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.

Find a Man Who Adores You

About two weeks ago, Javier and I met a team that had come to work with Kids Alive for a week. This team came all the way from Lake Tahoe, Nevada and was in Peru for the first time. They seemed to be kind group of people as we conversed with them at the children's home and at dinner the following night. They asked the usual questions:

• Where did you get married?
• How did you meet?
• Oh, you grew up here! (to Javier) What was it like growing up in a children's home?
• Have you been to the States? (also directed towards Javier)
• Are you missionaries? / What do you do for work?

Even though this is the typical conversation we have with any international person we meet, I love it. It reminds me of the time I first met Javier. These questions cause me to reflect upon the God divine encounters we had up until I moved here in 2013. It gives me yet another opportunity to hear my dear husband share a bit of his testimony and his passion to mentor and set an example for the children in the home now. And it also takes me back to our time in Canada (as friends) in 2010 and our time in the States and Canada together at the beginning of this year as a newly engaged couple. And then, almost every time at the end of the conversation, Javier proudly takes out his cellphone and shows the new "friend" the video of his proposal, and I become a big ball sappy emotions. 

Every time we go to the children's home the girls are enthralled by my engagement ring. I, too, can't look at it without smiling, even after having worn it for the last 8 months. Not only is it beautiful and beyond what I expected, but it reminds me of a promise we made, to seek after one another, to do life together, and to fight together until our last day. 

As the girls "oooohhhh" and "aaahhhhh" over my ring, and then make similar comments about my wedding band, I have a chance to talk with them. I share with them the importance of finding a man that loves God first, that admires them and encourages them to be a better version of themselves, a man that loves them and enjoys spending time with them, that sacrifices for them, and respects them. I explain the importance of finding a man that values them, not a man that just wants to use them to appease his physical desires or a man that tries to buy their love. 

I have shared with them the beauty of having an engagement ring, and the process of arriving to that point. I've tried to express the importance of waiting for a man who will commit to them through thick and thin rather than a man who runs when times get tough. I've explained to them that the size of the diamond or the cost of the ring isn't what's most important, but it is a symbol. Javier didn't choose the biggest diamond because he wanted to buy my love; rather, he chose the biggest diamond because he wanted me to be proud. He could have chosen the smallest diamond in the world and I would have been happy simply knowing he loved me enough to take that step and commit himself to me for the rest of his life.

How did he design it? He took 3 rings I had shown him and combined them into one because he wanted me to have a ring that had all my favorite features from the 3 rings I had shown him.

So many girls who grow up without a constant male figure in their lives will run to the first man who is willing to pay attention to them. They make poor choices hoping to win the love of the boy chasing them and end up in broken or dangerous situations. My hope is that through the example Javier and I have set and the example of other Godly marriages that surround them, these girls (and boys) will value commitment, desire a Godly marriage, and wait until God brings the right man (or woman) into their lives.

Please pray for these girls and boys that Javier and I feel called to mentor and minister to. Pray that God shows us what His plans are for us concerning how to mentor and our timetables. Pray that the children are able to see something in us that they desire and to make positive life choices.

Let me leave you with the video of our engagement. Any man willing to dress up in a costume of one of your favorite cartoon characters is worth keeping. I have to say, my man is one in a minion!!

Living a Dream - Year #1 Reflections

Do you ever have those days or weeks when you wonder what in the world you are doing in life? Where are you headed? Are you on the right path? Are you following God's will? Why you are where you are?

While I know God has me exactly where He wants me, and I'm living a dream come true, some days are just plain difficult. I miss teaching in the States with respectful students, consistent discipline and students from average families. I miss my colorful, student friendly classroom filled with books and resources for the kids. I miss a loving, supportive staff that truly had the best intentions for the students. I miss my church and the Bible study group I became a part of my last 2 years back in Indiana. I miss driving to my friends' homes for the weekends to spend the night and have girl time. But most of all, I miss my family...sitting outside in the summer around the pond with a fire burning or laying out in the pool relaxing while talking about anything and everything with my mom. I miss the smell of a warm house in the winter, feeling soft carpet beneath my feet, and the comfort of simply being "home".

However, despite all of the things I miss and looking past the days when I think I can't take anymore, I know that God has me in Peru for a reason or perhaps more than one, and I couldn't be happier. Living and teaching in Peru has been a dream of mine since 2007. I discovered a love for Spanish and teaching during high school and after just one trip to Peru, I knew I had to come back. This is my dream, something I prayed for for years. I'm thankful that God answered my prayer in His timing and not my own.

As I look back on the last year, I am filled with reminders of God's love, faithfulness, and protection time and time again. He's provided for me in ways I never even imagined, and not once has He left me feeling alone.

• He provided an apartment for me when I was very discouraged with what I was originally offered. It's the perfect apartment for the perfect price, in a safe location, and my landlords are wonderful people. 
• He's kept me safe in the streets, taxis, and buses, and only allowed me to experience one robbery which happened to be the stealing of Javier's phone right from my hand through the window of our own car. 
• He's blessed me with opportunities to serve and build stronger relationships with the children at Juniper Tree in Pachacamac.
• I've been able to pay off one loan which leaves me only one left to go...there is light at the end of the tunnel! 
• In moments of loneliness it never fails that He has provided someone who calls to chat or hang out with. Sometimes His love has come through mail from friends back home, too. Mail which is appreciated more than I think you understand.
• I have learned to serve more, be hospitable, and think of myself less. Who cares if the house hasn't been cleaned in a week? There are people that would like a cooked meal and a hot shower.
• God blessed Javier with a car that has been super beneficial and a blessing in so many ways. 
• I've made new friends and built deeper relationships with old friends. 
• I've learned so much about humility and living simply. 
• I've heard testimonies I can't imagine having to go through, and I've seen people on the other side of tragedy living lives filled with joy and completely surrendered to the Lord.
• I've been blessed by the presence of Javier in my life. A friendship of 5 years that I never imagined would develop into a lifelong love and marriage. (Yes, I said marriage...)

I could go on and on about the goodness of God during my first full year of living here in Peru. As I look around me and cringe because the sun is setting at 5pm and that the chilly evening air is drifting through my windows, I stop to remind myself that even having this apartment is a blessing because so many others live without properly closing windows or sturdy cement walls. 

