Out With the Old...

As I lay here tonight reflecting on the past year, I can't help but consistently recognize the theme of contentment strung throughout the year. I find little to complain about as I reflect over the past 365 days, and I find many experiences to rejoice for. God has stretched me, pulled me, held me, loved me, and taught me so many times this year. Not everything as been easy, but as the end of the year is fast approaching, I can say that every trial, every tear, every laugh, every adventure was completely worth the feeling of accomplishment contentment, and joy I feel at this moment. The year 2012 has been one huge adventure, I'll do my best to highlight a few of {what I would consider} the greatest things of the year.

• Lived completely on my own for the first time. - Since college I have felt very much in limbo, always waiting for the next thing, living with Mom and Dad until it came time to move away. However, I took the plunge, and admitted to myself that I was here to stay for a while, and moved into an apartment of my own. Through this experience, I have found contentment here in this town, and I began to fully feel like this place was just where God wanted me.
• Read the entire Bible in chronological order this year. - Honestly, in the past, I had a bad habit of reading my Bible two-three times a week when I had time. I participated in studies, and did book of the Bible studies on my own, but I was never super consistent. This year, I have learned the value of being in the word daily, and God has taught me so much about the Bible through my reading. I have read the entire Bible through a few times before, yet I still love that every time there is something new to take from it.
• Found a new church where I feel that I belong and experience the Lord each Sunday. - In January I began consistently attending a new church after a two year search. I have gotten involved in the young adults Bible study, made new friends, and learned so much more about the Lord and His Word. I became a member of the church in September, and we hosted a worship benefit in honor of my friend JP in October.
• Traveled to Peru for 5 weeks with the intent of it being my last trip for a while. - Going into my trip, I felt the Lord asking me to let go. I went to Peru with the intention of hanging out with friends, volunteering with Kids Alive, and saying my good-byes to all. However, the Lord wasn't asking me to let go completely, He was simply asking me to be willing to let go of certain things to experience others. This trip to Peru was by far one of the most amazing ministry experiences I have ever had. The memories I hold from the translating medical trip to Huaraz will be with me forever.
• Discovered contentment in my career. - While I have truly enjoyed my three years at NPE, I haven't felt confident of my work and my abilities until this year. I guess three years teaching the same grade and two years with the same partner does that to you. I'm truly enjoying teaching this year, loving my students, and for the first time not feeling super overwhelmed and unsure of what I'm doing. 
• Feared I was losing my mom. - So maybe this isn't the happiest of all moments this year, but it did teach me once again the amazing power of prayer. Mom left work (unbeknownst) to me on Sept. 19 around 10 a.m. to drive herself to the ER for chest pains. I found out about 11:00 after a few trips to the office and a text from my dad. I worried all day, and prayed while forcing back tears and continuing to teach my class of 25 students. Mom remained in the hospital for a little more than 24 hours at which time the diagnosis was unclear...heart failure yes, cause was undetermined. I sat with Mom and Dad in the hospital for about 5 hours on Tuesday and about 8 hours more on Wednesday. Aside from being shot at while climbing a mountain in Peru, these 24 hours were probably the scariest of my life. I prayed fervently for Mom to be healed, my parents are too young to die. This experience taught me the divine power of prayer.
• And lastly, as a result of the process I've been through this year and the contentment I found, the Lord has opened a door I thought was long closed. - After much stress, joy, uncertainty, excitement, anxiety, and cheers the Lord provided my dream come true. I firmly believe all of the above events had to happen in order to prepare me for what lies ahead. I'm moving to Peru in August!!!

I've found contentment in seeking the Lord with my entire self. I've learned what that looks like, and I've learned how to do it like never before. I've seen the work of the Lord, and I've heard Him speak to me many times. I've felt His embrace, and I've sung my heart out in praise to Him. He has sustained me this year, and He has blessed me beyond what I deserve. 

So here's a salute to the end of a wonderfully, frustrating, joyous year. It's been hard, it's been fun, it's been lonely at times, and it's been full of life during others. As the year ends in just two more days, I can't help but smile at how amazingly, challenging and adventurous 2013 will be.

I Listen to Music and Think Too Much

Sometimes in the evenings when everything is put away, after dinner is made, eaten, and cleaned up, and school work is done, I prefer not to watch the brain draining television, but to listen to music and relax. Some nights relaxation comes in the form of lying on my couch with a blanket reading a book, other nights it includes chats with friends in other parts of the world, and still on evenings like this one, I find myself just lying here; no book to read, to friends online to chat with, and no desire to do much of anything but exist and absorb the goodness of peace and quiet all while resting in the arms of my Savior.

As I lie here, the songs that are randomly playing on Pandora could not be more perfect; each one matching a current situation I am facing myself or walking through with a friend. I am overwhelmed by God's goodness, His mercy, and His perfect plan for my life and the lives of my friends. As I rest in His arms, I can't help but smile knowing that no matter what joys and trials experienced here on Earth, they are minuscule in comparison to the greatness of my God and the amazingness of my eternal home in heaven.


