This morning before devling into my research paper, I took some time to spend with God first. He led me to the passage in 2nd Samuel 24 about David, his sin and his sacrifice.
David decided to number the people of Israel, and according to a commentary I read, back then you'd only number the things that belong to you. For instance, I could count all of the crayons in my box, but I couldn't count the crayon's in Joey's box, because those belonged to him.
David was in fact saying that everything belongs to me as the king, even the people of my kingdom. Therefore I should know how many people I have, in essence, how many assets I have.
David had nine months and twenty days between when he ordered the census and when it was finished. Nine months and twenty days. That is a long time. As I've been counting down the days until summer, I know that nine months is a long, long time. David could have repented during that time. He could have stopped the census, knowing that what he was doing was wrong--that the people belonged to God and God only. He didn't repent, however. I'm guessing this is because he wasn't in close fellowship with God. As we draw closer to God, diving into His word and spending time in communication with Him, we become more sensitive to His desires and less conscious of our own.
David did come around, once the census was over. It hit him, hard. His heart condemned him. He acknowledged his sin before God. God gave him the option of three different consequences. Tell me if I'm wrong, but I think David chose not to take the option that would cause him the most personal pain, being pursued by enemies for 3 months. Still has some growing up to do, that man of God. So, God sends a plague, which actually has something to do with the reason for censuses in the first place (Exodus 30:12).
The best part of this story is David's repentance and sacrifice to the Lord. He goes to the place of this Jebusite named Araunah, since that's where the Angel of the Lord was being held up by God's hand. Araunah seems to be a pretty selfless guy. Much more selfless than David. He gives everything he has to David so David can make a sacrifice to the Lord. That would have cost him quite a bit, since I'm guessing he wasn't real rich. Maybe they were his only oxen, his only tools for threshing, his only yokes. That would mean quite a bit of dependence on God to provide for him and his family, would it not?
However, David won't let Araunah give him the stuff for sacrificing. He says, "No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing."
What are you sacrificing? Something of great worth, or something you really could live without?
How about your very life?
Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Too much? You're stingy.
Eph. 5:2
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
Father, make me willing to climb up on the altar, surrendering my life to you as a daily offering. The whole of it, every part. You did it for me, an undeserving sinner who hated you.
How much more should I for the Perfect One who loves me more than life?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Two Months Later...
Wow, I can't believe it has been almost two months since arriving back in the States. My life has been really busy since then! Not three days after I got home I left for Story Book Lodge to counsel at a Teen Camp for a week. Then the next day I was off to UNI to start RA training. Two weeks of doing that, then school started. Now we're into our fourth week of the semester (which means we're 1/4 of the way done with the semester)!
With as busy as I've been, I'm still homesick for Peru. Not a day goes by that I don't think about the familia that I left down there. I'm able to keep in contact with the Clarks and some of the kids from the assembly via the internet, and it's good to see the new house parents' pictures on facebook of the kids. Since we left, three more kids have come to Morning Star. Still, it's something that I think about every day; it hasn't gotten much easier in the last 7 weeks.
I am hoping to go back down to Peru next summer, if the Lord wills. I'm excited to be able to be more prepared with activities/materials for English classes, and hopefully I will be working on developing an English curriculum for Strong Tower by making it my Honors thesis. I still can't believe what a valuable experience this summer was, and how it was right up my alley! :)
I also have a vision to reach out to the teenage girls of the neighborhood, maybe start up a girls club/Bible study. That will take a good measure of fluency in the language, however. After spending the summer there, I've realized that although my comprehension is good, I need to work on speaking. A big obstacle for me is being able to speak about spiritual things, since that isn't something they teach you in Spanish class. :)
So, to work on remedying that, I've started up a Bible study on campus for Spanish majors. We had our first meeting today, and it was great! There were four of us, and we got kind of off-topic, but it was still really good. We started off in Psalm 1 and we were going to also get to Philippians 1, but ran out of time. :) I'm thinking of starting an "online version" for anyone else who wants to practice Spanish (so if you're one of them, shoot me an email!)
All in all, I can see why the Lord has me here right now. My classes are really good, I feel like they're really preparing me for what the Lord has for me in the future! One of my professors spent 15+ years teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Chile, so I'm excited to talk to her more about that, and the challenges that come with it in comparison to teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). The Lord is also using me right now as an RA, it's been good getting to know the girls on my floor.
All in all I can say that God has been faithful. His mercies are new every morning! He is working on the good work which He began in me, and won't stop working. He will perfect that which concerns me!
