WoW

Basically the title sums up just about everything going through my mind right now. I cannot even begin to describe all the emotions I've felt over the last few months here in Perú. God has shown me a lot and taught me so many things. It's too bad that I had to be removed from everything "comfortable" in order to experience him in the ways I've met him the last 2 1/2 months. I would not trade this experience for anything in the world, and I am so grateful to each of you for your support.

I absolutely love the time I spend at the Kids Alive home. Honestly, that is why I'm here. Of course I'm "teaching" and using my university diploma, but the kids at the home are what really get me excited. It's nice to walk through the door and be greeted with millions of hugs and kisses, kids begging to be played with, and others begging for help with their homework. (Okay, so maybe I'm the one begging them to sit down and let me help with their homework, but it's all the same, right?) Tonight, the Canadian team shared one last evening with the kids after two weeks of hard labor in Pachacamac (the location of the new home). I was blessed by the children singing 2 songs for the 'despedida' (good-bye) of the team. If you're friends with me on Facebook you should check out the video (thanks to Elise) - and if you're not friends with me, we should probably be friends ;) I can't help but imagine that God was even more blessed by these small yet mighty voices than I myself was.

Now that word is out that I am for sure leaving in December to go home for Christmas, the new question everyone seems to be asking is, "When are you coming back?" It's a question with a complicated answer that right now only God knows. I'm praying for a clear understanding of where I'm supposed to be in the year 2010. You're prayers in this area would be much appreciated!

Not that I'm counting, but...31 student days of school...36 staff days...51 days until I'm home for Christmas.

The Week in Review

This week was a rather relaxed week. As far as I can recall, it was the first week where I haven't felt like I'm running, running, running, from one thing to the next. Of course, I still had things to do nearly every day, but it was a different kind of busy.

With the planning and preparations for the school's anniversary behind me, I can focus my work in the classroom on my students goals and the work they must finish before the end of the year (which is only 34 school days away). In theory, each student should finish a minimum of 60 or maximum of 72 "workbooks" during a school year. Coming in halfway through the school year, I have little control over how many the students did in the beginning of the year. I have some students that have only finished 25 "workbooks" and others that have finished 58. This means I get to really push some of my students to finish stuff, and I get to prepare other materials for the students that are ahead to do. It wouldn't be bad, but the extra activities all have to be approved, and well that isn't always easy to do. I've been having to resort to making my students sit and read (which does help with English comprehension) or make them copy words and illustrations from children's books into their notebooks...yup, that's pretty much what my options are. Next week, the students that are ahead and received an 88 on any test will use the extra time to repeat their old workbooks to ensure they have mastered the concepts in the workbooks.

My students did get to enjoy me slightly panic a bit this week, and they got a mini science out of it, too. Wednesday morning my day began with a student almost in tears because a spider was in her office and she was scared. I don't like spiders either, but being the adult in the situation I had no choice but to suck it up and help the poor kid. As I tried to kill the spider it began to climb up the string/silk hanging from the web created in the window. My kids had all kinds of questions about how that little piece of silk can hold the spider and how the web can hold bugs for the spider to eat. I enjoy their inquisitive minds.
Later in the afternoon on Wednesday, a young bird flew into our classroom. (I guess that's what happens when there is no air and the only way to keep the room cool is to open windows - with no screens- and doors.) It was a beautiful, baby finch that barely knew how to fly. I tried my best to ease it onto a board to move it toward an outside source. I'm not sure who was more scared, the bird trying to get out of the room or myself trying to shew the bird out of my classroom without getting divebombed by it's lack of flying skills. My kids got a kick out of watching me and listening to me screech during the process.

I honestly can say, that while somedays I really struggle with the system I'm in; I can say I have liked having freedom in the evenings to be able to go out and enjoy my time here. My life here would have been a lot different if I had to spend my evenings writing lesson plans and preparing materials. However, I can't wait to be a real teacher and plan lessons and activities that agree with my philosophy and methodologies.