As "Even If" by Kutless played a while ago on the radio I couldn't help but think about JP (Juan Pedro) and the predicament he still finds himself in. He's been to doctor upon doctor, one specialist after another, yet still there has been no cure that can be done in Peru aside from prescribing more medicines which sustain his current health without really fixing anything. Last week my church was able to send $2000 to him, which was raised through the Martin's Coupon fundraiser and a night of prayer and praise benefit done at my church. We don't know what the next step is for JP. He has one doctor left in Peru that may be able to help, and if not his only other option would be to travel abroad to seek more advanced medical attention. "Even if the healing doesn't come, and life falls apart, and dreams are still undone, You are God You are good, Forever faithful One." Even if physical healing doesn't come to JP's body, we can rest in the fact that God is still God and He is faithful. His plan for JP's life is bigger than anything we as humans can comprehend.

A few songs later, I was overcome with joy, memories, and stress as I listened to "Este es mi Ano" by Tercer Cielo. This song was my theme song beginning 2012. However, the way I interpreted the song wasn't at all how my year turned out to be. In a lot of ways, this was my year. The Lord has worked overtime in my life, and I have grown so much in my faith this year. My trip to Peru was very different than any trip I'd ever taken, and I discovered a new kind of passion for missions and translating. Add to that a very different classroom dynamic this year which has been a blessing considering it's my last year at NPE (for a while), and I would say this has been a pretty amazing year. As the song translates, "This year will bring better things for me, and I am ready to live with passion and without fear. I will live an intense year because I will go in search of my dreams." In reality, I did live a very different kind of year with this song frequently playing in the back of my mind. However, rather than searching out my dream (of moving to Peru) I let it go. I taught myself to be content in the place the Lord has placed me, and for the first time in a long time, I have truly enjoyed living in the USA. Yet, just when I found my complacency here, the Lord opened the door to my dreams in a way I never would have imagined. I am thrilled to be moving to Peru in August of 2013!

Lastly, I was overcome by the song "You Are" by Colton Dixon. I've heard this song quite a few times on the radio in recent weeks; however, tonight it truly captured my attention like never before. " If I had no voice, if I had no tongue, I would dance for you like the rising sun. And when that day comes and I see your face, I will shout your endless glorious praise. You are the song I'm singing. You are the air I'm breathing." I pray that this song would be my lifestyle. I desire nothing more than to live like a fool for my Savior no matter who is watching. I want the Lord to be the song in my heart, the bounce in my step, and the joy of my smile. He is mine, and I am His and that is all that matters on this Earth.

Those are just a few of the songs that have captured my attention tonight. It seems as if every song that plays touches my heart. I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, despite my freezing fingers and toes (because I refuse to turn my heat above 62 or it runs all the time).

I'll leave you with just a few more lyrics that just came on the radio. 

The fullness of Your grace is here with me

The richness of Your beauty's all I see

The brightness of Your glory has arrived

In Your presence God, I'm completely satisfied

For You I sing I dance

Rejoice in this divine romance

Lift my heart and my hands

To show my love, to show my love

A deep deep flood, an Ocean flows from You

Of deep deep love, yeah it's filling up the room

Your innocent blood, has washed my guilty life

In Your presence God I'm completely satisfied

The Lord's Timing is ALWAYS Right

In August 2013, I will be changing geographical locations and moving across the equator. No, this does not come as a result of the election results; although they were unfavorable in my opinion. This decision has come after a random email one September day and nearly two months of intense prayer asking that the Lord would slam the door shut if it were not meant to be. However, He didn't slam the door; in fact, He has left it wide open!

If you have kept up with my blog, you probably already know that since my sophomore year of high school I have dreamed of teaching overseas. My dreams were crushed by a professor my junior year of college, a professor who went as far as attempting to persuade me that teaching wasn't my forte. This professor, my practicum advisor, had me in tears more than once, and my residents (I was an RA that year) always knew when I had met with this particular woman. After graduating university and a second mission trip to Peru, I was reminded of my dream to live and teach in South America, and the Lord provided an opportunity to do just that for a short time from August - December in the year 2009. Ever since this experience I've dreamed of going back; yet the more I prayed, the more I felt the Lord saying, "not right now."

I have found comfort and joy in working at New Paris Elementary for the last three years. Since acquiring a third grade position at NPE, I have always said that if I have to be in the USA there is no place I'd rather be.  However, my dreams of returning to teach in Peru never subsided. Since January 2010, I have prayed for an opportunity to return to Peru to teach making a sustainable wage while also being involved in ministry outside of the school day.

In June I quit praying to return to Peru. Having moved into my own apartment in January, and feeling confident in my position at work, I decided I would let the Lord open the door when it was His time, and if He never did, I would be content. I remember going for a run, one morning in early June. I left my iPod at home; it was just me and God. I cried out to the Lord and prayed that His desires would become my desires. I told him that I was no longer going to pray for a teaching position in Peru, but that I would wait for Him to open that door in His timing, if it were His desire.

