They will know we are Christian's by our Love

This week has been filled with amazing events! Since we do not teach class till the evenings most of our mornings are open to do many different things. Amanda and I have seized these moments to venture out and around Lima. We have traveled to Pamplona, and Cieneguilla which are on the out skirts of Lima to do Bible study. My new friend Santiago-a translator who works with the teams that go into the jungle-is definitely giving me lots of opportunities for ministry here. He has such a great heart for the people of Peru and is burning to do ministry every chance we can. When we went to Pamplona we went inside a woman's home where they meet for Bible study, Santiago turns to me and says, "okay so I will lead it this week so you can get a feel for it then from here on out you can do it" (the Bible study went well with the exception of me saying "monkey's in Christ" instead of "brothers in Christ") Then we leave the house and he says "oh there is a woman down the road who has never heard the whole story of the gospel. I will be your translator and you tell her" (apparently people here are more willing to hear from the "gringa" or foreigner) Needless to say, Santiago has no problem throwing Amanda and I into any situation lol. Today we traveled 2 hours by bus to an Orphanage with over 800 children. At times I was so overwhelmed that I did not know what to do. Then God said "Christie, just love them." How simple is that! God loves every single one of those children b/c they are his creation! They may be forgotten by the world, but they are NOT forgotten by Him. So I spent my day hugging, kissing, holding and playing with kids. Just showing love to children who do not know what is like to be loved. It didn't take long for Amanda and I to decide that this Orphanage will become part of Amanda's and my schedule. It breaks my heart knowing that these kids are about to go to bed with no one to tuck them in, and kiss them good night. We learned that many people are willing to give "things" but not money, so many times the children go hungry because there is not enough food. I ask that you pray for this orphanage and the children there. I also ask that you remember Amanda and I in your prayers, as doing ministry like this can be very hard. Also for our health as we are still adjusting to Peru. 

Let me off the bus!

Hey so I have greatly enjoyed my first week in Peru. I have be able to experience many new things, see different places, and make new friends. On Thursday we went to our first class. We got to meet all of our students, but getting there was an experience in and of itself! It was my first bus ride and we had to go all the way across town. My entire team got off the bus and I was the last one, but the man did not want to let me off, b/c he wanted to keep going. Long story short, I had to jump off a moving bus!!! But no worries all is well and my students are amazing! Yesterday we went to a town/village out in the mountains to have a bible study (again more buses, taxis and places) Today we had advance English class, and bible study. Then we went to a water park (not like an American water park- a lot of fountains that light up and that we could play in) with a group of the students. In the words of my partner Amanda-"it was like we were the Kardashians" b/c they wanted to know all about us. lol. They were all extremely nice, and we were invited to go play soccer tomorrow at the beach with them! I am so excited that God has already opened so many doors. Continue to pray that Amanda and I are able to make connections, build relationships and share Christ.
God Bless
Colossians 2:2

First Day in Peru

Well Amanda and I arrived safely in Peru late last night, and after waiting an hour in the immigration line we were pleased to see all of our bags arrived with us! On the first flight from Guat. to Mexico I sat next to a woman who was from Guat, her husband is from Lima and she live in Maryland for 2 years! Needless to say we had a lot to talk about, God sent her my way to help me with all the forms, immigration and customs (Mexico city airport is very confusing) Then on the next flight to Lima, Amanda and I sat with a guy who has lived literally all over the world and had a great conversation-even got to share about our faith! He was very nice, and helped Amanda and I again find our way through the 100s of people trying to get into Peru. He is still searching, pray that he realizes he will not be happy no matter how much money he makes or different places he lives w/out God.  Today we settled into our apartment and became accustomed to the area. We ate some AMAZING food and even walked to the ocean (less than a mile from our apt) Oh and I located the nearest Starbucks...one block up, one block over!!!!!!!!! As you can tell, I am suffering here big time. ;-) Tomorrow we are possibly visiting an orphanage were we will be working, and having our first class with the translators!
Isiah 32:17

On to Peru

I have had a wonderful week of training in Guatemala. I have made some great friends and while its sad to leave I know that we all are ready to get on the field! Here we had a great time with training and meeting new people. On Saturday we went to a mall and just tried to meet people. We prayer walked around some of the local universities where one team will be ministering. And on Sunday I got to experience my first service in all Spanish! I have learned many important things, among them is to always watch for "gringo traps" aka huge pot wholes in the sidewalks. ;-) Tomorrow will be a very long day with us leaving at 6:30 in the morning and arriving after midnight, prayers for safe travels and for luggage arrival is greatly appreciated. (my partner Amanda just read this and wanted to add a big "YES!" to the needed prayer)
God Bless

Good, long day of training!

Had a wonderful day of training. Today we learned about the catholic influence in Latin American and all about the mixing of Catholicism and the native/indigenous beliefs. We went to Antigua, to look at some of the old cathedrals. The picture is from one of the ruins caused by earthquakes. We are currently having ice cream with a team in from Arkansas, here to work on a Baptist seminary. 

I'm HERE!

All of the hands on students landed in Gautamala last night (with all of our luggage!!!) and we are semi settled in. We currently having breakfast of fresh fruit and coffee that taste amazing!

I leave tomorrow!

Wow, I cannot believe that my day of departure is almost here! I leave tomorrow for one week of training in Guatemala City before then flying on to Peru the following week. Yesterday in both of our services, my wonderful church family prayed over me in a commissioning service. It is such a blessing knowing that I have the support of so many brothers and sisters in Christ. The process for getting to this point has taken 11 months, and through it all God has affirmed that this is what He wants. 

My bags are packed and waiting by the door-with one bag weighing in at 49.5 lbs and the other 45 lbs-hey maybe with that extra 5 pounds I could bring another pair of shoes ;-) I am so excited for tomorrow, I can hardly sleep!