World's Worst Blogger

I could win this title hands down. I always have such great ambitions and ideas, but never the time. There are other blogs I read and they are so energetic, funny, informative, and I think, "How do they do it all?" Guess blogging is just not my spiritual gift. Being stubborn, however, is something I am good at and so I shall perservere to try and redeem myself at blogging and sharing what is happening my corner of the world.

After Easter, I left with our Fellows for an end of the year trip to the jungle. We studied Galations each day and it was really encouraging to see the growth in these young people over the course of the past 10 months. And inspiring to see God use the problems of a church thousands of years ago to still speak truth in our lives today. What a savoir! And of course, it was hard to ignore His glory as we explored another part of his creation. Seventy percent (70%) of Peru is jungle and we went to the heart of it -- Iquitos.

This was a fabulous trip to get away from the hustle and bustle of Trujillo and after a 10 hour bus, full day in Lima, 2 hour flight, and then finally 2 hours on a boat, find ourselves in a jungle lodge to use as a base for exploring--and explore we did! The water was extremely high. It was rainy season, but even so, it was higher than normal. Every 3 or 4 years, there is a really "high" rainy season and we got to see that. I had been on a trip similar to this before and some places I had walked were now under 20 feet of water; it was surreal and beautiful.

Sunset on the Amazon River.

Hanging out watching the world (or gringos in this case) go by.

Or just playing with the family pet, a sloth.

Daily excursions through the jungle in our boats were fun!

And often ended up with surprises like this hidden lake.

When the water gets high, just build a float for your chickens.

Alligator anyone? Cute isn't he?

The pink flowers on this tree were brilliant among the dark green jungle.

Who knew there could be so many shades of green?

We were lucky to have such great days during rainy season.

And we got to see the BIG lilly pads!

But the best part of the trip overall had to be spending time with these great guys!

He died on the Cross

Tonight was our Good Friday service. In one word--POWERFUL!

We entered the sanctuary in the darkness with lit candles. (The photos don't turn out very well since it was so dark . . . the ones that did are with flash and do not convey the darkness we entered.) We sang hymns of confession and thankfulness. We reviewed the seven words of Jesus on the Cross and meditated upon his death.  There were seven candles at the table and after the seven readings, the reader would blow out one of the candles.  Until, in the end, the final candle was blown out with the final words, "It is finished."

The entire service was in the dark as you will see.  It was mightily powerful to consider that darkness of this hour when Jesus died.  To meditate on His final words.  And then after it was finished, we silently left the church to ponder what had happened. . .just as the disciples and Mary had done at the real cross. 

He  . . . DIED . . . for . . . ME . . . and . . . YOU!

 Beginning our service with Pastor Wes and Pastor Jaime

(with flash so you don't get the full feel)

Entering the church and lighting candles as we entered.

(with flash on this one and the next)

 Sorry for the quality of the photos, 

but wanted to give you a feel for how we entered the church.

This was without flash and is a better representative of

each person entering and lighting their candles.

 One by one. . . each small light by small light.

 Until we were all together ready to begin . . . 

and then we blew out our personal candles.

 And the service continued in darkness . . .

Just as when Jesus was on the cross dying for us!

 We read His final words and listened to a short mediation on each.

(this one again with flash)

And sang of what He did for us!

Until  . . . It was finished!

That night he broke bread with them

We have all heard the story of the last supper so many times.  It is like a childhood blanket or warm memory that can envelope you and make you feel safe and warm.  This year, I looked at it not as a spectator, but a participant.  Cristo Rey celebrated Maundy Thursday with our own service and celebration of the Lord's Supper.

We started the service in song.



Then an explanation of what the Lord did that night and how they observed the passover supper together.  And we too, shared in a super together as the body of Christ.



After dinner we sang again, Canta, Canta, Alma Mia.  A beautiful hymn from the Psalms, Oh sing, oh sing, my soul to the Lord!



And we read the passages of the passover feast from both the Old Testament and the New Testament.



And then we heard a message from Pastor Wes reminding us of what Jesus did that night.  What He did not only for His disciples, but for all of us! And with that in mind, we too shared in the Lord's supper to end our time together.



