Ready?

My bags are packed, my belongings are stowed, and my clothes laid out for the long trek home. I finally shed a few tears, I laughed over fond memories and pictures, and I wrote my conflicting emotions down on paper.

Tomorrow is my last full day in Peru. In the morning I have plans to meet Nilton for brunch - provided he arrives on time. In the afternoon my bus leaves from Mancora for Lima at 1:30 p.m. I should arrive in Lima around 10 a.m. on Sunday morning. From there, I will go straight to the airport for a long day of flights and plane changes. From Lima, I fly to Guatemala, El Salvador, and finally Chicago. I should be home by dawn Monday morning.

As I lay here and type, my mind is overwhelmed with grand memories that I will carry close to my heart until I am able to return. My soul is burdened that I must leave this place. My heart is excited to see my parents. I wish I could have the best of both worlds, life here in Peru with my American family and friends nearby.

Am I ready to leave Peru? Definitely not! However, as Paul states in Romans 8:28, "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." God has a plan for my life. He's slowly revealing that to me a little bit each day, and I'm excited to continue to watch my life unfold as I walk closely with my Lord.

Am I ready to be home, hug my parents, and get back into a routine? Of course! While it pains me to leave Peru, I know that I have great things awaiting me in the States. I have been blessed beyond what I deserve, and no matter what location I am in this world, I know that God is going to continue to use me to accomplish His mission.

As a wrote a while back: Life isn't about landing at a destination and remaining there forever. It's about the journey we take, the ministry we do, and our faithfulness to the Lord during our time on this Earth. The only destination we're seeking is the final one, heaven or Hell. As I walk this Earth, my desire is that my life be one that leads to heaven and eternity with my Abba Father.

Ready or not, I'm coming back to the States, and I'm excited to see what God has in store for me next!

Why Peru?

I've been asked quite a few times this week if I'm from Lima. I guess that means, I know Peru and speak Spanish well enough, but look foreign, so I must be from the capital city. My friends have even begun calling me a "Peruana" which means I'm blending in more and more.

Today, Cassandra and I went shopping at the artisan market here in Mancora. We encountered a man whom we'd talked with on Tuesday, and he began asking me questions. We struck up an immediate friendship after he showed me pipes he makes from a large seed. (I forget what kind of plant it was from.) As he was describing to me the technique of this handcraft, I expressed my interest by saying the Spanish word, "asu" which simply means awesome, cool, or neat. After that comment, he asked, "are you from Lima?" To which I responded with no, and then explained that I had lived in Lima previously and now had returned to visit.

This topic always brings me back to my original reason for coming to Peru. This man (I never did get his name) asked me why Peru, so I started from the beginning and told him I'd originally come twice with my church before moving here to teach. That was all he needed to know to strike up an intense conversation about revelation and the end times. You see, this man isn't a Christian, but he sure does know a lot about the Bible "stories" and the prophecy of the end times. We talked about the natural disasters going on in the world as well as the fighting amongst humanity. I asked him if these things scared him or made him question his eternity, and he said that he's thought about that many times. He told me about his family and their Catholic religion, and he expressed his disliking to this form of religion. He said he liked the Bible, he enjoyed reading it, but he just wasn't sure Christ and salvation are real. I shared with him bits of my own personal testimony and the grace God has poured out upon me. I encouraged him to read the book of John, and by the end of the conversation, this man asked me if I would be able to get him a Spanish Bible to read because he no longer had his. (I believe his family forced him to get rid of it from the way it sounded.)

Being in a small, tourist, party town, there aren't bookstores to just go and buy Bibles. Actually, a full version of the Bible is often hard to come by here in Peru. They exist, but the stores that sell them are few and far between. I told the man I would talk with a friend coming up on Saturday and see what I could do. I immediately called Nilton to see if he could bring one, but he is traveling and wasn't sure he'd have a chance to get to a store with Bibles before he arrives.

I went out today as normal, looking for souvenirs and ready for a day at the beach. Not once this morning did I think, "Today I want to share my testimony." However, God had other plans in store for my day. I spent a lot more time at the market than planned, and we barely made it to the beach before the clouds rolled in. Yet, I wouldn't trade the conversation I had with this man for anything. I would ask that you would pray for him (sorry, I don't know his name). Pray for clarity and understanding of the scripture. Pray for him to have faith in Christ and accept his gift of salvation before it's too late.

