Fun

Caroling for Christmas

3:16 PM




"We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, We Wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New year."  Our carolers sang with enthusiasm!  Wait, you might be thinking, but that's in English!  Yes, it is :)  It might have been the only carol we sang in English, but we sang it just the same!  Last Saturday, we took our teenagers Christmas Caroling around the neighborhood of our church.  We stopped at several elder members homes, as well as the local Police Station.
At our first stop, pictured above, Miguel was SO excited we were coming that he begged Daniel to bring the piano so he could hear all the music together.  He loved having us come sing, and said it was the first time in 65 years that he'd heard of someone caroling.  He thanked us for bringing the tradition back!  We were more than happy to! One of the culture differences here, is that, at almost every home, the people invited us inside and insisted of giving us something to drink and sometimes a snack!  By the time we were finished, we were full!  Another odd thing for me this year, was that it was hot and humid outside!  I don't ever remember sweating while Christmas caroling, but this time- we did!  We were hot, and grateful for the pop and drinks our kind members offered us.  


This is at another member's home.  As you can tell, many of us had drinks in hand because of their gracious hospitality!


This is Hermana Alison's home.  She has just had a recent battle in cancer.  She was thrilled to see the teenagers singing to her.  I think the kids liked it too! 

Our last stop, was the police station.  Our preacher suggested we go honor the police officers with songs, and thank them for the job they do.  We had a great meeting with them.  The next day, one of the girls who was at the police station with her mom came to church and got saved!  We're excited about the other opportunities God will open as we develop a relationship with them.  

Cecilia's Story

2:00 PM

Preacher and Mrs. Christy, their baby Joshua, and Cecilia
On one of our first Saturdays here, my preacher's wife, Mrs. Christy Hubbard was witnessing on the street corner of our church.  I noticed her because she was standing there for quite a while sweetly talking to one lady.  Her name was Cecilia.  That Saturday morning Cecilia got saved.  We soon found out that Cecilia had just been hired to work for a friend of our church, Mr. Robinson, who owns a construction business.  


Cecilia began coming to our services as often as she could, and soon she brought her mom and sister with her.  Her mom's name is Olga, and her sister's Katy.  Ogla's husband soon became outraged that Olga and Katy were coming to church.  He made it very clear to our Pastor that he was NOT happy with what was going on in our church.  Olga was only allowed to come to church on Wednesday nights after that, because her husband wanted her home on Sundays.  She wisely honored his request.  

Our preacher went visiting at their house not long after, and was able to meet both of Cecilia's brothers. Both of them had hard looks on their faces when Preacher walked in the door that day.  But by the time preacher left, they both had shed a few tears and accepted Jesus into their hearts.  The next day Julio, the younger brother, brought his girlfriend and their daughter to church with him.  That day Julianna got saved as well!  Cecilia has become a great soul winner, and many of her family have come to know Christ.  Sabino, however; was still lost.  Julio, her brother had also gone back to the world, and the ways of the world. 

Unbeknownst to our church family, Cecilia started a daily prayer time with her mom and several coworkers and friends.  Daily at 10pm they would get down on their knees (each in their own houses) and pray.  When they first began, they were praying for four things.  1.) For Sabino, Olga's husband, to get saved.  2.) For Julio to come back to church.  3.) For Mr. Robinson's daughter, who is deaf and has a growing tumor in her ear.  4.) For Cecilia's other brother Cesar, to come to church.

That next Sunday, to all of our surprise, Sabino walked into church (yes, on a Sunday!) with his wife and daughter!  I was working in the nursery that morning, and couldn't have been happier to see Julio bringing his little girl to the nursery!   At the end of the service, Sabino got saved!!  It was an awesome day for all!  

Several days later, I found out about Cecilia's new prayer group.  They invited me to join them praying every night at 10.  It was then that I realized that 2 out of 4 of their prayers had already been answered!  We serve a miracle working God, and I know it was God's delight to answer these new believer's requests! 