You may recall posts leading up to my trip to Peru in which I stated this year was my year for closure and good-byes. I treated it just as that, too. I had been offered two opportunities for interviews while in Peru, both of which I turned down - one at a Catholic school and the other at a missionary school in which I would be responsible to raise all of my funds. I left Peru feeling confident that Goshen, Indiana was right where I belong, and I started into the school year by consuming myself with work as not to meditate on my time in Peru. 

On September 10, everything changed. I was contacted by a school I had actually interviewed with in 2009; however, at the time the only position available was a preschool position. This time they asked me to apply for a 3rd/4th grade position. I expressed my concern of the school year beginning in February in Peru and not being able to leave my job here until June. The response I received was exciting: "We wouldn't need you until July, in time to start our 2nd semester." I asked about the pay, and I learned that after taxes my net income would be considerably more than I am making here. At first I wanted to run, to say no, and to continue life as normal, ignoring the whole ordeal. I am supposed to be here, remember?

However, the longer I let it sit and prayed about it, the more I felt the need to apply. I talked with a few Godly people whose opinions are dear to me, all of which told me this was the perfect opportunity. Upon telling my parents, my mom freaked out, and my dad didn't say much at all. I knew that would be my most difficult conversation before I even had it. I applied for the job on September 24th, and I was offered an interview on October 29. 

The whole time I prayed for an obvious sign if this were not the right thing for me. I asked the Lord to slam the door shut or to provide complete peace. After my interview I felt very confident that this opportunity was indeed from the Lord, and I waited patiently (checking my email every hour) for a response. Finally, on Monday, November 5, I received the email I had been waiting for...I was offered the job. I accepted the offer last evening.

I am thankful that I have nearly 9 months to prepare myself for the move to Peru. I know it isn't going to be easy saying good-bye, cramming what I can into 2 suitcases and a carry-on, and packing up the rest of my belongings to sit in boxes for 2.5 years. However, I have no doubt in my mind that the Lord is going to do great things in my future. I knew all along that ...este es mi ano!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me! I would love to answer them! :)

JP Update

The first week of September, the Peruvian doctors returned from a strike, and JP was admitted to the hospital for observation. The doctors ran some more tests on his kidneys, liver, and heart during the time he was there. The doctors observed him for about a week and then he was sent home. The doctors said that because of the strike, there were many waiting for various surgeries. Due to the many waiting, JP was told they wouldn't be able to operate for a few weeks, so he would rest better (and save money) by resting and waiting in the comfort of his own home. JP returned home to wait on September 12th.

At this point, JP was feeling very down and frustrated. One evening when we chatted online, he said he felt that the devil was attacking him. He said it seemed to be one bad thing after another, and the doctors just keep him waiting with no direct answers. However, after my conversation with JP today, he seems to be in much better spirits. He was laughing quite a bit at my not funny statements, and he was much more talkative than he has been the last few times we've chatted. (Maybe it's the drugs he's taking.) Anyways...

Last last week, JP was called and admitted to the hospital again. The doctors have done more tests and discovered that his liver seems to be in normal, working condition. This is a HUGE praise, as at one point they were discussing the possibility of a liver transplant. The doctor said from here forward the timing is all up to JP's decision making. He will undergo more analysis this week with the plan to operate on his kidneys early next week. This operation will help to alleviate the swelling in his hands, feet, face, etc. as well as solve any other problems he is having due to kidney failure. At this point, the doctors believe they can save both kidneys, but there is a slight possibility that only one will survive.

After the kidney surgery, JP will remain in the hospital to heal for approximately two weeks. During this time, the doctors will continue to observe his heart. He will also be prepped for the heart operation. Doctors are hopeful that they will be able to do the heart surgery and close the hole in his heart the last week of October. JP told me today on the phone that the doctors explained to him that because he is young (32 years old) and has led an active lifestyle, he should come out of the surgery and recover quickly.

There will be a Worship Night at Living Gospel Church on Sunday, October 14th at 7pm. We will be taking a love offering to help offset the costs of JP's surgery. We will also have Martin's coupon books for sale; these contain over $80 in coupons, and you only pay $5. If you are interested in either of these events, please let me know!

Please remember JP in your prayers this month. He's got a long month ahead of him, but with an outlook like his, I'm sure things will go just fine. I am so grateful for a God who comforts, heals, and provides. I am also thankful for each of you who are prayer warriors for JP during this difficult time).

God bless you!

Little Did We Know

The Background Info

A little over a month ago, I witnessed God's protection in a way I'd never before experienced. I saw my life flash before my very eyes as gunshots were fired at my friends and I. We darted down the mountains we had spent the previous two hours climbing, and only by the miraculous protection of our Lord and Savior did all 8 of us escape without even a scratch. Did you read that post? It's titled "God is  My Protector" and is two posts prior to this one. If you haven't read it yet, you probably should.

