A friend posed this question last night; a question I had been dealing with all week. I thought I'd share some thoughts with you...
Webster's defines pride as:
Pride: n inordinate self-esteem, conceit, elation arising from some act or possession, disdainful behavior or treatment
To put that into more applicable terms to the everyday person, pride is reliance on one's self and one's strengths to the point of which God is "unnecessary" and others are unable to serve for fear of feeling belittled.
I have fallen into a rut of pride a few times recently. Somedays it's hard to be in a third world country and watch the way things are done. I had the same feeling on both mission trips to Peru, and I feel it now even stronger than before. Sometimes I just want to get the attention of those around me and tell them there is a better way. There is a better way for education, better ways to think, better ways to do everyday jobs. That's the pride speaking. Just because I think it's better, it may not be. It's simply different, and in the end, as long as the job gets done, does it really matter how it's done?
I keep coming back to Galatians 3:1 when Paul refers to the Galatians as FOOLS! They had become so prideful in their obedience to the law, but they neglected their need for Christ and his forgiveness given through death on the cross. They were filled with pride as they checked off all the good deeds they had done. However, they failed to build a relationship with the God of creation who made the law in the first place. They dismissed faith in Christ and his death on the cross which has become the new law.
God doesn't ask us to be perfect. In fact he knows we are far from perfect; however, he does desire a personal relationship with us which begins with a child-like faith, the size of a mustard seed. It begins small, but with much care and investment it grows into something great and reproduces over time. If we follow the command in the last chapter of Matthew, "Go and make disciples," our mustard seed sized faith will grow and it will be carried through our words, actions, and lives to others and minister to each person we come into contact with.
Legalism and law, however, do not allow for ministry. The law itself simply measures people against one another to see who is following the "rules" best. If you aren't following the rules, you can forget about going to heaven. Wrong! Where is the love of Christ in that?
I don't want to be a prideful fool. I want to be a minster of Jesus Christ in everything I say and do.
I'll leave you with this question...is pride controlling you right now? If so, please do something about it! Life is too short to rely on ourselves and the strengths/abilities we have. Lay down your pride, and allow Christ to fill you with his strength. In the end, his strength will carry you further anyways.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
You Might Think I'm Crazy, But...
...I know I'm right where God wants me to be.
It's sometimes hard to imagine that one would spend so much on a college education and then move to a third world country to work as a missionary teacher for next to nothing. I never imagined it for myself; however, when God calls us, we must go.
I always knew I wanted to work with kids in a third world country in Latin or South America, but I never dreamed I would actually be brave enough to do it alone. Thankfully, I'm not alone because I have Christ by my side 24/7...not to mention the many wonderful people I have met. Somedays I still think I'm crazy, but when all is said and done I LOVE Perú and the experiences I'm having here. My favorite part of each week is often my time at the orphange helping the kids with homework or just plain spending time with them.
Tonight I helped with homework, pushed kids on the swings, attended devotions, sat with a very sad little boy while he ate dinner alone and talked through his sadness with him. By the time I left he was smiling and playing with the other children. How can you not love these faces???
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Seeking His Direction
One of the Canadian teachers at the school is being forced to move from her home by October 20th. Apparently the home in which she lives is being given to another missionary family that will be coming, and she will no longer be permitted to reside there.
In her search for a room to stay, she has encountered a friend that will be moving and leaving behind an empty apartment. She has inquired with me about the possibility of living there together and splitting the rent.
Right now this is just an option as she continues to seek just where to stay. She has been offered another place with a Peruvian family, but is hesistant to accept. I haven't minded living at the school, but it definitely has its challenges. Curfew, people questioning when you leave/where you're going, freedom in the kitchen, not to mention never truly being able to escape from your "job". However, it's nice not having to pay a bus to take me to school and being able to just run upstairs to change before heading out at night.
There is a possibility I would get a housing allowance if I moved from the school to an apartment. The other foreign teachers usually do. The housing allowance would cover the rent which is my biggest concern. Now we'll just wait to see what happens and pray that God would open doors if this be his will.
In her search for a room to stay, she has encountered a friend that will be moving and leaving behind an empty apartment. She has inquired with me about the possibility of living there together and splitting the rent.