This week I was able to go to the Children's home both Monday and Wednesday evening. I went Monday because there is a team here from Canada, and I knew Wednesday wouldn't be very productive homework wise with the children. However, Monday they had special activities at school, so no one had homework. I enjoyed just hanging out with them and meeting a few of the mission team members. On Wednesday, I helped the kids with homework, had dinner with the Canadian team, and attended devotions with the kids. The team along with some of the kids had put together a worship band for devotions. I enjoyed the change of pace as did many of the kids.

Thursday nights Bible studies are always one of the highlights of my week even though I hardly mention them here. You never know who will show up, but the evenings always prove to be beneficial and hold just what God knows I need. This week we were supposed to finish our study of Galatians, but with a very different and small group compared to normal we ended up just talking. We finished the night with some of the Canadian team members playing piano and violin while one of the Peruvians played guitar and we all sang worship music...some in Spanish, some in English.

I'm looking forward to a very relaxing weekend and most likely a similar week next week. However, if I've learned one thing since I got here it's that you can never be too sure of your plans. Things tend to change in a heartbeat. I kind of like it...it keeps things interesting!

Cuando Dios Abre una Puerta

Sometimes God puts things in front of us, and we don't accept the challenge because it appears too difficult, it seems impossible, or we think our plans are better. Sometimes he opens doors and we don't walk through them because they appear too easy or too obvious. I'm guilty of both, but recently I'm learning to really look at all things that come at me and see God in all situations.

God opened doors for me to come to Perú quite a few times, but it wasn't until I actually came back on a mission trip that I decided it wasn't impossible or too big. I had to check things out one more time and prove to myself I could do it before I was fully convinced that maybe I would be okay. Since coming, I've had a wonderful time, and God has opened many doors that have allowed me to see many parts of Lima and meet many wonderful people. Somedays when I'm out enjoying the city, I don't even feel like I'm hundreds of miles away from everything I used to know.

I'm looking for the right door to walk through for the year 2010. Today I phoned a few Peruvian schools about openings, and I continue to look for openings back in the great state of Indiana, too. I went to a Peruvian friend's home today for lunch, and she handed me a magazine that lists most of the private schools in Lima. I will search through the list and see if any are contact worthy. I continue to pray for wisdom and certainty in whatever decision I make. I want to be where God wants me, but I'm not sure where the door is.

In other news, yesterday I got to enjoy a professional Peruvian ballet (for free) about a mischevious girl whose mother would not allow her to be with the man she loved. In the end they ended up together; it was a beautiful ballet. We had seats in the box on the 2nd level, too. I felt like a celebrity. The theater was gorgeous, also; it was a 100 year old theater with very classic decor.

I have great connections! Thank you to everyone in Perú that has made my first 2 months a wonderful experience :)

Happy Birthday LISofT

Practice...the days leading up to the big day.

My students very much enjoyed being able to

help decorate the classroom.

The stage for the plays. It turned out very nice.

First graders...The Stoning of Steven

First graders...The Conversion of Saul.

Second & Third Graders...Peter in the House of Cornelius.

Second & Third Graders...Peter's Miraculous Escape from Jail

Second & Third Graders...Peter shares the gospel with Mary and Rhoda

It was a very long week, but all of the hard work paid off today. My third week here, I wrote the plays the students acted today. We have been practicing at least one hour each day for the last two weeks not to mention the many days before that learning the Bible stories and teaching the true meanings behind the scripts. This last week my students devoted two entire days to practicing and helping to decorate the classroom. Yesterday the students came a half day for rehearsal. After the students left, we spent the afternoon decorating and preparing the last details for today.