From left to right: Sabino, Olga, Cecilia, Katy, Julianna, Fabianna, and Julio

No Reserves, No Regrets, No Retreats

5:34 AM



It all started Sunday night in church.  I love IBI and I love the way Pastor Daniel Hubbard observes and celebrates the Lord's supper.  We celebrate about once a month, and each time, God touches my heart, and teaches me something new.  Last night Pastor was preaching about Jesus, how He left everything in heaven to come to this earth.  Immediately, I started thinking about the things we left in the States to come here and live.  (Honestly, there really isn't much we left.  True, I haven't set foot in a Wal-Mart in almost 6 months, but there are other stores.  Traffic here is a wreck- literally, I pray for safety much more now than I used to, and sometimes I face fears of being robbed.)  Compared to what Jesus left in heaven though, what we did was NOTHING! 

Then Pastor talked about how Jesus went all the way to the cross for us.  He held nothing back, absolutely nothing.  He was totally all about His Father's business!  Nothing was too much for Him to give up; nothing!  I looked up the passage He was preaching from later in English, and this verse caught my attention:  John 19:28- "After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished...." Conviction sinks deep into my soul as I read this.  There is no "I" in Jesus.  There is no "what I want" in Him.  He was completely surrendered to the will of God with His life, with no reserves. 

Bear with me a minute, as I very frankly and honestly share with you from the past few weeks of my life.  These past few weeks and months have been totally different for me.  I grew up in a family with a working father, and a mom who was always home for us.  Dad worked his hours faithfully at work, and then came home to us.  Dad worked a few nights overtime every once in a LONG while, but whenever he came home, he was always HOME.  I had no idea going into the ministry that it would mean my husband was "on call" 24/7.  (I give every Pastor's wife permission to LOL right now :))  From getting phone calls all hours of the day and night, I have felt like "my time"(with my husband) has been invaded.  I have wondered how in the world anyone has a personal life like this!  There have been no "weekends" as I remember as a child, and some weeks no days off.  I think the worst was when we were very busy around Thanksgiving and it hardly felt like it was a Holiday. (I didn't even get to go Black Friday shopping at Midnight... but wait- they don't celebrate Black Friday here! :( )  I have been frustrated to the hilt with not knowing in "advance" about emergencies that would call my husband away from home in the evenings or any time of day.  (Please don't feel sorry for me, I am not writing this to get sympathy.)

Then I hear about Jesus.  He was all about His Father's business.  He didn't come to the earth to spend time with an earthly "family", to enjoy life, or to do whatever He wanted.  He came to earth to save the world!  So I begin evaluating my own life.  I didn't come to Peru to have a gorgeous home.  (Although I think I do :))  I didn't come to Peru to enjoy long weekends of sleeping in and grilling out. (Not that either of these are wrong) I didn't come to Peru to vacation and take it easy, (although it only takes about 100 feet to get to the ocean from my front door.  Yes, I know I'm spoiled!)  I didn't come to Peru to enjoy myself, and make myself happy.  I came to Peru because there is a whole nation of people who have not yet heard the Gospel.  I came to Peru because there are hungry souls, who are literally dying to know that there is a Savior, that there is hope.  I came to Peru because in my city alone, there are 9 million people who need to know that Jesus loves them.  They need to know the truth; that Christ died to save them from their sins.  They need to know that it's not about the "virgins" and "idols" they worship, it's about the cross.  It's about how He came to save their souls and give them eternal life.  They need to know that they personally must accept the free gift Jesus offers, and that no one can do it for them.  That's why we came.

And while we are working on our schedule, and hoping that things won't be quite that bad again, what if they didn't ever get better?  Am I content to give all like Jesus did?  Am I willing to let Jesus have everything?  We sing "All to Jesus I surrender" but is that what we really mean?  What if I never had another Holiday?  Would that be ok?  Would I be willing to give it all up for Christ? I'd like to say Yes, I would.  But in doing so I must remember that we are to daily pick up our cross and follow Christ.  Because it's a daily surrender to Him.  It's a daily, "All to Jesus, I surrender."