Of course I miss my family, my friends, my church, and NPE, but I'm not here to dwell on the things that aren't here with me. I'm here to learn, to serve, to teach, and to become the best person that I can be. I'm here because this is where God called me many years ago, and I am ready to carry out the mission that He has placed before me - to educate children and to serve to the best of my abilities. 

Thank you all for your continued love and support as I follow this path of life. It's hard to believe it's been a year, and I'm already excited to be home for Christmas. However, until then, I am looking forward to the days ahead with anticipation. Awaiting the Lord's daily voice leading me in the direction He has set for me that day. Each of your prayers is a blessing in my life. I couldn't have made it this long without you!

Mother's Day & Christ's Unending Love

Today is Mother's Day! What does that mean to you?

For me it's a day to celebrate the woman who brought me into the world. The very woman God handpicked to be the perfect mother for me. God knew before I was born what my life would be like, my struggles, my joys, my wants, and my needs, and He chose my mom, Melinda, to be just the person He knew I would need to get through the good times and the bad times. Even though I'm a continent away, she still helps me when I need it. She does bank transactions for me, helps with legal documents when needed, and is a daily support and communicator. I can't imagine my life without her!

Then there are those of you who see Mother's Day as a struggle; a day you'd rather just stay in bed. Maybe you lost your mother years ago or perhaps she passed away just last week. Some of you, my dear friends, come from homes of negligent mothers, absent mothers, or abusive mothers. Others of you have tried to become mothers yourself but have faced the pain of infertility, miscarriage, or possibly even the loss of your own child.

As you read this post, I don't know who you are, where you are in life, or what type of mother you have/had, but know that for those of you who see Mother's Day as a day filled with pain, I grieve with you.

I have seen on the faces of children and witnessed it from the very hearts of friends the pain of an absent mother. Be it students at school, children at the Children's Home, or friends, I have seen the pain. Mother's day celebrations at school are wonderful... IF you're a child with a mother who will be there. Talking about the greatness of my mother is a way to honor her, BUT a friend may see it as bragging as he/she longs for the embrace only a mother could provide.

However, no matter what situation you find yourself in, Christ is able to comfort even the deepest of pains, fill the biggest voids, and love in a way not even a mother could love her child. His love for us is unfathomable, deeper than any love a human could give. His love is unending, self-sacrificing, and forgiving. He shed His blood in order to break the separation between God and humanity so that we could have an intimate relationship with Him. He wants intimacy so deep with each of us, so deep that our very sin brings tears to our eyes as we fall to our knees in repentance.

Recently, I witnessed this love in earthly form more closely than I've seen before - walking the ocean's shore, watching a boy push his 90 year old grandmother in a wheelchair and sharing memories of his childhood together. Doing whatever it took to make his grandmother happy, fascinated by her and caring for her in ways deeper than I have witnessed. In those moments, observing these two, I began to understand the depth of the love this boy has for her, and I was able to comprehend her desires to provide for him and do whatever it took to make sure he was taken care of, too. It was a beautiful sight, a mark left in my life, and a glimpse of Christ's love for the church - unconditional, self-sacrificing, intimate love. 

Wherever you are today, if your earthly mother has been absent from your life or is someone you'd rather forget, my prayer for you is that you spend time in prayer today and ask Christ to fill that void. I also pray that if this be your case, you have found someone in life to call mother - a woman who has mentored you, an aunt who took you in and cared for you as her own, or the mother of a friend who was there for you even when your own mother wasn't.

You my friend are loved, you are valued and cherished. Your life is important, so please, use your talents, use your heart, and go out and make a difference in this world filled with pain and darkness. Take Christ's love with you and change the world - one person at a time.

Make Gratitude an Attitude

At the start of every year we are all encouraged to make a goal for the new year, a resolution as many would say. Often times those resolutions involve measurable goals - losing weight, spending more time in prayer or reading the Bible, accomplishing dreams, etc.

In 2011 I set out to lose a certain amount of weight (which I did, but since have gained it all back). 

In 2012 I committed to reading the Bible chronologically.

In 2013 I set my mind on praying for every nation while reading through Operation World Prayer Guide to the Nations. 

All three years I achieved my goal {not to brag or anything}, and at the end of the year I felt pretty good about myself. However, I also recall at times throughout the year feeling down on myself as I fell behind in my reading and/or praying or hadn't lost the pounds I had hoped to each week. The times I felt down though, only pushed me to try harder, to catch up, and to be more faithful in working toward the ending goal.

This year, through conversations and prayer, I've felt challenged to set a different kind of goal, a resolution that can't be checked off the list quite so easily. If you receive my email updates, I challenged you to do the same: Make gratitude an attitude - be thankful more and complain less. 

How did I come up with this goal?

In my previous post I typed up a list of things that make living in the USA more comfortable {at least in comparison to my life in Lima, Peru}. One evening, while having dinner with my boyfriend, Javier, I was talking about things I missed about being home {in the USA}, some of the exact things I mentioned in my list. After my mini complain session, he pointed out that even though I'm supposedly lacking things in Peru, I have much more than most people and that I have been blessed.

Another evening, after a seemingly rough day, I had quite the attitude. As I went on about how awful my day was, Javier reminded me that even on my worst days there are people who have been through situations a lot more difficult and challenging than my own. Trust me, at first I was mad at his unsympathetic response, but after some thought I realized that really my day hadn't been THAT bad after all. So what if I didn't sleep well the night before, my students talked too much, and I didn't have the ingredients I needed for the meal I planned to make. I have a bed to sleep in, I have a well paying job, and I have food to eat. Not to mention after I calmed down I got a hug - an embrace some only long for. 

You see, Javier {and other Peruvian friends of mine} have been a blessing to me. Living in Peru has been an eye-opener, a rude awakening at times. Having grown up in Peru and with a life very different from my own, Javier does a wonderful job at reminding me what's important in life. Daily I'm challenged to give thanks without complaining and to live humbly, always willing to help those in need. 

You see, in Peru I live a somewhat glamorous lifestyle. I have a {sometimes} hot shower, internet, cable, and proper electricity. I have a washer to wash my clothes, plenty of space to house guests, and an income that supplies all of my necessities and then some. I am blessed; my life overall is very easy even in Peru where things are at times "uncomfortable" for my American upbringing.