Looking back, I can't hardly believe it actually happened. It seems so surreal, like sometime straight out of a movie. Yet it was real life; I lived it fully. I am still amazed at the protection of the Lord that day. Not that I doubted His abilities or anything; I am humbled every time I think of that day.

Little Did We Know

My friend, Juan Pedro (age 32), who went climbing with us that day, was even closer to death than any of the rest of us. You see, he'd been having health problems for a few months prior, but the doctors had done tests, put him on medicines, etc. and nothing seemed to be working. His body would (and still does) swell randomly, he gets dizzy and short of breath, and other normal body functions just didn't seem to be working properly. Being into extreme sports in his earlier years, it has been quite a lifestyle change for him to be weakened, swollen, and sedentary. 

The day we went climbing was his first strenuous activity in a few months. He had taken pills, and ensured me that he would be fine. He refused to stop for a breather, and he pushed on all the way up and back down. It was only afterwards that he was honest and said that he didn't think he was going to make it, especially once the shooting started. 

Recently, the doctors have discovered that he has a hole in his heart between the left and right ventricle. He needs an urgent operation to close the hole so that his heart will function as properly as possible once again. Without the surgery, his life looks grim, but the doctors are hopeful that this surgery will solve most of his other health problems. 

The problem is the surgery is estimated at $20,000 not including all of the prior tests and medicines that the doctors have experimented with. This price also assumes that this one operation will be sufficient. JP has exhausted his medical fund (I'm not sure how Peruvian insurance works), and he cannot afford the surgery on his own. 

What YOU Can Do

There has been a fund set up in Juan Pedro's name to help raise money for him to have this surgery. I am amazed at the uniting of the Body of Christ for my dear friend. There are two benefit concerts in Peru next week in which all proceeds will go towards JP's surgery. There have also been other donations made to help with the expenses. However, there is still a long ways to go to raise $20,000 (or nearly 60,000 Soles - Peruvian Money).

My Bible study group is planning a bake sale and possible car wash to also raise money for JP receive the necessary medical attention. Once those details are confirmed, I will forward on the information if you would like to help out. Or if you would like to help out by simply sending a donation, you can comment on this post, and I will get you the information on how to do so.

However, the most important way you can help out, would be through prayer. As you can imagine this is a very trying time for my dear friend. He is a believer, and we have had many discussions about God's plans, His protection, and His healing. Juan Pedro recognizes that whatever the outcome, the Lord is in control, and He boasts that through all of this, the Lord will never leave Him. As you pray, pray for the well-being of JP (stress, nervousness, weakness, health, etc.), pray for the Lord's will not man's, pray for wisdom in the doctors, and for the surgery -whenever it might be- to go well without any major complications. Also, keep his family and friends in your prayers as they walk side by side him throughout this process.

I must admit, it makes it even more difficult to be here, knowing my friend is passing through these trying times, but I am grateful for technology in which I am able to chat with him a few times a week to see how things are going. I am also thankful that technology enables me to help from afar not only through prayer, but by wiring money down to Peru. As I've told JP, even though I am not able to physically be by his side during this time, my spirit is with him, and he is always in my thoughts and prayers. 

Remember, if you are interested in helping with a monetary donation, please comment to this post, email, Facebook, or text me (if you have those contact informations), and I will let you know what you need to do in order to do so.

And just for fun, here's a picture of JP and I taking a break on our way up the mountain. :-)

Headed Home

The last few days seem to be a whirlwind. Things didn't go as planned {typical in Peru}, but in the end, the days were just what I needed. Saturday and Sunday were calmer, soothing days which allowed me time to unwind, pack, and get together with a few people who had been there for me throughout my time in Peru this year.

Saturday I wandered the artisan markets in Miraflores, yet I bought nothing. After 6 times in Peru, everything starts looking the same. Saturday evening, friends were busy with family parties for Independence Day, so I met my friend Javier and we had dinner on the third floor lounge of Rustica. I liked the environment and the company. It was a comfortable ending to a very busy month.

On Sunday I headed to Manchay for church with some friends I had met on the trip to Huaraz. I enjoyed the church service and the smaller, intimate atmosphere of the typical Peruvian church. Camino de Vida where I normally attend, didn't draw me in this year as it has in the past. God opened my eyes to more, and He lead me away from the "mega-church" setting to a more intimate, passionate group. The churches in Huaraz and Manchay helped me to understand more about the need for a body of believers to work together.

After church in Manchay, I met up with a few friends for lunch. After eating my final Peruvian meal, we went to the theater to see Brave, wandered around the mall, and ate ice cream. Last evening, my friend Hector called, and I met him near my apartment to visit one last time before my departure this morning.

