I Once Was Lost

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Public Transportation

I must admit, I'm a people watcher. At sporting events I'm generally more focused on the people entering and leaving the game or seated around me than I am on the game. At church, if you put me in sight of a doorway, sadly, I can guarantee you my thoughts will jump to whoever I see coming and going rather than the sermon.

I remember sitting in the lobby near the large window in my dorm during college attempting to study, yet finding my eyes and my thoughts wandering to the people walking by outside. I'd look at them and observe - what were they thinking, what fashion trend were they showing off, where were they going, what made them tick, etc.

Recently, I find myself doing the same thing whenever I use public transportation here in Lima, which is nearly ever day. Sitting in the taxi with music playing, I observe the taxi driver. Usually to make sure he isn't going to do anything to me or to be sure he's watching the road, but I often wonder about the person behind the wheel as well. Does he have a family at home? What is his background? Is he from Lima or does he come from the provinces? When was the last time he slept? Rarely, do I talk to these men that drive me around the city, but I wonder about them the same.

Then there's the busses. You have 10-50 people crammed like sardines into a tube on wheels. There's music playing, the cobrador is shouting names of streets and urbanizations, asking riders to pay the fare, and a driver shouting at the other drivers in his way on the road, but there is minimal conversation between the riders. Occasionally you'll find a few people on the bus who are riding together and conversing, but those who embark on their journey alone are entertained by their cellphones, music and newspapers. It's awkward if you make eye contact and even more uncomfortable when the bus is silent and one must ask their neighbor for directions.

Again, I find myself observing. In my mind I create life stories for the people around me based on how they are dressed and what they are carrying with them.

Woman A has just left the office since she is wearing a skirt and high heels. She looks freshly powdered, so I bet she's on her way to meet a friend for a coffee.

Woman B must have gone to the gym and then stopped to pick up a few groceries on the way home. She's wearing sports clothes and is carrying a gym bag. She's also wearing a wedding ring, and I see baby formula in the Wong grocery bag, so she must have a husband and baby at home.

I could go on and on, making stories for all of the passengers, but I'll spare you from reading my thoughts.

The moral of the story...

We're living in a globalized world, rubbing shoulders with people of different races, ethnicities, backgrounds and lifestyles on a daily basis. Yet, we have become a world of lonely, self-focused people. We plug our ears with our headphones, listen to our choice of music, and hide in the seat of the bus (if you're lucky to get a seat) avoiding even the slightest bit of eye contact until it's time to fight our way to the door. Even then, one might push and shove through the crowd, saying perdón, disculpa, permiso or any other phrase that kindly implies those in the way should squeeze themselves tighter together so that the passerby may get through. However, despite stepping on someone's toes or knocking someone in the head with your bag little eye contact is made.

Then there's days when I come home and think about the uniqueness of situations like these. As a Christian, am I missing opportunities to evangelize and share the gospel? What if the person standing beside me on the bus today is going home lonely tonight wondering why he is even on this Earth? What if the little girl I saw crying on the bus lives in an abusive home and she's running away? And I sit, guilty as charged, without saying a word, avoiding eye contact, and bopping my head to the music playing through my headphones.

When people ask me why I'm here in Peru I have a few responses:
1. I teach at a bilingual school here in Lima.
2. I came to volunteer with a children's home.
3. My husband is Peruvian.

Yet, maybe, just maybe I am here for more than that. Maybe I am here to be a witness to the other passengers riding on the same bus as me. Perhaps, I'm here to talk about the love of Jesus with the taxi driver who happens to give me a ride home from the grocery store.

Maybe it's time to take out the headphones, look people in the eyes, and smile at them as they board the bus and sit or stand beside me.

It's not an easy challenge, and I'm a pretty reserved person when it comes to talking to complete strangers. But it's a risk I'm challenging myself to take, and I'd ask that any of you in similar situations consider as well.

Blessings to you and yours.

Living to Serve - Prayers Please

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’  “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." ~ Matthew 25:35-40

One of the most important lessons I have learned in the last year is that anyone can serve the Lord. You don't have to have a huge bank account of money or even the grandest of all houses. It simply takes a willing heart and a desire to help others.

One of the first things that drew me to Javier was his desire to help others. We met at the Children's Home in 2009 and every time our paths crossed here in Peru he was one of the first ones to call and make sure I was settled and had everything I might need. At the time neither of us had even thought about a relationship beyond friendship, but God has a way of altering our plans and doing things in his timing.