Right now this is just an option as she continues to seek just where to stay. She has been offered another place with a Peruvian family, but is hesistant to accept. I haven't minded living at the school, but it definitely has its challenges. Curfew, people questioning when you leave/where you're going, freedom in the kitchen, not to mention never truly being able to escape from your "job". However, it's nice not having to pay a bus to take me to school and being able to just run upstairs to change before heading out at night.
There is a possibility I would get a housing allowance if I moved from the school to an apartment. The other foreign teachers usually do. The housing allowance would cover the rent which is my biggest concern. Now we'll just wait to see what happens and pray that God would open doors if this be his will.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
¿Qué Estás Buscando?
I really enjoy days when things don't go as I had planned them, but they end up just as God knew you needed the day to be. I didn't really have a plan for church today until about 30 minutes before leaving, and the rest of the day I had planned to spend at home just catching up on emails, phone calls, and lessons for the week. However, that quickly changed with one message sent at 9:30 this morning. I ended up going to church in Manchay which was where I had wanted to go, out for lunch with a few friends, and to a families' home to play Ping Pong and Monopoly.
The home was more beautiful than any home I've ever been into. It had an open staircase with a stone wall that was built right into the side of the mountain (one of the benefits of no rain in the desert of Perú). Out front was a large marble-stone waterfall with flowers and decorative frogs. The inside decor was absolutely gorgeous, too. Not a typical Peruvian home, but a very beautiful home to say the least. I wish I had a picture to share.
However, that is not why I decided to type up a blog entry tonight. God spoke to my heart today in church which is why this blog is titled as it is. "What are you looking for?" This topic hit the spot, and I wanted to share a bit of it with all of you. I know without a doubt that I'm right where I need to be, and each day I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here in Perú. However, already people are beginning to ask (and have been asking since my 2nd week here) what comes next to which I reply, "I'm just not sure." I know where I think I'd like to be, but I'm just not sure where God wants me to be. Being such a future focused person, it's so hard not having a plan...this has been the theme of 2009. No plan but God's plan; take it one day at a time!
Today my heart was encouraged through various passages. Read on:
Song of Songs 3:1-4
All night long on my bed I looked for the one my heart loves; I looked for him but did not find him. I will get up now and go about the city, through its streets and squares; I will search for the one my heart loves. So I looked for him but did not find him. The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. "Have you seen the one my heart loves?" Scarcely had I passed them when I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go."
Psalm 22:1-2
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? Oh my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent.
Refer to the first one as the church seeking Christ. Song of Songs is often interpretted in 2 ways...man and woman or Christ and his Bride (the church). The Bride is seeking Christ, yet she cannot find him. She goes out into the streets to search for "the one her heart loves." When she finally finds "him" she will not let him go. She clings to him tightly, listens to his every word, bows at his feet because he is the Christ.
The second passage - I cry out by day, but you do not answer.
How often do you "seek" Christ, but your mind remains filled with the clutter of your thoughts...worries, to-do lists, physical items for which you are seeking? Are you passionately seeking him as the writers of the above passages were or are you seeking him halfheartedly hoping that his "still small voice" will be heard among the clutter? Do you take time out each day to truly LISTEN to Christ or do you speed through your prayers telling God of all the things you want/need without every listening to hear the things HE WANTS for you?
My prayer today has been...God what do you want? It's okay to tell God the things that you want, the passions that you have, but ultimately the plans he has for you are going to be the best end result. It is important that we listen to his "still small voice" and follow the path he has laid before us. Mine has led me to Perú for this time of my life. I could not be more thankful. Now it is important that I seek his desires for the next step whether that be Perú or the United States.
Life is so much more enjoyable and rewarding when we go through it holding the hand of our Father who cares about each of us more than we could ever imagine!
The home was more beautiful than any home I've ever been into. It had an open staircase with a stone wall that was built right into the side of the mountain (one of the benefits of no rain in the desert of Perú). Out front was a large marble-stone waterfall with flowers and decorative frogs. The inside decor was absolutely gorgeous, too. Not a typical Peruvian home, but a very beautiful home to say the least. I wish I had a picture to share.
However, that is not why I decided to type up a blog entry tonight. God spoke to my heart today in church which is why this blog is titled as it is. "What are you looking for?" This topic hit the spot, and I wanted to share a bit of it with all of you. I know without a doubt that I'm right where I need to be, and each day I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here in Perú. However, already people are beginning to ask (and have been asking since my 2nd week here) what comes next to which I reply, "I'm just not sure." I know where I think I'd like to be, but I'm just not sure where God wants me to be. Being such a future focused person, it's so hard not having a plan...this has been the theme of 2009. No plan but God's plan; take it one day at a time!
