The time came yesterday to say goodbye to our friends in Santa Clara...I didnt think about the goodbye before it was time, which was a good thing. The hugs and kisses I recieved, and the love that was shown throughout the week was absolutely overwelming! I could not hold back the tears. To be completely honest, I really wanted to bring about 10 home, although 2 would have been good enough for me! The people of Santa Clara and the children are blessed in more ways than anyone in the United States could ever imagine (it really puts a different perspective on recession.) yet, they are the most joyful, loving, smiling, sweet people Ive ever met in my life! They are graceful and have shown Gods grace through their hospitality and love. Although,there we could have full conversation the smiles, hugs, kisses, and hand motions were enough to make me fall in love with all of them. What a blessing to be able to call them my friends.
This trip has really made the verse, "Be still and know that I am God" mean so much to me!!
Now, it is 6am in Iquitos, Peru and we are piled in the lobby getting ready for our departure to the Iquitos airport! Our flight will take us to Leema, Peru...where we will spend the day with a tour guide going to markets, shopping malls, hopefully to see the new statue that they call "crappy Jesus" (only because it isnt as tall as the other 2 in South America), and to have a nice dinner before boarding again to Miami! So...it is time to take a deep breath and prepare for the long flights and traveling ahead.
My prayer:
Gracious God,
Please be with a bless my family and friends that are at home. Be will our group as we travel and reflect upon what you have done in, around and through us this week. Keep us safe through our travels, and others that are traveling as well. You are bigger and better than all things we see, and I thank you for the uncomfortable situations I am put in that require me to rely on you fully.
In Your name-Amen
¡Chau!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The Past Couple of Days!
I know I havnt posted in the past couple of days...but I havnt had time to really email, let alone fight with the spanish keyboard for a blog! (it really isnt that different, but for some reason I am no good at typing on it!)
Over the past couple of days we have gone out to the village each morning, after our wonderful fruit, eggs, and instant coffee breakfast! We do our group devotion and then get to work! On Tuesday...the work load was a little slower. The men worked with the Peruvians to mix concrete on the ground to lay a sidewalk around the Pastors home. The women on the other hand, watched for a little while, and then got to go fetch water from the Amazon river to help complete this task! I say the work load was slower because all of the children were in school...so it was not until they got out that we really had our hands full!
Yesterday was much different! There was lots of labor and lots of children! There was still very little concrete to be completed and it was time to start sanding, priming, and painting the exterier of his house. Oh...and the school let out as soon as we got there, due to teachers having meetings! (they only went from 7-9) I also found out that the school closes on teachers pay day! (whoop whoop!-but they have to come into the city to cash their checks, and come to find out...that is like working an entire day...becaue 1 simple transaction can take up to 6 hours!) So, we had children wrapped around our legs and hugging our wastes all morning long! After lunch, there was a group that took us for a walk around half the village, as we trotted through the jungle they took care of us! By the middle of our walk, I had a little boy with an elephant ear plant shading my face, and an entire bouquete of gorgeous flowers!! It was absolutely beautiful in SO many ways!! Then, when we got back we colored and got ready for bible school! Those who wanted, left around 3-30 to hike to the village over (on a side walk come to find out!) and the others of us stayed behind to clean and bring the boats to their port. When we arrived at the next port over, there was a wooden canoe type boat, filled with chickens, ducks, and roosters...FOR SALE! It was so interesting, yet a little creepy (I will pay more for mine to be packaged!) lol! Then, on the boat ride home up the amazon river we saw River Dolphins for the first time!! It was beautiful!!
OH and NOT TO FORGET.....IT IS MUCHO CALOR! (very HOT)
Now, today is our last day in the village! It is bitter sweet....
Can I really not just bring a few home???
XOXO!
Over the past couple of days we have gone out to the village each morning, after our wonderful fruit, eggs, and instant coffee breakfast! We do our group devotion and then get to work! On Tuesday...the work load was a little slower. The men worked with the Peruvians to mix concrete on the ground to lay a sidewalk around the Pastors home. The women on the other hand, watched for a little while, and then got to go fetch water from the Amazon river to help complete this task! I say the work load was slower because all of the children were in school...so it was not until they got out that we really had our hands full!