Upon my arrival to Peru last year, Javier was one of the first people to call me, to help me look for an apartment, and to make sure I was settled into my new home. After a month or two, we both began to realize our relationship was changing, and the rest is history.

Anyways, our relationship is not the purpose of this post.

Upon meeting Javier, I noticed a love for the children of Kids Alive. He'd come and play with the kids, buy things they might need, and he usually returned from his trips abroad with something for each of them. He loved them and loved spending time with them.

Since our relationship has begun, he has taught me so much in means of serving others. He uses the car to give some of the guys at work a ride home who many make less or live further away. A few weeks ago we picked up a young girl and her 15 month old baby walking along the road at 12:30 at night to take them home - a 10 minute drive which would have taken her about an hour walking, not to mention the danger aspect.

We've recently decided together to use our resources, knowledge, and love for the children to begin to help the adolescents at the Juniper Tree (Kids Alive) Children's home. Our desire is to find interests they may have and provide classes or training so that upon leaving the home they have a skill that they can use to support themselves.
A few weeks ago we were able to pay for one of the teenage boys who is a phenomenal artist to take a 2 day course in which he was able to learn techniques for 3D painting using ceramic material and a wooden board. Javier picked him up and drove him downtown both days for his class. After the course finished, we were able to purchase the supplies he would need to continue to practice this new art he had learned.
We'd love to do this with other children as well. However, the key is finding what the children are interested in and then looking for ways to help them to develop these interests. It also takes coordination with schedules and money.
In the future we'd love to open our home (when we have one) to the kids to come a few at a time and stay for a weekend. Our desire is for them to see how a family functions outside of the children's home and to be an example of a Godly marriage.
It's a mission/ministry we both feel very called to, but we are still trying to figure out how exactly it may develop and function.

Please be in prayer for us as we continue to develop our ideas and work with the children to determine their interests and the best way for us to help. Pray for us as we run ideas by directors of the home who thus far have been very supportive - although I've heard rumors that they're praying for us to be house parents and live at the home with 6-7 kids in our care once we are married (a field of ministry we do not feel called to at this point). Pray for time and resources - both of which can at times be limited. Pray also that the Lord would continue to guide us and direct us in the way that He has paved for us to go and that if it means a change in our vision that we would follow as He leads.

Much love from Peru! ~ Jessica

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!

Headed Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

El Tiempo Pasa Volando - Time Flies By!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Huaraz {Picture Post}

Day #1 - Cajapampa

Marilu talking with a few of the boys waiting

for the clinic to open.

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

Every day there were people lined up waiting for us.

Doing knee injections for Arthritis patients.

Translating - Quechua, Spanish, English

The "Peruvian" Team

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

Day #2 - Musho

Sharing the gospel with patients after seeing a doctor.

Translating again - Quechua, Spanish, English

The whole group (minus the photographer)

Day #3 - Primorpampa

Putting up a curtain to block off the surgery room.

Dr. Kellner and I worked together Wednesday-Friday.

More evangelism and prayer with patients.

This lady and her son were adorable. 

I got to translate for them.

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

School children lined up for worm medicine and vitamins.

Day #4 - Vicos

Working with Dr. Biggs.

This lady said she spoke Castellano (Spanish).

However, the more we talked,

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

Day #5 - Llanganuco

Day off, team worship service by the lake.

Gorgeous setting!

Turquoise water...loved it!

Day #6 - Paccha

House visit for this lady's bedridden son.

Kids waiting patiently to see the doctors.

Huaraz - God's Hands & Feet

"We simply cannot be obedient disciples of the Lord Jesus and continue to choose self-indulgence, all the while ignoring the desperate needs of others." (Exert from Beth Moore Study of James)

As I sit here in Starbucks trying to kill time between lunch with a friend and a night out with others, I cannot help but think about the last 9 days. My time in Huaraz was the most heartbreaking, humbling, and wonderful thing I have experienced thus far in life {as far as I can recall}. It was exhausting and frustrating (at times); however, setting aside my selfish complaints, it was the best experience ever; it was an experience I hope to one day repeat.