Therefore, from that came my resolution for 2014: Make gratitude an attitude - be thankful more and complain less.

God has blessed me so that I might be a blessing to others. However, if I only ever look at the negative side of things or recall how things used to be when I lived in the States, I will never reach my full potential in Christ. I have been given more than I could ever ask for or imagine, nothing I have do I deserve. Therefore I have no reason to complain about anything, for everything I have is a blessing from above. And that my friends is why I choose to focus on giving thanks this year, because how can I complain about something that has been put in my life as a blessing from above. My cup runneth over.

If you have resolutions you'd like to share with me {or ask me to pray for} please feel free to do so. I'd love to hear what God has asked some of you, my readers, to focus on for the year 2014.

Resolution #2 for 2014 - Be less selfish. Maybe I'll explain that one more later...

51 Things that Make Life More Comfortable in the USA...

...but most days I'd still choose to call Peru home {at least for now}.

Disclaimer: This list has been compiled in no particular order. 

1. having family nearby
2. friends that know me inside and out
3. church services in English
4. speaking English 99% of the time
5. sharing my passions with many more words and emotions than often done in Spanish
6. people who understand my culture
7. blending in as a 6' tall white girl
8. familiar radio stations with songs I enjoy
9. having my own transportation
10. driving a car on calm, country roads
11. finding "common" foods at the local supermarket
12. cooking foods that are familiar
13. drying clothes in a dryer
14. changing seasons
15. a white Christmas
16. always being connected to the internet (although I'd call this a curse sometimes)
17. banking...don't even get me started on this one
18. ease of buying clothes that fit 
19. clothes are generally cheaper
20. knowing what hygiene products I'm not allergic to
21. cheaper hygiene products (make-up, lotions, shampoo, etc)
22. my Keurig 
23. mom's home cooking
24. shredded cheese
25. frozen foods/dinners
26. over-the-counter medicine
27. my dogs
28. flushing toilet paper
29. hot showers
30. toilet seats in public restrooms
31. cellphone plan vs pay as you go
32. packages actually arrive on my doorstep
33. safe drinking water from the tap
34. ability to watch all of my favorite tv shows
35. childhood memories at my fingertips
36. in fact having all of my belongings nearby (even if they are in boxes)
37. knowing which stores sell certain items and where to find deals
38. grocery ads and coupons
39. teacher store
40. Hobby Lobby
41. warm water in every faucet
42. indoor heating and air conditioning
43. weather warnings (there aren't earthquake warnings in Lima)
44. advancement of the education system (although it still has its flaws)
45. law enforcement that are actually working to protect us
46. feeling safe most of the time
47. having dad nearby to fix things when they are broken (or at least try to)
48. being close to mom who can sew things when they rip or don't fit right
49. ordering online
50. a gas stove that isn't hooked to a tank that could run out at any given moment while cooking dinner (I'm always fearful I'll run out while cooking for guests.)
51. less dust

Okay, so I know to some of you this list may seem ridiculous, even petty. However, we never realize how good we have it until we're forced to live differently or with less than what we're used to. Being in Peru has been a blessing, and while I miss the comforts of the things listed above, not a day goes by that I regret my decision to give it all up to serve the Lord in Peru. Honestly, it wasn't even until I returned home for Christmas that I realized I missed most of the things above. Heck, at times, I still look for the trash can by the toilet to throw my toilet paper in, and I plan my outfits ahead in order to have time to dry my clothes on the line only to realize I can use the dryer. I praise the Lord that I am so easily able to adapt to my lifestyle in Peru, and I am grateful for the chance to enjoy some of these blessings we have here in the States for a few weeks.

Please see my next post for a full explanation of why I created this list. 

{Insert Thanksgiving Title Here}

30 days of Thanksgiving.

I promised you a post of the 30 things I found myself thankful for during the month of November.

It was hard some days to choose exactly what I was most thankful for that day. As I pondered what to write down each day, I realized more and more how blessed I am. There are a whole lot more than 30 things the Lord has blessed me with, but in attempt to focus in on a specific few, I tried to narrow it down to one or two things a day. Here's my list of Thanksgiving Thankfulness:

• #1 God's timing and His plan for my life. - It's amazing how the timing for me to be here in Peru has worked out, but even more so than that, I never imagined coming here would change my life as drastically as it has, and I couldn't be happier about His plan which is unfolding more and more each day.
• #2 My apartment that has everything I need. - Some days I find myself complaining that I live too far from things, or I wish I had this or that in my apartment. However, daily I'm reminded that even with the things I don't have, I still have a lot more in my apartment than most people. I am blessed with a decent monthly rent and all the furnishings I need to live comfortably. The little things can be added little by little.
• #3 Safety to and from a concert. - We ended up getting off a bus in a very sketchy part of Lima. I was a nervous wreck taking a taxi the rest of the way after hearing more and more bad news about taxi problems. After the concert, I was also nervous finding a taxi as the location of the stadium wasn't in the safest part of town. 
• #4 Money to buy food and other necessities. - I have truly been blessed with a salary much higher than I need to survive. I enjoy going to eat with friends and being able to pay the bill for everyone or inviting people over to my house for an "American" meal. I never have to worry about where money will come from to buy food, and I have enough left over to pay large amounts toward student loans each month.
• #5 Kids Alive ministry and the friendships I've made because of it. - I first came to Peru on a mission trip with Kids Alive in 2007. I fell in love with the kids at the children's home and the family care center. In 2009 I met Javier through Kids Alive, and I also developed friendships with others also working with Kids Alive. Many of those friendships I still have today even when other friends have come and gone. 
• #6-7 Even in a bad mood Javier makes me laugh. Even when I'm selfish he loves me enough to change his schedule so we could enjoy dinner out. - Javier scheduled class even though we had talked about going out for a special birthday dinner. I was pretty upset and acting selfish. Later he changed his schedule to do his class another day, and we were able to go out as originally planned. I was thankful for the nice evening out and a chance to eat at a fancier restaurant than we would normally choose.
• #8 A weekend to relax and enough plans to not be bored. - Weekends can get pretty boring if I have nothing to do. They tend to be the days I get most homesick. After two weekends of no plans, I was thankful for a weekend to relax but also a weekend to enjoy getting out of the house a bit other than to just go to work.
• #9 Family. - I'd be lost without my parents (and my brother) and their support. Even though they are far away, I know that they will always love me. I can always confide in them and trust their opinions as well. 
• #10 Javier. - His 30th birthday was November 10th. I'm thankful for the 4 years of friendship we shared, and I'm more thankful now for the relationship we've begun.  I never would have picked him for me, but now I see that no one is more perfect for me.
• #11 Job: Coworkers & Students - Even on the tough days the hugs and kisses I get from my students make me feel better. I've enjoyed getting to know my co-workers better, too. While they will never be my friends from NPE, they are still pretty special people.
• #12 Another year of life. - Happy birthday to me! I have been so incredibly blessed with 27 years of life thus far. I'm excited to see what the next 50 years bring.
• #13 Safe taxi driver to take me to school. - For the whole story read a few posts back (The Saga of the Taxi Drivers).
• #14 Friends. - It's funny what happens when one moves far away. The people you used to rub shoulders with on a daily basis seem to disappear and sometimes even close friends can become distant. It's a hard adjustment that I tend to take personally. I still find it interesting the people who contact me on a regular basis are sometimes not the people I would have considered my closest friends before and my closest friends (or so I thought) are some of the people I hear from the least. {Not to offend anyone.} I'm thankful for friends from home who check in on me to see how things are going, and I'm grateful for the new friends I've made while being here.
• #15 God's unconditional love and salvation. - Sometimes I get pretty hard on myself when I start to ponder all the sins I commit in a week. I'm grateful that God loves me despite my filth and that He forgives me even when I do the same stupid things over and over again.
• #16 Worship event. - The timing of this night was perfect as I had been longing for true worship. It was a great night of live music, lights, and a message to remind us that we are just a speck on a speck on a speck yet we are made in God's image and held highest among the creatures of Earth.
• #17 Unexpected plans. - A friend called to get together after church. It was a nice afternoon out, and I got my first haircut here in Peru...a much needed shaping up.
• #18 Package with goodies and gifts from my parents, my brother, and my dear friend Dana. - Despite the annoyance of going about 45 minutes away to get my package it arrived in tact with more goodies than I ever expected to receive. A nice pick-me-up for a Monday afternoon.
• #19 Technology to contact loved ones and friends. - I'd be lost here without my cellphone, Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook, and all things like it. It's so nice to know that friends and family back home are just an internet connection away, and I love my nightly phone calls from my boyfriend when we aren't together.
• #20 Running partner. - Now that the weather is getting warmer it's been nice to get outside and be a bit more active. I didn't realize how much I missed running, and even though I'll never be a marathon runner, I like a short jog every once in a while.
• #21 Co-workers who become like friends. - I enjoyed a nice afternoon out for ice cream with one of the Christian girls at work (we are two of the few who are believers). It's nice to share a common bond with someone, and it's been enjoyable how easily our friendship has formed.
• #22 Sunshine, capris, sandals, and 79F temperatures. - It's finally starting to feel like spring {or summer}. I'm excited for a change of wardrobe.
• #23 Successful shopping and dinner with mis cunados. - I've already been adopted into the family as a sister-in-law. I guess that's a good thing. Javier and I enjoyed an afternoon of Christmas shopping and then we invited one of his brother's and his wife over for dinner. We had an enjoyable night of talking and getting to know one another.
• #24 Love from family, Javier, and friends. - I received quite a few messages this week of people checking in to see how I was doing. It was a blessing to say the least as I had been quite disappointed I would be missing out on Thanksgiving. Javier cleaned up the dinner dishes and everything from the night before without having to be asked, and my family...well they love me no matter what. Again, I'd be lost without each one of them.
• #25 Protection during a temblor. - Shortly after the students left school the ground began to shake. At first it sounded like thunder, but within seconds I was running out of the classroom door to the patio along with the other staff members. It only lasted a minute, but we stayed outside for a while to be sure we were safe to enter again.
• #26 Prayers of friends. - It's so good to know that there are many people praying for me back home. I feel your prayers surrounding me daily. You have no idea how much it truly means to me.
• #27 Clean house. - There's nothing I like more than to sit down at the end of a long day and enjoy a freshly mopped floor, the smell of Pledge on my tables, and a clean bathroom sink. Things here seem to get dirtier 3 times faster than my apartment in the States. I guess that's an effect of living on the side of a dust covered mountain.
• #28 Student comments that make me laugh and the opportunity to share my faith with 4th grade students. - See #11. Not a day goes by that my students don't give me a reason to laugh. Even when they disobey, there's something to smile about at the end of the day. It was also a blessing to be able to openly share my faith and beliefs with fourth graders today as they are studying world religions and the teacher asked me to speak about Christianity. 
• #29 Opportunity to live in Peru. - I'm thankful to live in a country where daily I am humbled by how "rich" I am; I am learning to live with less, bless others with the things God has given me, and be grateful for what I do have without complaining about what I don't. 
• #30 1 month of officially being Javier's girlfriend (even though we technically began dating in early September) & only 3 weeks until I go home. - I have never met someone who makes me laugh so much, makes me feel beautiful even when I feel ugly, and calls me daily just to see how I am. I'm excited, also, to have 5 weeks at home to spend with my family who I miss so very much, catch up with friends I haven't seen in a while, drive a car rather than being driven everywhere, and enjoy a bit of "normality" for a while. Now if only Javier were going home with me...

There you have it folks. My 30 days of Thanksgiving all typed out for you. I hope as you read through these that you, too, were able to feel a sense of gratitude for the blessings (big and small) that you have in your life. We truly are blessed beyond our comprehension. From the pillow you lay your head on at night to the food you have on your table, and all of the extra luxuries that surround you every day you my friend are blessed. Never forget, not even for a moment, that Christ loves you, and He has given you abundantly more than you will ever need in this lifetime. There are people dying in this world each day from hunger, pain, and lack of appropriate resources. Count your blessings, and give thanks to Him from whom those blessings flow. 

The Most Difficult...errr- Wonderful...Time of the Year

I was talking with a friend the other evening about my family holiday traditions between Thanksgiving and Christmas as we ran circles around a nearby park. As I shared my disappointment in missing making the turkey and other food for Thanksgiving dinner, going to the movies with my family, Black Friday, and cutting down a real Christmas tree, I had flashbacks to being here in Peru in 2009 and how hard it was to be away from my family during this season.

