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 :)

Machu Picchu

I attempted multiple times to write this post and fully be able to express the magic of Cuzco that can be felt, especially from within Machu Picchu. However, I am beginning to think that one cannot even begin to comprehend the wonders of this earth, especially Machu Picchu, with mere words; although, I will do my best to convey what I saw and what I felt.


Tuesday
I had told Gisell earlier in the week that we should secure tickets for Machu Picchu. It is peek travel time in Peru as most Peruvians are on winter vacations. However, she insisted that going the day before would be sufficient. Around noon on Tuesday we left to seek tickets to Machu Picchu; our first stop was the train station. Here we found tickets for Thursday, but nothing was available for Wednesday. Knowing we were leaving for Lima on Thursday, we left, unsure where to go next. We went to a few travel agencies, but left each one feeling a little bit worse than the prior. Prices were high, and space was limited.
After about an hour of searching, we decided to stop at a market and look at the artisan items available. As we walked through the market, Gisell came across some earrings that she really liked. She was talking with the lady about the earrings, when we heard Jesus Adrian Romero (Spanish, Christian singer) playing on her radio. We asked if she was a Christian, and we began talking about our churches. Soon she asked me if I'd been to Machu Picchu, and she insisted that we had to go. We explained to her that we had been trying to find tickets, but that we couldn't find any cheap enough or with 2 available for the time we needed to go. She quick closed up her shop, and went with us to her friend who is a travel agent. We worked with her for about 2 hours and finally we had tickets to Machu Picchu in hand. We were so excited!! Thanks to a common bond of Christianity, we were able to secure tickets.


Wednesday
We awoke at 1:55 a.m. because the taxi was coming to pick us up at 2:15 a.m. We quickly readied ourselves for the day, and began to pace in front of the window waiting for the taxi to arrive. At about 2:30 we received a call that the taxi had been waiting for us but left because we were not there. After much discussion the lady asked for our address, and told us that the taxi should be coming back. We ventured outside, to find the taxi a block away waiting.

We arrived just in time to catch the bus which would take us to meet the train. After a 2 hour, bumpy, bus ride up, down, and around mountains, we finally arrived at the train station. Gisell had to take a different train that me because they don't allow Peruvians and travelers to ride together. Her train left at 5:40, and mine didn't leave until 6:40, so I sat and waited. After a 90 minute train ride, I finally arrived in Aguas Calientes at 8:15...the last stop before Machu Picchu.

Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, I was directed into a group with a guide to lead us through Machu Picchu. From here, I would be rejoined with Gisell for the rest of the day. In my group I met a man from Brasilia, Brazil who was also traveling alone. Between his Portuguese and my English we were able to find common ground speaking half English/half Spanish. (I know no Portuguese, and he knows bits and pieces of Spanish and English.) We became friends immediately...they say Machu Picchu unites people.

We took a 30 minute bus ride winding up the mountain to Machu Picchu. We finally arrived at 9 a.m. and I quickly found Gisell and the rest of our tour group. Our guide, Nataly, was very informative and kind throughout our 4 hour tour. We enjoyed the time, made new friends, and marveled over God's creation and the intelligence of the Incas.

After our tour of the Inca ruins, we decided to go with some others from our group to climb the mountain of Machu Picchu and walk the path that the Incas used to enter their great city. We spent about an hour and a half climbing and only made it about halfway. It was a marvelous view that took my breath away. I wanted to sit on top of that mountain all day and worship the Lord of all Creation. Words cannot even begin to describe the feeling I had being high above all surrounding mountains. All that I felt, all that I saw brought tears to my eyes. It was like God spoke directly to me and said, "You see all of this, but I am bigger. I can do the impossible if you trust me." I was overcome by emotions; I was breathless and lacking words. I felt God's embrace as the wind swept past me, and He whispered into my ear. It was an incredible moment that I didn't want to let go of; yet eventually we did have to leave.

Together Gisell and I found a place to sit among the ruins of Machu Picchu and rest, breathe, and admire all that was around us. Here we sat for about 30 minutes in silence and awe. Around 4 p.m. we took the bus back down the mountain. We met up with others from our tour group and had dinner before leaving on the train at 7 p.m. I arrived back at the train station at 8:40 and waited for Gisell's train to arrive at 11:30 p.m. I was very nervous sitting in the station alone at night, but with much prayer and thanksgiving, God did protect me. (You would think that even if Peruvians and travelers couldn't use the same train, they'd at least have similar schedules...only in Peru.)

We finally arrived back in Cuzco at 2 a.m. Thursday morning, and both of us dashed to bed without even considering brushing our teeth or washing our faces. It was an incredible day that I will not soon forget. It is only by the grace of God that we were able to find tickets, safely arrive, spend a fantastic day, and return from Machu Picchu.

Here's a few pictures from the day!

Aguas Calientes...the train station :)

Views from above Machu Picchu!
It took my breath away!! 

A little watch tower that sits above the Inca City. 

The only original opening (door) into the Inca City.

The Temple of the Sun.

Such gorgeous scenery!

Evidence that the Incas weren't done constructing 

their city when forced out by Spainards nearly 500 years ago.

Yup, we went mountain hiking.

A view from the top of the mountain.

Our God is so big, so great and so mighty!
There is nothing that He cannot do!

You can't really see it, but this is a picture of the path we followed.

We arrived at the break in the mountains.

(Left side, V shape)

Gisell and I at the top! 

A view from above of the road that leads from

Aguas Calientes to the mountain of Machu Picchu.

Ahhh, no words can describe how

humbled I felt standing here admiring

this great city.