Yesterday was much different! There was lots of labor and lots of children! There was still very little concrete to be completed and it was time to start sanding, priming, and painting the exterier of his house. Oh...and the school let out as soon as we got there, due to teachers having meetings! (they only went from 7-9) I also found out that the school closes on teachers pay day! (whoop whoop!-but they have to come into the city to cash their checks, and come to find out...that is like working an entire day...becaue 1 simple transaction can take up to 6 hours!) So, we had children wrapped around our legs and hugging our wastes all morning long! After lunch, there was a group that took us for a walk around half the village, as we trotted through the jungle they took care of us! By the middle of our walk, I had a little boy with an elephant ear plant shading my face, and an entire bouquete of gorgeous flowers!! It was absolutely beautiful in SO many ways!! Then, when we got back we colored and got ready for bible school! Those who wanted, left around 3-30 to hike to the village over (on a side walk come to find out!) and the others of us stayed behind to clean and bring the boats to their port. When we arrived at the next port over, there was a wooden canoe type boat, filled with chickens, ducks, and roosters...FOR SALE! It was so interesting, yet a little creepy (I will pay more for mine to be packaged!) lol! Then, on the boat ride home up the amazon river we saw River Dolphins for the first time!! It was beautiful!!
OH and NOT TO FORGET.....IT IS MUCHO CALOR! (very HOT)
Now, today is our last day in the village! It is bitter sweet....
Can I really not just bring a few home???
XOXO!
Monday, July 18, 2011
A BLESSED day!!
I want to start by saying...today summed up any question of, Why am I here? I have been asked if the poverty here and on the island is sad, and of course I have felt sad many of times for some of the things I have seen....but going to the village today summed up what life and their life is really about. These people have nothing less than what we all have....they are so blessed and the love they showed us today provided me with the true understanding that the things in life that really matter and are REAL are those things provided by the Lord! Although their belongings were little to non, their love was abundant!!
So, we started working today! We left the hotel at 8-15 and arrived in Santa Clara at 9. Our day started with a devotion in the church on the hill at the village! Then, we got to work! Our first goal was to get the children that were not in school out to play! So, I got out one of my frisbees and started playing with a little boy name Persicarlos (funny story...I couldnt understand him, so I had to ask the preachers wife who only speaks spanish what his name was, and she told me, but said that everyone calls him Pescado (fish in spanish) because that is how he used to pronounce his name!) So he and I started playing and eventually gather so many children to play too! We played perro, perro, gato (dog, dog, cat aka duck, duck goose), frisbee, soccer, and then just loved on each other! About midmorning I helped assemble some water filtration systems...which we will deliver to the houses in the morning. (we finished all 50 on the first day-but there is still MUCH to be done!) Then, our team ate lunch, continued working on some filters, and playing with children until it was time for bible school! We sang (somewhat-mumbled words we didnt know or know how to pronounce really!) and then did our crafts! My job today was to take photos of each child individual for a picture frame project they will compete later this week! I will go tomorrow to print them at a photo shop here in Iquitos! Once we finished this it was time to get back on the boat and come back for MUCH NEEDED showers! I cannot tell you the last time I could have cared less about being as dirty as I got today! (Luckily did not have to use the out house either!) It was an absolutely amazing day! They children taught me some Spanish and showed all of us so much love! I took over 100 pictures in the village alone today...so there will be much to show and tell!
GOD IS GOOD!
I have been thinking and praying for everyone back home!!!
LOVE
XOXO
B
Sunday, July 17, 2011
A Different Language..
Today I have discovered that the language barrier is bitter/sweet! When we arrived at the village there were BEAUTIFUL little faces there to greet us! They waved us all the way into shore and took our hands to help us as we balanced accross logs to dry ground! As we made our way up the hill the church they walked with us, still holding some hands, but never losing their smiles! We were literally welcomed with open arms! After talking about the language barrier keeping us from forming personal relationships--I thought to myself, this cannot be all that bad! I faced the same feelings that were discussed, as well as those that just made me feel warm inside. We worshiped with these people in a church with wooden benches, open windows, and no air conditioning on the top of a hill facing the amazon river! We sang, clapped, jumped, danced, laughed, prayed, and hugged one another as if we had been going to church together for years (in a lot of ways...much closer than some in the churches back home) Although I could not sing along and understood very little of the sermon this morning...I could feel the Holy Spirit in that little build, without air conditioning, on top of this mountain!