As I recount stories of the people in my mind, tears literally come to my eyes. Last week there was no time to cry for the patients as we were busy night and day; although now that I have time to process it bit, my heart is breaking inside my chest...literally. I hurt for Christ's creation, I am disgusted over my wealth and under-appreciation, and most of all I am overwhelmed with joy that all along the Lord had this trip planned for me without me having known anything of it until I arrived in Peru.

To think that I was on the verge of changing my plane ticket to spend less time in Peru this summer for lack of things to do gives me even more joy that the Lord knew all along exactly what He had planned for me during my time here. Had Leo asked me before I arrived in Peru if I would go on this medical trip, I probably would have said no. Actually, I'm 99% certain I would have said no. However, the Lord's timing is always perfect. A few days after arriving in Peru, frustrated with lack of initiative from friends to plan outings, and wondering how I would spend 5 weeks here, the Lord called me to the mountains of Peru. Leo asked me to go and told me I had to respond that night; without hesitation I replied, "YES! I would love to go!" Only afterwards did I panic a bit. I thought, "What if I don't know the vocabulary and misdiagnose someone through poor translating?" "What if I get sick working with these people?" "What if I miss out on something in Lima because I'm away in the mountains with people I don't know?" I recognized these attacks as the work of Satan, and I quickly shot him down asking the Lord to intervene and provide health, safety, and wisdom throughout the trip. I shared a quote a few posts ago that I cannot help but think of again and again.

"God put you here for this moment in history. You are here for a reason; there are hurting people who need you."

I wish I could give a detailed description of everything that happened July 9-17th in Huaraz; however, I know already some of you are zoning out wondering, "When will she get to the good stuff?" So...enough of the background information.

The Facts

Basically there were two teams of people working together to make the whole medical campaign function properly. About twenty-two people came from the States to work as the medical team, and there were about 20-25 people from "Peru" who went as evangelists and translators. (I was part of the Peru team.) As Leo put it last evening, the whole thing would have failed if all parts weren't working together (see 1 Corinthians 12).

We stayed about 30 minutes outside of the city of Huaraz - 8 hours northeast of Lima - the capital of the province Huaraz. Each day (Wednesday-Saturday & Monday) we traveled about an hour to hour and half up and around the mountains to semi-unreached and unreached villages. The roads were treacherous at times, but our drivers kept us safe on the journey each day. Every day we spent in a different village. We would set up our stuff in either a school or city building and get to work. We worked with patients from about 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day with a half-hour/hour break for lunch.

We saw between 250-300 patients each day ranging in age from newborn babies to 90 year old adults. Most of the children had rashes, stomachaches, headaches, poor vision, etc. Most of the adults had acid reflux, arthritis, poor vision, headaches, etc. As Leo said, after the first 4 patients, everything started sounding the same and translating got easier each day. I think the toughest translating were the patients who only spoke Quechua (a language of the mountains of Peru). We had Quechua/Spanish translators, then I translated from Spanish to English. When the doctor responded, I translated from English to Spanish then another translator translated the message to the patient from Spanish to Quechua.

While I spent most of my time with the Peruvian group {our housing was separate from the U.S. team's accommodations}, I did bond with a few of the U.S. team members. I connected with a few doctors who later in the week argued about who I would get to translate for that day (no worries, the argument wasn't too intense). There were a few others on the U.S. team that I got to know quite well, too, over lunch conversation, time spent on the bus, and small talk throughout the work day. I also made some new Peruvian friends who touched my heart and soul in a special way last week. I was proud when they recognized me as a "Peruvian" despite my height and American accent, and I was awed by the deep spiritual conversations we engaged in throughout the week.

The Stories

I wish I could share with you each person's story that touched my heart last week, but that is literally impossible. Instead, I'll settle for sharing some of the most humbling accounts.

Most of the adult patients we saw worked in the 'chacra' or agriculture. Because of the hot sun and dry air many of them had dry skin, age spots, and wrinkles beyond their years. Fifty year old women appeared to be 70-80 years old walking into the room, crippled with Arthritis and hunched over from years of hard work.

A few of the doctors allowed the kids to listen to their heartbeats. I loved seeing the kids faces light up as they recognized the distinct sound of the rhythm beating inside. As I asked what it sounded like a few replied, "Boom, boom, boom." Others said it sounded like a drum, and one child very sheepishly said, "It sounds like a live person's heart." It was all I could do not to laugh out loud.