Tonight, as I prepare for bed, I am asking God to please give me more precious opportunities such as this. I love random, spiritual conversations, and if they plant seeds and lead others to Christ, it's even better.

One man's life may be changed forever simply because he asked, "Why Peru?" Who would have thought that question could be so powerful!

Update through Pictures

Lunch @ Rustica on Saturday

Downtown Lima on Sunday

Paragliding on Sunday, also.

Followed by a hike up the mountain

to the Cristo del Pacifico.

A walk down the beach in Mancora.

Evidence of where we're staying.

Lunch 

Agua d Coco

A real coconut, chopped open =

real coconut water.

My favorite place to sit at night is on those steps.

The waves are amazing.

I'm thinking about trying my hand

at surfing since we didn't 

make it out on Sunday.

A kayak trip through the Mangroves.

We got out and took a short walk.

A boat ride to an island to see more animals.

Iguana :)

Crocodiles

Birds

Returning to the mainland.

Natural Hot Springs Bath

Needless to say, it's been a busy couple of days, yet it's been relaxing at the same time. Mancora is a very tiny town on the beach. Life here consists of surfing, drinking, and dancing, none of which I have participated in. I enjoyed our 12 hour journey to the boarder of Ecuador today where we were able to do the kayak trip and visit the hot springs. Tomorrow, I'm looking forward to saving some money by laying out on the beach and catching up on some sleep. 

I miss being kissed on the cheek when I walk into a room full of people. I miss being in a familiar place with people I know. I miss Lima and the variety of things to do there. However, I'm ready for a routine. I'm looking forward to seeing my family Monday morning, and I'm ready to be back in familiar territory where I can drive my car when I need/want to go somewhere :)

Numb

Tonight as I sat beside the ocean watching the waves crash against the shore, I became overwhelmed by the grace and mercy offered to me by God through His son Jesus Christ. As I marveled over the immense ocean in front of me, I wanted nothing more than to worship my Father who created this great earth in just 6 days. This month I've had the opportunity to be beside some of the largest mountains in Peru, and now I'm having the opportunity to sit beside the vast ocean. I feel humbled, and I long for nothing more than to spend eternity with the God who created all of this. Words cannot even begin to describe the emotions that overwhelm my soul.

Yet with all of this going on inside me, I feel numb. My heart aches to be leaving behind my dear friends here in Peru. Tonight as I sat beside the ocean listening to the waves, my eyes burned with tears of sadness and gratefulness, yet I was unable to cry. I was unable to do anything; I only sat and existed. As much as I love the ocean and the sunshine we experienced today, my mind continued to wander to Lima, and all of my friends there. I keep thinking back to all the things I didn't do. I didn't make it to the orphanage much, I didn't see some of my friends, and I didn't eat certain foods I've missed. There is just way too much to squeeze into such a short time; it's hard to be so near, yet still so far away.

I'm so thankful to have spent my last weekend in Lima the way I did. Saturday I went to lunch with a co-worker from LISOFT. We enjoyed a nice Peruvian buffet as a small band played in the background music from various regions of Peru. Afterwards, I met with Teresa to run a few errands and chat over coffee. Leo picked us up, and he took up to meet Cassandra. Finally, we met a group of my friends for Chinese before retiring home around midnight to watch a movie.

Nilton, Hector, Teresa, Cassandra, and I watched Soul Surfer, and we spent the night together enjoying the friendship we share. We awoke early in the morning (6:30 a.m.); Cassandra and I readied ourselves for a day in Lima, and the others returned home. Around 9, Cassandra and I met Nilton, and he took us to visit his sister and her 3 month old daughter. From there, we treated Cassandra to a very Peruvian breakfast, and we went to downtown Lima to show her around. We went to an artisan show and walked to the Costa Verde in Miraflores where we met Ulises and enjoyed a gorgeous view of the ocean (despite the freezing cold and damp, cloudy weather). We went paragliding in San Isidro, but we chickened out when it came time to surf. The water was just too cold, and we were running short on time. We ate an authentic Peruvian dinner in Chorrillos, and we walked up the mountain to the Cristo del Pacifico which overlooks the city of Chorrillos and the Pacific Ocean. Afterwards, we went to Camino de Vida (my church), and I began to say my good-byes. Finally, we shared ice cream at McDonalds with some of my friends before we retired home for the evening at about 11:30 p.m.