What a wonderful people...what a wonderful God!
The other language barrier that I have had difficulty face...believe it or not...is that of the internet! It has been difficult for communication to not be as easily accessable, understandable, and clear. Like I said...the Lord tests us in these uncomfortable situations, for us to rely on his grace and our faith in Him to get us through!
Oh...one last thing! Say a prayer, we are going to our first restaurant for dinner in the city tonight!
XOXO
What a wonderful people...what a wonderful God!
The other language barrier that I have had difficulty face...believe it or not...is that of the internet! It has been difficult for communication to not be as easily accessable, understandable, and clear. Like I said...the Lord tests us in these uncomfortable situations, for us to rely on his grace and our faith in Him to get us through!
Oh...one last thing! Say a prayer, we are going to our first restaurant for dinner in the city tonight!
XOXO
¡Buenas Dias!
¡Buenas dias!
Good morning! This morning a little more has sunk in after an amazing nights rest!
Y
Last night after dinner we walked to an ice cream shop that is apart of a park called (the pavilion). The pavillion was full of people and children enjoying their Saturday night! The only comparison I know how to make is Spring Fling in downtown Spartanburg, although their Sunday nights are much wilder! There were men walking around with the grocery cart type shops that we see at Christmas parades! Vendors set up on the side walks and chidren running everywhere! We went and enjoyed ice cream in a shop that was open to the park....people watching at its best!
This morning we woke and had an absolutely amazing breakfast at the hotel. First the chef brought us fresh fruit- papaya, coconut, bannah, and tangerine along with freshly squeezed papaya juice! Then, he brought fresh baked rolls and jam, followed by the best scrambled eggs I have ever had in my life! A breakfast for champions to say the least!! Soon we will be leaving the hotel to take a motor car to the river to board a boat down the Amazon River to the village of Santa Clara! I am giddy and anxious about meeting the people and children of the village that we will be working at all week! We are joining them this morning for an evangelistic festival church service, in which that have gathered other church and village communities to join! Will have to fill you in...
Have a blessed day! Live courageously...and never let your faith grow weary!!
A small thing that I forgot....in conversation last night, we determined how unfortable it is to stick out like a sore thumb. How it seems to some that we come to change the way of life here....but what we discovered is that sometimes the Lord puts us in these uncomfortable situations so that we know we must completely rely on our faith in Him and His works!
XOXOXO!
Good morning! This morning a little more has sunk in after an amazing nights rest!
Y
Last night after dinner we walked to an ice cream shop that is apart of a park called (the pavilion). The pavillion was full of people and children enjoying their Saturday night! The only comparison I know how to make is Spring Fling in downtown Spartanburg, although their Sunday nights are much wilder! There were men walking around with the grocery cart type shops that we see at Christmas parades! Vendors set up on the side walks and chidren running everywhere! We went and enjoyed ice cream in a shop that was open to the park....people watching at its best!
This morning we woke and had an absolutely amazing breakfast at the hotel. First the chef brought us fresh fruit- papaya, coconut, bannah, and tangerine along with freshly squeezed papaya juice! Then, he brought fresh baked rolls and jam, followed by the best scrambled eggs I have ever had in my life! A breakfast for champions to say the least!! Soon we will be leaving the hotel to take a motor car to the river to board a boat down the Amazon River to the village of Santa Clara! I am giddy and anxious about meeting the people and children of the village that we will be working at all week! We are joining them this morning for an evangelistic festival church service, in which that have gathered other church and village communities to join! Will have to fill you in...
Have a blessed day! Live courageously...and never let your faith grow weary!!
A small thing that I forgot....in conversation last night, we determined how unfortable it is to stick out like a sore thumb. How it seems to some that we come to change the way of life here....but what we discovered is that sometimes the Lord puts us in these uncomfortable situations so that we know we must completely rely on our faith in Him and His works!
XOXOXO!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
hola!
After 24 hours of traveling....we have finally made it to our destination, Iquitos, Peru. I will start by saying that I have only had about 3 hours of sleep and exstatic about being out of an airport and plane!!
