember, I said 24 each and 100 bags, right? That means we had over 2400 bandaids to bag!) And, guess what, we still have several boxes remaining in the clinic supplies.

And the beans? It is not common to find canned or frozen vegetables here in the supermarket. So, I have learned to cook beans on the stove top for a few hours at a time with whatever ingredients available. Fresh green beans, dried navy beans, and even kidney beans, but lentils have become a favorite soup of ours. Just wish I had tried it years ago. As they cook, the house fills up with a wonderful aroma, and we benefit from the warmth of the kitchen on these cool days.

What about the books? There was a rather large donation of preschool and elementary school books this past summer. Yes, they are in English – but we know they will be well used one day. Last night Heather, a fellow missionary, called and said the Sunday School class she was teaching this coming week was on the 5th day of creation and the subject of birds and fish. The difficult part for the children here is that they only see pigeons dotting the sky and fish in the outdoor market. She asked if I could go through the books and find large colorful pictures of various birds and fish in their natural habitat. So, for over an hour, I perused Scholastic books and had some flashbacks to the reading I had done with our grandkids in Georgia. Enjoyed this quiet time, and found a few goodies for Heather to use this Sunday.

Birthday blessings in September when my birthday is in March? Yes! That’s right! The CrossWave Team from North Carolina was having their directors meeting tonight and called and sang happy birthday to me! Just think about it. If you were to call someone and sing happy birthday to them, and it’s not their birthday, it’s really sort of silly, but it’s fun and everyone enjoys the good laugh, and most of all, they know you were thinking of them. So, when I heard them begin singing, we all fully enjoyed the few minutes together on the phone, and I was blessed to know they thought of me tonight. We took the opportunity to share a prayer request with them and it was just a wonderful 5 minute interlude at the end of a ‘regular’ day.

Let me go back to the Lumps of Clay workbooks that Don has authored and share with you why all these tasks are important. One section of the workbook is a study on “why did God create me?” and the reasons include: He created me to inhabit the earth, to glorify God, for a life of good deeds, for His love and for His pleasure. This life of good deeds comes after salvation of course. And a verse Don shared with me this evening is found in Titus 2:14 “He gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Those last 6 words are important when we are doing the daily, mundane things. Are we eager to do what is good?

2010-08-27T13:57:00.002-04:00

Because I said so!

Three year old Diana is at our house two days a week and it’s really a blessing for us to have her here. She loves to crawl up on Don’s lap and try on his glasses, explore this American who is older and has such different features than she is used to. She runs her fingers up his cheeks, stops at his bushy eyebrows, and sometimes plays with the hair on his arms! But the hugs she offers and the on-going babble of Spanish words are the best. Time and again she asks or says something and I say (in Spanish) “you need to learn to speak English so I can understand you” and she laughs!

She often enjoys a piece of fruit, cookies, or a piece of candy. But, when she asks over and over again for a “chicklet” piece of gum, her mommy says no because she still swallows it when she has a piece in her mouth. She asks questions again and again of us and of her Mommy. Very patiently we answer her the best we can, or just laugh and giggle together. Sometimes I wonder if her Mom wants to answer…..”because I said so” as we so often were found guilty of doing when our own children were younger. And with that thought comes this thought…..

Ever think about it if that were the answer God gave us to our many questions? What if
He answered…”because I said so”? How disappointed we would be. Not to have an answer. Do we hear Him when He answers us? Are we quiet enough to recognize His voice? Or, do we keep babbling and asking more questions?

God is infinitely more patient than I am or ever was. He can easily handle all my questions without exasperation. But I wonder if He wishes I would just simply trust and obey - just because He is God and because I claim to love Him. He will never say “because I said so” but will continue to provide all the answers necessary in His time.

2010-08-20T16:21:00.002-04:00

Nothing profound - or is it? You decide!

“He’s got the whole world, in His hands, He’s got the whole world in His hands, He’s got the whole world in His hands, He’s got the whole world in His hands.” You remember this negro spiritual, don’t you? Maybe years ago you sang it in elementary school. Although I doubt that is the case any longer. Hold that thought.

Last April when we were home on furlough, we had to visit Don’s cardiologist and I was so impressed with a back-lit glass etching hanging in the lobby, that I took a photograph of it. I’ve copied it below for you to enjoy as well! (Well, I TRIED to copy it and for some reason it didn't copy. You'll have to use your imagination.)

Thinking more and more about this piece of art, I began to think of our passion – missions! This is what the etching said to me.