My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD;
In the morning I will direct it to You,
And I will look up
Psalm 5:3
Oh SEÑOR,
de mañana oirás mi voz;
de mañana me presentaré
delante de ti y esperaré
Salmos 5:3
With as busy as I've been, I'm still homesick for Peru. Not a day goes by that I don't think about the familia that I left down there. I'm able to keep in contact with the Clarks and some of the kids from the assembly via the internet, and it's good to see the new house parents' pictures on facebook of the kids. Since we left, three more kids have come to Morning Star. Still, it's something that I think about every day; it hasn't gotten much easier in the last 7 weeks.
I am hoping to go back down to Peru next summer, if the Lord wills. I'm excited to be able to be more prepared with activities/materials for English classes, and hopefully I will be working on developing an English curriculum for Strong Tower by making it my Honors thesis. I still can't believe what a valuable experience this summer was, and how it was right up my alley! :)
I also have a vision to reach out to the teenage girls of the neighborhood, maybe start up a girls club/Bible study. That will take a good measure of fluency in the language, however. After spending the summer there, I've realized that although my comprehension is good, I need to work on speaking. A big obstacle for me is being able to speak about spiritual things, since that isn't something they teach you in Spanish class. :)
So, to work on remedying that, I've started up a Bible study on campus for Spanish majors. We had our first meeting today, and it was great! There were four of us, and we got kind of off-topic, but it was still really good. We started off in Psalm 1 and we were going to also get to Philippians 1, but ran out of time. :) I'm thinking of starting an "online version" for anyone else who wants to practice Spanish (so if you're one of them, shoot me an email!)
All in all, I can see why the Lord has me here right now. My classes are really good, I feel like they're really preparing me for what the Lord has for me in the future! One of my professors spent 15+ years teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Chile, so I'm excited to talk to her more about that, and the challenges that come with it in comparison to teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). The Lord is also using me right now as an RA, it's been good getting to know the girls on my floor.
All in all I can say that God has been faithful. His mercies are new every morning! He is working on the good work which He began in me, and won't stop working. He will perfect that which concerns me!
My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD;
In the morning I will direct it to You,
And I will look up
Psalm 5:3
Oh SEÑOR,
de mañana oirás mi voz;
de mañana me presentaré
delante de ti y esperaré
Salmos 5:3
Friday, July 31, 2009
Home
Home. We left home on Monday, spent Tuesday in Lima, and arrived home on Wednesday. It's true, we definitely now have two homes, one in each hemisphere. :)
It was incredibly hard leaving the people in Ferrenafe. We shared ten short weeks with them, but we created ties that will last forever; they have become our family. Our last days were spent tying up loose ends, packing, cleaning, playing our last games of kickball with the kids, soccer with the boys, and lots of rompecabezas (aka puzzles...we learned NOT to let Nayeli start one by herself, since we end up finishing it :)
On Saturday we had the sports outreach. Afterwards we always have a devotional. Well, after the devotional, they had a special going away thing for us. Everyone went around circle and said something to us, we got gifts and cards, ate crackers and drank pop. We also stood in a circle while they sang a song about giving thanks to the Lord. Let's just say the tears flowed freely.
Monday was a day I'd like to forget. It was difficult, especially when the kids came and gave us all good-bye letters. We wrote them letters too, and we had an impromptu ceremony of reading the letters, and Alberto shared some verses with us. We made bracelets for them to remember us by. We three girls were all bawling, and almost everyone else in the house was too. (I don't think Nayeli quite got the concept that we were leaving :)
For ten weeks we shared day to day life with these people, in bad times, good times and better times. They are beautiful examples of Christ's love lived out in service and humility. I was privileged to have the opportunity to know them and to serve the Lord together with them even just for such a short time.
********************************************************************************
As I look back on this trip (on this journey, actually), I am amazed at how God orchestrated everything. From perusing through CMML magazine, to finding the Clarks, to making contacts with previous volunteers, to the preparations and planning, to the finances, to the trip itself and the safe travels, to actually being able to be a part of the ministry, the Lord worked it out beautifully. I am so thankful for this opportunity that I had, and if the Lord wills, I would love to continue being involved in the work down there, next summer and maybe even beyond.
However, the Lord clearly has me here for now. The near future includes staffing up at Story Book Lodge Christian Camp in northern Minnesota for a week, and then heading up the next day to start my job as an RA at UNI. Although it seems I've left my heart in Peru, I know that the Lord has me here now for a reason, and that I can still serve Him here with the people that He's placed me with. I'm excited to see how the Lord will use me as an RA this fall, so be praying for that if you think of it, that I would be a bright shining light for the Lord to my boss, my co-workers, and my residents.