This time of year is by far the most difficult to be away from home. The holiday season isn't the same here. First of all, listening to Christmas songs about snowmen and twinkling snow while I'm sweating under the hot sun is quite odd. Second, kicking off the holidays with a Thanksgiving feast is non-existent; in fact, I'll be working the next three days just like any other week of the year. Black Friday is unheard of, and well, a real Christmas tree would most likely come in the form of a palm tree.

As I recall 2009, I have memories of shedding tears and I crossed of days on my countdown to return home. I remember being extremely homesick and at times felt like the end of my stay in Lima would never end. I couldn't leave this country soon enough, and my whole being ached to be back home in Indiana with my loved ones and friends.

This time around, however, is different. I'm still counting down the days for my return to Indiana {25 to be exact}, and I'm still homesick missing my family traditions, BUT I'm enjoying each new day. When I start to ponder about the things I'm missing in the States, I stop to focus on the blessings poured out upon my life here. When I'm tempted to wallow in self-pity, I remind myself to rejoice because God has called me to be joyful; He is my joy. When I start to think about the lack of snowmen and Christmas trees I smile because I love the warm weather that blankets me each day here.

I'm beyond blessed by friendships I have built here with teachers at school and the few friends who haven't lost touch with me. Javier is beyond caring when I begin talking to much about how I miss being in the States for this or for that. My students give me a reason to laugh each day, and God comforts me when I begin to feel all alone. 

I'm excited to head home in a little more than 3 weeks, but at the same time there are things here I will miss. For the first time in years I feel complete contentment in life. I'm living each new day as it comes, enjoying my time as a Peruvian resident, but looking forward to a visit to my homeland, and allowing God to guide my steps. Only where He leads will I follow. Though my heart at times still feels torn in two {I'm not sure it will ever be made whole again}with Christ it is made complete.

My prayer for each of you is that you would enjoy your families during this holiday season. There are people all over the world that would love nothing more than to be united with family to sit and chat, celebrate blessings, and prepare for the birthday of Jesus our Lord. Don't take one moment with your family for granted, no matter how crazy they might be. You never know when your last holiday together may be.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Birthday #27

It's been a fun week of birthday celebrations which will end after dinner tomorrow evening. I'm not one to enjoy the center of attention much; I don't like standing awkwardly while people sing to me, opening cards in front of people always makes me nervous because everyone's eyes are staring at me while I read, and I get anxious about how to respond when I open gifts.

It was fun this year to celebrate my birthday along with Javier this year. (I'm still amazed at the way the Lord fashioned 4 years of friendship to get us to this point.) His birthday was on Sunday, and because of his crazy work/study schedule we started the celebrations on Thursday last week by adopting a family tradition of going out for a nice meal together. We went to Brujas de Cachica which is a fine dining restaurant not too far from my apartment. The food was very typical Peruvian cuisine and quite delicious.

On Sunday, Javier was here before church so I made breakfast...french toast, eggs, and coffee. I gave him his gifts, and we headed to church. Afterwards we met up with his mum, and we went to the food court at the mall for lunch before he headed to work for the afternoon shift. This has become our regular Sunday lunch when he works in the afternoon because the food court is the only place serving food at 11:30 on a Sunday morning.

Then came my birthday on Tuesday. I was informed on Monday that I had to go to the Immigration office in downtown Lima on Tuesday for the finally process of my residency. "Great," I thought, "Just how I want to spend my birthday...sitting and waiting." I really didn't have many plans for Tuesday except to have my friend Mary and her daughter over for dinner in the evening. However, Javier called late Monday night and informed me that he'd worked out his schedule to be able to spend time with me on my birthday.

Tuesday was a wonderful day; it was probably one of the most memorable birthdays yet. I woke up as normal and headed to school. When I walked into my classroom the students began singing happy birthday to me, and three more times that day a class sang to me when I walked in. I left for Immigration around 8:30 and returned to school around 1 as a resident of Peru (after 3+ months of paperwork and waiting). Upon returning to school, my students had made me a giant card and each one drew a small picture along with a little note.

Javier picked me up at school, and we went to the laguna near my home. We sat near the water and talked, fed the geese, ducks, and other birds nearby, and enjoyed the sunshine. Afterwards we went to San Marinos - a nearby cafe - for cake and then returned to my apartment to hang out for a bit before he left for work.

My friend Mary and her daughter Milly came along with my friend Juan Pedro. We ordered chicken, french fries, and salad for dinner and Mary and Milly bought me a chocolate cake. My landlords also came up and had bought me a cake that is similar to tres leches but even better. I shared cake with them before dinner arrived. Mary, Milly, JP, and I had a great time laughing over dinner and sharing cake together. We chatted for a bit, and then they headed home around 10 last evening.

Tomorrow I'm going out for dinner with some of the Peruvian teachers from school. I still find it humorous that I have more in common with the Peruvian teachers than with the international group, but I think we could all agree that I never came here for the foreigners to begin with.

I'm still waiting on the package from my parents to arrive. The tracking number shows that it's arrived in Peru, but beyond that I have no idea where it is. Hopefully a call to the customs office tomorrow will explain where the package is and how I can get it. I'm excited to see what's inside.

Year 26 began with me being offered a teaching contract here in Peru, and year 27 begun by receiving my Peruvian residency. I can only imagine the great things God has in store for this year. Here's to being one day closer to 28!

Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

November has arrived - my birthday month, a month of Thanksgiving, and the start of the holiday season. As I think about Novembers past, I recall the smells of autumn - pumpkin pie baking in the oven, leaves burning outside, etc. I remember birthday dinners with my family and helping Mom prepare the Thanksgiving meal. However, this November will be different. Family dinner with be a Skype call, Thanksgiving here is only something talked about not observed, and smells of autumn are replaced by signs of spring. Yet no matter if I'm here or there, Thanksgiving and it's purpose will forever be near and dear to my heart whether I eat a traditional Thanksgiving meal or not.