Today we arrived at 8 a.m. to finish up anything necessary. The students came at 10:00 to put on their costumes and run through the lines one final time. The parents rotated into our classroom in three sessions. My students were very tired by the end, but they cheered up when I offered them lollipops for doing so well today. I was honestly impressed with their performances today and their overall behavior. They've come so far in the last two months...it makes a teacher proud :)

My weekend seems backwards. I have Monday off since we worked today, so it will be like having Sunday and Saturday switched. I get to go to a Peruvian ballet tomorrow for free which should be a lot of fun. The husband of one of the teachers I work with works for the theater and received 4 tickets for the ballet. I'm excited to see it. I thoroughly enjoy weekends and getting out to see different parts of the city. Each district has it's own uniqueness...it never gets old.

School Anniversary

On Saturday the school will host its 15th Anniversary Open House.

By tomorrow evening the school will look nothing like

it does when we begin school tomorrow.

Each classroom has presentations.

There is a food competition.

We will have prizes and a raffle drawing.

There is a sports competition between staff and students.

The staff is stressed, the kids are "crazy", and work is hard this week

Your prayers for the success of this event

and the sanity of all would be much appreciated.

I will be sure to update with pictures as soon as I have time to sit and relax...

man, I think I've forgotten what that is after a week like this.

I'll be so thankful to have Monday off from school :)

Time Flies

Today marks the end of my 2nd month here in Perú. I cannot believe how quickly the time has passed, and I'm sure the remaining 2 months and 7 days will go by just as quickly. There's so much still that I want to see and do, but the school calendar doesn't really allow for much time off. I guess I'll just have to make the most of my weekends and fit in as much as possible.

Some things I've learned in the last few months...

• God watches out for us more than we give him credit for.
• Policemen only make $200 a month, and if pulled over they can be bribed.
• Firemen are all volunteer.
• If you choose to wear sandals, you will have black feet even if you just go a block down the road. Don't complain; it's the way of life.
• Just because you order something for dinner, doesn't mean your friends won't want to try it. They will probably finish it off for you too if you don't eat it fast enough. ;) Sharing food is a way of life. It's also very common to order one bottle of pop or jar of juice and the whole table shares.
• Plans aren't definite. You take things as they come.
• There are no rules on the road. What matters is who's bigger and faster. I will say, it is a lot better than my trip in 2007 though. Just stay away from the major roads during rush hours.
• The Spanish language is a lot more expressive than English.
• Perú's history is amazing and diverse.
• And my favorite one: Giving a wrong answer is better than giving no answer at all.

I'm sure I've learned more. In fact, I know I have, but at this moment in time I can't think of anything else. I should start writing things down so that during times like these I can remember them.

Clinging to His Promises

There is not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for his protection and provision in my life. Each day I am reminded of his grace and his sovereignty, his protection and his love. As I reflect back on my week, I can recall multiple times when I was forced into silence and prayer of thanks to God. He is an almighty God, and I'm clinging to his promise that "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

• I heard a few testimonies this week that when put simply "blew me away". God does change lives!
• I am beginning to understand portions of my past that didn't work out quite how I wanted them to, and I'm so thankful now that things didn't go my way. It's often hard to believe it, but God does have a plan that is much bigger and much beter than the plans we often have for ourselves. I'm not a huge Miley Cyrus fan, but multiple times recently her song "The Climb" have resonated within me. /But I gotta keep trying. Gotta keep my head held high. There's always gonna be another mountain. I'm always gonna wanna make it move. Always gonna be an uphill battle. But sometimes I'm gonna have to lose. Ain't about how fast I get there. Ain't about what's waiting on the other side. It's the climb./ I'm so glad that we lose sometimes; God's ways are always better in the end.
• My students are actually beginning to behave themselves for the most part...a huge answer to prayer. I'm very much looking forward to the changes that will come from them in the last two months of school.
• < Mom DON'T read (-: > Tonight on my way home from a day with a friend, my bus was pulled over by the police. Luckily, I was only 2 blocks from my stop, so I decided to get off and walk the rest of the way. The policeman spoke to me from his car as I walked by and asked where I was going to which I simply responded, "This is my stop." He told me to have a good evening, and I continued on. - You can't tell me God didn't plan that one more perfectly...okay, maybe being pulled over at my stop would have been even better, but 2 blocks is nothing to complain about.
• I have been pushed and pulled and challenged in my faith a lot while I've been here and in my preparations before I even decided to move to Peru. A lot of it has been internally, but through it all I have grown so much in the Lord. He is wonderful and his love for us truly does extend to the ends of the earth. The lyrics from the song "Motions" by Matthew West are very dear to me in this season of my life. /I don’t wanna go through the motionsI don’t wanna go one more dayWithout Your all consuming passion inside of meI don’t wanna spend my whole life askingWhat if I had given everything?Instead of going through the motions./