Today my heart was encouraged through various passages. Read on:
Song of Songs 3:1-4
All night long on my bed I looked for the one my heart loves; I looked for him but did not find him. I will get up now and go about the city, through its streets and squares; I will search for the one my heart loves. So I looked for him but did not find him. The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. "Have you seen the one my heart loves?" Scarcely had I passed them when I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go."
Psalm 22:1-2
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? Oh my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent.
Refer to the first one as the church seeking Christ. Song of Songs is often interpretted in 2 ways...man and woman or Christ and his Bride (the church). The Bride is seeking Christ, yet she cannot find him. She goes out into the streets to search for "the one her heart loves." When she finally finds "him" she will not let him go. She clings to him tightly, listens to his every word, bows at his feet because he is the Christ.
The second passage - I cry out by day, but you do not answer.
How often do you "seek" Christ, but your mind remains filled with the clutter of your thoughts...worries, to-do lists, physical items for which you are seeking? Are you passionately seeking him as the writers of the above passages were or are you seeking him halfheartedly hoping that his "still small voice" will be heard among the clutter? Do you take time out each day to truly LISTEN to Christ or do you speed through your prayers telling God of all the things you want/need without every listening to hear the things HE WANTS for you?
My prayer today has been...God what do you want? It's okay to tell God the things that you want, the passions that you have, but ultimately the plans he has for you are going to be the best end result. It is important that we listen to his "still small voice" and follow the path he has laid before us. Mine has led me to Perú for this time of my life. I could not be more thankful. Now it is important that I seek his desires for the next step whether that be Perú or the United States.
Life is so much more enjoyable and rewarding when we go through it holding the hand of our Father who cares about each of us more than we could ever imagine!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Comida Diferente, Besos, y Más
Comida Diferente
Mamá is downstairs cooking up a meal of conejo y verduras (rabbit and vegetables). They have invited me to eat with, and since I've turned them down before as I'm usually running from one place to another, I decided to dine with them today. We'll see how it goes! I have tried rabbit before, and Mamá is a good cook, so I'm sure it will be a good meal. I guess I should be used to trying new things by now...stomach, intestine, heart, ceviche, and guinea pig. Not to mention all of the fruits the I'd not had until I moved here. I miss North American cooking sometimes, but I really like a lot of the food here, too.
Besos
I'm getting more used to greeting others with the traditional "kiss on the cheek". It can still have it's awkward moments, but it is also very inviting and welcoming. On the other hand, I cannot recall one time yet that haven't left the house and not had a bus, taxi driver, or man on the street make kissing sounds at me. It gets kind of old after a while.
Más
My week has been quite busy, as are most weeks. Monday I went out to dinner at Chili's with the director of the school. She's really a great lady. I have been granted permission to implement "morning exercises" into the learning center (classroom) to get the day started. I've been having trouble calming my kids down in the mornings as they come in and are expected to get right to work. This doesn't quite work with 6 year olds, so I inquired about the possibility of reading to them, doing warm up math, phonics, or geography instruction with them. She liked the idea, and thank you to God I will actually get to do a little bit of teaching which the lack of has been a little difficult for me to adjust to.
Tuesday I helped out at the Children's Home. The older boys that live away from the main campus came for devotions, so with Elise I helped to finish up the Christmas card project I had designed and begun when I came with the missions team in June.
Wednesday I helped with homework at the Home. I love this time with the kids. The hugs, the begging for me to help them, playing and laughing with the kids. I'm not sure if who is learning more...me or them. I'm humbled by the love they have for Jesus every time I step on the property.
Thursday I went to Bible Study. Elise and I made meatloaf and green beans. I enjoy this time studying God's word in Spanish. I need to start talking more though as Nilton was trying everything in his power to get me to talk this week. Haha. I used to think I was becoming more outgoing in the states, but the longer I'm here the more I realize how much I have "quit" talking. I love the Spanish language and passion, and I'm learning quite a bit of it on my way to becoming more fluent. Now I just need to make myself talk.
