I was praying the other day about our time in Peru.  I got a picture of an iceberg in my “minds eye”.  Then I felt like God was saying to me “Icebergs look like they are slow and unmoving on the surface, however underneath, in the unseen parts, is where the action is. Large shifts are happening.  Things are breaking loose, being set free, being destroyed etc. etc. ”

I would say that that image perfectly describes our Peruvian experience. Now after being home a little over a week, Mike and I continue to pray through our time in Peru.  Our re-entry has been fairly painless. God is refining and redefining many things for us.  We both feel like we will point back to that time for years to come as a “water shed” moment on many levels.

The kids yesterday asked, why we didn’t have any Tiko’s here.  They still pretend to play with their Spanish friends they met in Peru in their free play at home, and the speak gibberish as if they speak Spanish. I think that exposing yourself and your family to an international, missions experience is formative on so many levels.  Even just a week, causes you to see things differently.  You walk a little more quietly, you think a little more holistically.  Really priceless stuff. If you ever have the opportunity, I highly recommend it.

More to come!

Tomorrow we leave for Lima and then back on to the states.  This trip has been full of LOTS of learning experiences.  Here are a few things I want to remember here, you know for posterity and such. 

Things to bring next time:

• 2 bottles of children’s/adult Tylenol.2 bottles of children/adult pepto
• a large box of band-aids
• actually, now that I think of it a first aid kit.
• a box of Legos or building type toy.
• a finger nail brush, to scrub those dirty little hands.

Things not to bring again:

• We could of packed even lighter.  Mike does not share this conviction, however, he did not do the laundry every day.

Things to think about:

Although, before children, spending 6 weeks abroad was a good time frame that allowed us to fully experience and develop deep relationships in a given location, we feel that 5 weeks this time, as a family was too long.  There are a few reasons. Is it really possible for a family of 5 to be completely involved in any given community fully  in such a short period of time?  Mike and I had hoped so, but see now that you would need a much longer period of time.  Minimum 1 year but more likely, as we have found even in south Florida, 2-3 years.  

Things we will miss:

• The view of the city at night and the mountains by day.
• Little dogs wearing sweaters.
• All the new nature and wildlife we have seen.
• Not having to drive everywhere.
• Being able to walk out my front door within a block, find a store with something I need.
• The ability to be immersed in a new culture and learn some of the ins and outs.
• Of course our friends living here in Peru.

Gifts We Will Be Taking Away:

• Absence makes the heart grow fonder. We are deeply thankful for the people that God has called together in South Florida.
• Deeper vision of the work back home.
• A reality check on why we moved to Jupiter, Florida in the first place.
• A love for the body of Christ in all its varied forms.
• Deep Thankfulness for all of the friends and family who have believed in us, supported us and prayed for us on this adventure.

I am not sure how our connection will be in Lima, so  I may  not be around for a few days.

See you all soon!

You must read the previous post in order to understand this one!

Language is so important!  Here is a story.  I was about 8, church basement, Wednesday night, Grey Awana uniform on, sitting in a assembly of my peers listening to a “talk” give by one of the Awana leaders. He asked a simple question, “How many of you have been to Spain?” to which everyone raised their hand.  I was the only one who hadn’t raised their hand.  I was very confused. (My word, these kids were well travelled and cultured what with all of them going to Spain and such.)  Slowly but surly, every one started saying, “Come on, yes you have, yes you have.”  to which I honestly replied “No, really I havn’t.”  Finally we all determined the confusion.  What he said was “How many of you have been spanked… not….. been to Spain.”  We all had a good laugh.

Language is important, being heard is also important but being understood is vital.  (I believe I will write a pithy post on that one day.) We all trip around these fine points many times in our lives, on both sides of a conversation.

You see, everyone else in the car, was on the same page except for me.  I know, shocking really.  They all understood Chenoa to mean that when she said “She ate them.” she meant the mother dog not the owner lady.  Still disturbing really, but I don’t know that I would of thought so much about it if I had a asked a few more questions.  Questions are really, helpful tools in getting you pointed in the right direction in every conversation. 

Ask many of them people!

The Styrons have a cute little Chiwawa.  They call him ”Tiko” after the little yellow taxis that run around here.  Yesterday, they told us of how a few years ago, they allowed their male “Tiko” to breed with a local woman’s female chiwawa.  She had 2 sweet puppies…like this.  Isn’t that sweet? I know adorable right?!