Thanks to all of you for reading and following our adventures, but most of all for keeping us in prayer! I'll hopefully be updating this blog periodically, so keep in touch (I might have to change the name of the blog... I can't really be having any adventures abroad when I'm not abroad, can I?)
Psalm 138:8
The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.
Quiero Alabarte
Quiero alabarte más y más aun
Quiero alabarte más y más aun
Buscar tu voluntad
Tu gracia conocer
Quiero alabarte
Las aves del cielo cantan para ti
Las bestias del campo reflejan tu poder
Quiero cantar
Quiero levantar mis manos a ti
Quiero servirte más y más aun...
Quiero amarte más y más aun...
Quiero alabarte.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Despedir
The time is drawing near when we will have to say goodbye (at least for this year!). This week we've been continuing to teach English, work on curriculum, help out with the kids, laundry, dishes, etc. I don't know how the days are flying by so fast, but they really are!
On Monday we got to go to Chiclayo with the kids. They have a behavior reward system in which they earn "Papi-billetes" (dollar bills with Alberto's head replacing the president's :). They got to spend their papi-billetes at the mall in Chiclayo, at the big blow-up games, bumper cars, etc. It was fun to see how excited they were to do all of that!
Early this morning we met our new housemate! Ashley is from Ireland and will be here around 3 weeks. She just got back from a 3 week mission trip to Botswana, so I can't imagine how she's been able to cope with that much traveling in so short an amount of time! She's quite a trooper, she went with us today to meet the teachers (well, the principal and the 4-5 yr. old's teacher). We went with them to Mansefu, a little town about 20 minutes from Chiclayo that's on the coast. They have their "county fair" every year around this time (this being Peru's independence month... the actual day is the 28th). They're renowned for this fair; it has gone on for a long time I guess. We walked around and ate some food and looked at a bunch of crafty stuff, I guess they're mostly known for their embroidery and hat-making. It was really early in the morning (okay, 10am or so) so there were very few people out. The dancing and entertainment didn't start until later in the day/evening so we didn't get to see that. But it was fun to see the crafts and such, and we also got to go to the ocean again (it definitely was warm enough to swim [well, warm enough for us hardy mid-Western girls] but we settled for wading in and getting half-soaked pant legs :). Afterwards we ate at "El Tiburon," (the shark) and had lots of good stuff: cebiche (seafood, including shrimp, shark, squid etc. in lemon juice), goat, stingray omelet, fish soup, fried fish, and the fishy-rice. I never was a fish-fan before coming here, but I think I like it just fine now! At least THIS fish (still not so keen about your salmon, Mom :)
We went back to Chiclayo and the teachers took us to the market for a bit before they sent us back in a combi. A combi is kind of like a minivan... they transport people from Chiclayo to the smaller towns outside. Hannah counted 21 people crammed in the combi we took today, it's a good thing that most Peruvians have short legs... I don't know how my brothers would manage public transportation here in Peru! Anyways, we had our first of our goodbyes today when we parted ways with the teachers, Elizabeth and Jessica. It was tough for me to say goodbye to them, and I have spent very little time with them compared to my time with the kids here... I don't know how I'm going to get through the next few days! I would love to come back next year if it's the Lord's will, but it's hard to think that even when I do come back next year, the same people might not be here. It's definitely comforting to know that if we have the same Lord, we won't be parted forever!
While I'm feeling rather melancholy, I might as well start a bit of a list of the things that I'll miss about Peru. It's just a few random thoughts, definitely NOT an exhaustive list :)
Human jungle gym
I'm going to miss being a human jungle gym for Nayeli and Dafna. I'm going to miss giving piggy-back rides, hearing "Asame" and "dar vueltas" and their kisses too!
Hand-games
Miss Mary Mack has nothing on these Peruvian hand games. I only know about half of a verse of each of them, but I definitely have the rhythm down. I'm going to miss racing Maria and Cynthia especially.
Dancing
"Tale as Old as Time" from Beauty and the Beast and the big band song "Sing, Sing, Sing" are the two songs in my repertoire. The girls know the songs by heart by now, too, and they love to twirl and sing the same songs over and over and over.
Folding Laundry
It's a constant battle against the wind to fold laundry up on the rooftop (everyone else takes it inside, but we love being in the outdoors so we fold it on the spot). I still don't have the two babies' clothes straight, and always have to ask Tina or Hannah. However, I am very good at folding cloth diapers, and I have the fitted sheet folding procedure down pat (which reminds me... Nayeli drank a whole glass of cafe tonight at supper... bet I'll have more to fold tomorrow :)
Market
Going grocery shopping is definitely not as exciting in the States. There's (usually) nothing on the floor that you have to step around. You don't get all the fishy, meaty aromas, and the bartering aspect is completely non-existent. (Not that we barter much, mind you... Jenny informed us just the other day that we need to go to more than one vendor if we want tomatoes for a good price).