Now here I sit in the San Salvador airport for 5 long hours awaiting my next flight to Guatemala; then it's on to Chicago where my parents and Kelly plan to joyfully welcome me home at 1:50 a.m. (Chicago time). Okay, joyfully may be an exaggeration as I'm sure we'll all be dragging our feet, trudging along in spite of fatigue and exhaustion. However, there's just something warm and fuzzy that warms my heart as I think about being home. For the last two days I have been dreading leaving Peru, fighting back tears each time I departed from friends. Saturday evening, alone in my bedroom, I cried until I lulled myself asleep. It's not easy saying good-bye. It's not easy leaving behind the ministries and people that have so deeply touched me and changed me over the course of the last 5 years. However, it's a reality I face year after year.

Now with one flight behind me and two more ahead, I wish more than anything to be home. I can't wait to embrace my family, to share with them the stories that changed my life this summer. You know those stories you've read here on my blog? They sound so much better in person! I can't wait to have a home-cooked, American meal; although I do love Peruvian food. And I'm excited to sit in my own apartment, use my things I've worked hard for, and reflect over my time away all while being swept up in the busyness of starting a new school year.

I am so privileged to have the opportunity to travel each summer to Peru. Summer missions was part of the reason teaching was so appealing to me as a young college student. The more I get involved, though, the more I realize my heart for ministry and the paths that could potentially lie ahead of me. It's all part of a waiting game; missions organizations only accept you with little debt. Unfortunately, my amazing college experience created more debt than most organizations allow. I really don't want to be on the teaching field overseas; I do that in the States. I'd rather work in full time missions of some aspect. In God's time, I trust He will reveal His perfect plan for me.

Thanks for following along on my journey in Peru this summer! Here's to 10 months of teaching in the States!

God is my Protector

I'm honestly not ever sure where to begin telling of the events of Thursday, July 26, 2012...the day I certainly thought my life could be forever alterted if not completely over. I don't even think words are sufficient to describe my gratitude to the Lord for his protection over myself and my brothers in Christ that day. It was definitely a day that woke up my soul, reminded me of how fragile life can be, and caused me to cry out for help in a way I've never before done. I was full of panic, crying inside without shedding a tear, and desiring to pray but lacking words in both English and Spanish. You know how they say at the moment when life is almost over you see everything flash before your eyes? That is exactly what I experienced Thursday. I heard my grandfather saying, "You're going to get killed in that country." I thought of my family and how I hadn't truly spoken to them in days, and I thought of my desire that when I'm gone people would say, "She truly loved the Lord wholeheartedly." (Sorry Mom and Dad if this freaks you out; really I'm okay. No casualties occurred which you will discover as you continue to read.)

Thursday started out as any other day. Having only gotten about 4 hours of sleep (and not good sleep) the night before, I woke up at 7:00 to go climb a mountain with friends in Manchay. Since The Oasis Center (the ministry I help with in Manchay) had vacations, some of the staff, a summer intern, and I decided to climb the mountains (el cerro) around the Family Center. We gathered at the Oasis around 9:15 a.m., we filled our bags with mandarins, bananas, and water, and we headed out and up the mountains around 10 a.m.  We had plans to climb to the tower at the top of a far off mountain, a 2 hour climb. However, due to fog and other blockades, we never reached the tower. Instead, we simply hiked further and further up and around the mountains until we were forced to descend.

It was a fun journey, although very difficult at times. We stopped to take an occasional break, and we talked throughout the trip. We helped one another climbing as needed, and we laughed along the way. At one point Liberato turned to me and said, “I remember when you didn’t speak Spanish and you never talked. Now you talk a lot.” I wasn’t sure how to take that, but everyone chuckled, and my dear friend Mary told me she likes that I openly talk now unlike before.

About an hour into our journey we reached signs that read: “Mining Session, Silence, Prohibited to Pass” The signs had fences blocking off the area behind them, so after much discussion, we decided to continue on the path in front of the signs. We were mixed on what to do, but us gringas decided that since the Peruvians climb the mountains every year, we should go with their decision. Little did we know what lay ahead.

We climbed a very difficult path; actually it wasn’t a path at all, but rather it was a bed of rocks that went up the mountain. Upon reaching the top of this bed of rocks, we all gathered together for a bit of a break. We were minding our own business, eating our snacks, and chatting amongst ourselves all while admiring God’s marvelous creation, the little bit of greenery that is found in Manchay, and pondering whether to head back down the mountain or continue further up. As we chatted, we noticed a man at the basin of the mountains staring up at us. Being friendly, we waved and yelled down to the man (jokingly of course) to bring us a car so we could get down.

For a few moments we had a stare-down with him, and we debated amongst ourselves who he was and what he was doing. As we discussed, more people joined him, and we soon realized they were armed with guns. A few of the Peruvians wanted to go down and meet face to face with the men and tell them we were just out for a friendly hike, but my gut told me that would be the wrong choice. I knew our only option was to go down the way we had come up; it was a dangerous descend, but we had to go fast. Before we were even halfway down the mountain, five men had gathered in the exact spot we had been sitting and began firing shots at us.