This month I've committed to recording one thing a day I'm thankful for. Some days I get to the end of the day and feel ashamed that I've grumbled too much and been thankful to little. I'm hoping that this challenge will refocus my thoughts, enable me to see the positive things throughout the day, and cause gratitude to be a natural response even on the tough days. I may not post my items of Thanksgiving publicly each day, but I do promise to compile a list to share here at the end of the month.

It only feels appropriate, though, to begin my sharing my first day of Thanksgiving publicly to get the month started off right. Last week I blogged about being homesick and missing some of the comforts of home which indeed I do. However, even on the days of homesickness there has been one person that has been able to make me laugh and help me to forget my sadness. I had no idea when I came to Peru what exactly the Lord's plan for me was here other than my job, but little by little the Lord continues to unfold His perfect plan for my life in ways I never imagined. In the last 3 months my life has done a complete 180 in a lot of ways, changing faster at times that I can wrap my head around, but even on the bad days I couldn't be happier.

For that, today I am thankful for God's perfect timing and His plans which are bigger than I could have ever dreamed. Four years ago when I met Javier, I never imagined we'd have the friendship and relationship we have now today. Even 8 weeks ago when we started unofficially dating I wondered what in the world we were doing and if we were ruining a good friendship. Then, hearing him talk with my parents and seeing them tear up earlier this week and as he asked their permission to make our relationship official as boyfriend and girlfriend all doubt was erased. (I'll spare you the full story of Javier and I, but you can ask if you'd like more details.) I have no doubt in my mind this is God's timing - just like bringing me here to Peru when I was thinking I wouldn't be back for a few more years.

God's plans and His timing are unfathomable. He always has the best in store for His children, and even on the tough days He never leaves our side. He does not give up on us...EVER! And for that, I give thanks because even on the dark days God is bigger and His ways are wonderful.

Dust, Mice, and Dirty Dishes

Some days I catch myself complaining about the little things I miss about being back home in the States. I miss having hot water when I turn on the faucet to wash dishes, earwigs as opposed to mice, and a carpet and a vacuum rather than tile, a mop and a broom. Instant coffee doesn't taste the same as Mocha from my Keurig, and I always turn on the gas but neglect to actually light the oven. I find myself saying, "You know what I don't like?" quite often, but Tuesday a friend put things into perspective for me when he asked, "What do you like?"

I think the honeymoon phase is over. I'm reaching the point when normally I'd be returning to the States and putting to use all of the things I was missing during my month long summer visit to Peru. However, this year it's different. I think it's settling in that the luxuries of home are a distant memory. After the conversation with my friend on Tuesday, I decided it was time to focus on the positive, the good things in life here.

I have a very suitable place to live with running water, electricity, internet, and cable.
I have food in my cupboards, refrigerator, and freezer.
I have a wide variety of clothes to wear.
I have a job that pays well so that I am able to pay down on my debt.
I have friends who care for me and check in on me regularly.
I have a family who will fight for me no matter what, even when I'm a continent away.

God's really been working on my heart recently, humbling me and breaking me as I realize the blessings that have been bestowed upon my life. We don't realize how much we take for granted until it's gone or until we meet those who live much simpler lives than we ourselves do. I've really been having to put things into perspective, and I'm doing my best to think twice before I speak negative words.

Despite missing some of the comforts of home, I could not be happier at this moment in time. God is working in some pretty incredible ways in my life, and I am beyond excited to see how He guides and directs me in the upcoming weeks, months, and years. God is beyond faithful, and even when we can't see it He has the best in store for each of His dear children. A year ago, I never would have imagined I'd be where I am today, but God had something different in mind. Now I've officially been in Peru one month and two days, and I somedays still wonder if I'm going to wake up from this crazy, wonderful dream.

God is so Good!!

~One Week / Una Semana~

Next week at this time I will {hopefully} be on the plane from Houston to Lima. It's crazy to think that this has been on the calendar for nearly 9 months now, yet until just recently it's seemed like more of a dream than reality. I've waited for this opportunity for 6+ years, and it's finally happening! I have no doubt that this is the divine timing of the Lord, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm grateful for the time I've had living in my hometown near my parents for the last few years, growing as a professional, learning independence, and building friendships that have changed my life. I'm thankful for the church God lead me to in October of 2011, and I'm beyond blessed by the Bible study I've become a part of.

The good-byes have begun, yet the packing remains a task to be undertaken. I know not everything I have laid out to take will fit, so I'm delaying the stressful decision making process as long as possible; 140 pounds seems like a lot of weight, but as I throw things in my suitcase, I realize those pounds add up quite quickly.

So how am I spending my last week you may ask? Well, last weekend I ran my first 5k Color Run which was a blast. I spent last week relaxing and preparing for the week ahead. This past weekend I went camping with my Bible study which was an amazingly fun time of canoeing, hiking, and soaking up the goodness of God in nature. Grandma came today, and Mom made a mock Thanksgiving dinner complete with pumpkin pie since I won't be here in November for the real thing. A dear college friend is coming to visit Wednesday, I'm hanging out with college friends Thursday, and Friday I've got a coffee date with a few teacher friends and a dinner date with my family at a Japanese SOHO. Sunday I'm sharing at church, dining with church family afterwards, and participating in my final praise and prayer night. Somewhere I'll be squeezing in time to pack and clean my car out, too.

I'm so incredibly excited for the days ahead. I'm dreading the good-byes, and I'm a bit nervous for the transition. However, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has gone before me, and He has already paved the way. He knows the struggles I will face, and He knows the inner anxiety I will feel. He will be there for me even when no one else seems to understand, and He will be my hope and faith that I will cling to through the joys and trials of this change.

Again, thank you to each of you for being a faithful prayer warrior throughout the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. I am beyond blessed by each and everyone of you. Thank you in advance for going with me on this journey through your prayers and words of encouragement. Feel free at any time to comment with questions or email me if you'd like further details about anything I post along the way. We're in this together, and I appreciate your support!

~*May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you and keep you near always and forever!*~
With much love,
Jessica

Common World Themes

Did you know that as of 2010, the average yearly income per person in the United States was $47,440? Can you imagine living in a nation where the average yearly income was less than that? What about living in a nation with an average yearly income of $10,000, $5,000, or $1,000 per person?