Traffic
At first I was appalled at the traffic here in Peru, but now I think that going back to the States will be so boring! Stop signs? Unnecessary! Lane divider-lines? Why fit two cars on the road if you can fit three? Plus, there won't be any moto-taxis, collectivos or combis, (aka cheap transportation!).
Spanish
I am really going to miss getting to listen to Spanish, talk in Spanish, sing in Spanish, pray out loud in Spanish, etc. I think I've improved my listening skills, but haven't got quite as much practice as I would have liked with my speaking skills (been talking in English to Tina and Hannah too much!). I'll also miss being able to speak my mind about other people without them being aware of it (that sounds awful, but it's true). But this really is a beautiful language, and I'm really going to miss it... just when I've started dreaming in Spanish, and when I start code-switching in my sentences, I have to go home!
The people
It goes without saying that the thing I will miss the most about Peru is the people. The staff here at Morning Star and Strong Tower, all the kids, all my students, all the people at church... it's giving me that awful tickling-feeling in my nose and making tears well up in my eyes just THINKING about leaving them. I don't think I can express how much they mean to me and how blessed I am to have been able to work with them for the last 2 1/2 months.
Philippians 1:3-11
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
On Monday we got to go to Chiclayo with the kids. They have a behavior reward system in which they earn "Papi-billetes" (dollar bills with Alberto's head replacing the president's :). They got to spend their papi-billetes at the mall in Chiclayo, at the big blow-up games, bumper cars, etc. It was fun to see how excited they were to do all of that!
Early this morning we met our new housemate! Ashley is from Ireland and will be here around 3 weeks. She just got back from a 3 week mission trip to Botswana, so I can't imagine how she's been able to cope with that much traveling in so short an amount of time! She's quite a trooper, she went with us today to meet the teachers (well, the principal and the 4-5 yr. old's teacher). We went with them to Mansefu, a little town about 20 minutes from Chiclayo that's on the coast. They have their "county fair" every year around this time (this being Peru's independence month... the actual day is the 28th). They're renowned for this fair; it has gone on for a long time I guess. We walked around and ate some food and looked at a bunch of crafty stuff, I guess they're mostly known for their embroidery and hat-making. It was really early in the morning (okay, 10am or so) so there were very few people out. The dancing and entertainment didn't start until later in the day/evening so we didn't get to see that. But it was fun to see the crafts and such, and we also got to go to the ocean again (it definitely was warm enough to swim [well, warm enough for us hardy mid-Western girls] but we settled for wading in and getting half-soaked pant legs :). Afterwards we ate at "El Tiburon," (the shark) and had lots of good stuff: cebiche (seafood, including shrimp, shark, squid etc. in lemon juice), goat, stingray omelet, fish soup, fried fish, and the fishy-rice. I never was a fish-fan before coming here, but I think I like it just fine now! At least THIS fish (still not so keen about your salmon, Mom :)
We went back to Chiclayo and the teachers took us to the market for a bit before they sent us back in a combi. A combi is kind of like a minivan... they transport people from Chiclayo to the smaller towns outside. Hannah counted 21 people crammed in the combi we took today, it's a good thing that most Peruvians have short legs... I don't know how my brothers would manage public transportation here in Peru! Anyways, we had our first of our goodbyes today when we parted ways with the teachers, Elizabeth and Jessica. It was tough for me to say goodbye to them, and I have spent very little time with them compared to my time with the kids here... I don't know how I'm going to get through the next few days! I would love to come back next year if it's the Lord's will, but it's hard to think that even when I do come back next year, the same people might not be here. It's definitely comforting to know that if we have the same Lord, we won't be parted forever!
While I'm feeling rather melancholy, I might as well start a bit of a list of the things that I'll miss about Peru. It's just a few random thoughts, definitely NOT an exhaustive list :)
Human jungle gym
I'm going to miss being a human jungle gym for Nayeli and Dafna. I'm going to miss giving piggy-back rides, hearing "Asame" and "dar vueltas" and their kisses too!
Hand-games
Miss Mary Mack has nothing on these Peruvian hand games. I only know about half of a verse of each of them, but I definitely have the rhythm down. I'm going to miss racing Maria and Cynthia especially.
Dancing
"Tale as Old as Time" from Beauty and the Beast and the big band song "Sing, Sing, Sing" are the two songs in my repertoire. The girls know the songs by heart by now, too, and they love to twirl and sing the same songs over and over and over.