I’m honestly not even sure how we escaped, all 8 of us and not one even being touched by a bullet; one passed directly above my head. When I heard it, I dodged behind a large rock where I had a mini panic attack. As I sat, Mary saw a bullet pass in front of her eyes, and she knelt beside me crying out to the Lord. I wanted to pray, but nothing escaped my mouth. All I could think was, “Dios mio, cuidanos!” {My God, take care of us!} I thought of my family, how they would hear the news of my injuries or even death, and I thought of the things in life I have yet to accomplish: marriage, children, full-time missionary, etc. We sat for no more than 2 minutes before we all hopped back up and continued down the mountain. Shots continued to come at us as we rushed to “safety” at the bottom of the mountains where the streets were more populated.

Upon arriving at the bottom, we talked with the “watchman” who told us that a few weeks ago there had been an invasion of people wanting to steal homes from the people in this specific area of the mountain. The men have been told if they see anyone climbing the mountain they are to do whatever it takes to get rid of them. Little did we know, we had crossed over onto private property, and these men were simply following the directions they had been given.

Even as we walked on the road back to the Oasis Center, we could still see them men at the top of the mountain, and we continued to hear the occasional sound of shotguns being fired. Once inside the safe haven of the Oasis, we all gathered together, and each one of us offered up a prayer of thanksgiving for the protection the Lord had provided us.

As steep as our dissension was, there is no possible way each one of us could have physically made it down that mountain as fast as we did without falling and getting hurt. Aside from that, with over 50 shots fired, some passing right before our very eyes, I can’t help but know that God had his guardian angels surrounding us like a shield. The Lord had every detail in his hands, and he protected us the whole way. People who had said they would come hadn’t. For them their absence {while they were missed} had been a blessing in disguise; the Lord’s protection over their situations. Those of us that had gone, were physically strong enough to handle both the climb and anxiety that came with the dissension. The large rock behind which I hid could not have been better placed in order to throw off the shooters even if only for a few moments as we gathered together and took a breath in order to continue.

My God is a God of love. He is my protector, and He is always faithful. He plans my steps before I take them, and He offers me the free will to choose the path in which I take. While I may not always make the best or right decisions, He uses all things for His glory. He has brought me through valleys and times of doubt and difficulty to mountains steep where I am able to shout of His goodness. He is always with me, He always hears me when I call out to Him, and He has provided me with more in this life than I deserve.

While tragedy awaited me (and my friends) Thursday, the Lord has bigger plans for us. He permitted each one of us to escape unharmed with a story to tell. He gave each of us another day of life. He used this experience to awaken my soul and remind me that He has every detail in His hand. I was reminded that the Lord is always by my side even when I can’t feel or hear Him. Most importantly, I was reminded that nothing in this life matters apart from my salvation in Christ.

As a friend said earlier this week, “If you are not living to serve, your life is not worth serving.”
The events of Thursday definitely cause me to think twice about the purpose of my life. Am I here simply to enjoy myself, do things I want to do, and live selfishly? Certainly that is not the purpose of the Lord. My job on this Earth is to serve people, to love them as Christ loves me, and to do whatever I can to bring more people into His kingdom.

If this story of the Lord’s protection serves the purpose to share with the unsaved to help them comprehend how deep the Father’s love truly is, then I will tell it until I truly do find myself on my death bed. Or perhaps this event only happened to awaken my spirit. Either way, I cannot effectively communicate how grateful I am for the Lord’s protection and faithfulness daily. If you don’t know him as your personal Savior, Counselor, and Confident please feel free to ask me any questions you may have. I don’t have all the answers, but I do believe I’ve got some pretty good evidence the my God certainly is real. There is no other way to explain the outcome of Thursday’s events.

Just for fun {for those of you not on Facebook}, here's a few pictures from our adventure.

Love these people!

We made a great team :)

{Picture taken at the very beginning of our climb.}

Manchay from above!

It's a growing city, and God opened my eyes, mind, and heart to the people there this year more than ever. I <3 Manchay!!

A view of the path the lies ahead.

This was the easy, flat portion of the journey.

It wasn't all this easy going...

This picture is taken from above. We are literally crawling up the mountain.
There was no path to follow, and it was super steep!

This should have been our warning to turn around and head back.

But we continued on, and found a nice grassy area to relax for a bit.

This was our last rest before we went running down the mountain the same way we had come. 

Once we got down the mountain we saw this notice:

Private Property!

We were all in a bit of shock after our little adventure.

Aside from the "attack", we had a blast!

It was fun to be able to laugh over lunch about our little outing.

Of course, during all the laughter, we continued to praise the Lord for the protection he provided us.

El Tiempo Pasa Volando - Time Flies By!

