When Everything Begins to Fall Apart

Today, May 14th, marks one year since Javier and I landed in the U.S. to start this chapter of our lives.  When we were dating, we both knew Peru wasn't our permanent earthly home, but neither of us really knew how long it would be before we would move elsewhere.  I was advancing my career at the school where I worked, and Javier had a steady job which paid well by Peruvian standards, so we lived quite comfortably and were in no hurry to leave. 

Aside from our careers, we volunteered frequently at a local children's home, and we were highly involved in a church plant.  Also, we were the sole caregivers of Javier's grandmother.  To say the least, life was going really well.  We were happy, and we truly felt we were right where God wanted us to be. 

Then...in 2018 everything began to change.  Which looking back, I truly believe was God's way of putting things in order for us to leave Peru; He was kicking us out in a way.

In early 2018, things at the children's home began to change.  Situations weren't handled in the best way, and we, along with others, felt very disrespected.  We were also disappointed and frustrated as we felt our voices and concerns went unheard.  It basically came down to withdrawing our monetary support and visiting less and less.  This pained my heart as the home was what brought me to Peru in 2007 and every year thereafter until I moved to Peru in 2013.  The home was also Javier's childhood home, and still holds a very special place in his heart.  In addition, Javier and I met at the home in 2009, so we grieved the loss of this precious place where we no longer felt welcomed.  We still miss the children who were like family to us, and we hope to reconnect with them eventually.

In June 2018, Javier's grandma began to become immobile, and it was more and more difficult to attend to her needs.  Out of nowhere, a cousin of Javier's offered to take grandma into their home to care for her.  At first, we were unsure of this because we didn't want to take advantage of the family's kindness; however, it was difficult for us to attend to her needs since we were both working full time.  Eventually, Javier accepted, and we moved grandma in with his cousin that July.  It's been a great situation every since!

Also that year, our pastor who led the church plant announced that he and his wife would be returning to the U.S. This couple had known Javier since his late teens and understood his childhood situation which made them easy to talk to through various situations.  They also did our marital counseling; they were an American/Peruvian couple and had become like family.  It was hard to see them go, and while I trusted the new pastor to lead and guide us, our pastor and friend leaving, was another piece of the puzzle.

In September of 2018, things at Javier's work began to become more and more complicated for a variety of reasons.  He eventually took a paid resignation, which was the last piece of the puzzle to kick us in the butt and get us to start the paperwork to leave Peru.

Thankfully, our pastor was/is an immigration lawyer, so before he left Peru, he was able to help us get started on the legal process of moving to the U.S.  We began the paperwork in September, turned in the first round of documents in November 2018.  We were approved for an interview in January 2019.   By the end of March, we announced that we were leaving.

During the time I was in Peru, my family all moved to North Carolina, so we decided that was where we would go, too.  We weren't sure what life would look like in this new place, a place we had only ever visited once.  I began to apply for jobs, but without knowing the school systems here, I only prayed God would provide the perfect school.  Javier was unable to look for work, so he began University studies to fill his time and learn skills that would hopefully help him find a job.

I eventually accepted a job after a Skype interview to find out only two days later that they no longer needed me...it was the most bizarre thing, but looking back it was only God who allowed that to happen because it really wasn't a school I wanted to be in.  One week after arriving, I accepted the job I have now, which has been a perfect fit for me to use my Spanish by teaching English in a Dual Immersion program.  God knew!

Javier had all of his formal resident documents by mid-June, so he too began to apply for jobs.  He had a few interviews and eventually accepted a job as a bus mechanic with one of the local school districts.  Ironically, we both started our jobs on the same day - August 12th.

I'm so thankful my parents allowed us to live with them and helped us out while we established ourselves here, found jobs, and eventually bought our house.  God knew we would need their support through culture shock and reinsertion, and without an income from May-August, it was great to be able to keep our savings rather than paying rent.  Of course, we did help out with some of the bills during this time.

Reflecting on the last year, I'm so thankful we left Peru when we did.  God knew it was time.  He made it clear to us that it was time.  And he has provided every step of the way.  Even on the bad days, it's hard to complain because God has been so good to us! 