One specific patient came to us complaining of bad headaches. After talking with myself and the doctor about her medical condition, she began to cry. I asked her if she was hurting, and she explained to me some of the pain she has in her life. She explained that most of her pain is emotional which has caused her physical pain as well. She went on to tell of her children who are grown and moved away. She explained that she has no husband, and she works night and day in the fields to be able to support herself. I asked her if she was depressed, and she told me that she thought she might be. The doctor spoke with her (through my translations) about praying to the Lord to deliver her from the stress. We shared with her that only through the Lord's help are we able to survive life here on Earth. She told us that she was a believer in Christ, so I then asked her if she read the Bible regularly. She explained to me that she doesn't read the Bible because she was never permitted to go to school to learn to read. I was humbled immediately. I shared a few scripture verses with her, and we asked if we could pray with her. After we finished praying, she stood up to leave and kissed me on the cheek saying "Gracias angel de Dios!" - Thank you angel of God. I choked on my words as I told her I am just human doing the work the Lord has asked me to do, and she left.

On Saturday a man came in with his 9 year old daughter to see us. The daughter had a cold and the father had knee pain. After checking the daughter over and subscribing some medicine to help her heal, the doctor checked the knees of the father. We decided he should receive knee injections for Arthritis. As we were prepping the area to be injected, the doctor was pulled away to check another patient to ensure a correct diagnosis. He was gone for quite a while, so I first talked with the daughter about school and her interests. Then I began speaking with the father about my reasons for being in Peru and how I got involved with the medical trip. He was very interested in what I had to say, and began asking me questions about church, the Lord, and missions. I shared with the man my personal knowledge and then pulled out a track I had been given about salvation. I read the track with him and we talked through it. Afterwards, he told me he wanted to know the Lord and live for him. He thanked me for the work we were doing, and expressed that he wanted to be used to help people, too. He asked me to pray with him, and after I finished his face changed from distraught to joy. You could feel the presence of the Lord among us as his smile glowed from his face. I was humbled that the Lord chose me to serve this man, and I pray that his life was changed that day for forever.

One of the most difficult stories occurred on Monday in Paccha. A lady came in the morning for her own check-up and as she was finishing up the lead doctor asked me if he could pull me away from my patient to translate for him. I began talking with the lady, and she expressed to me that her 24 year old son was unable to walk and needed medical attention. She said that she lived about 10 minutes up the mountain, and she was begging that a doctor go with her to see her son. Dr. Sealy asked me to see if she could return after lunch, and he ensured her that then a team would be free to travel with her to her home. She did in fact return (we weren't sure if she would), and a team of doctors and translators went up to the house with her. A while later they came back, and Dr. Sealy explained that her son was bedridden and terminally ill, and there was very little that they could do; the mother was his sole caregiver. We took up a collection among our team, and the money was given to the mother to help pay for expenses for her son. We connected her to a local church to find someone to come visit and help meet their needs twice a week. We were also able to provide wound care items and tons of vitamins, Tylenol and ibuprofen.

In Closing

While I could go on and on for hours {actually I've been typing for hours off and on as I've had time}, there is no way to fully express exactly what I experienced last week. All there is are my words and a small hope that maybe through the text you are able to understand the mighty work of my Lord Jesus and His love for the world. In no way do I wish to take credit for any of the work that was done last week in Huaraz. I am simply a girl following the will of the Lord. Where He calls me, I go, and what He asks of me, I do {sometimes a bit hesitantly}. I am overjoyed and humbled that God has chosen me to be His servant here in Peru, even if it's just for a few weeks each summer.

"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." ~ Matthew 25:40

"Not my will, but yours be done." ~ Luke 22:42

Pictures from Thursday (July 5)

For those of you not on Facebook, I thought I'd share some pictures from last Thursday. I spent the morning and early afternoon at the Family Center (Oasis) in Manchay and the later afternoon and evening in Pachacamac at the Children's Home (Juniper Tree)

Because of the friendship I have built with Mary (bottom left corner of first picture), I usually end up helping her class of 3 year olds when I visit Manchay. It's stretching for me, but in order to help my friend out, I'll do what I've gotta do. Occasionally I am able to slip away to play with the elementary kids or help them with their homework, but not often do I do so.

Playing in the sand.

 Learning the letter "U"

 Building with blocks!

 Reading stories.

 Physical Education class.

 Racing :)

 They had to hop from one end of the "concha" (soccer court)

to the other with the ball between their legs.