This week overall was a wonderful week. We finished one 9-week grading period, and Friday we had a work day to do grades, organize the classroom for the final grading period, and begin work on the props for the school anniversary. Saturday I went with my co-teacher to get pedicures for her birthday. They don't have all the fancy equipment that we have in the States, but it was a nice, relaxing experience for only 20 Soles (about $7). I spent the rest of the afternoon out with another teacher shopping and enjoying the warm sunshine. Today after church I met up with a friend for the day. We bought tickets to the Hillsong United Concert that is in Lima on November 10, had a delicious Chufa (Chinese) lunch, went to the National Museum, and talked over coffee at Starbucks.

The school anniversary is on Saturday. This week is sure to be a stressful one as we do the final planning and all of the preparations for this special day. I've been told that if I can make it through this week the rest of the school year is a quick, easy downhill slide. Please pray for me as well as the other staff members and students at the school this week. I'm sure by Saturday evening we will all be exhausted.

I took a few pictures at the museum today. Peru's culture and history is so interesting. Having three very different regions (coast, mountains, and jungle) makes it an extremely diverse nation. Enjoy!

A view of the city from the 6th floor of the museum.

Peruvian Pyramids

I'm not exactly sure what this was, but I thought it was cool.

The women are pulling the animals that are carrying the man.

I'm not sure if the guy on top in the center is some sort of leader or not.

I guess I should have asked my tour guide.

There was a whole section dedicated to different kites.

I decided I wanted to fly one today, but this was as close as I got.

Maybe another day, at the beach ;)

My tour guide & friend, Nilton,

with a very culturalistic painting.

Ja-ja!

Just a Thought

Closing school on Thursday for a national holiday and making the teachers come to work on Friday is like a bad joke. It wasn't a bad day, but it felt very pointless to spend my day at school having had yesterday off and tomorrow being the weekend.

Happy Friday!

Feriado: Combate de Angamos

Today was a national holiday; therefore, I did not have to teach. Instead of taking a day off from children, I decided to help out and spend my day with the children at the Kids Alive home while the mamás went to a Women's Conference. We took the kids down the road to gather/pick berries on the side of the street, watched Hannah Montana (in Spanish, which was quite an interesting concept...Imagine Miley Cyrus talking in Spanish.), played outdoors, and played with homemade play-dough. It was a different sort of day, but it was a fun day nonetheless.

Stephanie y Yo

Mercedes y Esther chasing a balloon trying not to let it hit the ground.

Jesus y Michel playing in the sandbox.

Shirley y Rosa

Hockey...The new sport of choice.

Antony y Fernando enjoying the plastalina

Josue making maple leaves...
I told him that Maples were the city tree near where I live near in the U.S. :)

The Touch of a King

Today was one of those days where I was forced to stop and take a deep breath. We serve an amazing God, and I often do not give him the credit he deserves. The last three days have been beautiful days with the sun shining brightly on the mountains and the temperatures reaching into the 70s. Spring is a time of rebirth. I wasn't sure what the would look like in a place where there isn't really a "dead" season for plants, but I've quickly come to love the change of weather patterns. Winter here is so gray and cloudy; however, spring is bright and sunny with hardly a cloud in the sky. It really changes the way things look and bring a fresh perspective.