I'm so thankful for the events that took place my last days in Lima. I'm thankful for the friendships that have lasted from years past, and I'm grateful for the new friendships I was able to create this year. It's not easy saying good-bye, but Nilton keeps reminding me that God does have a plan for those who love Him, and we must be patient until He is ready to reveal that to us.

Therefore, I'm going to enjoy the next three days in Mancora with Cassandra, and I will look forward to sharing lunch with Nilton and Ulises when they meet us in Mancora on Saturday before we begin our 36+ hour journey back to Indiana.

God has blessed me beyond what I deserve, and I desire nothing more than to live my life fully for Him in whatever form that might be. Here or there, I'm ready to serve the Lord and do as He asks.

Dios Tiene Un Proposito Para Mi

What an amazing three weeks I have had. If you've kept up with my blog, you can see that I've been very busy. With trips to Cuzco and Huacho, time with the kids in Manchay, and late nights with friends, I've barely been able to catch a break to put my feet up and relax. However, as exhausted as I feel, I would not trade the spectacular time I've had for any amount of sleep I'm lacking.

As type, I'm sitting on a bus headed 18 hours north of Lima to the city of Mancora. I'm excited to have a week to relax on the beach before returnig to the U.S. but I was also very sad to have to once again say good-bye to my dear friends in Lima. My heart is heavy, and my mind isn't sure what to think. It's odd to have already said my good-byes but still be in this great nation for another week. Please continue to pray for me as I take this week to reflect over my time here, pray over God's will for my life, and enjoy the beach with my friend Cassandra (from the United States).

My friends are already asking when I'll be back next year. Some of my friends have even tried to suggest missions organizations or schools where I could come and serve. I shed some tears as I talked with a dear friend the other night about the passions of my heart and the timing of the Lord. He also shared with me the calling he feels towards missions and the Lord's work in his life. I'll miss intimate, spiritual conversations when I return to the States. I'll miss late night walks and the unique scent of this country. Most of all, I will miss the amazing relationships I've built here and the friends who have become like family.

I cannot help but trust that I will be back in the Lord's timing.

Te Amo Peru!!!

Introvert

Today was a weird kind of day. I wasn't feeling much like doing anything, and I had no desire to call anyone up to hang out. Last evening I talked with Alissa Keady until nearly 3:00 a.m. My heart was heavy, and thanks to her crazy work schedule, she was available to help me sort through some things and share things that had been on my mind. Needless to say, having been awake until the wee hours of the morning, I had no desire to jump out of bed when my mom texted me at 9 something this morning. Instead, I did what a good daughter does, and I texted her back for a bit before drifting back to sleep. Finally, around 11:30 a.m. I woke up, but I still had no desire to crawl out of bed.

You see, my body has finally truly adjusted to the cold, Peruvian winter. Before, I was chilly, but now I shiver all the time. The last thing I want to do in the morning is crawl out of my warm bed and step on the iced over wooden floor. Okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. It's actually about 60 here in the evenings and 65 during the day. However, add to that a forever cloudy sky, a damp mist, and no indoor heating. It's hard to warm up.

After checking my email and chatting with a few friends, I finally decided around 12:30 that I should do something with my day. I hadn't had plans today one because most people were busy and two because I honestly needed a break. While I'm having a blast, and I'm loving it here, I am also feeling very warn out. After showering and getting ready, I headed to search for tickets for our return trip from Mancora. With next week being a huge holiday travel time, this escapade took me to 6 bus companies in 4 hours. Thankfully, I had very kind, helpful taxi drivers to get me where I was going, and I came across a man that was able to pull up multiple companies and compare prices, times, and availability. Finally, I found return tickets, although they aren't exactly for the time I was hoping. In everything, God has a plan though :)

After stopping for dinner on my way home and buying a few groceries (I ran out of all my snack items). I headed to my friend Teresa's house to hang out. We ended up having a very spiritual conversation with her mother and father. Her mother is a very strong, knowledgeable Christian woman, and from what I understand, her father accepted Christ just a few years ago. I very much enjoyed this time of conversation with them.