Mary and her class of 3 year olds!

 Fatima and I have bonded over the years!
She is getting so big :'(

 Lunchtime.

 Cool Dude!

Naptime.

This was so precious :)

Pachacamac is a bit harder to organize and visit. It's about a 2 hour bus ride from where I'm staying if I go the way I know how to go. There is a shorter way to get there in a little over an hour, but I have only done it once. Also, because the kids are at school all day and have chores/homework in the evenings, they aren't always available to play. Sometimes I am able to help with the homework, but sometimes the moms prefer them to do it on their own. 

Thursday nights, however, are their devotional night, and the boys play soccer together afterwards. The way this works is that the younger kids meet for devotions at 6pm, they sing, have a message, and do an activity. Then at 7pm the older kids meet for their devotions. When all is done, the younger kids (specifically girls) go to bed, while the boys stay up and play soccer together. A lot of the missionaries or others involved with the home come over this evening, too, to spend time with the kids. 

They talked about doing things with joy. So the kids had a coloring page with people and activities. They then had to cut out the activities and glue it next to a person on the page.

Renzo playing soccer!

He's another one who has gotten so big over the course of 5 years.

It's crazy to see the change from year to year!

Victor being silly. 

All the little girls love Javier!

Although, I do believe he started most of the wrestling. 

Busy, Busy - Quick Update

This week has been incredible...busy, yet relaxing at the same time. 

Although this year has been very different than years past, I am so much enjoying my time here. I haven't gone out with large groups of friends much like normal, but instead I've gotten to spend time with more of my friends one on one or in smaller groups. I much prefer this form of getting to know people, and it's lead to some great heart to heart conversations with some dear friends of mine.

Let me be brief with my update, as it is late, and I am struggling to keep my eyes open.

Tuesday

I spent the day in Manchay assisting my dear friend, Maria (Mary) with her class of 3 year olds. We played, talked about the upcoming teacher's day (Friday), read books, painted, and decorated the letter "u" with blue paper.
In the evening, I helped my Canadian friend Mary with an English event with SIM ministry. They do weekly outreach events for {adult} students in Lima who are studying English. Tuesday night we talked with the group about body language and gestures. We played a short game of charades, demostrated various commonly known gestures and ended by discussing to show love not just with words but also through actions. (1 John 3:18) After the study Mary and I went to each dinner and catch up on life over the last year. 

Wednesday

I woke up around 9:30 with a bad headache. I decided to relax for a while before starting my day. I had plans in the evening, but my morning and early afternoon were free. After showering and getting dressed, I left the apartment with the Daily 5 book in hand and headed to Starbucks for a few hours. I read a few chapters, chatted with a few friends back home, and people watched.

In the evening I met up with a few friends and we went to see Ice Age 4 {in Spanish}. It was a pretty comical movie, and the company was great! Afterwards we went to dinner and chatted for a while. 

Thursday

I woke up this morning feeling refreshed, although I'd only slept 5 hours during the night. I readied myself for a long day of children. I left around 8:30 to head to Manchay. Again I helped Maria (Mary) with her class of 3 year olds. {I'm realizing more and more how perfect a fit 3rd grade is. These young ones wear me out!} I built with blocks, read to a few kids, helped with recreation and outdoor play, painted a poster for the upcoming independence celebration, and spent time talking with a few of the primary aged children. All in all it was a fun day in Manchay!
Javier came to meet me, and we headed to Pachacamac to the Children's Home. This is my favorite place to spend time while I'm here, but I don't make it out that way often because the kids are in school all day and have homework/chores in the evenings. Tonight was their devotions though, so it was a good excuse to go hang out with the kids. I got to see all of them tonight, which was such a joy since last week I only saw about half of them. The little girls all attacked Javier, and I spent time chatting with a few of the teenagers. These children are so precious to me, and I love any time I get to be with them. Even if we sit watching the boys play 'futbol' I love hanging out at the home.
Javier and I went out for dinner afterwards, and we shared great conversation. He is one of the first close friends I had here in Peru, and I am thankful that we have been able to continue that friendship despite his busyness working on cruise ships, working odd hours, or traveling between North and South America. 

This Weekend

I'm headed out of Lima to a warmer place {I forget where} to camp with my dear friend Teresa and her family. It should be a great time, and I'm excited to feel the warm sun. It's been warmer than usual for this time of year {70-75 degrees most days} here in Lima, but it still isn't hot. I know you are all killing for cooler temps in Indiana, but here I'd be happy if the sun came out and warmed us up a bit. 