Folding Laundry
It's a constant battle against the wind to fold laundry up on the rooftop (everyone else takes it inside, but we love being in the outdoors so we fold it on the spot). I still don't have the two babies' clothes straight, and always have to ask Tina or Hannah. However, I am very good at folding cloth diapers, and I have the fitted sheet folding procedure down pat (which reminds me... Nayeli drank a whole glass of cafe tonight at supper... bet I'll have more to fold tomorrow :)
Market
Going grocery shopping is definitely not as exciting in the States. There's (usually) nothing on the floor that you have to step around. You don't get all the fishy, meaty aromas, and the bartering aspect is completely non-existent. (Not that we barter much, mind you... Jenny informed us just the other day that we need to go to more than one vendor if we want tomatoes for a good price).
Traffic
At first I was appalled at the traffic here in Peru, but now I think that going back to the States will be so boring! Stop signs? Unnecessary! Lane divider-lines? Why fit two cars on the road if you can fit three? Plus, there won't be any moto-taxis, collectivos or combis, (aka cheap transportation!).
Spanish
I am really going to miss getting to listen to Spanish, talk in Spanish, sing in Spanish, pray out loud in Spanish, etc. I think I've improved my listening skills, but haven't got quite as much practice as I would have liked with my speaking skills (been talking in English to Tina and Hannah too much!). I'll also miss being able to speak my mind about other people without them being aware of it (that sounds awful, but it's true). But this really is a beautiful language, and I'm really going to miss it... just when I've started dreaming in Spanish, and when I start code-switching in my sentences, I have to go home!
The people
It goes without saying that the thing I will miss the most about Peru is the people. The staff here at Morning Star and Strong Tower, all the kids, all my students, all the people at church... it's giving me that awful tickling-feeling in my nose and making tears well up in my eyes just THINKING about leaving them. I don't think I can express how much they mean to me and how blessed I am to have been able to work with them for the last 2 1/2 months.
Philippians 1:3-11
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Ticking away...
Time is ticking away, and I can't believe it's only 10 days before we have to leave! School ended on Wednesday, we did all of our English testing on Tuesday. That was a whirlwind day! Around 80 students tested one by one, it took us from 8:30-12:30. Wednesday was definitely a bittersweet day, the kids were excited (and the teachers too) to have a break, but realizing it was the last time I would probably see these kids (at least for this summer) made us pretty sad!
However, we now have some new students. The kids from the neighborhood also have vacations, but they want to learn some English, so for an hour a day we've been having English class. It's pretty funny to see a bunch of teenagers crammed into the little room of tiny benches and tables which my 4 yr. olds occupied, but they're eager to learn and most of them can stay on task. It's fun getting to teach a range of ages.
Other than that we've been working on a few odds and ends. The South Africans left on Wednesday, and we were very sorry to see them go! We learned so many things while they were here, among which include: cookies are actually biscuits and rice cookers are the bee's knees. :)
Today we went to Chiclayo and Hannah and I navigated the grocery store all by ourselves (as well as indulged in soft serve ice cream.... soooooo good!) while Tina went with Tom and little Abigail to court.
Well, it's time for another English lesson, so I should get going. Chau for now! :)
However, we now have some new students. The kids from the neighborhood also have vacations, but they want to learn some English, so for an hour a day we've been having English class. It's pretty funny to see a bunch of teenagers crammed into the little room of tiny benches and tables which my 4 yr. olds occupied, but they're eager to learn and most of them can stay on task. It's fun getting to teach a range of ages.
Other than that we've been working on a few odds and ends. The South Africans left on Wednesday, and we were very sorry to see them go! We learned so many things while they were here, among which include: cookies are actually biscuits and rice cookers are the bee's knees. :)
Today we went to Chiclayo and Hannah and I navigated the grocery store all by ourselves (as well as indulged in soft serve ice cream.... soooooo good!) while Tina went with Tom and little Abigail to court.
Well, it's time for another English lesson, so I should get going. Chau for now! :)
Monday, July 13, 2009
Vacaciones, Griollos, and Amy Carmichael
Well, looks like vacation is coming early for the kids (and teachers) at Strong Tower! Apparently the Ministry of Education mandated that the schools start their vacation this week (instead of the 24th) because of a swine (H1N1) flu outbreak. I'm not sure the particulars, all I know is that it's test time! This is the midway point of the school year, so for the next two days we are testing. Two subjects were today, English is tomorrow, and two more on Wednesday. Then we're done! Testing will be interesting, it's going to be 1 on 1 oral/visual testing, I had to make out a rubric and all that for it, so I'm excited to see how it'll work out. That's ~80 kids though, so Hannah, Tina, Jeanette and I will all be working like crazy tomorrow.