It pains me greatly that the next couple of days are going to be filled with good-byes. I'm still in Peru until July 31st, but I will be traveling to Mancora the 25th and returning shortly before my flight on July 31st. Most of my good-byes will be done on Sunday. I'm not ready to say good-bye. I'm not ready to leave this place. I hate not knowing for sure when I'll be back. Please pray for me throughout the days ahead. I've already shed many tears about leaving, and the good-byes have only barely begun. Saying good-bye is a subject I try to avoid, but I also realize, especially in this culture, it is something that must be done. Thankfully the hardest goodbye will happen in Mancora as Nilton will be arriving there for vacation shortly before I head back to Lima, so I will be able to put that one off a bit. Nilton has become one of my best friends here in Peru. He is one of the people I have kept in contact with consistently whether I'm here or there. He is a great man of God, and the way he lives his life has taught me many things. Every time, it is harder to say good-bye than the last.

Wow, tears are streaming down my face just thinking about it...

My heart burns for Peru. I love this place...the culture, the people, the language, the terrain. It's familiar; it's home. I cannot help but trust that one day very soon I will be returning. I would like to ask that you please pray that God's plan for me in Peru would soon be revealed.

Fiestas Patrias

July 28th is the day Peruvians celebrate their independence from Spain, yet many celebrations have already begun. Independence day is a huge deal in Peru. All businesses must display the Peruvian flag on their building, most places shut down for the week (some even two), and Peruvians take time to vacation with family. It's like our Christmas break, only they get theirs for independence day...you know, it is the middle of winter here. Everywhere I go, there are people selling flags, pins, and other red and white memorabilia. Every school does a march and many put on shows of dances from various regions of Peru. I'm telling you, Peruvians don't take independence day lightly.

Yesterday I went to Manchay to watch the kids do their show for independence day. I know it was a week early, but yesterday was their last day, and now they have two weeks of vacations. Here's a few pictures from the day.

 Traditional Peruvian outfits from the Highlands.

 Teachers of the Pre-K class :)

 Welcome to the jungle.

 Parade...army man carring the flag 

with the President and wife closely following.

 The army and police officials.

 Traditional uniform from the jungle.

 3 & 4 year olds march

 President, wife, and body guards.

 The 3 & 4 year olds performed a traditional dance

from the Highlands.

 Teachers showing off their dance skills

with traditional dances from their terrain.

 Valeria - We connected last year.

It's so fun to come back and see these kids :)

 I painted this :)

 A few pictures to remember

the amazing children

that entered my life 

this month :)

Value of the Cross

A few days back I made a trip to the bank with a friend to exchange some of my American dollars to Peruvian soles. I used to enjoy this. I used to like watching my money triple right before my very eyes. However, anymore, it's a depressing adventure. You see, my first trip to Peru in 2007, one dollar earned me nearly three soles (2.98 I believe). That means for every $100 I would turn in, I'd get 298 soles back. In 2009, I remember turning in my dollars from school and receiving an exchange rate of 2.94 or something close to that. However, fast forward to present day, and my same $100 earns me a mere 273 soles. It's slightly depressing.

As numbers and figures floated around in my head, my mind shifted to Christ and His unchanging, unfailing love. I must admit that recently, while I've been in church quite a bit and I have been involved in ministry in various forms, my personal devotions are lacking. Of course I do them, but I've been selfish with my time and I've been selfish with my prayers. I'm not giving God all of me during my time of devotions. I'm giving Him only the parts I want to give Him, and I'm trying to control everything else. 

Last evening at church we had communion and an amazing time of alabanzas (singing and worship). As we sang the song Hosanna by Hillsong United, it was all I could do to hold my tears back as the room roared with people in love with the Lord, worshiping Him with their entire being. As we sang:

Heal my heart and make it clean 
Open up my eyes to the things unseen 
Show me how to love like You have loved me 
Break my heart for what breaks Yours 
Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause 
As I walk from earth into eternity 

I was broken. It's a strong prayer, and it's a prayer I spoke with everything in me last evening. My heart needs to be cleaned. I have been living selfishly rather than for His Kingdom. I spent some time in prayer, and I could literally feel the embrace of the Lord surround me, and I felt the heaviness lifted from my shoulders. I was light as a feather in the arms of my Savior, and I felt great. At that moment, there was no where else I'd rather be than right there loving on Jesus Christ. It amazes me that even when I neglect Him or only half trust Him, He still loves me the same. I breaks my heart that too often I don't give Him all of me, because when I do, life is so much better!