I decided that Friday evening would be a time of rest. My kids were pretty wonderful this week (with the exception of Wednesday) which was a relief considering weeks past, but by Friday afternoon I was beyond exhausted. I got home from school and took an hour nap while watching Monsters vs. Aliens. I had KFC for dinner - comfort food (yes they have KFC, Burger King, and McDonalds here), and I got to talk to a few friends online. I tried to finish Monsters vs. Aliens, but once again I fell asleep. I can honestly say I only saw about 20 minutes of the whole movie. I guess I'll have to try again later.
Today I will go shopping with another teacher and to a Museum about the human body with other teachers tonight. The museum was in the states and now it's here, so I'm assuming it has been or will be coming to other countries as well. It should be interesting!
I'm coming home 3 months from today. That hardly seems possible as I feel like I just arrived. I keep telling myself that eventually life will slow down, but it doesn't seem to happen. I like the fast pace, but sometimes I wonder if it's going so fast that I am missing the "little" things in between.
Here are a few pictures from the Home. The first is of one of the children (Mercedes - Age 4) and the other is of a few friends (Javier-left, Nilton-right) on our walk back from the Home last Sunday.
Mamá is downstairs cooking up a meal of conejo y verduras (rabbit and vegetables). They have invited me to eat with, and since I've turned them down before as I'm usually running from one place to another, I decided to dine with them today. We'll see how it goes! I have tried rabbit before, and Mamá is a good cook, so I'm sure it will be a good meal. I guess I should be used to trying new things by now...stomach, intestine, heart, ceviche, and guinea pig. Not to mention all of the fruits the I'd not had until I moved here. I miss North American cooking sometimes, but I really like a lot of the food here, too.
Besos
I'm getting more used to greeting others with the traditional "kiss on the cheek". It can still have it's awkward moments, but it is also very inviting and welcoming. On the other hand, I cannot recall one time yet that haven't left the house and not had a bus, taxi driver, or man on the street make kissing sounds at me. It gets kind of old after a while.
Más
My week has been quite busy, as are most weeks. Monday I went out to dinner at Chili's with the director of the school. She's really a great lady. I have been granted permission to implement "morning exercises" into the learning center (classroom) to get the day started. I've been having trouble calming my kids down in the mornings as they come in and are expected to get right to work. This doesn't quite work with 6 year olds, so I inquired about the possibility of reading to them, doing warm up math, phonics, or geography instruction with them. She liked the idea, and thank you to God I will actually get to do a little bit of teaching which the lack of has been a little difficult for me to adjust to.
Tuesday I helped out at the Children's Home. The older boys that live away from the main campus came for devotions, so with Elise I helped to finish up the Christmas card project I had designed and begun when I came with the missions team in June.
Wednesday I helped with homework at the Home. I love this time with the kids. The hugs, the begging for me to help them, playing and laughing with the kids. I'm not sure if who is learning more...me or them. I'm humbled by the love they have for Jesus every time I step on the property.
Thursday I went to Bible Study. Elise and I made meatloaf and green beans. I enjoy this time studying God's word in Spanish. I need to start talking more though as Nilton was trying everything in his power to get me to talk this week. Haha. I used to think I was becoming more outgoing in the states, but the longer I'm here the more I realize how much I have "quit" talking. I love the Spanish language and passion, and I'm learning quite a bit of it on my way to becoming more fluent. Now I just need to make myself talk.
I decided that Friday evening would be a time of rest. My kids were pretty wonderful this week (with the exception of Wednesday) which was a relief considering weeks past, but by Friday afternoon I was beyond exhausted. I got home from school and took an hour nap while watching Monsters vs. Aliens. I had KFC for dinner - comfort food (yes they have KFC, Burger King, and McDonalds here), and I got to talk to a few friends online. I tried to finish Monsters vs. Aliens, but once again I fell asleep. I can honestly say I only saw about 20 minutes of the whole movie. I guess I'll have to try again later.
Today I will go shopping with another teacher and to a Museum about the human body with other teachers tonight. The museum was in the states and now it's here, so I'm assuming it has been or will be coming to other countries as well. It should be interesting!
I'm coming home 3 months from today. That hardly seems possible as I feel like I just arrived. I keep telling myself that eventually life will slow down, but it doesn't seem to happen. I like the fast pace, but sometimes I wonder if it's going so fast that I am missing the "little" things in between.