In other news, griollos (I hope I'm spelling it right) are attacking! These little monster crickets seem to be everywhere all of a sudden, much to Hannah and Tina's chagrin. The other night Tina found one in her clothes that were lying on the floor (hint, hint Tina :P) and we almost woke up the whole house with our screams (okay, it was just Tina and Hannah that screamed). I valiantly grabbed a bowl and trapped the little bugger (except it wasn't so little, probably 4-5 inches long) and scooted it across the floor out into the living room and out into the night. Poor Tina and Hannah have been picked on mercilessly by the guys (and girls) who catch the crickets and scare them half to death (them being Tina and Hannah).
Someone left an Amy Carmichael biography here, so I've been reading up on her a bit. I didn't know I knew so little about her, it's been a pretty interesting read. There was one verse that she wrote about in her journals that I really liked, Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Giving your all in service to the Lord will not empty you. Instead it will fill you up even more. You'll be packed tight, every inch, and then running over, spilling out again onto everyone around you. When we've been given such a great gift, how can we contain it? Give, even if you feel inadequate, because:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9 Giving all seems so daunting to me. But then again, by taking up His cross, I've relinquished any rights to myself that I claimed to have. I am not my own, so what makes me think I can keep anything back? Lord, take me and use me, pour my life out in service to glorify Your name. Make my life a continual river of Your grace that engulfs those that You are drawing to Yourself.
Psalm 107
4 They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way;
They found no city to dwell in.
5 Hungry and thirsty,
Their soul fainted in them.
6 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
And He delivered them out of their distresses.
7 And He led them forth by the right way,
That they might go to a city for a dwelling place.
8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
9 For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness.
10 Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
Bound in affliction and irons—
11 Because they rebelled against the words of God,
And despised the counsel of the Most High,
12 Therefore He brought down their heart with labor;
They fell down, and there was none to help.
13 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
And He saved them out of their distresses.
14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
And broke their chains in pieces.
15 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
In other news, griollos (I hope I'm spelling it right) are attacking! These little monster crickets seem to be everywhere all of a sudden, much to Hannah and Tina's chagrin. The other night Tina found one in her clothes that were lying on the floor (hint, hint Tina :P) and we almost woke up the whole house with our screams (okay, it was just Tina and Hannah that screamed). I valiantly grabbed a bowl and trapped the little bugger (except it wasn't so little, probably 4-5 inches long) and scooted it across the floor out into the living room and out into the night. Poor Tina and Hannah have been picked on mercilessly by the guys (and girls) who catch the crickets and scare them half to death (them being Tina and Hannah).
Someone left an Amy Carmichael biography here, so I've been reading up on her a bit. I didn't know I knew so little about her, it's been a pretty interesting read. There was one verse that she wrote about in her journals that I really liked, Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Giving your all in service to the Lord will not empty you. Instead it will fill you up even more. You'll be packed tight, every inch, and then running over, spilling out again onto everyone around you. When we've been given such a great gift, how can we contain it? Give, even if you feel inadequate, because:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9 Giving all seems so daunting to me. But then again, by taking up His cross, I've relinquished any rights to myself that I claimed to have. I am not my own, so what makes me think I can keep anything back? Lord, take me and use me, pour my life out in service to glorify Your name. Make my life a continual river of Your grace that engulfs those that You are drawing to Yourself.
Psalm 107
4 They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way;
They found no city to dwell in.
5 Hungry and thirsty,
Their soul fainted in them.
6 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
And He delivered them out of their distresses.
7 And He led them forth by the right way,
That they might go to a city for a dwelling place.
8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
9 For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness.
10 Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
Bound in affliction and irons—
11 Because they rebelled against the words of God,
And despised the counsel of the Most High,
12 Therefore He brought down their heart with labor;
They fell down, and there was none to help.
13 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
And He saved them out of their distresses.
14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
And broke their chains in pieces.
15 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Long Update Letter!
Buenas Tardes! (I know, updating twice in one day is ridiculous) We finally sat down to write a long letter to send to our churches and others who have been upholding us in prayer, so I decided to post it on here for your enjoyment as well.
Hola from Peru! We thought we would send you an update about our summer here in Pueblo Nuevo, Peru. We are all fine and healthy, none of us have gotten seriously sick and we are all lice-free! :) First of all, we'll give you a run-down of a typical day here at Strong Tower Christian School and Morning Star Children's Home. Both ministries are located in the same compound. Our morning starts off at 8am with a short teacher's meeting. The meeting consists of prayer, announcements and encouragement. Around 8:15 the kids start arriving at school. There are approximately 80 kids in total. There are 4 classrooms, 3 yr. olds, 4 yr. olds, 5 yr. olds and 1st grade. Hannah and Tina usually spend the day with the 3 yr. olds. Hannah and Tina are pros at singing songs, reading books, coloring, painting, playing with play-dough and kitchen utensils, throwing balls and pushing swings. Laura moves from each classroom, teaching English for 45 minute sessions. Currently, the 3 and 4 yr olds are learning colors, numbers, fruits, animals, body parts etc. The 5 yr olds are learning about clothes and facial features, and 1st grade is working through a unit about food and likes/dislikes.