What an amazing time of worship, fellowship and reflection.  Thank you Lord for your willingness to die on the cross for us! We praise you that we have hope because indeed, it did not end on the cross, but you rose again!

Life in Community

As promised, here are more photos from our cell group celebrating my two year anniversary.  I am so incredibly thankful to have such an amazing community of friends and "family" here in Peru!

 Thanks for your work Alleen

 Esdras surprising me with the cake!

 Like a birthday, I get a wish!

 And get to blow out the candles. . .

 Trying to express my gratitude for this group!

 Watching the video of slides from 2 years.

Hermes planned it all and put together the slide show.

Muchisimo gracias!

I stepped off a plane . . .

Two years ago today, I stepped off a plane in Trujillo, Peru with my 2 suitcases and went looking for Bill Bradford and Allen Smith.  They met me at the airport and we went back to Allen's house where I would live for a few days until I could buy a bed and few other necessities for my apartment.  It was pretty bare to start, but it is amazing what you can do in a few years.

 Before

After with the Bradford's furniture and my couch.  

When the Bradford's returned to the States, it changed some more.

But what a difference from day one!

I have thought about these last two years a lot and still cannot begin to put into words what life here has meant to me.  So often I have wished I was a better writer to be able to share with you the nuances of life here, but all too often I fail. 

Today was Palm Sunday and it was a perfect day.  It sort of sums up all the things I love about Peru. I started my day at Cristo Rey.  Pastor Wes Baker had an amazing sermon, but first, we read Matthew chapters 26 and 27.  In 27 when the crowd is crying out to crucify Jesus, he had the congregation cry out for the crowd.  Whenever the crowd spoke in the reading, the congregation spoke.  It was very powerful and moving.  We are the reason he was crucified.  One of my favorite songs is How Deep the Father's Love for us.  The words are so powerful:

"Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers."


Today the congregation played the part of the crowd and it is our voice that calls out among the scoffers.  We, in our sin, were like Judas betraying Christ; and like Peter, we deny Him.  Yet, He loved us so much, He died upon that cross to save us!


"It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished."

What an amazing gospel truth and reason to celebrate! He died and rose again for me--for you!

After church, I attended our missionary lunch and we sang in English and prayed for one another.  It is always fun when we sing a song in Spanish in Church and then later in English and a great reminder that the Lord is Lord of all; no matter your language.  The language of the gospel knows no barrier.  Today that song was Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted. 

And to end my day, I attended a meeting with my cell group in Santa Maria.  I love these Peruvians.  They are my friends, my brothers and sisters, and my family here in Peru.  We meet in the Vasquez home and two of their daughters have been such amazing friends to me over the past two years.  I look forward to more time with them as I continue to serve.  Katy and Maresa are such fun, intelligent, gracious and kind.  I am very thankful for their friendship.

 

Katy, Me and Maresa

After a wonderful meeting with lots of new friends attending, (which was a huge encouragement to see the Lord grow this group so fast!) I was surprised by Hermes and the rest of the group with a cake, and such kinds words for my two years here, and then a slide show of photos of my time here.  It brought me to tears.  He did a great job narrating so you will miss out a little, but you'll get the gist.

Well, I cannot get it to post.  I'll work on this and post later.  Also, my friend Sandi Smith was there and was able to get a lot of good pictures. . . so I'll need to update anyway.  One more photo from the night from my camera. Since Sandi was there taking photos, I forgot to get mine out until we were leaving.  oops!

Hermes and Me

For now, I shall give thanks to my Lord for my two years here. Everyday I am amazed that He is able to use such a sinner as me, broken and poor, to be a part of His redemption plan.  I am eager to see what He has in store for me over the next two years!   Until then, a look back.

 Living out of my suitcases to start. . . I did eventually get a dresser.

Maresa, Me, and Katy (August 2009)

My dear friend, Heather.

Precious friends, roommates, and more!  Patty, Katie, Me and Julie

Maresa and Me Christmas 2009

Short Term Teams are my passion for sure!

Pictured here is just one of so many, Disciple Makers, August 2010

These girls are such dear friends!

Elva, Me, Maresa, Katy, and Briggit

Playing games is always a fun part of any Peruvian party!