Yesterday, we arrived in Miami at about 3-30 (no key for the right time symbol), and because our layover was 8 hours long a few of us decided that we would go explore. South Beach...there we went! We got to put our toes in the sand, enjoyed a very delicious Italian meal, and got to people watch like crazy! The time flew by and we were back off to the air port to board the midnight flight to Lima.
When we arrived at 4-30am...it was time for the BIG transfer over (including luggage, check in, check points, and money) This took approximately 3 hours with one to spare before heading to our final destination! I boarded the last plane, and for the last time sat next to someone I did not know and that did not speak English (make that two women that did not speak English) One wearing a fur hat with pearls hanging off of it and a fur coat! She was STYLING!!!! The lady directly beside me did not know how to fasten her seat belt, bless her heart, but I helped her find the two ends that went together eventually...this was the most amazing flight yet. After we were up in the air I look down and my breath was literally taken away!Huge beautiful mountains....the pictures will better explain what words cannot even do justice for!
Then, amongst arriving in Iquitos we met one of Dr. Paul´s friends in the air port. He took care of all of our luggage and had our cabs waiting and motor cars waiting! Motor cars by the way are Honda and Yamaha mopeds/dirt bikes with little bench seats behind them.They zoom in and out of traffic and honk at anyone and eveything. It is like a city full of these things that drive as tough they are in a bumper car rink! So FUN! For those of use staying at the hotel, we had to check in and walk to what is called the El Harden. This is where Pam McAbee lives, and is the missions house. Some of our crew is staying there too. There we had some wholesome sandwiches and dried plantains for lunch, got the rundown of the city and our agenda, and then took the grand tour. Like I said picures will speak much louder than the words I can type.
This is a breath taking city, in which there is no such thing as middle class. Some of what I have seen already has broken my heart to pieces and reassured me that we are here doing a great thing! The children and people are absolutley beautiful! Before I came, I didnt remember to think that there would be dogs and animals...on which I have no words to describe at the moment.
BUT....we HAVE made it and I cannot wait for what I will learn next!! God Speed...I am praying for you all back home. (shh...I do miss you already!) ;)
xoxoxo!
Yesterday, we arrived in Miami at about 3-30 (no key for the right time symbol), and because our layover was 8 hours long a few of us decided that we would go explore. South Beach...there we went! We got to put our toes in the sand, enjoyed a very delicious Italian meal, and got to people watch like crazy! The time flew by and we were back off to the air port to board the midnight flight to Lima.
When we arrived at 4-30am...it was time for the BIG transfer over (including luggage, check in, check points, and money) This took approximately 3 hours with one to spare before heading to our final destination! I boarded the last plane, and for the last time sat next to someone I did not know and that did not speak English (make that two women that did not speak English) One wearing a fur hat with pearls hanging off of it and a fur coat! She was STYLING!!!! The lady directly beside me did not know how to fasten her seat belt, bless her heart, but I helped her find the two ends that went together eventually...this was the most amazing flight yet. After we were up in the air I look down and my breath was literally taken away!Huge beautiful mountains....the pictures will better explain what words cannot even do justice for!
Then, amongst arriving in Iquitos we met one of Dr. Paul´s friends in the air port. He took care of all of our luggage and had our cabs waiting and motor cars waiting! Motor cars by the way are Honda and Yamaha mopeds/dirt bikes with little bench seats behind them.They zoom in and out of traffic and honk at anyone and eveything. It is like a city full of these things that drive as tough they are in a bumper car rink! So FUN! For those of use staying at the hotel, we had to check in and walk to what is called the El Harden. This is where Pam McAbee lives, and is the missions house. Some of our crew is staying there too. There we had some wholesome sandwiches and dried plantains for lunch, got the rundown of the city and our agenda, and then took the grand tour. Like I said picures will speak much louder than the words I can type.
This is a breath taking city, in which there is no such thing as middle class. Some of what I have seen already has broken my heart to pieces and reassured me that we are here doing a great thing! The children and people are absolutley beautiful! Before I came, I didnt remember to think that there would be dogs and animals...on which I have no words to describe at the moment.
BUT....we HAVE made it and I cannot wait for what I will learn next!! God Speed...I am praying for you all back home. (shh...I do miss you already!) ;)
xoxoxo!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Travel time...