COVID-19 Week 1

It's been a while since I've posted here, but rather than make a long post on Facebook, I thought I'd revisit the ol' blog.  God really placed this on my heart to share, so I felt I needed to be obedient.

I honestly believe this time of 'quarantine' serves a deeper purpose.  A.W. Tozer said, "While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a God who hasn't surrendered His authority."  To put this into context, the Monday night, I woke up every hour all night long; I kept having terrible dreams of people I know dying, people fighting over out-of-stock items, or myself being on a ventilator unable to breathe.  It was horrible, but then I saw the quote above on Tuesday.  I've slept like a baby ever since. 

You see, this time is scary, it's unique, and it's worrisome.  We're living a situation most of us have never witnessed.  We're not supposed to go out of our homes unless absolutely necessary, schools are closed, restaurants only serve to-go meals, and malls are empty.  I've always joked that I'd love a job I could do from home, but I never imagined I'd actually be teaching for an extended period of time from the comfort of my own home. 

Yesterday, while I was working I felt the Lord tell me to pray.  I kind of brushed it off, since I was in the middle of emailing some parents, but I couldn't focus on what I was doing.  Then I felt it again, but this time I felt the urge to get down on my knees and pray.  I'm ashamed to admit that I've not gotten down on my knees to pray since I graduated college when I knew I was called abroad to serve, but I really didn't know how to get there...that's been over 10 years ago.  I was hesitant at first, but I did it.

I started not even knowing what to pray for.  I prayed for those who are sick, I prayed for those who will become sick.  I prayed for protection over my loved ones and friends, and I prayed for our leaders to know how to handle this unique situation.  I prayed for my students and their families, too.  Then the words just started flowing...I prayed for an opportunity.  An opportunity for what?  I'm not sure, but I knew God wanted me to pray to be an instrument of Light during this time.  By this point, I knew this was the reason I was on my knees in prayer.

Javier and I have spent the last two afternoons outside working on the lawn, pulling up the weeds and mulch from the flowerbeds, and freshening up our outdoor space.  This time outside has allowed us to connect with some of our neighbors because everyone who walks by wants to see our dog, Orejas.

Then today it happened.  The older gentleman across the street was outside mowing his lawn.  I could tell he was struggling as he was going slowly and stopping every few feet.  I looked at Javier, and I told him he needed to go help the man, so he hesitantly went over and offered to finish mowing for him.  While Javier mowed, the man called me over to see if he could pet Orejas, so I took the dog over for a bit.  We talked, and I learned this man 63-year-old man lives alone, his children are far away, and he suffered a heart attack 2 weeks ago.  He should not have been mowing his lawn, but he knew it needed done, so he thought if he went slow, he'd be fine. While Javier mowed, I shared a little of my testimony...living in Peru, being a missionary, teaching, how Javier and I met, how we ended up in NC, etc. 

Mind you, Javier and I were supposed to go to Florida this weekend to see his "parents" from Canada, but with COVID-19 running rampant, that trip got canceled.  Had we gone, we might not have had the opportunity we had today. 

I'm confident, God has a bigger plan for this time of "quarantine".  I firmly believe this is a time for neighbors to help one another, families to come together, churches to grow deeper in His word and more (all while keeping an appropriate physical distance).  It's time for the church to be the church and rise up to help one another. 

Our church in Peru is having daily prayer times, our church here is live streaming services, and I know other churches are reaching the community in their own ways, too.  It's time to stop talking about attending church on Sunday, but it's time to rise up and show the love of Christ to those around us every day.

God already knew COVID-19 would happen before it did.  He knew it would spread like wildfire among all nations and peoples, and He has a plan behind it, too.  Don't waste this precious opportunity to be the Light to someone else.  

I Once Was Lost

Have you ever lost something so precious and important to you that it caused agony and pain at the thought that you may never find it?

I'm not one to lose things often (which is probably a good thing since my husband can never find anything), but for the last few weeks I have been unable to find the necklace my husband got me for our first anniversary (pictured below). As I searched everywhere I could imagine, purses, jewelry boxes, drawers, etc. I panicked at the thought of not finding it again. I was worried to tell my husband I'd lost it because I still remember his excitement when he gave it to me. And I even searched online to see how much it would cost me to replace it so that he would never find out. To my disappointment, I couldn't even find one like it online.