Pictures

I hope to upload some Sunday or Monday before I leave for Huaraz. I put what I have on Facebook, so if you're my friend, look there to see them. 

Prayer Concerns

Pray for me this weekend as I spend time with a Peruvian family. I have come to love Teresa's family, but sometimes being with a family here can have its challenges {as it would be for anyone entering a foreign culture}. Pray that this weekend goes well and that we have a great time together. Also pray that I can be a witness to her family as not everyone is Christian. 

I leave Monday evening for Huaraz. Leo bought my ticket today for the bus, so there is no backing out now. Pray for peace of mind as I prepare to leave and pray for safety while traveling. Also please be in prayer that I am able to effectively translate and share the Word of the Lord with the people we come into contact with. 

I miss you all back home, but it seems like I never left this place. I feel so at home here! I know now is not the time for me to move here {although I've been offered two interviews just this week}, but this is where my heart longs to be. Continue to pray for me as I spend time with the kids and friends throughout the next couple weeks.

Why Peru?

I've been asked quite a few times this week if I'm from Lima. I guess that means, I know Peru and speak Spanish well enough, but look foreign, so I must be from the capital city. My friends have even begun calling me a "Peruana" which means I'm blending in more and more.

Today, Cassandra and I went shopping at the artisan market here in Mancora. We encountered a man whom we'd talked with on Tuesday, and he began asking me questions. We struck up an immediate friendship after he showed me pipes he makes from a large seed. (I forget what kind of plant it was from.) As he was describing to me the technique of this handcraft, I expressed my interest by saying the Spanish word, "asu" which simply means awesome, cool, or neat. After that comment, he asked, "are you from Lima?" To which I responded with no, and then explained that I had lived in Lima previously and now had returned to visit.

This topic always brings me back to my original reason for coming to Peru. This man (I never did get his name) asked me why Peru, so I started from the beginning and told him I'd originally come twice with my church before moving here to teach. That was all he needed to know to strike up an intense conversation about revelation and the end times. You see, this man isn't a Christian, but he sure does know a lot about the Bible "stories" and the prophecy of the end times. We talked about the natural disasters going on in the world as well as the fighting amongst humanity. I asked him if these things scared him or made him question his eternity, and he said that he's thought about that many times. He told me about his family and their Catholic religion, and he expressed his disliking to this form of religion. He said he liked the Bible, he enjoyed reading it, but he just wasn't sure Christ and salvation are real. I shared with him bits of my own personal testimony and the grace God has poured out upon me. I encouraged him to read the book of John, and by the end of the conversation, this man asked me if I would be able to get him a Spanish Bible to read because he no longer had his. (I believe his family forced him to get rid of it from the way it sounded.)

Being in a small, tourist, party town, there aren't bookstores to just go and buy Bibles. Actually, a full version of the Bible is often hard to come by here in Peru. They exist, but the stores that sell them are few and far between. I told the man I would talk with a friend coming up on Saturday and see what I could do. I immediately called Nilton to see if he could bring one, but he is traveling and wasn't sure he'd have a chance to get to a store with Bibles before he arrives.

I went out today as normal, looking for souvenirs and ready for a day at the beach. Not once this morning did I think, "Today I want to share my testimony." However, God had other plans in store for my day. I spent a lot more time at the market than planned, and we barely made it to the beach before the clouds rolled in. Yet, I wouldn't trade the conversation I had with this man for anything. I would ask that you would pray for him (sorry, I don't know his name). Pray for clarity and understanding of the scripture. Pray for him to have faith in Christ and accept his gift of salvation before it's too late.

Tonight, as I prepare for bed, I am asking God to please give me more precious opportunities such as this. I love random, spiritual conversations, and if they plant seeds and lead others to Christ, it's even better.

One man's life may be changed forever simply because he asked, "Why Peru?" Who would have thought that question could be so powerful!

Restless

And I'm restless, I'm restless
'Til I rest in You, 'til I rest in You
I'm restless, I'm restless
'Til I rest in You, 'til I rest in You
Oh God, I wanna rest in You

The lyrics to this song by Audrey Assad have been stuck in my head all day. My mind, body, and soul are restless. They ache for something more. I feel an emotion I cannot explain welling up within me; the deepest parts of me are restless, unsettled, and fighting for more. More of what? More passion, more fire, more strength, and more action.