Here are a few pictures from the Home. The first is of one of the children (Mercedes - Age 4) and the other is of a few friends (Javier-left, Nilton-right) on our walk back from the Home last Sunday.
Also, someone emailed me to ask about posting comments. Yes, you can post comments even if you do not have a blogspot site yourself.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
One Month Down...
I hadn't put much thought to it until this afternoon when someone asked me how long I've been here in Peru. It was then that I realized I've been here a month already...1/4 of my stay has passed. It's crazy to think that, and I'm trying not to as there is still so much I want to do. I feel like I'm finally settling into a routine and really getting the grip of life here (like going to the grocery store or how to get various places). Everything is no longer new every day, but it's becoming normal, my life, my home. I've really enjoyed the last month, and each day I praise God for bringing me back here one more time. Of course there have been ups and downs, but thankfully the ups outweigh the hard times.
I really enjoy my time outside of school...helping out at the children's home, Bible Study with Kids Alive staff/missionaries, and simply enjoying the culture and my surroudings with friends. I've gotten to know some great people and develop deeper relationships with some of those I had met previously. I've heard some heartbreaking life stories, and opened up the deeper parts of myself to those around me. Each day I am humbled by the majesty of our Saviour, Jesus Christ as I look around at the environment in which I live. I'm humbled by the gratitude of his people despite their circumstances. I am filled with joy every time the children at the Kids Alive home greet me with hugs, kisses, and words of encouragement. My breath is taken away when I see these kids shine for Christ and worship him with their whole heart. They bring me joy just because of the love of Christ that flows freely through them. Luke 18:16-17 says, "But Jesus called the children to him and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'" The children at the home really know how to live out this verse, and I strive each day to have a faith more like theirs.
This week was overall my best week yet. I'm finally getting the hang of the school procedures and a grip on the management of my class (which has been difficult considering the language barriar and the fact that because I'm the third teacher this year, the students have had a hard time adjusting to yet another change).
I really enjoy my time outside of school...helping out at the children's home, Bible Study with Kids Alive staff/missionaries, and simply enjoying the culture and my surroudings with friends. I've gotten to know some great people and develop deeper relationships with some of those I had met previously. I've heard some heartbreaking life stories, and opened up the deeper parts of myself to those around me. Each day I am humbled by the majesty of our Saviour, Jesus Christ as I look around at the environment in which I live. I'm humbled by the gratitude of his people despite their circumstances. I am filled with joy every time the children at the Kids Alive home greet me with hugs, kisses, and words of encouragement. My breath is taken away when I see these kids shine for Christ and worship him with their whole heart. They bring me joy just because of the love of Christ that flows freely through them. Luke 18:16-17 says, "But Jesus called the children to him and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'" The children at the home really know how to live out this verse, and I strive each day to have a faith more like theirs.
This week was overall my best week yet. I'm finally getting the hang of the school procedures and a grip on the management of my class (which has been difficult considering the language barriar and the fact that because I'm the third teacher this year, the students have had a hard time adjusting to yet another change).
- After a busy weekend, I spent Monday and Tuesday evenings relaxing and just catching up on my always growing to-do list.
- Wednesday I went to the children's home to find them not doing homework but cleaning. Having just showered I was a bit disappointed, but I quickly became busy translating a paper for one of the mothers from Spanish to English, pulling weeds and playing in the dirt with a few of the boys, and sweeping the entire concha. I did get to help with a little homework, but I must admit, cleaning with the kids was a lot more fun than I thought it might be.
- Thursday I went to Bible Study with the Kids Alive staff/missionaries and friends. We just started studying the book of Galatians which is one of my favorites, so I'm excited to continue this.
- Friday I went out to eat for one of the teacher's birthdays. We went to Roky's which is a chicken restaurant (kind of like port-a-pit). We had some good conversations, but most of all it was enjoyable to be out with some of the teachers away from the school setting.
- Saturday I graded literature papers for the high school teacher since she is not a native English speaker. I spent the afternoon at the children's home with my friend Javier. We took the kids to Awana and picked them up afterwards. In the evening I went to one of the teacher's homes for dinner and a movie which is always nice and relaxing.
- And finally today, I went to church, had lunch with Elise (a missionary with Kids Alive), and then headed to the children's home to hang out with the kids. I had fun playing in the sandbox, pushing them on the swings, playing a form of monkey in the middle, and sharing pizza (thanks to Javier) with all the kids.