The only troubling part to this story, is she didn’t keep them, or sell them or give them away….SHE ATE THEM! 

I am leaving a big space just to let that sink in for effect. Can Somebody say PETA? I think I will always remember that car ride  the rest of my life, Chenoa was wearing pink, the kids where quietly sitting in the back, Mike was turning a corner and Chenoa mouthed the word “eat” in Spanish so the kids didn’t hear. It is burned in my brain.

Honestly, I had trouble sleeping last night.  All I kept thinking was, “Why, did she do that?”, “How did she do it?”, “Did she fry them like a cuy…or stew them?”  “What did she do with the uneatable parts?”, “Is there much meat on them?, I mean they are small little dogs and puppies are even smaller.”, “Did she have to fatten them up?” Really people…. the questions are unending.  I tell you what, those Styrons have some stories to tell.

Literally!  Today, the sun is out for the first time in  over a week.  It has been rainy and cold for the last week, which I am told is unusual here.  So, I am washing and hanging up a storm and getting ready to give the kids a hot shower fast.  You know, the little things in life.

Yesterday we went to the monastery.  That was interesting and a bit creepy at the same time. (Pictures) You really see how the people here, took their Inca “traditions” and idol worship and melded it right into the catholic church. Today we are going to a mountain park, so the kids can climb a mountain and see llamas. 

We are all feeling great again, and getting into a feeling of normalcy.  The kids have finally adjusted and finding “work” to do around the house.  Their normal play they used to do at home, is now popping up here.  I can get to the grocery and back fairly easily and we can maneuver around town in tekos and such.  Just in time to go home.  We knew that would be the case.  We wanted to feel what it would be like to live in another setting.   It allows you to appreciate what you have at home and be sensitive enough to pray for what God is doing around the world. Mike leaves for Chencha ( a very poor peublo hit hard by the earthquake) on Sat for a few days and then we are off to Lima.  Please continue to pray with us that God will give us a deeper vision for what He is doing in our local context that we may partner with him more deeply.

Peace to all!

Please somebody save me from myself!  I can’t help it, I love to think and dream about business, build little businesses, experiment and learn new things.  It is kind of a fatal flaw I think. I started working for myself when I was 11 babysitting and made my first $3 and it was all over.  I have only worked for someone else about 3 years of my adult life and the rest of the time, I have been working for myself. I should of gotten my college degree in business.

Anyway, there are tons of gorgeous pieces of handmade pure silver jewelry here for very reasonable prices.  Alpaca wool scarves and other items that people would love in the states.  Between eBay and Craig’s list, I think I could sell a few things for a little profit.  Maybe save up money for our next world adventure plane fare? I hear Chile is the number 2 country to start a business in.  Can you say Santiago people?

OK - somebody please talk me out of this.  If I only purchase things I love and would want in my own home, and then if they don’t sell I get to have them as my very own.  Well there isn’t any harm in trying is there?    Right?…..Buehler?…anyone?…..

A few times a man has come to our door asking for something.  Because I don’t understand him, I smile and wave and he goes on his way.  Yesterday, I figured it out, through the help of a Spanish speaking friend.

He is the recycle man! Oh Darn!  I have been throwing away dozens of plastic bottles (from our water) every week.  Now I know for next time.  Maybe that is why our Peruvian neighbors have so little trash.  I mean honestly, it was embarrassing last week.  Our neighbors set out one small bucket of trash and we set out 15 bags. They were the size of grocery bags and granted we had tons of guests last week, but still. Yowzah!

Well this morning Mike came downstairs and there was a bird in our kitchen.  It was trapped and trying to get out, so Mike let it free.  There is tons of new wildlife here for us to observe.  The kids are really enjoying the news birds and flowers they see and the experience of climbing “mountains” (really, high hills) with the panoramic picture of the Andean mountain chain in the background.  We are picking new flowers most days and have them in our home.  That is the fun and beautiful part of living here. 

It is a hard life though.  It takes tons of work, just to gather food to eat here.  Cleaning is literally a full time job. You have to think well in advance of everything you do, definitely no drive-threws (sp?) here if you are hungry.  I have so much respect for the Styrons and the Williams who have sacrificed everything to live here among these beautiful people proclaiming the goodness of the kingdom of God and the life of following Jesus.  It is slow, unseen, hard work in any culture, but I think especially challenging when you add in the language barrier.  God is good and He is moving, so when you think of it please pray for our dear family in Peru who work hard and long with little thanks or acknowledgment. (That is the way of Jesus though isn’t it?)

