Five Random Facts About Peru As Of Late
1. I’ve realized that The World Race
sends you to another country at precisely the time you figure out the public
bus system of the one you are in. Also, Peruvian busses are like a mix between
an amusement park ride and the emergency bus for stranded wizards in Harry
Potter.
2. When you wear mesh sneakers and live
in the desert, the sand in your shoes and socks makes your shoes one or two
sizes two small. Removing that sand does no good, it will come back five
minutes later.
3. That earthquakes feel really bizarre.
We had one today, but it felt really weird. I was
sitting on the top bunk and Kim was underneath me, and at first we thought each
other were moving around or a truck was going by, but it was indeed an
earthquake. Weird. P.S. All teams are fine!
4. That team unity is messy, time
consuming, and worth it. I’ve had confrontations and conversations with these
people that I’ve had with few friends back home. We call each other out, and
call each other into greatness. It’s messy though. There are tears,
defensiveness, fears, and other issues that come to the surface, and in our
culture of love and honor we can work through those together to become more
like Christ.
5. Tar stays on your skin for days. We’ve
been taking turns painting re-bar with tar to prevent rusting. It’s kinda cool
actually. In order for kids to come into the children’s home here the cafeteria
needs a roof and the trade school needs to have walls (or something like that),
so once the re-bar is all tarred up, they can begin the roof. Good deal 🙂
Those are just some hints as to life here
in Porvenir, Peru. Keep praying for our digestive systems – it seems someone is
in bed every day. Other than that, we’re all good, in good spirits, and
enjoying the blessing of a kitchen and beds.
The internet is still WAY too slow to post a video, but theyre comin!
Steph:
I’m so glad to hear all of you are o.k. I heard about the earthquake in Peru today and wondered how close it was to where you are. I called the church to speak to your Dad, but no one answered. So I just talked to God and prayed that you were not hurt in any way. The day before, when I read your posts, I didn’t leave any comments, but was tempted to joke about the excitement you missed in NJ since we experienced an earthquake yesterday! Never expected to hear about the earthquake in Peru the very next day. Your description was almost identical to my description to my sister in Florida — I told her it was so bizarre (you stole my word). I felt dizzy at work and thought for a second, “I better eat lunch.” But I lifted my head and actually felt the building sway (I work on the third floor), there was rumbling under my feet, and the picture on the wall was dancing. I went to the window, because I, too, thought perhaps a big truck had gone by — No — it was, in fact, an earthquake! What are the odds that the two countries we’re both occupying would have earthquakes a day apart? I think that’s bizarre in itself. Anyway, I am very thankful to God that all here and there are safe and unharmed. Will continue to pray for your digestive systems. So sorry you have to deal with all that AND SAND IN YOUR SHOES! You haven’t yet shared what it is you’re eating that may be causing the digestive problems — dare I ask? I will also continue to pray for the unity — Satan would love to weaken your mission by causing division in the camp. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) Remember who the real enemy is — he wants to see you fail and bring discouragement. Relationships are hard, even under normal circumstances, but “worth it” as you said. You are dealing with extraordinary circumstances and yet overcoming each others’ shortcomings, etc. So be encouraged. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Prov. 27:17) “Jesus said, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples — if you love one another.'” (John 13:34-35). May we remain faithful in our prayers for you; and may you be strengthened by God’s answers to those prayers. We will give Him all the glory!
In His Love,
Angela Martine
Hi Steph, definitely I’m praying for everyone’s tummies.
Team unity is so important for the success of the program.
Remember, when the problems come, you know “who” is responsible. Tom and I have stopped on the brink of a argument and prayed to resist the attack, it works! You all are in my prayers. Love in Jesus, Peg
Stephanie! i know i haven’t commented on any posts thus far… so here i am, telling you for the first legit time how STOKED i’ve been to get your updates via e-mail! i’ve read every one & loved on them. You still know how to make me cry, ya nut.
Thanks so much for your testimony with each post.
Stay strong, sister!
Keep that fire blazin’!
Oh the transportation around the world. YIKES!!! #4 so, so worth it. I can’t thank my team, my squad enough for how much they loved me. keep pressin in guys