Wednesday was a pretty relaxing day. After more than two weeks of having an annoying headcold (I’ve had a lot of “sickness” this year in Peru), I finally went to the pharmacy where I was able to tell my symptoms and receive medication without going to a doctor for a prescription. I enjoyed lunch with a friend, ran a few more errands, and went to the Kids Alive apartment to prepare for a Worship Night among friends.

I helped the Kids Alive interns bake cake, cookies, popcorn, and caramel corn, too. We ordered Papa Johns pizza for 25 people, and we enjoyed a glorious night worshiping the Lord and talking among friends. As in the past, Juan Carlos shared a mini-lesson from the Bible. This specific night we talked about our spiritual gifts. Juan Carlos shared the difference between gifts and talents, and he discussed how we see the fruit from those gifts. My favorite quote from the night was, “If you are not living to serve, your life is not worth living.” It really made me think about my purpose in this life, my time here in Peru, and the upcoming school year in which my job is to serve my students.

After ending the Bible study around 10:30 p.m. we sat around and chatted for a while, stuffed ourselves with more food, and headed home around midnight. I hand-washed a few clothes and crawled under my covers around 2 a.m. only to wake up at 7 a.m. Thursday to climb the mountains of Manchay. (See post entitled God is my Protector {July 29, 2012} for this story.)

Thursday evening I decided to go to Pachacamac one last time to hang out with the kids in the Kids Alive Juniper Tree home. Before travelling to Pachacamac, I went to the interns’ apartment to shower since we were all dirty from our trip up the mountains earlier in the day. From the team apartment, we weren’t sure what bus to take, so I asked the driver if he went to the place where we would need to switch buses. He told me yes, so myself and the two interns hopped on the bus. However, halfway through Manchay we were the only three on the bus, and the bus driver refused to go any further. The cobrador (money collector), stopped a bus that was behind us, and told us that bus would take us where we needed to go…we didn’t even have to wait for a bus, it was just there! The bus change location isn’t necessarily safe for three white girls after dark, but again thanks to the graciousness of our heavenly Father, the next bus we needed to get on was there waiting when we got off the bus we could take no further. We hopped in and headed to Pachacamac.

The girls are gone to camp this week, so we hung out with the boys for a bit before they went to bed. The interns and I decided to spend the night so that we would be there this morning (Friday) to play with the kids a bit more. We woke up around 7, went in search of food on the street as we didn’t want to eat the fish the boys had caught yesterday and were excitedly eating for breakfast.
We took the boys to a local skate park where we watched them play around for about an hour. Afterwards we walked to a bakery, and with ministry money, the interns bought a slice of cake for each boy. We returned to the home, helped prepare lunch, and ate altogether before I headed back home.

Tonight I headed downtown Lima with my friend Gisell. You may remember her as my friend who spent time in Cusco with me last year. We did a bit of shopping, ate a delicious chicken dinner, and bought desserts from the street vendors. The city was packed as tomorrow (Saturday) is Independence Day in Peru, and the city officials were preparing the streets for the president’s speech as well as the city march.

Aside from the stressful situation of climbing the mountains Thursday, this week has been amazing. Even the mountain climbing is a fun story to tell, despite the tragedy that could have occurred. This place is home…5 weeks seems as if it’s only been a few short days. Huaraz seems to have happened ages ago, and already my despedida {good-bye outing} is tomorrow - Saturday.

 I’m ready for routine again, consistency in my schedule. However, in no way am I ready to say good-bye. God has opened my eyes to a very different side of Peru this year, especially through my trip to Huaraz. He has taught me to trust him in moments of need as well as in moments of confidence. I have been humbled more than once in ways I cannot appropriately describe, and my heart for Peru is stronger now than before {if that’s possible}. I have made new friends, yet again, and I have not been able to reunite with some old friends. This year has been a very different experience in Peru, but it has been everything I needed and more.

Here’s to two more days in this amazing country, my home away from home! My flight leaves from Lima at 10:30 a.m. Monday, and I arrive in Chicago at 1:50 a.m. Tuesday! I’ll fill you all in on my last days upon returning home!

Thank you for your continued prayer support during my time here in Peru. I wouldn’t be here without all of you back home supporting me on my journey!

Living the Busy Life

I haven't had much time to sit recently, so therefore, there hasn't been much time to update my blog. I finally uploaded my Huaraz pictures to Facebook last night. Today I am just relaxing a bit. I have lunch and dinner plans, but aside from that, I'm just taking things easy. I leave on Monday for the USA, and while I want to see as many friends as possible before I go, I'm feeling quite exhausted. Yesterday, I no more than sat down on the bus and as we started moving, I felt myself nodding off. It was all I could do to keep myself awake for the hour long bus ride. It's nice to have a day to wash laundry, upload pictures, balance my checkbook, and chat via Skype with a few of you I've been missing.

Rather than boring you with a long post about everything I've done in the last week, I'll share some pictures/captions with you.

Wednesday

I went with a two of the summer Kids Alive interns to the water park (Fountain Park).