As I have been reading the last few weeks I have been amazed that in Cambodia (Asia) the average yearly income is a mere $823. In Burkina Faso (Africa) the average person makes about $578 per year, and in  Burundi (Africa) the average person brings home about $138 each year. Of course, we all would say, "Well things cost less in those places." And yes, that is typically true, but have you visited any of these places and seen how these people live? They don't have fancy cars or multiple room houses. They may not even have a proper floor. The roof probably leaks when it rains, and dirt and dust cover clean clothes when they are hung out to dry. Microwaves are few and far between if they exist at all, and food is typically purchased one day at a time in order to ensure it doesn't rot before being used due to a lack of refrigeration.

Think about your grocery budget or the amount you pay for entertainment purposes. How much do your clothes and other things cost? Most likely you spend (in total) more in a month than most people in the countries above make in a year. I know I do!

My eyes are opening a bit more and more to this world as I continue to read about nation upon nation and the pain and brokenness that many of my brothers and sisters around the world. It seems as if even the wealthiest of nations that I've read about in recent weeks (Bermuda & the British Virgin Islands) suffer from the corruption of sin similar to the sins suffered in the poorest of nations.

drugs         GANG VIOLENCE         ROBBERY         VIOLENCE     persecution of christians              SEX ABUSE     PROSTITUTION          illegitemate children           ABORTION     GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION     spiritism     CHILD LABORERS

My heart breaks as I am convicted over and over again that I do not thank God enough for the blessings He has bestowed upon my life. I have it made here in the United States. Even when money is "tight" in my mind, it is nothing in comparison to the "tightness" others around me may be feeling. There is always enough for my needs, and sometimes a little extra for the fun things. I have food in my pantry, I have clothes that I don't wear, and I have decor in my house that is pleasant. I have parents who love me and support me, and I have friends that make me laugh and listen to me when I just need a ear to hear me jabber. I AM BLESSED! And when I count my blessings, I realize that I have nothing left to complain about. My cup runneth over with gratitude and joy, and I find peace because I know that my God is a God of love and He cares for me. 

Here are the countries I've been praying for since my last update, and I've given just one interesting fact to accompany each one. Enjoy!

Bermuda (North America)- Bermuda has a strong Christian heritage, however Christianity by appearance takes priority over true, genuine religion.

Bhutan (Asia) - 23% of the population lives in poverty and it is one of the world's least evangelized countries, yet Bhutan is rated one of the world's happiest countries.

Bolivia (South America) - Bolivia is ranked the poorest country in South America, and cocaine is one of its most profitable crops (although illegal). 67% of the population is under the age of 30; almost all boys have used drugs while most girls face sex abuse. 

Bosnia (Europe) - Due to a long cycle of violence, this nation suffers from deep wounds needing to be healed.

Botswana (Africa) - Botswana has the world's 2nd highest prevalence of AIDS. More than 100,000 children are orphaned due to the AIDS endemic. 

Brazil (South America) - Brazil has the world's highest rate of firearm homicides and is the 2nd highest consumer of illicit drugs. Over 8 million children are considered at risk to drug abuse, prostitution, and gang violence, 7 million children are child laborers, and approximately 600,000 girls are involved in prostitution. 

British Indian Ocean Territory (UK) - Original Islanders were forced to leave when this was made a strategic US/UK military base. Islanders are still forbidden to return "home".

British Virgin Islands (Territory of the UK) - Most Islanders profess Christianity and attend church, yet there is an extreme lack of fruit.

Brunei (Asia) - Brunei is one of the riches states in Asia. The constitution guarantees the free practice of other religions aside from Islam, yet this is not carried out. Evangelism is illegal and foreign Christian workers are not permitted in the country. 

Bulgaria (Europe) - Bulgaria is facing strong corruption and powerful organized crime, poverty, divorce, and abortion rates. Currently it is estimated that there are more abortions than live births. 

Burkina Faso (Africa) - In the last 50 years Christianity has increased by 1.3 million, yet there still remains a very real spirit world dominated by idolatry, fetishism, and secret societies. 

Burundi (Africa) - The current president of Burundi is a professing born again Christian. While evangelical growth by holistic ministry is key, there has been a rise in violent crimes, armed robbery and corruption (bribery). 

Cambodia (Asia) - Church growth from 0.07% in 1985 to 3.5% as of 2010 due to great responsiveness to the gospel after years of suffering. Cambodia's children are at risk - Over 100,000 are sold into sex trade and 1.5 million children are considered child laborers. Cambodia has one of Asia's highest HIV rates due to prostitution and the increasing drug trafficking. 

How are you?

It's a simple question with a very vague response. Most Americans when asked the above question would say, "I'm good." Occasionally someone may respond with, "I'm doing alright," or "I'm okay," and that's about as deep as it gets. We ask this question of others out of courtesy, yet very few times do we truly care to hear the response. If you asked someone how they were doing and they responded with, "I'm having a horrible day," you'd feel obligated to stop, ask questions, and maybe even offer words of encouragement. Who has time for that?

Okay, so maybe that last part was slightly sarcastic, but in all honesty, how often do you genuinely care what the response is when you ask, "How are you?" Just the other day, I was walking through the store and an old high school classmate was coming toward me. I thought about dodging into a nearby aisle, but it was too late; she had already seen me! (Please tell me, I'm not the only one who does that.) As she walked by, I smiled and said hello. Then she asked the question, "How are you?" I responded exactly how you'd expect..."I'm doing well. How are you?" Only, I didn't hear her response. As I turned to look, she had already walked on by and was grabbing an item off the shelf behind me. Apparently, she didn't want to talk to me anymore than I cared to talk with her. 

Last evening, this question brought on a new meaning, or maybe it was a reminder of ponderings I'd previously had. As I was seated at the table during our school's community fish fry, someone asked the elderly man across from me the aforementioned question. He responded with, "I'm blessed!" My heart felt warm, and I could feel a smile growing on my face. It reminded me of Peru and the response given there when asked 'the question'. Christian Peruvians tend to answer honestly; then whether doing well or horrible, they tack on "pero todo bien gracias a Dios." (But everything is good, thanks to God.)

Wow! How often do we stop to think about the blessings God has poured out on our lives? How many times do we stop to thank God for the good (and bad) that He is doing around us? Even on the worst days, a Christian Peruvian, living a 3rd world lifestyle, is able to see God's hand in each situation. Then there's me, "I'm good!" wishing to dodge the question altogether...no honesty, no God-recognition, nothing but a simple, "I'm doing well."