Unlike the value of the dollar, Christ's love never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8). 

Hearts United

In January of 2010 my dear friend Nilton called me to ask me about starting a mission group. He asked for advice on a name for the group, a theme verse, and a vision. At the time I thought he was crazy. I couldn't imagine how he was going to start a ministry from nothing and have money to support it, especially in Peru. I thought it was a ridiculous idea to gather your group of friends and call it a ministry. I was upset that this group was taking away from time he and I once spent chatting, watching movies via Skype, and worshiping the Lord together through Bible reading and song. However, now it is July 2011, and I am seeing great things come from this group. I'm understanding the mission of the ministry, and I'm seeing results through people I've come into contact with along the way.

The mission of Hearts United is simple...to love and serve people, show them new ways to worship (aside from traditional churches which are found in many parts of Peru), draw them into a passionate relationship with the Lord, and build them up to stand strong in their faith. Wherever we go, Nilton can be found talking with people, spreading the word of Hearts United, and extending the love of Christ.

Today we went to Manchay to help at the Oasis (a branch of Kids Alive that provides day care to children not old enough to attend school and a homework club for children after school). Upon arriving we sat down for lunch with a few of the workers there. Nilton was talking with them about the mission of the Oasis, as it was his first time there. He was sharing with them his mission for Hearts United, and we found common ground on the fact that children are our future. We talked about how we need to raise them up to love the Lord with all their heart, mind, and soul. We discussed the need for children and youth ministries, and events to gather jovenes (adolescents) and teach them about God's love.

It's been an amazing experience to be here and serve with Hearts United through the Creativity Workshop, and our trip to Huacho. I have enjoyed understanding the ministry a bit more, and I am amazed at how quickly it has taken off. Hearts United has many facets in which ministry is done, and it continues to grow a little bit each day. I know God has great things in store for Nilton and the other members of Hearts United. I'm excited to see it expand throughout the years to come.

 Ulises & Nilton helping with homework.

 My dear Fatima...she remembered me :)

 Children of ages 3 & 4 practicing their 

dance for the Independence Day celebration.

My dear friend Mary.

She teaches the 3 & 4 year olds :)

Time Flies

I can't believe that I have less than two weeks left in Peru; it seems as if I've just arrived. This week I am taking a lot of time to spend with friends, and next week I will travel north to Mancora to relax on the beach. I'm hoping that the days in Mancora will allow me to rest and reflect before returning to the States. I'm in no way ready to return, although, I hear my mom and dad miss me. ;)

The last two days haven't been as exciting as all my travels, but they've been enough to keep me busy while also permitting me to catch up on some much needed sleep. Yesterday I awoke to my friend calling me telling me she was at the door waiting for me. I was supposed to go to school with her, yet my alarm didn't go off. Haven't slept only 3 hours, I jumped out of bed, changed clothes, brushed my teeth, and hurried out the door with my contacts and make-up in hand. Thankfully I don't drive here, so the ride in the taxi allowed me plenty of time to pull my hair back and put some color on my face. Upon arriving at school at 7:30, my friend informed me that she has "prep" time until noon. I couldn't believe it!! Apparently, she works 45 hours a week and only teaches 24 of those hours. The rest of the time is prep time. Crazy, right?? I helped her grade papers and put together a few things for her lessons, then we had lunch together. At noon, I helped her teach the class about Machu Picchu before leaving to return home.

I came home to shower before Nilton and Ronald picked me up to go to Shannon's house. Shannon has been a missionary with Kids Alive for 5 years, and she is returning to the States tomorrow. She has been here since my first trip in June 2007, and she was a wonderful help while living here in 2009. She was also gracious enough to allow me to stay at her place during my two week visit last year. We spent some time with Shannon talking with her about what comes next and wishing her our farewells. Afterwards we went out for dinner and then to a birthday party for a friend of Nilton's.