This week is going to be a busy one, but I think I like it that way. I don't spend so much time thinking when I'm busy. People are starting to ask me about my plans for next year (i.e. after this school year ends), and while I'm thinking about it, I'm just not sure what God wants. I keep praying that he'll open the right doors here or in the States, and that I will know just what I'm supposed to do. Being a future oriented person, it isn't easy not having a plan beyond December 18th when school ends, but I'm learning to take things one day at a time.
My health is better, as I've finally adjusted to the environment. School is going better, and I'm becoming more confident getting around the city and exploring what Lima has to offer. I believe the next three months are going to pass more quickly than I'd like, but I'm sure they will have just as much to offer as this one has. Thank you for all of your prayers!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Viva Perú
Yesterday, I went with a friend to Barranco and had a lunch of stomach, intestine, and I'm not sure what else. I am so glad they waited until after the meal to let me know what I was eating even though I asked before. It was good, but after knowing what I ate, I had 2nd thoughts of how it really tasted. I wish I had gotten a picture, but unfortunately I'm not big on food pictures.
We headed back home in a taxi around 5. When the taxi driver started to tell us about the independence day parade I jumped at the opportunity to see it. The Peruvian Independence Day is the 28th of July, but because of the H1N1 scare many of the celebrations were delayed. I had a lot of fun watching the parade, hiking around Miraflores, and watching the fireworks. Every good parade should end with fireworks. Here's a few pictures for you to enjoy!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
If I Just Breathe...
"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." ~ 1 Corinthians 15:58
This verse has become very dear to me in the recent months, and God brought it to my attention multiple times this week. As most of you know, I've had a rough adjustment into this particular school's program. It's very different from the methodologies I had learned in university as well as my philosophy of education. However, because I keep Christ as my focus each day and allow my work to be his work, I know that my labor is not in vain. I pray that I learn something that will enhance my future classroom even though somedays I feel inner conflict because this is so very different from my previous view of education.
It has been wonderful that God has so uniquely provided frequent breaths of fresh air outside of the school day. Through homework help at the Kids Alive home, Bible Study with missionaries and Peruvians related with Kids Alive, relaxing with friends and neighbors, and just traveling around the different parts of Lima I am able to get away a bit and enjoy my surroundings.
Today I went to the coast in Miraflores which is more of a tourist type area. It was quite hazy today (typical winter weather), but I did capture a few photos of the coast from up above on the mountain.
We also walked down to the Parque de Amor (Park of Love). There was a gorgeous mosaic wall surrounding the park, and some very pretty landscaping nearby.
There is so much to see in this country. I keep hearing about the Highlands and the Jungle and how unique each geographic region is. I'd really like to visit more outside of Lima, but I'm just not sure that is possible this time around. We have no long weekends all semester, so there really is no good time to go too far way. However, Lima has some very gorgeous parts, and I'm enjoying getting to see each of those.
This verse has become very dear to me in the recent months, and God brought it to my attention multiple times this week. As most of you know, I've had a rough adjustment into this particular school's program. It's very different from the methodologies I had learned in university as well as my philosophy of education. However, because I keep Christ as my focus each day and allow my work to be his work, I know that my labor is not in vain. I pray that I learn something that will enhance my future classroom even though somedays I feel inner conflict because this is so very different from my previous view of education.
It has been wonderful that God has so uniquely provided frequent breaths of fresh air outside of the school day. Through homework help at the Kids Alive home, Bible Study with missionaries and Peruvians related with Kids Alive, relaxing with friends and neighbors, and just traveling around the different parts of Lima I am able to get away a bit and enjoy my surroundings.
Today I went to the coast in Miraflores which is more of a tourist type area. It was quite hazy today (typical winter weather), but I did capture a few photos of the coast from up above on the mountain.
We also walked down to the Parque de Amor (Park of Love). There was a gorgeous mosaic wall surrounding the park, and some very pretty landscaping nearby.
There is so much to see in this country. I keep hearing about the Highlands and the Jungle and how unique each geographic region is. I'd really like to visit more outside of Lima, but I'm just not sure that is possible this time around. We have no long weekends all semester, so there really is no good time to go too far way. However, Lima has some very gorgeous parts, and I'm enjoying getting to see each of those.
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