It's interesting to me how the seasons between the northern and southern hemispheres perfectly align with one another. While trees are beginning to change color in the states and the temperatures begin to become cooler, life is being given to nature here in the southern hemisphere. God is at work in both locations creating a beautiful scenary for each of us to enjoy; he gets the best of both.

I'm reminded of Genesis 2:2, "God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he retsed from all his work." Our weeks are busy; we are busy trying to be everything to everyone, fulfilling assigned tasks, running from one location to another, etc. However, we must make a point to rest. God creates great landscapes for us to enjoy; the seventh day of rest is of utmost importance. Sometimes I find it hard to sit still and relax, but when I do I always leave feeling refreshed and uplifted.

In other news, the new aide in my classroom quit today after only a week of work. She felt that the children did not respect her and was really struggling with the cultural differences between the classroom here in Peru and those in London. She left today at lunch without telling anyone she was leaving and later called the school to inform them that she would not be coming back. God's hand is in the situation; I know exactly what she's feeling, but as I look back I am amazed at how far my students have come in just the two months that I have been here. I guess experience has just taught me that if you stick out the hard stuff the end reward is worth it.

Tomorrow is my last day with students. Thursday is holiday and Friday is inservice. They may switch the inservice to give us a 3 day weekend, but being it's a national holiday I'm not sure it's likely. However, a three day weekend would be nice...maybe a trip to the highlands??? I liked one comment made by a friend that North Americans plan their holidays on Mondays and Fridays just to make the weekend longer. Peruvians like random days off; it fits the random lifestyle.

Here are some pictures for you to enjoy :)

My first graders practicing for the school anniversary. The girls are "stoning" Steven, and Steven falls to his knees begging God for his mercy.

Kids Alive: Antony, Renzo, y Luis showing off their best moves.

How can you not love them? Vanessa and Jesus

Prayer is Powerful

Sorry for my slightly depressing post yesterday. However, I just wanted to say thank you for all of you that have been praying for me. Last week was a very difficult week as you could read from the last entry; however, in the last few days I have received many kind emails of reassurance and encouragement. I spent a lot of time alone with the Lord this weekend, and today was a much better day. I'm so thankful to have such a wonderful prayer support backing me up.

The next few weeks are going to be hectic and stressful, so your prayers would be very much appreciated. Next Saturday, October 17, is the school's big 15th Anniversary party. As many of you probably know, the 15th birthday in Spanish culture is a big deal. The girls have prom-like parties with very elegant dresses and a large fiesta when they turn fifteen. Therefore, the 15th Anniversary of the school is quite a big ordeal.

On the day of the event my classroom will be transformed into a city from Biblical times and my students are working in 4 groups to put on dramas that travel through the book of Acts (the school's book of study this year). My students are doing quite well memorizing their lines and acting their parts. We will present a sample to the administration on Wednesday and make any changes necessary during the next week and a half.

While the dramas are coming along well, the classroom decorations are lacking. We will spend our "in-service" day on Friday preparing what we can, but I've been told many hours will be invested after school next week to really prepare. It could be a very stressful time, and I've been told patience is of utmost importance these next two weeks. Please pray that preparations come together well and the day itself is a huge success.

I will be sure to post pictures of the event when it is finished. You can also be expecting a section of my upcoming newsletter to highlight this event :)

Emotional Exhaustion

The title of this entry pretty much sums up the last week. I’m a thinker, and I have a very detailed way of processing things through my mind. I don’t often act on impulse; I must weigh the pros and cons of most decisions I make. I’m also a thinker in the fact that I analyze people and conversations a lot. In some aspects being thought driven very good thing; however, sometimes I think it causes more stress than necessary.