It almost makes me sick to consider how much we have handed to us here in the great U.S.of.A, and too often we (myself included) don't ever stop to count our blessings. It's easier to focus on what we don't have, what we can't do, and ways life could be better, than to be grateful for the abundance we've already been given. 

How are you? - It's a question with a generally vague response, but it shouldn't be that way. It needs to become a conversation starter with a Christ centered response. It shouldn't just be a casual greeting in the grocery store, but it should be an honest question with an honest response. 

A Message from Dove Chocolate

I must admit, God is pretty darn good to me, even on my worst days. This past week (all 7 days of it) has been absolutely incredible minus a few bumps along the way.

It started off last Wednesday with a {primary staff} language arts inservice. I enjoy being together with the teachers and away from my classroom on occasion. We don't always get to talk during a typical work week, so it's nice to have those days. Wednesday evening, Cassandra and I shared some laughs together, and Thursday I headed down to Nashville for a mini vacation with two of my best friends. My time in Nashville was very refreshing. We shopped and ate, shopped some more, and ate some more. I headed home on Sunday, spent Monday with my mom (and dad), and dove right back into the "school" routine on Tuesday.

Yesterday, my morning was rough. I was short tempered and frustrated with my class in general, and {let me be honest} I had a pretty rotten attitude. At lunch, my mom {I love working with her!} gave me a Dove chocolate to cheer me up - somehow chocolate always helps. However, this time, it wasn't the chocolate that cheered me up; it was the message inside:

Remember your passion.

Wow! I stopped dead in my tracks. It seemed as if this message was given to me for a reason. What is my passion? Teaching/helping kids, sharing God's love, living life to it's fullest...
Although, with the bad attitude hanging over me, I wasn't doing any of that. My students were tense, God's love wasn't flowing from me, and I definitely wasn't living life fully. I said a prayer, and to my surprise, my afternoon went much better.

As I lay my head to rest last evening {an hour earlier than normal}, I thanked God for the small reminder he sent to me via a piece of Dove chocolate.

Filled & Wanting More

My life is filled with blessings.

My mind is set at ease.

Yet, I find my heart heavy.

And I'm falling to my knees.

Jesus, I need more of you!

I cannot do this on my own.

Each day I'm reminded of Peru,

It is my other home. 

I have nothing to complain about. My life is wonderful, and I am blessed beyond what I deserve. Yet, tonight I find myself with a broken heart wishing I could be there (Peru) serving the people who became like family. An 8-year old girl was killed outside one of the main ministries I helped with in Peru, my church there has been robbed twice in the last month, and another friend emailed me seeking prayer as he's become involved in drugs (again). This news breaks my heart. I feel so helpless here wishing there was more I could do there. 

There are good things happening in Peru, too. A dear friend of mine recently went on his first official mission trip to an area in southern Peru. Reading about his experiences reminds me of my own past feelings and accomplishments from missions experiences. I have been a part of ministry from afar as I witness my friends reaching out to others and expanding the kingdom of Christ through the group Hearts United. I have seen my friends' faith expand and their knowledge of Christ deepen as they are forced daily to stand for Christ and say no to temptations. 

I'm enjoying my life here. God has provided for me in ways I never imagined possible. I know that for this time, I am right where God wants me to be. Yet, not a day goes by that I don't ask God to take me back to Peru. I know this day will come, however, I'm just not sure when. 

God is so Good!!

Many times recently I've been put in my place and forced to give thanks to God for the blessings He has poured out on my life. For far too long I had become complacent in my faith. I continued my church attendance (when I'm in town on the weekend), read my Bible (if I didn't fall asleep at night first), and I'd say a prayer here or there as it was convenient. For so long, things have been going well for me, and I seemed to "forget" that I still needed to build and develop my relationship with Christ.

Through multiple situations recently, I've been reminded of my need for Jesus in my life, and my life that was going okay has gotten so much better! Jesus doesn't need me to accept Him as my Savior; rather the opposite is true, and I should be grateful that He ACCEPTS me. I am so thankful that even when I become complacent, God never leaves my side, and He never gives up on me. Even when I don't think I need Him, He is there watching out for me.

Let me share with you just a few of the praises God has given me in just the last month.

• Money/job for the summer: You see, I had been praying about traveling to Peru for the month of July for a while, but I never dreamed it would be a reality. Not knowing, yet, whether or not I will have a teaching job next year, the responsible side of me felt that I should stay in the States and work for the summer. However, God kept saying, "Go to Peru." I tried to pass it off as a crazy idea, but when the director of LYNC (the summer program I work for) was able to negotiate a salary comparable to what I make in a normal summer working full-time, I knew it was God preparing the path for my return to Peru.
• A traffic warning vs a ticket: A few weeks ago I was pulled over by a state police for going 12 over (57 in a 45 m.p.h. zone). I knew for sure I was toast. As I gave the officer my license and registration, I panicked thinking the price of a ticket may interfere with my ability to buy a ticket to return to Peru. I prayed that the cost for a speeding ticket would not interfere with this, and when the officer returned, he let me off with a warning. I was shocked and so thankful to Jesus for yet again preparing the path for my return to Peru.
• Cheap flight ticket: I've been watching flight prices since January waiting for the price to drop. Unfortunately, the rise in gas prices has caused major inflation in the airline industry. When I saw that the cheapest tickets were still over $1000, I was once again unsure whether returning to Peru was the right thing to do. Then one night I came across a website that sells cheaper tickets to "youth" 25 years of age and younger. I found a round-trip flight for $665...only $17 more than what I paid last year. I knew this was a God thing. I prayed about Peru for another week, and later bought my ticket certain that God had again prepared the path before me. (I just checked flight prices again out of curiosity...they are up $100 from just last Saturday.)

These are only a few things God has done in the last month that have drawn me back to Him. While I never technically "walked away" my relationship with Him was lacking. However, He never left my side, and He continued to pour into my life revealing His plan for me one day at a time. While I'm still unsure what my life will bring come August, I know that God is in control, and He is preparing the way. I am in complete awe of my Father in Heaven, and I am falling more in love with Him each moment. 

GOD IS SO GOOD!!!