Today I spent some time shopping at the market for things to take home with me. Having been to Peru many times before, I didn't buy too much, but it is always fun to go look. I got to take a short nap this afternoon, and this evening I went with my friend Teresa to meet her mother. The three of us went to church, and then we returned to their home for dinner. I left around 11:30, and on the way home the taxi driver was kind enough to tell me that next time I need to leave that area earlier because where he picked me up wasn't safe. That was really comforting to know, but I'm grateful that Teresa did walk me to find the taxi and that the driver was a safe man. Next time, I guess I will know :)

I'm excited to get to bed a bit earlier than normal tonight, and I'm thrilled that tomorrow I get to sleep in a bit. I'm lacking on sleep pretty bad right now, so I'm grateful for these days I have to sit back and relax some.

Please continue to pray for my safety and that I would be a blessing to those in Peru. I would also ask for prayer for my friend Cassandra (from the U.S.) that will be flying in on Saturday. She will be spending the week with me in Mancora, and we will travel home together. Thanks for keeping up with me on my journey here in Peru.

Huacho

Over the weekend I took a trip with a few friends to the city of Huacho to do ministry and visit churches that the ministry Corazones Unidos supports. Huacho is located about 2 hours north of Lima on the coast. It is a small community, with most people working as fishermen or in the fields. We were welcomed to Huacho Saturday evening with loud music booming from homes and people everywhere in the streets. For a small city, this place sure does have a night life. We quickly jumped in a mototaxi (an enclosed motorcycle with a bench on the back for passengers) and we headed for the church where we would be staying the night.

Upon arriving at the church around 10 p.m. we finished out the service going on for young adults. There were about 10 adolescents there, worshiping the Lord louder than any street party we had passed on our journey. From there we went with the youth to the city center (plaza), and encountered a "preacher" screaming the word of God to all people around. He was shouting things like, "If you don't repent you will burn in Hell." The pastor of the church had a few of the guys get guitars out, and we sat in the middle of the plaza and sang worship songs to the Lord. As the guys did so, Teresa and I went around to various people and talked with them while also handing out information about the church. We sat with one man and talked for quite a while. He was very confused about the saving grace of God and the fact that God allows bad things to happen, Christians continue to sin, and what a relationship with God is all about. While he was still insistent on his "beliefs" when we left him, I pray we at least ignited a spark in him and gave him something to think about.

On Sunday we went to a different church in the campo (country). It was a very tiny church of 30 people or less, with half of them being children. First we sat through Sunday school, and afterwards each "class" (adults, elementary children, and toddlers) presented what they had learned during their lesson. There was a 5 minute "intermission" and then we continued on into the service. We sang hymns, and the pastor presented a sermon. It was a neat experience to worship with this congregation.

 The children reciting what they learned in Sunday School.

Teresa and I...love her :)

We spent the afternoon wandering the city. First we went to the shopping plaza to eat Kentucky Fried Chicken for lunch. (Real Peruvian, right?) Having been told the sun was hot there, we were lacking in appropriate clothing for the cold, damp weather. Therefore, we went shopping for warmer clothing as we were planning to spend the afternoon near the ocean. We embarked on a small boat for a pirate type voyage, and we enjoyed a great afternoon laughing together as we sailed the seas. Teresa, Nilton, and I had a grand ole time taking pictures and giggling in the backseat of the taxi as we traveled around the town, finally ending the afternoon at the pastor's house for a quick rest before evening church.

 A bit chilly for a day at the ocean, but still enjoyable!

Mis Patas :)

 Literally throwing items overboard to the other ship.

 A day on the ocean.

In the evening, we arrived at church (a "surfer's church" of about 20 people) 2 hours early with the worship team so that Nilton could help them prepare for the evening's worship time. I enjoyed listening the team play together and practice. Around 7, the actual service began with songs of praise and a message from the pastor. The pastor and some members of the congregation  prayed over each of us that had come with Corazones Unidos, and we said our good-byes. Around 9:30 p.m. we boarded the bus for the 2 hour journey back to Lima.

 Practicing for the night service at Calvary Chapel, Huacho.

It was a great weekend, and I enjoyed seeing yet another area of Peru. I was entertained by our boat trip, and I found myself admiring the mind behind Corazones Unidos and the ministry it represents. I was grateful for the hospitality of the pastor of Calvary Chapel as well as the kindness of some of the young men in the church. Most of all, I was humbled by the congregation of the church in the morning and the heart of the pastor there.

God is at work here in Peru. He has a plan for Peru that is bigger than any human mind can imagine. I love seeing my friends' desires to serve this nation, and I'm thankful that even for just one month God has allowed me to be a part of it.

Our new friend, Carlos :)