Brokenness and Frustration: Monday evening I had a very long, interesting conversation with the principal about her trip the previous week to the jungle. She was very impacted by the trip, and she shared much of her thoughts about the trip with me. People in the jungle of Perú do not always receive birth certificates. It’s almost as if they are treated like animals. They bath, cook, wash clothing, and clean with river water where their waste is also carried. The people have so little; yet the communities are close-knit and loving toward one another. Life in the jungle and in the mountains is so different from here in Lima. Sometimes I feel like I’m living in a large city; while it is very different from the states, it is still pretty modernized compared to other parts of the nation.

Pros vs. Cons: Tuesday I talked with the principal about a housing stipend to move out of the school building. They cannot provide that this year, but she offered me a room in her apartment that is about a 10-15 minute drive from the school. She will move there in the middle of this month. Lots of prayer and thought will go into this decision.

Love and Gentleness: I love Wednesday evenings with the kids at the Children’s Home. They’ve moved devotions from Tuesday nights to Wednesday nights which has changed my homework help time a little, but that’s ok. Each week when I arrive I am embraced in hugs and kisses from the children and greeted with friendly smiles by the mamás. No matter how the rest of my week has been, I always feel loved and refreshed when I leave the home.

Loneliness and Sadness: Thursday I was gone from 7:45 in the morning until about 10:45 in the evening. I was surrounded by people all day, but something just wasn’t quite right. I was feeling very lonely. I think being away from everyone that really knows me, my heart, my passions, my desires, being away from everything familiar is getting a little bit harder. Things here are no longer all new and exciting, and I’m beginning to miss all that I took for granted in the States. Don’t get me wrong…I LOVE it here, but it’s not always easy. Just like any other part of life, it isn’t always fun. I miss deep, personal conversations; I miss friends looking into my eyes, knowing something is bothering me, and making me spill my thoughts. I’ve met a lot of great people, but deep, honest relationships take time to build.

Exhaustion, Weakness, and Confusion: My students were not well behaved this week. By Friday I was frustrated, weak, and exhausted. I began counting down the hours to the weekend as soon as I walked into my classroom at 8 a.m. I don’t feel the behavior management system is working with my students; however, because the behavior plan is the plan in the A.C.E. procedures manual, I am forced to use that and only that. The administration does not aide with discipline, and my students don’t care about their behavior. No amount of rewards or consequences seems to matter, and I feel like I have no control. It’s hard to wake up each day dreading another day of teaching. I want to have my passion back, and I believe I would were I in a different school situation.
I’ve begun to weigh options for next year. It’s hard to imagine moving back to the States in December and not returning to Perú for more than a short visit every couple years. However, I’ve checked into a few schools and seem to hit dead ends or haven’t heard back from them. I’m really praying for God’s direction and his plans for my life. I want to be in the center of his will, but I’m confused where that is. I don’t know whether I’m to look for jobs in the States or be more persistent with the schools here.

On a positive note: This week I went to the theater to see Pelham 123. I went out to dinner with a few teachers for their birthdays. Bible Study on Thursday night was enjoyable. I went to the Children’s Home on Friday to help out with sponsorship cards. Lastly, on Saturday I helped one of the teachers move from her home to an apartment across town. After moving, we went to dinner at Chili’s and had a wonderful ice cream treat at a panaderia.

I really do enjoy the casual, unplanned lifestyle I’ve adapted to in Perú. I like just taking things one day at a time rather than having to have every step planned out before leaving the house or a week ahead of time.

The end of the 9-weeks is this Wednesday. I am glad to have Thursday off for a national holiday, and Friday we will work on grades and prepare for the next semester without students present. It’s hard to believe half of the semester has nearly passed. Please pray for the school. Pray for the behavior of my students and my strength and wisdom in knowing how to deal with the discipline best to impact my students for the better. Please pray for my attitude, also.

God's teaching me a lot in many areas of my life. He's opening my eyes more and more each day, to the culture, the people, his plans, and his touch. We serve a mighty God, and it is only by his grace that we may live forever in Christ. His strength helps me to get through each day.

I sent out my 2nd monthly e-mail newsletter this past week. If you did not receive it and would like to please contact me, and I’ll be sure to add you to my mailing list :)