When I think about the future I become ecstatic. I can't help but be certain that God has plans for me bigger than anything I could possibly imagine at this point in my life. I desire to be a part of something big, a worldwide movement for Christ. I desire to see children from devastating situations run to the arms of their heavenly Father. I desire to see this world changed for the better, and I want to be a part of it.

Teaching is a wonderful profession in which I am able to stand in my faith and share the light of Christ with my students each day. I don't have to preach at them, I may not be allowed to read my Bible to them, but I can show them Christ simply by the way I live. Just today a student asked me if I was a Christian, and my response was, "Yes, indeed I am." This little boy then went on to say, "I could tell." I know God has placed me in this profession for a purpose, and I will use my talents and knowledge to bring him glory.

However, through my recent prayers and devotions, I am feeling more and more that this is temporary...5 years, 10 years, who knows. I believe God has plans for me outside of the States. I would love nothing more than to open and run an orphanage in South America. Is that God's plan for my life? I have no idea, but at this point, I honestly believe that I will not be here in New Paris, Indiana forever.

I miss the ministries I was invovled with in Peru. I enjoy talking to my friends there and hearing all the wonderful things God is doing in them, their churches, and their ministries. I long to once again be a part of those teams. While I'm here I pray for them, and I support them as much as I can from this distance, but it just isn't the same. I'm already counting down the days to summer vacation and another visit back to my other home. I miss it so much!!

You are my deepest longing, so I see You everywhere.

It's You I'm chasing after cause I am captivated by who You are and how You move.
I'll follow You forever, God, for love of You.

For love of You, I'm a sky on fire.
For love of You, I come alive.
It's Your Sacred Heart within me beating, Your voice within me singing
out for love of You; it's all for You.

Rewarding Experiences

On this gorgeous Saturday afternoon, I find myself not out enjoying the sunshine but rather sitting in a cafe reviewing interview questions and wondering what God's perfect plan for my life is. I'm learning to be content where I am, find God's purposes for me in the here and now, and to take things one day at a time. It's been a year long learning experience with life leading me in multiple different directions, but obviously I'm not done learning. I used to have a plan for my life, and now I have not one idea what my life could look like in a week. God's changed me a lot in the last year, and I am so thankful for his work in my life.

One question I came across today as I review question upon question was, "What has been your most rewarding life experience?" Wow!! To think I'm only 23 years old and I can barely narrow it down to just one helped me to realize just how very blessed I am. However, as I pondered this question and thought deeply about my past, I realized that there is only one obvious answer...my experiences with Kids Alive - Peru.

The first time I went to Peru in 2007, I was very unsure of myself and my reasons for being part of a team of 15 others I hardly knew. Yet, God knew exactly what he was doing. After spending 2 weeks in La Molina and Manchay with these dear children, my life has never been the same. This trip was what got me excited about missions, and ultimately it changed the course of my life. Upon returning to Peru to again work with Kids Alive in 2009, I was amazed that the children still remembered me by name. Not only did they remember me, but they asked me about some of the team members that had come 2 years ago. These kids remember everything, and they made me feel loved and important. However, I had not returned to Peru for a self-esteem boost. I returned to do the work of God and serve the Peruvian people.

This in turn lead to my most rewarding life experience...my 4.5 months of living in Peru. I was stretched and challenged to move beyond my comfort zone. I grew as a person, as a Christian, and as a teacher. God molded me during this time and drastically changed my life from self-centeredness to God-focused. He brought me friends that were more passionate about Christ than anyone I know here in the States (sorry friends). He took my life and taught me firsthand that this life is not my own, but it belongs to the God who created me. He is in charge!

Living in Peru is by far the most rewarding experience of my 23 (almost 24) years of life. It was not easy, but my time there brought me to be the God loving, God fearing woman I now am. I learned to put others before myself, love as God loves, and see the eternal rewards rather than the earthly ones. I would not be who I am or where I am had it not been for this experience.

As badly as I wish to go back and serve in Peru, God has told me now is not the time. I know I'll be back one day. I just have to wait for his timing. He continues to mold me and shape me each day; he's showing me his perfect ways, and I'm continually learning to be obedient to the call he's placed on my life. Slowly things are making a bit more sense, one day at a time.