After nearly 2 weeks of searching, I gave up. I was certain I had either accidentally thrown it out the day I went through empty boxes of jewelry a few weeks ago, or that it had been accidentally placed in the donations bag we sent away for the victims of the mudslides that happened in March. \

Then today, something wonderful happened. While digging through the basket that I keep my nail polish in to find a specific color I haven't used in a while, I found the necklace lying at the bottom. I have no idea how it got there, but I almost cried with relief. And then I told my husband the whole story since he didn't even know it was lost in the first place.

As I rejoiced over my once lost, but now found necklace, a scene played over in my head from earlier this week. You see, I had told a friend about my dilemma and how I wasn't sure if I should tell Javier or not, and her response was not to tell him because he'd probably never notice. She went on to say that I have other nice necklaces she's seen me wear, so to just wear those. 

This comment didn't really mean that much to me at the time. I do have many other necklaces to wear, and I hadn't worn this specific one in over a month, so it could be a while before Javier even noticed that I wasn't wearing it. Yet, at the same time, I was filled with guilt having lost something so important to me, something Javier picked out on his own for our first anniversary - a Canadian diamond set in a sterling silver Canadian leaf because he loves Canada.

Now, having found the necklace, I am filled with relief and joy. You can bet I put it around my neck as soon as I found it, and I don't plan to take it off until I lay down to sleep tonight. 

I can't help but relate this situation to two parables from the Bible - The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, and The Lost Son (Luke 15). Jesus uses all three parables to tell the story of the importance of one sheep, coin, or son repenting and the joy God feels at their repentance despite having many other followers already.

Luke 15:7 - I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not repent. 

Luke 15:32 - But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.

Even though followers of Christ can be found in many places around the globe, there is still work to be done, and God rejoices when even one person comes to believe and trust in Him. As excited as I was to find my necklace, I think God would feel even more joy hearing a new believer cry out his name.

We, Christians, have a lot of work to do. This world is rampant with pain, depression, sickness, hunger, poverty, war, and persecution. People need Jesus, and it our job to rise up and testify of His love and goodness. We are to go to the nations and share the Good News because He is coming back. Look around you, you don't need to go far to share the Gospel, no matter where you are, I'm certain someone nearby needs to hear about Jesus - your neighbor, a friend, a family member, the cashier at the grocery store, the elderly woman trying to cross the street, a classmate or even the garbage man. 

Just as I shared the good news of finding my necklace with my husband, we need to be just as excited (or more excited) to share Jesus with this dark and empty world. Rise up and shine His light!

Matthew 28:19 - Therefore, GO and MAKE disciples!

Peru - The Irony of the Water Crisis

PRAY FOR PERU!!

If you have been following my Facebook at all in recent days, you've probably noticed that Peru is in a serious crisis caused by heavy rains in the highlands which have created landslides throughout the nation. With rainfall reaching nearly ten times the normal amount, landslides are wreaking havoc throughout the highlands and the desert, coastal region.

Crops have been washed away, produce has been lost, more than 60 people have died, and thousands have been evacuated from their homes. Friends of ours are facing the clean-up of such destruction as their house was filled with nearly 3 feet of water, which has since begun to dry leaving clay-like mud on everything it touched.

Ironically, despite the excess rain that has fallen, there is a water shortage in the nation's capital of Lima. Because water is coming down from the mountains with high levels of dirt, branches, and garbage, the water plant is unable to keep up with the purification process. This has led to water being cut in homes throughout the capital for the past 4 days.

Free water distribution sites were set up around the city to give water for cleaning and flushing toilets. People lined the streets for hours waiting their turn to fill barrels and buckets with water. Drinking water is sold out nearly everywhere, and even the places that do have drinking water for sale have begun to charge double or triple the price and limit the quantity one can buy.

There are food shortages as produce has become limited and prices have sky rocketed. Some supermarkets have increased prices of produce more than five times their normal cost. The shelves are nearly empty of non-perishable items.

Preschool, elementary, high school, and university classes were cancelled throughout the nation Thursday and Friday, and they have also been suspended Monday and Tuesday. Some provinces have cancelled classes until April 3rd due to the prediction of more rain in the upcoming weeks.