This was Jenny's baby shower and we were guessing how big she was.

And sharing words to encourage one another in special occasions.
These are just a few of my treasured memories and a very small glimpse into life in Peru.

What Can Wash Away My Sins?

Many streets in the outlying neighborhoods of Peru are unpaved. Walking in sand, rocky roads, and dirt is a common mode of transportation. Very few people own cars here.  Public transportation and/or walking is the main mode of transportation. Hence, shoes wear out quickly and often are not replaced. It is not unusual to see the most worn out pair of shoes day after day on the people who live in these more impoverished neighborhoods; and this is where they need better shoes due to the lack of proper infrastructure.

Soles4Souls wants to make a difference. They have partnered with us to visit Peru and give shoes to these deserving families and children. In March, 11 people came and worked tirelessly for 3 days giving out shoes to thousands of people. It was a fun group to get to know and see how they all came to be on the trip (one of my favorite parts of my job seeing how God brings just the right people to work in Peru--even for just a week). We had a family, a teacher, a mom, a mother/daughter, a shoe salesman, and a representative from Clarks shoes, and the team leader, Katie! I had been emailing and talking to Katie for over a year and so it was great to finally meet her and get to know her in person. This group was amazing! I do not think I heard one complaint the entire week and even in the face of many obstacles of shoes not clearing customs, having to turn people away and ask them to return later when we would have the shoes we were buying in town (due to the shipment not clearing customs). And they worked long days in the heat and often less than desirable conditions, but never wearied nor grumbled.

To plan this trip, I met with the pastors of our churches and we decided what neighborhoods we would target for these shoe distributions. We start the campaign with the pastor introducing the team and other pastors and missionaries present. The pastor for that area then explains about our churches and why we are here to serve them. The participants then are lined up and have their foot measured and sized. They enter the shoe distribution area and are met by one of the smiling volunteers to first have their feet washed. This is also a great opportunity to humble yourself and relate the story of how Jesus also washed His disciples' feet. After the dirt is washed away from the feet (and it is a lot of dirt even on covered feet due to the holes in many of the shoes), the new shoes are fitted and the participant leaves with brand new shoes, a smile on their face and the Lord's blessing for his or her life.

I normally just organize and supervise and handle all the "emergencies" that arise and translate with groups like this. This trip, however, I got into the action one afternoon when one of the team members was back at the hotel sick. I washed feet and gave away shoes. It was the first time I had washed anyone's feet. The entire time I could not help think of Jesus washing the disciples' feet and how He humbled himself to be here on earth. This trip was the start of our Easter season and so it was providential timing to be thinking of Jesus' life and work here on earth and for me to be washing feet in a bucket of water and watching the dust and dirt wash away just as He washes away our sins. My words will not be sufficient to express the feelings and emotions of serving these Peruvians that week. And I am just so thankful that while I can wash away some dirt from someone's feet, the blood of Jesus can wash away all of our sins. What a savior!

 

Sorting shoes at the Arevalo Church

Getting organized our first distrubution.

 The foot washing stations ready to go!

Pastor Ricardo introducing the team.

Pastor Ricardo and Pablo measuring feet in Arevalo.

 New shoes and a toy for this precious young lady who attends Arevalo Church.

Matt and Bob with a happy participant!

Washing feet and giving away shoes in Wichanzao Church.

 Pastor Wes washing feet in Wichanzao.

Pastor Percy introducing the team at Reedemer Church in Parque Industrial.

Measuring feet in Reedemer church.

Washing feet in a school in Parque Industrial.

School children lining up to be measured and receive new shoes.

First Month Back

I've been back in Peru for a month.  I sat down to write my monthly newsletter update and was blown away by how busy I had been!  God is good to give so much to be thankful for.  Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow.

Click Here to Read my Latest Update

I got home Friday and went to our University Ministry meeting.  Saturday there was a welcome home party for me and the Smiths.  My favorite band, Muyupampa, played and it was great to be back with all my friends here in Peru. (photo below)  I had sort of forgotten how busy life is here.  I tried to capture a bit of it in my newsletter (see above link), but really that just scratches the surface. 

One goal is to do better and try to blog once a week. . . we'll see if I can keep up with it!