We got into a few fountains and got a bit wet, but we had a blast.

We watched a light show on one of the fountains. 

Reminds me of family vacations at Disney.

Thursday

I hung out in Manchay for the day.

We put up decorations for the Dia Familiar (Family Day).

I traced and painted this poster of the three "people" types in Peru.

At night I hung out in Pachacamac for a few hours with these darling children.

Saturday

I played for Team Oasis in the Volleyball Tournament during Family Day.

We won the first round and lost the second.

I ate way too much food!

I met Juan Carlos's wife and hung out with some pretty cool kids, too!

Saturday evening I went to a wedding with a friend. I didn't know the couple getting married, but it was still fun to see a Peruvian wedding (my first one). Honestly, it wasn't as elegant and decorated as I imagined it would be, but then again the couple was older (mid-30s I would guess), so maybe they just wanted something simple. It was still a nice ceremony, and I had fun. I didn't take any pictures, so unless Javier uploads some to Facebook, I have none to share with you.

Sunday

I went to church with a friend in the morning. She had told me to plan to be there from about 10:30-2 including lunch. I arrived at 10:30, and we had an hour and 15 minute Sunday school hour. Afterwards there was a ten minute break, and the service began at noon. About 2:15 the pastor wrapped up his message on the church in Acts. The sermon was then followed by a baptism which was very similar to what we do in the States. Each person shared how they came to know Christ, and then they were baptized in a tub of water. Finally about 3pm we settled down to eat lunch.

In the evening Wong (a large grocery store in Peru) hosted a parade to kick of the Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day celebrations). Independence Day for Peru is July 28.

We didn't get to see much of the parade because it started at 4pm and we arrived at 6. The streets were crowded, and it was difficult to see over the large crowd. However, the fireworks were awesome (especially since I missed fireworks in the USA both this year and last year).

Look who Trinh and I found to hang out with.

Actually we all planned to meet; however, finding one another was a bit difficult due to the crowds.

Monday

The Oasis Center in Manchay hosted their Fiestas Patria Party. Each classroom dressed up as a province from Peru and did a march around the upper level for the parents.

Mary's class (3 year olds) dressed up in traditional costumes of Cusco.

Here I am with {right to left) Mary, Gabriella (summer Kids Alive Intern), and Tanya (classroom helper).

The intermediate aged kids dressed up in clothing from the coast of Peru.

The primary age kids dressed up in jungle clothing.

They made me march as the Madre de Patria (Mother of Independence).

I lead the 3 year olds in, but they seemed to be shy following me.

A picture with all the staff from the Oasis Center (minus Juan Carlos).

Monday was also Liberato's birthday. I bought a tres leches cake for us to share together after the Fiestas Patrias march was finished. It was the best tres leches cake I've ever had.

No birthday celebration is complete without singing 4 versions of Happy Birthday.

{Two Spanish version, English version, and Chinese}

You also must get a bit of frosting on your face.

Happy Birthday, Liberato!

It's hard to believe that I leave next Monday already. I am not ready to say good-bye to my new friends and old ones alike. It's incredible how quickly these people begin to feel like family. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here this summer, and just like every year it will be hard to leave. It's amazing how every time I return there are new adventures to be had, new ministries to be a part of, and new people to know. I feel at home here; I feel content and happy. Although I also realize, it is one thing to be here a few weeks at a time, be free to hang out whenever I want, and free to do as I please. I'm sure if I were living and working here it'd be a different story. Sometime in the future, I would love to come and do full time missions in an orphanage or some sort of translating evangelism as I did in Huaraz. I guess in time I'll have to wait and see where the Lord leads.

Here's to five more, busy days!

Huaraz {Picture Post}

Day #1 - Cajapampa

Marilu talking with a few of the boys waiting

for the clinic to open.

Even before we arrived a line was forming outside the door.

Every day there were people lined up waiting for us.

Doing knee injections for Arthritis patients.

Translating - Quechua, Spanish, English

The "Peruvian" Team

God is so creative! This sunset was the best one of the week!

Day #2 - Musho

Sharing the gospel with patients after seeing a doctor.

Translating again - Quechua, Spanish, English

The whole group (minus the photographer)

Day #3 - Primorpampa

Putting up a curtain to block off the surgery room.

Dr. Kellner and I worked together Wednesday-Friday.

More evangelism and prayer with patients.

This lady and her son were adorable. 

I got to translate for them.

She was 19 and her son was a year and a half.

School children lined up for worm medicine and vitamins.

Day #4 - Vicos

Working with Dr. Biggs.

This lady said she spoke Castellano (Spanish).

However, the more we talked,

the more I realized she had no idea what I was saying.

Day #5 - Llanganuco

Day off, team worship service by the lake.

Gorgeous setting!

Turquoise water...loved it!

Day #6 - Paccha

House visit for this lady's bedridden son.

Kids waiting patiently to see the doctors.