Not to mention, the other day, as 24 of us sat down to eat lunch together in a small, quiet seemingly friendly spot, Grace got her purse stolen right in front of all of us.  I was trying to process what was happening, while she and a few others were up and running after the little, daring, punk.  Grace is 10 and speaks fluent Spanish and English and living in Peru is almost all she knows.  All her favorite birthday things, and special ten year old girl things were in there, including her birthday ipod from her grandparents.  So sad.  I just hugged her, and then a worship circle member gave her his ipod and she was blessed by God’s provision. 

At every table here, they have leather cords with little snap hooks on the end, so you can chain your purse to the table, so it wont’ be stolen, hopefully. Our friend Lucy had her pocket cut open when a man with a knife tried to steal her cell phone.  She fought him off.  Our friends, The Morgans (seriously cool people who I will introduce you to later) were jumped by 7 people trying to steal some of their legal documents and other items.  They fought them off too.  Although they say it was the Angels who did it for them. The week before we arrived, 3 different missionaries where kidnapped in Tekos, and accosted to get there money. 

So we are careful here.  We always travel together as a family and only take “approved” tekos and I don’t carry a purse.  If I would of thought about it enough, I wouldn’t of worn my wedding ring, but I just never take it off so I forgot about it.  It is very modest, but here it seems like royalty.  So keep praying for us.  The conference is underway and very fruitful so far.  New, deep, life-long, kingdom relationships are being formed that will be nurtured for eternity.  Despite the hardness of this trip, it is a beautiful thing

1. Fireworks going off at any time morning, noon, night and mostly middle of the night.  Mike Styron said, it is part of their “worship” to different saints of idols.  Very interesting.

2. Dogs barking constantly.  Dogs roam free here, without any apparent owner, in and out of everywhere, even restaurants.  They seem to bark all night long.

3. A fine layer of dust everywhere, all the time. It makes the floors very slick.  We are forever slipping and sliding all over the place around here, even with shoes on. 

4. A strange horn like sound.  Jackson  first identified it.  He asked what it was.  I said, “I don’t know, maybe a strange bird.”  He didn’t think so, he felt is sound like a type of horn.  We here it all the time, and yesterday we figured out what it was.  We went out walking and saw a man walking with a small box and then he pulled out a horn and blew it.  It was the sound we had been hearing.  He is the ice cream man selling ice-cream.  Even at 7 in the morning.

5.  The trash truck rings a bell like a cow bell. Chenoa said some of them play the William Tell Overture.  I didn’t understand what it was the first day and missed taking out our trash.  Ugh, now I know.

6. Yesterday we saw a herd of cows walking down the street right among the cars and tekos.  The kids thought that was funny.

7. Yesterday we all had a big event.  I will post pictures later, but let me just say I am super proud of the kids.

See you soon!

Today we went to a Peruvian hospital.  Yeah!  Here is how it went.

Today we were inviting everyone over for dinner.  I began cooking in the morning.  I said we were preparing to have our Peruvian church family over.  Hudson wanted to help.  He started cutting oranges before I realized what he was doing and gave himself a nasty cut. 

I am thinking small cut, however there was a lot of blood and I was applying pressure and trying to calm him down, so I didn’t look at it very closely.  An hour later it was still bleeding.  Mike looked at it and felt like it was deep enough for him to get stitches for fear it would get infected.  A little side note - there is a reason we hide the kitchen knives at home. The child thinks he is Emeril Lagasse.  I was mostly nervous about the infection thing because Hudson is very allergic to 2 of the 3 strains of antibiotic.  It puts him in the hospital in the states.

My Mike and Mike Styron (our friend who lives here full time) took him to the hospital.   As they were leaving Chloe said, “I didn’t know they had Doctors here.” and Jackson replied “Chloe, they have Doctors in every part of the world even the most poor countries.  Everyone deserves a doctor.”  All I could think was “Where does he get this stuff?”