My heart is broken, but God is teaching me a lesson in gratitude. Thankfully, in our home we have had water for a few hours each day. The pressure hasn't been great, but it's enough time to fill up buckets, wash the dishes, and bathe before it gets turned off again. I've taken a shower (if you can call it that) with a bucket for 3 days now as the water pressure isn't even strong enough to push the water through the shower.

However, yesterday as I was feeling frustrated with the water situation, I was nearly brought to tears by my brother-in-law who had to be evacuated from his home with only the clothes on his back due to the river that flooded the property of the mission where they live. His almost 2 year old son, oblivious to the situation, running around and playing with a smile on his face, and his wife remaining strong even when all she wanted to do was cry.

I was reminded to be thankful - thankful that my house has been unaffected except the lack of running water, thankful that even though the water has been inconsistent, it comes and goes just long enough to save some, thankful that my life has been relatively unaffected by the landslides, thankful that the days off of school gave me time to work on my Master's courses and get ahead on my lesson plans, and thankful that despite my husband's job being at high risk due to the rising sea levels, he has also been safe and unharmed.

It breaks my heart that those most affected are some off the poorest of the nation.  Many farmers have lost their crops, and some have lost animals in the landslides. Those closest to the rising rivers have lost their homes and nearly everything in them. House insurance is nearly non-existent in Peru, and aid isn't always available. My heart breaks for those affected.

I'll leave you with some pictures from the last week. (Most of these I have taken from Facebook and news websites. I hope I don't get in trouble for that!)

 Helicopters taking people from affected areas.

Woman carried away by the landslide escapes by grabbing debris and crawling to shore. 

A cow carried away by the landslides. They think it belongs to the woman above.

BCM (Bible Centered Missions) property after the river overflowed at 2 a.m. Thursday morning. Forty people had to be evacuated.  

The home of my brother-in-law and his family who serve as missionaries at BCM.

 People lined up with barrels and buckets to receive water.

People buying water at the supermarket on Thursday before it sold out and prices tripled.

A Heart Divided

It's been over a year since my last post.

Last year I didn't send newsletters like I had previously done either.

This year will be different...

One of my goals is to post on this blog once a month and another is to send out a newsletter quarterly. 

But that's not the reason for this post, so let's get to the point.

Recently, I've been asked by a variety of individuals both in the U.S. and here in Peru which place feels more like home. Honestly, I hate that question, and I still haven't been able to give a straight answer. Although, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to give a straight answer.

Merriam-Webster defines home as

• one's place of residence
• the social unit formed by family living together
• a familiar or usual setting
• a place of origin

Taking those meanings into consideration, the first leads me to believe that Peru is home, but the last would imply that Indiana is home. The second and third definitions could be applied to either location.

So what is home? In my opinion a home is what you make it to be. My home in Peru and the life I lead here is much different than my home in Indiana and the life I once lead there or the life I currently lead there during my yearly visits.

As I explained to a friend yesterday, Peru is like my grown-up home. It's where I work, have responsibilities, pay bills, take care of and do life with my husband, etc. But Indiana is my childhood home, my security blanket, my inner peace. When I visit Indiana I get to live in the "past" in some ways. Mom and dad let me stay in their house and take care of me while I'm there, I get to see friends I've known for ages, and overall things really haven't changed much.

Yet, at the same time, Indiana is starting to feel less like home each visit. Knowing that I'll probably never live there again (my husband hates the snow and cold weather), it's becoming more of a refuge to escape the lack of safety and the homesickness I feel in Peru, but in some ways I also feel as if I've begun to disconnect from many of the places and things that were once so near and dear to me.

This return trip to Peru has been the easiest adjustment back to life here I've had yet. Except for avoiding the grocery store for the first five days, I jumped right back into life, filling my schedule with friends, events at the children's home and time with my husband. Today was the first day I've sat home and relaxed since I got back six days ago. 

It's good to be back home, but I miss my other home, too. 

I firmly believe that here on Earth, I'll never again have just one home.

But I do look forward to the day when all my favorite people from both "homes" are with me in our eternal home in heaven. 

And because my heart is divided here on Earth, my heart aches to see my lost friends saved. It's hard to miss them during long (or short) periods of separation, but I can't imagine spending eternity without them.