 And so, I continue my journey, ever hoping to become a little more like my Jesus.  Less of me; more of my King.  The reset button is being pushed and it starts now. No regrets, no reserves, no retreats. 

Two Reasons

9:57 AM

Shortly after we had moved into our new apartment, I was cleaning my home like any normal housewife would.  All of a sudden, I heard my neighbor from downstairs yelling something that resembled my name.  (I don't think she quite knew how to pronounce it then!)  I quickly ran to the front of my apartment, opened the door, and walked downstairs.  Just then, I noticed that my neighbor had a younger lady with her.  My neighbor quickly told me that her name was Vanessa, and told me that I needed to tell her about the Gospel, because Vanessa needed God in her life.  I was shocked!  How many times do you get asked to tell someone the best thing on earth?  Not often!  So, I ran back inside, grabbed a tract, and ran down the stairs again to explain to Vanessa how she could get saved.  That morning, Vanessa started her journey in the Christian life!  To this day, I am still amazed at how God brought Vanessa right to us! 

Vanessa has become quite faithful to church.  Not long ago, both she and her son Nicolas were baptized.  I know God has a plan for Nicolas' life.  He has so much potential! Please pray for both Vanessa and Nicolas, that God would continue to be real in their lives.  They just finished our 10 week Bible study course in our home.  We're very excited about what God's done and will continue to do! 
Vanessa getting baptized

Nicolas, receiving his certificate from Pastor
 To an ordinary person, Vanessa and Nicolas might be two people, or  two more faces... but for me- they are two reasons why I love Peru.  They are another two reasons to keep reaching the world for Christ; that ALL may know Him! 


Four Souls Forever Saved

8:06 AM



One Saturday morning, we were in the middle of our outreach meeting.  My husband got up from his seat and walked outside.  In the middle of the meeting?  I thought.  What could be wrong?  When I turned around, I noticed two teenagers who were standing right outside our church door.

One of my favorite things about our corner store front church is that there are always people walking around.  It is a very busy location.  Although I can't always say I appreciate the loud trucks, buses, and motor taxi's that seem to frequent our services with loud noise, I do love all the people who get to walk by and see our church.

My husband walked outside that morning and explained to these two teenagers what we were doing.  He also got to lead them to Christ!  It was even "time" for us to go soul winning, and yet God had brought these two teenagers right to our front door!  What an exciting start to our day it was! 



On another similar Saturday, I was passing out tracts through the markets with two of my teenage girls.  The markets are full of people, so I love passing out tracts!  What makes it even more fun, is that if someone sees they don't get a tract, they will stick out their hand asking you to give them one!  It's pretty sweet.

That particular week, I had been begging God to give us people who were hungry for the truth, and just waiting for someone to come show them the way.

While I was busting out tracts that day in the market, one of my teenagers came running up to me and asked me to please go explain the Gospel to a couple of ladies.  As soon as I got their, both ladies started asking question after question, obviously ready for the truth. : )  ---->  (That's God's love sign to me: answered prayer!) That day, while Miriam was cooking up the food for the day, I was able to answer their questions and share about our Savior who loves them and died for their sins.  They both bowed their heads that day and received Christ as their Savior!  We praise God for these precious four souls; forever saved! 



What Can I Do?

9:05 AM


What can I do? What can I do for God?  I'm not good enough... I'm a sinner... I fail all the time... God could never use me... Truth is, we could all come up with plenty of excuses for serving God.  Maybe some day, I'm just not ready yet...  I don't really know if that's what God wants me to do.  Maybe when I get older.  Perhaps after I get out of college.  Maybe when I have more time.  I'm just not that type of person... The list goes on and on, and yet when we really face reality, anyone can serve God.  It doesn't take some awesome college professor who has studied for 20 years to finally be able to teach the Bible, or share Christ with someone.  Anyone can do it!