The world is in the shape of a heart.
The longitude and latitude lines remind me of the 3 crosses on the hill.
I see our two homes – North America and South America.
And we are all in HIS hands!

No matter how much I like this piece of art, I know it is unaffordable, and all I can do is enjoy it from memory, or the photo. Hold that thought!

There is a young girl I have mentioned in pervious journals. Katty lives with our friend Heather and recently celebrated her 15 birthday. For her birthday her dad purchased her a large selection of chalks for drawing. I did not know this was one of her hobbies, nor did I know how talented she was. However, we printed out a copy of the much-loved photograph and she wanted to draw it for us. We now have a framed 8 x 10” pencil drawing hanging in our living room.

What a delightful surprise to receive this gift from Katty. We now enjoy it daily! What a gift the Lord has given her to be able to express herself through art. What a gift for her to share that with others.

And now for the rest of the song…..think how awesome our God is! Profound? You decide!

- He's got my brothers and my sisters in His hands,
- He’s got the tiny little baby in His hands
- He’s got you and me, brother, in His hands
- He's got the young and old in his hands;
- He's got the rich and poor in his hands;
Yes, he's got ev'ry one in his hands

- He's got the sun and the rain in His hands,He's got the moon and the stars in His hands,He's got the wind and the clouds in His hands,He's got the whole world in His hands.

- He's got the earth and sky in his hands; He's got the night and day in his hands; He's got the sun and moon in his hands; He´s got the whole world in His hands.

- He's got the land and sea in his hands; He's got the wind and rain in his hands; He's got the spring and fall in his hands; He´s got the whole world in His hands.

- He's got the rivers and the mountains in His hands,He's got the oceans and the seas in His hands,He's got you and he's got me in His hands,He's got the whole world in His hands.

I’m sure there are more verses, but you get the picture (no pun intended!) The picture says it all. We are in the palm of His hands. There's no better place to be.

2010-08-13T15:25:00.000-04:00

Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus!
“Hidey Holes”

Mark 6:31 And He said to them (to me) “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while….” NAS

As a child I had a “hidey hole” a place, where as I was growing up, it was my secret place to hide. It was beyond the grassy back yard, down a slight incline to the sandy area before the tree line of what we called the ‘forest’. The swing set was there. You may remember, the metal framed swing sets with two swings, maybe a “double-seater” where you and a friend would sit opposite each other and push with your feet to smoothly sail through the air, and with a slide possibly attached to the other side of the frame. This was my place to be alone, especially if my brother and the other neighborhood children (of which there were a total of three!) were elsewhere. It wasn’t a hiding place, but it was the place I could swing freely, think freely, and dream! Even when there were others there, it was easy to lose myself in thought when swinging high above the treetops (ha ha, it wasn’t really that high, but I thought it was as high as I could possibly go, pumping my legs with all I had). It was there that I would talk to myself, feel sorry for myself, or dream dreams bigger than I ever dared share with anyone.

It seems to me that throughout our lives, we have “hidey holes” but they change with the time and circumstances. It may be our bedroom where we can close out the rest of the world (siblings or even the family!) to be by ourselves. It may have been the library where it was bound to be quiet, and no one knew if you were studying, hurting or day dreaming. Even today the local coffee shop, although it may be bustling with business and noisy, one may lose themselves in a cup of steaming black java, in a newspaper, or in the laptop. When we choose to go to our favorite places to ‘hide’ we hardly rest, do we. We worry about all the things that are pressuring us, suffocating us, and draining us.

But you notice the scripture says that we are to come away by ourselves and for a specific reason, and that was to rest a while. How can we rest if we are worried? When I looked up the verse in Mark, in the NIV translation, I realized it gave me a little more to think about. It says…..”Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." There it says that I am to come away with Jesus. And I know the familiar passages on ‘worry’ and how it is a lack of faith, and the verse in Peter that tells me to “Cast all your worries/fears/ concerns on Him because He cares for me!

As a child my ‘hidey hole’ was my place to be alone. I didn’t know the value of the time spent there as I do today. The place where I want to be is alone with Him, to rest a while.

Now, years later, I find I have a ‘hidey hole’ again! It has taken me several paragraphs to get to this point, but even here in the house, I found out in the last six months, that I needed to work in the office and rest in the living room. I was using my laptop and working in the living room for several months. But it was there that I also read, and spent time alone with my Father. So, the laptop was a constant reminder of busy-ness. More recently, I returned to the office to work and retreat in the living room to read and pray.

Just a thought….Do you have a ‘hidey hole’ now that you are an adult and you need that place of rest?