Everything went wonderfully.  The doctor cleaned out the wound and put antibiotic sutures on his cut and bandaged it well.  Now we have to have him keep it clean and dry (that is almost laughable) and go back on Monday.   Mike was very impressed with the care.  Chenoa kept me calm saying there was nothing to worry about.  I guess I wasn’t really worried about the cut or the care but the possibility of him having to go on antibiotics.  I can’t even describe to you how horrifying that who process was. (Discovering his allergy to antibiotics)

All I can say is, thank the Good Lord we decided to come 1 week before the conference begins.  Our family is acclimating to the altitude, the culture, the food and the hospital care, so now all of that will be out of the way before the conference begins.

Tonight went well.  The “littles” didn’t quit get it that our “American” church family would not be coming as well as all of our “Peruvian” church family. I made spaghetti in a pot the size of a thimble.  We ate and drank and laughed and prayed and talked about Jesus and the Kingdom of God. In the kingdom of God there are no boundaries, not even language.

Please pray that we don’t get food poisoning.  I am doing much of our cooking, so I am hoping to skirt that issue.  Mike Styron has been sick with a fever all week from eating “bad” food while out and about.  I started taking pictures of our “Peruvian” church family and will start posting them tomorrow.  You can meet some of our extended family. If you are reading this back home, please email me, so I can email you back.  I don’t have every-ones email addy’s saved on this laptop. 

Peace to all.  Wish you where here!

Shocking I know! Wow - just keep adding on to the typical experiences down here.  I am really living the local life.

Today, I went with the kids to a small “tienda” about a block from our home. Think of it like a 7/11 about the size of a master bathroom, dark and cramped. I  needed water and bread and didn’t want to take a taxi to go to the supermarket.  I don’t really speak Spanish.  I studied French for years and the two languages are similar, so I can fumble around a bit.  Let’s just say, I know enough Spanish to know I was being cheated and over charged for a silly piece of bread but not enough Spanish to stick up for myself.  Jackson consoled me by saying, “Cheaters never win Mama.”  Thanks bud!

OK - I am off to plug in the Rosetta Stone. 

The kids are cracking me up with the Spanish they are picking up.  Chloe walks around all day speaking gibberish with occasional Spanish words thrown in.  It is hysterical. 

Let’s just say we are getting the entire South American experience.  Like, they say we will be there on Friday at 2:00 to hook up Internet access and they really arrive Tuesday at 4:00.   Not much moves fast here, so I am enjoying the entire process.  I feel like this whole trip has been such a gift I don’t want to waste any of it.  I want to enjoy all of it.  So, no Internet, no biggie. 

Our flight went really smoothly.  Thanks to all those who were praying, we felt it every minute.  I was very proud of how well the kids did.  Today will be our first time with the entire “community” down here kids included, so we are all excited about that.  The kids are even picking up some Spanish.  I will post some pics later today  but for now I thought I leave you a little top ten list.

Top Ten Things to Know While Traveling to Peru:

1. LAN is about the best airline!  Whenever flying to South America, try using them. 

2. Traveling with young children in South America is a plus.  Everyone treats you like royalty.  Every where we went, in the airport, they just waved us through. No lines, no waiting. They even let us board the plan first, right after the elderly. Instead of getting dirty looks for having children who act like “children” like we do in South Florida, we got smiles and sweet gestures.

3. Boil all your water. You don’t waste water here, it is too much work to get. 

4. It is as light as noon at 5am so we are starting our days early.

5. Everyone walks here, or take taxis. 

6. Anything imported is very expensive. Like a bag of chocolate chips is $10 US.  Other things that are “spendy” in the states are dirt cheap here.  Like avacados and whole fresh pineapples are under $1 US.

7. All clothes are hung out to dry.  I like this, however, we are in the rainy season.  It rains about 5x a year here and yesterday was one of them.  I am not sure if I need to rewash the clothes on the line?  It was a light misting rain.  Very different from South Florida rain.

8. Everything here can be “delivered” like water, groceries, food.  Really anything, just add the cost of the taxi trip which is usually about $1 US.

9. Solar heated water means hot water is also a luxury and baths are not typical here.  I never realized how hard it is to get three little kids clean in a shower instead of a bath. At home I used the soak and wash method, here I have to scrub.  I think their feet will be continually dirty here as it is very dusty.