 This is Logan Foust.  He is 8 years old.  Logan is the son of some missionaries on our team.  He doesn't use any excuses for why he shouldn't serve God.  Each week, he goes out with His family, passing out tracts.  You never know the impact that one tract- just ONE, could make!

One Saturday morning, Logan was passing out tracts.  He gave one to an older man named Miguel.  The next day, Miguel came to church and got saved!  Ever since then, Miguel has been faithfully attending our church, and has become a core member!  Miguel was baptized several weeks ago.  He was SO excited to get baptized!



It takes one person.  One willing person, to see other's lives changed.  One person, just like Logan.  Let's get rid of all the excuses, and start getting the job done.  All men everywhere are in desperate need of the gospel.  We have the truth to tell them, why won't we go and tell?

Meet Denise

8:16 AM

Denise, Manuela and I
It was a normal Saturday afternoon, I had gone with my husband Daniel to watch him play soccer with some of our teen guys near the church.  The guys usually pick up some neighborhood kids to play with them, and this week, I noticed a particular one.  Although she wasn't a guy!  She was very much a girl, but had absolutely no fear playing with all the guys.  She was Denise.  I fell in love with Denise the first moment I met her.  She has a smile that could melt the north pole!  After the soccer game,  we met and then parted ways, as my husband, the teenagers, and I headed back to the church.

Several weeks later on a Wednesday night, I looked out into the darkness just outside our store front church building, and I saw that familiar sweet smile.  "Denise!" I said, as I made my way out to greet her.  I talked to her for several minutes before I attempted to share the Gospel with her.  Just when I got to the good part, her mom called her and she apologized as she ran off to obey her mom.  I watched her as she ran, praying for her sweet soul.  "God please save her...." I prayed, "Help her to come to know you."

Just last Saturday during the children's choir practice, Denise walked by our church again.  One of the other team ladies invited her to come in and sing with the kids.  After choir practice, I grabbed Carol, one of my teen girls and we went and talked to her.  This time, I was able to explain the whole gospel, and it was clear that Denise understood.  We bowed our heads to pray, and she asked Jesus to be her Savior.  It was such a sweet time.  After we prayed, I asked her if she lived nearby and if her mom was home.  She answered yes, and began leading me to what I thought was home, to meet her mother.  

 Little did I know that her mom was right across the street, selling snacks on the street.  I walked up to her and introduced myself.  Because her daughter's name was Denise, I told them both about my mom.  Then I told them the story of my mom leading me to Christ.  As I shared the story with them, I also included the details of what Denise's mom, Manuela, needed to know herself to be saved.  Once I had finished sharing my testimony, I asked her if she also would like to be saved.  She said yes!  Before we knelt our heads to pray, however, something most unexpected happened.  Manuela started calling all the other vendors around her on the street, as well as several friends to pray with us.  I didn't know what to do.  I kind of just froze...Nothing like this had ever happened to me!  Before I knew it, I had 6 other adults standing around me, watching and waiting for whatever it was I was going to tell them.  I took a few moments and explained to them why I was going to pray with Manuela.  I shared the gospel with the 6 of them, and then told them Manuela and I were going to pray.  I told them that if any of them wanted to except Jesus as their personal Savior, they could too.  As I bowed my head to pray with Manuela, I didn't hear only 1 voice praying with me:  I heard 6 more!  To God be the glory, He saved all 7 of them! 



As Carol and I walked away that day, I felt overwhelmed and amazed.  I know it wasn't anything I had done that had brought all of these to Jesus that day.  Some days, I feel like I have to try extra hard to pray for souls to be saved, or I feel like if I'm not good enough, I won't get to lead people to Christ.  Sometimes I feel pressured like I have to "make the cut" so God will let someone be saved through me.  I'm so glad God is merciful and gracious to let us serve Him.  We don't have to be perfect (thank goodness!) for God to do something good through our lives.  I'm so glad He's willing to use even the least of these.  The truth is, all God asks is that I be willing and obedient.  He'll take care of the rest.  Knowing this brings much peace and contentment to my heart.  What a joy it is to serve the King.  There's no greater honor in the whole world! 