It seems like just yesterday I started praying about this trip! Now I am in the car with my dad and Hannah on the way to the Charlotte airport to board a plane! All I keep thinking is...God is soo good! I have been so blessed my entire life with more than I can fathom! All of the blessings, along with this car ride seem so surreal, and sometimes make me wonder, "Why me?"
I cannot wait to continue to update this each day and share what the Lord is doing in me, through me, and in the lives of the Peruvian families of Santa Clara!
Now...praying for safe travels and all of my loved ones at home!
GOD IS GOOD!
XOXO!
I cannot wait to continue to update this each day and share what the Lord is doing in me, through me, and in the lives of the Peruvian families of Santa Clara!
Now...praying for safe travels and all of my loved ones at home!
GOD IS GOOD!
XOXO!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Courage
The word courage has weighed on me today. It is defined as the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, and pain, without fear; bravery; Obsolete . the heart as the source of emotion. I begin to wonder where and how do we have the courage to face some of the battles in our own lives and the courage to witness the battles of our neighbors? Then, it became apparent to me...the one word- COURAGE- is not controlled by a person, the mind and holy spirit give us the faith we need to have courage. If I could rewrite the definition...
As it gets closer and closer to going on this trip I have realized the courage it took to say that I will do what it takes to go on this mission trip. It has not been easy since deciding in March that this is what I felt in my heart I was being called to do. Financially, it wasnt even possible...but I had faith....in which I then gained the courage to reach out to family and friends for support. The overwelming support recieved just reiterates to me that it was not my decision to begin with.
I am thankful everyday for the blessings of family, friends, their support, and for courage.
I pray that we can all live courageously...
"Courage is the faith granted by God through the holy spirit to do his will and what is right in His eyes, even as the enemy condems."
As it gets closer and closer to going on this trip I have realized the courage it took to say that I will do what it takes to go on this mission trip. It has not been easy since deciding in March that this is what I felt in my heart I was being called to do. Financially, it wasnt even possible...but I had faith....in which I then gained the courage to reach out to family and friends for support. The overwelming support recieved just reiterates to me that it was not my decision to begin with.
"You did not choose Me, but I chose you to go." And, "As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you" (John 15:16; 20:21 NIV).
I am thankful everyday for the blessings of family, friends, their support, and for courage.
I pray that we can all live courageously...
XOXO
Monday, July 11, 2011
Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3...
This is my first blog. EVER. It almost seems like talking to myself at this point...but...it is my first blog. As a lot of my friends and family know, I am going to be leaving our great country on Friday to go do missions in Peru. I will not be gone long, but will also be detached from (of which I am highly addicted) my cell phone. So...I figured what better way to let everyone know what's going on. There is an internet cafe near where we will be staying, and the days that I can make it there....I will blog. As of right now, I think that blogging and checking a couple emails is about all I will do...(facebook and I are having a love/HATE relationship...so i figured I'd leave it behind in the U.S.A while I am away)
I am overwelmed with emotions as I prepare to go to Peru. It will be a life changing experience, that I will forever be blessed for the opportunity to be apart of. I am thankful for the many blessings I recieve each day, and for the support that I have recieved from so many people, who have made this possible for me.
I am overwelmed with emotions as I prepare to go to Peru. It will be a life changing experience, that I will forever be blessed for the opportunity to be apart of. I am thankful for the many blessings I recieve each day, and for the support that I have recieved from so many people, who have made this possible for me.
"When I am free from ambition, I am free to serve with a joyful heart.
When I am free from selfishness, I am free from irritation.
When I am free from jealousy, I am free to rejoice in the good of another.
When I am free from judgment, I am free to pray from a pure heart.
When I am free from expectation, I am free to enjoy whatever comes.
When I am freed from controlling others, I am free to see the miraculous.
When I am truly free, I will see the Kingdom of God in my life."
When I am free from selfishness, I am free from irritation.
When I am free from jealousy, I am free to rejoice in the good of another.
When I am free from judgment, I am free to pray from a pure heart.
When I am free from expectation, I am free to enjoy whatever comes.
When I am freed from controlling others, I am free to see the miraculous.
When I am truly free, I will see the Kingdom of God in my life."
Our mission teams bible verse-
Proverts 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
XOXOXO!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)