10.  Children our kids age, beg on the streets as normal practice.  They will do a trick, try to sell some gum or wash a car with a dirty rag to make a little money for their family.  Jackson equated this to his lemonade stand.  Well, kind of but not really.  They need it to live and his lemonade stand is just for fun.  Big difference.

So those are a few little glimpses into life here.  We wish you could be here.

Blessings from South America!

OK - enough already we have been preparing to go for weeks now.  I am just ready to get on the plane.  We have picked up a little living literature to take with us.

The Secret of the Andes will get us into the mood.  I have found a few good maps online to supplement our time in Peru so we should be set.  I think?

Latah!  

Well, we have had no problem renting out our home as a vacation rental.  In fact, we have been able to be a bit “choosy”, as we are getting 4-5 requests a day.  Mike and I are still in amazement, although we are excited because it will allow a regular, old, normal (OK - not so normal), homeschooling, telecommuting, simple church family who holds fast to the kingdom of God, be missional, without having to raise support.

My posting has been light lately, not because I don’t have anything to say, but because I have no time to say it.  School was wonderful last week.  I am thoroughly enjoying “For the Children’s Sake“. We had a great Nature walk on Friday. I hope to record that on the nature blog…..soon.

Cleaning out the house, touching up paint and other maintenance projects are on the books for the day.  I am starting to think about packing…for 5 weeks and the problem is, unlike most women, I am a notoriously light packer.  I will tell you why in another post, but for now, my dear husband is encouraging me to pack for comfort…I am not backpacking around Europe but going to live in the same location for over a month. 

That’s all from the home front here!  I am cleaning and listening to “Over the Rhine”. Wish you all could go with us:-) 

The Following is a conversation between our 6 and 4 year olds! (enjoy)

When traveling abroad in a country…oh say like Peru…. there are a few fundamental things you may want to consider.

•  #1 - Never underestimates the altitude.  Altitude sickness can and will knock you on your butt if you are not careful.  Some of the biggest men in our group went down for the count.
• #2 - In large groups…it is best not to use your limited Spanish as if you were a pro.  Otherwise you may say something embarrassing like “my husband is easy”.  Best not to do that.and last but not least
• #3 Never, I repeat never leave your groups truck unattended.  In Peru they hire people to watch their car when they are indoors. Tonight we did not do that and someone stole our tires!  Yeap..never a dull moment.  All the men are running off like Magnum PI in search of said tires…….with armed guards no less.    I told my husband to be careful.  I don’t need any heroes on this trip.  But they need those tires.  They cost $500 American for new ones, and these particular tires are only 2 months old.  Lee, one of the missionaries here prayed for money for months and someone just sent him money for new tires…so no banditos are going to get them tonight. 

Those are some of the Diva’s late night tips.  Keep them close at hand, they could prove to be helpful right when you least expect it!

Today I rode in an Arequepinian taxi, with  a  Peruvian driver who spoke no english.  He could however sing word for word the U2 song “It’s A Beautifal Day” in english.  I guess U2 trancendes language barriers:-) 80’s music is “the bomb” here.  It is funny, riding along seeing such extreme poverty listening to “Wang Chung Tonight”.  The ironey! 

Amanda asked what I was teaching on and what instrument I played.  I play guitar and I will teach on Jesus and his “way” and the pronuncment of the kingdom of God.  Good stuff:-) 

I love getting outside of my day to day surroundings and being a part of what God is doing around the world.  I started traveling overseas for missions work when I was 18 years old and it changed my life forever.   Pray for me…on Thursday.  I get to teach and lead worship for a gathering of local woman. I’ll try and post some more pics later but for now…. here are some pictures of Peru.  Enjoy them!

We are here.  Our flights where cancelled and shuffled around but we ending up getting here 7 hours earlier than originally planned.  Today we were able to be a part of the baptism of two wonderful friends.  The Andes are amazing.  I will post some pics soon. 

As far as homeschooling thoughts go…I had an epiphany on the flight down.  You know what…I DON’T HAVE TO BE PERFECT WITH THIS!  For me a recovering perfectionist, that is a huge realization.  I will learn as I go.  My kids will learn with me and my friends will help guide me along the way.  

 That’s all from south of the border. 

Peace to you! 

ok - so a “mild storm” has turned into a tropical depression over night.  Nice…. the day we are to leave for Peru the weather is crummy.    I am preparing for the red eye to Lima and here are a few of my tips.