Class ends for the three of us around 11:30am. That is when the 3 yr. olds go home, and the other kids continue their education in Spanish. From 11:30-1:30 we have free time, and we usually end up doing laundry, going to market, or resting from the chaos of the morning. :) Around 1:30 we have lunch, which usually consists of rice and chicken, but they prepare it in so many different ways it is always delicious. After lunch we help with dishes or laundry again and then at 3:00 we put on a remedial English class, mostly just for the kids who live at Morning Star, but occasionally 2-3 other kids will come too.
After the remedial English class, we generally spend time with the kids, watching the babies, playing outside with the older kids, or help with homework. There are 9 kids living here at Morning Star. Anita, the oldest, is 14, and is a wonderful helper. She is adjusting to her prosthetic leg, which she has had for less than a year. She loves to help in the kitchen, and her cheerful attitude is a good example to us. Cynthia and Jenny are 11, and attend a public school in town, since Strong Tower only has classes up to 1st grade. Jenny is a smart girl who has always been able to get her way, but since living here she has learned that's not always possible. :) Cynthia is very sweet and a quick learner. She is the older sister of Segundo and Nayeli. Segundo is a rambunctious 7-year-old, and Nayeli is also a precocious 5-year-old. They are both very affectionate and sweet, but have to be kept with a tight rein. Maria, 9 years old, is a sweet girl with some learning disabilities, however she tries hard most of the time and thrives off of encouragement and attention.
The three babies in the house are Jose, Sarah and Abigail. Jose is 20 months old, and although he is cute, he's a pretty lazy kid. He's just learning to walk by himself, and hasn't started talking yet. Although his life didn't start out under the best circumstances, he is improving here at Morning Star. Sarah the 6 month old is getting cuter by the day. She is great at drooling and smiling, and sticking out her tongue. Abigail, 2 months, is a content, cuddly baby who is constantly catching the eye of everyone who walks in the door.
The staff here at Morning Star is great; they are huge examples of love in action. Alberto and Rosa are the house parents, they have a daughter, Dafna, who is 6 years old who lives at Morning Star, and they also have a 17 year old daughter, Eli, and a 20 yr. old son, David. Alberto and Rosa have the patience of Job. They are constantly working and hardly ever sit down. Gloria is a volunteer in her 30s who is an amazing help. She's basically Jose's mom, and he'll only eat well when she feeds him. She is always doing something as well, and always has time for the kids who love her to death. Carlos is our all around handyman who lives across the street. He supervises and works alongside the parents who work on the grounds of Morning Star to pay for their childrens' tuition. He also plays a big part in mentoring youth in the neighborhood and is a vital part of the assembly.
The assembly here in Pueblo Nuevo is small; under 30 attend the Lord's supper but more come for Sunday School. The assembly consists mostly of Morning Star occupants, youths from the neighborhood, and a couple of families, including the Clarks, who are the missionaries that started Morning Star and Strong Tower. It is a growing assembly, and we were privileged to be here when 3 more souls professed salvation. In addition to the Lord's supper and Sunday School, there is a mid-week prayer meeting on Tuesdays, and every Saturday Carlos leads youth Bible studies or sports outreaches.
Our time here has flown by. Everyday life has it ups and its downs. There are days when our patience wears thin, but looking at why we're here and our overall purpose, we can say that certainly the good days outweigh the bad. It is amazing to hear the stories of these children's lives, and then to see how they have improved since coming here, being under the word of God and with people who are loving them with Christ's love. It reminds us of the following verse: "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me." Psalm 27:10.
We are excited to be a part of this ministry for this summer and hope to be involved with it in the future, whether through direct or indirect involvement. We thank you so much for your prayers and support. Having brothers and sisters in many parts of the world lifting us up in prayer is a huge encouragement to us.
In Christ,
Laura Messerly, Hannah Gebers and Tina Howell
Hola from Peru! We thought we would send you an update about our summer here in Pueblo Nuevo, Peru. We are all fine and healthy, none of us have gotten seriously sick and we are all lice-free! :) First of all, we'll give you a run-down of a typical day here at Strong Tower Christian School and Morning Star Children's Home. Both ministries are located in the same compound. Our morning starts off at 8am with a short teacher's meeting. The meeting consists of prayer, announcements and encouragement. Around 8:15 the kids start arriving at school. There are approximately 80 kids in total. There are 4 classrooms, 3 yr. olds, 4 yr. olds, 5 yr. olds and 1st grade. Hannah and Tina usually spend the day with the 3 yr. olds. Hannah and Tina are pros at singing songs, reading books, coloring, painting, playing with play-dough and kitchen utensils, throwing balls and pushing swings. Laura moves from each classroom, teaching English for 45 minute sessions. Currently, the 3 and 4 yr olds are learning colors, numbers, fruits, animals, body parts etc. The 5 yr olds are learning about clothes and facial features, and 1st grade is working through a unit about food and likes/dislikes.
Class ends for the three of us around 11:30am. That is when the 3 yr. olds go home, and the other kids continue their education in Spanish. From 11:30-1:30 we have free time, and we usually end up doing laundry, going to market, or resting from the chaos of the morning. :) Around 1:30 we have lunch, which usually consists of rice and chicken, but they prepare it in so many different ways it is always delicious. After lunch we help with dishes or laundry again and then at 3:00 we put on a remedial English class, mostly just for the kids who live at Morning Star, but occasionally 2-3 other kids will come too.
After the remedial English class, we generally spend time with the kids, watching the babies, playing outside with the older kids, or help with homework. There are 9 kids living here at Morning Star. Anita, the oldest, is 14, and is a wonderful helper. She is adjusting to her prosthetic leg, which she has had for less than a year. She loves to help in the kitchen, and her cheerful attitude is a good example to us. Cynthia and Jenny are 11, and attend a public school in town, since Strong Tower only has classes up to 1st grade. Jenny is a smart girl who has always been able to get her way, but since living here she has learned that's not always possible. :) Cynthia is very sweet and a quick learner. She is the older sister of Segundo and Nayeli. Segundo is a rambunctious 7-year-old, and Nayeli is also a precocious 5-year-old. They are both very affectionate and sweet, but have to be kept with a tight rein. Maria, 9 years old, is a sweet girl with some learning disabilities, however she tries hard most of the time and thrives off of encouragement and attention.
The three babies in the house are Jose, Sarah and Abigail. Jose is 20 months old, and although he is cute, he's a pretty lazy kid. He's just learning to walk by himself, and hasn't started talking yet. Although his life didn't start out under the best circumstances, he is improving here at Morning Star. Sarah the 6 month old is getting cuter by the day. She is great at drooling and smiling, and sticking out her tongue. Abigail, 2 months, is a content, cuddly baby who is constantly catching the eye of everyone who walks in the door.
The staff here at Morning Star is great; they are huge examples of love in action. Alberto and Rosa are the house parents, they have a daughter, Dafna, who is 6 years old who lives at Morning Star, and they also have a 17 year old daughter, Eli, and a 20 yr. old son, David. Alberto and Rosa have the patience of Job. They are constantly working and hardly ever sit down. Gloria is a volunteer in her 30s who is an amazing help. She's basically Jose's mom, and he'll only eat well when she feeds him. She is always doing something as well, and always has time for the kids who love her to death. Carlos is our all around handyman who lives across the street. He supervises and works alongside the parents who work on the grounds of Morning Star to pay for their childrens' tuition. He also plays a big part in mentoring youth in the neighborhood and is a vital part of the assembly.
The assembly here in Pueblo Nuevo is small; under 30 attend the Lord's supper but more come for Sunday School. The assembly consists mostly of Morning Star occupants, youths from the neighborhood, and a couple of families, including the Clarks, who are the missionaries that started Morning Star and Strong Tower. It is a growing assembly, and we were privileged to be here when 3 more souls professed salvation. In addition to the Lord's supper and Sunday School, there is a mid-week prayer meeting on Tuesdays, and every Saturday Carlos leads youth Bible studies or sports outreaches.
Our time here has flown by. Everyday life has it ups and its downs. There are days when our patience wears thin, but looking at why we're here and our overall purpose, we can say that certainly the good days outweigh the bad. It is amazing to hear the stories of these children's lives, and then to see how they have improved since coming here, being under the word of God and with people who are loving them with Christ's love. It reminds us of the following verse: "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me." Psalm 27:10.
We are excited to be a part of this ministry for this summer and hope to be involved with it in the future, whether through direct or indirect involvement. We thank you so much for your prayers and support. Having brothers and sisters in many parts of the world lifting us up in prayer is a huge encouragement to us.
In Christ,
Laura Messerly, Hannah Gebers and Tina Howell
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