Mouse Attack

11:07 AM


   

What's the only possible thing that's worse than being sick in bed with the flu?  Having a MOUSE in your bedroom!  I'm convinced... there's nothing worse in the world than having your personal space invaded by a stinky rodent! 
  I woke up in the middle of the night (in between throwing up) to hear something scratching on our door.  I thought at first that maybe it was one of the dogs that live on our roof.  We often here them scratching around up there, running, barking etc.  But this time, it was different!  Several minutes later I woke again to hear more scratching.  As I pulled myself out of bed, I caught a glimpse of the furry creature running across the floor.  Immediately, I woke up my husband.
  "BABE!"  I had to have yelled,  "There's a mouse!" 
  "What?"  He asked, still half sleeping.  
I couldn't believe it!  Yuck!  The only thing that stinks more than running to the toilet to throw up is having to watch out- lest you step on a rodent!  Urg!  I forgot about the rodent mostly until the next afternoon. 
   I was laying in bed (still sick) and I heard a scratching behind our bed.  Paranoid, I kept telling myself, Heather!  Stop being ridiculous! I'm sure you're just imagining.  But I wasn't.  Before I knew it, the mouse flew across the room and behind my dresser in broad daylight. I was scared out of my whits, and by this time I think my fever must have hit an all time high.   Before I could go back to watching my movie, I noticed something jump on TOP of my dresser.  There it was!  MOUSEY!  How dare he invade my privacy and jump up on my 3 foot dresser!  I mean seriously, if he could get on my dresser, he could climb on my bed!  That would be aweful!  "GET!"  I screamed at the mouse with my most fiercest scream ever. Then, I did what I think most girls would do.  I called my husband, who was out working in town.  Why he couldn't jump through the phone I don't know.  But after freaking out for 10 minutes, he was able to calm me down and encouraged me to leave the room until he got home.  I screamed and grabbed a few of my precious belongings, (the ones I didn't want mousey to get) and left the room.  
  That night, my husband had set several traps and there was poison on the ground.  Surely we would be safe.  Somehow, my husband convinced me to go to bed in our room.  That night, I didn't sleep well.  I kept waking up in panic mode, looking for mousey.  At about 2am, I woke with a start!  As soon as I glanced I my husband's pillow, I saw mousey scrambling less than 3 inches from his head!  I almost died!  Instead, however, I woke up Daniel who sleepily went to turn the light on to try to find Mousey.  After he had done a thorough search throughout the room, He kindly told me we could sleep in the living room.  And so, Mousey had won.  We camped out in our living room.  Not one night, but 2.  It was horrid knowing that Mousey was in our home.  On one occasion, I grabbed some toilet paper for the front bathroom, only to find a fourth of the roll missing--compliments of tooth marks from Mousey.
   Finally, yesterday we sacrificed a little bit of our precious Peanut Butter. (It was a gift to us, and is very special here in Peru.)  Daniel put it on two of our sticky traps and yesterday when we got home, guess what Daniel found?  MOUSEY!  He was stuck in the trap!  Daniel took him outside and gave him to the doggies!  Mousey is history, and we are back to living our "normal lives."  I think that's what we call them that is :-)  

Our First Year of Marriage

8:26 PM



Dear Reader,
I've debated for quite some time now about posting this as a Blog.  I originally wrote it for my personal use... but after some consideration I've decided that if it helps even one person through their first year of marriage it will have been worth posting.  I do realize that this article is quite transparent.  But I think it's time we be honest about a few things.  I had people tell me before I got married that marriage was like a fairy tale, and others who said, "Don't worry hun, you'll get used to it after a while." So what is marriage really?  Sometimes, I think it's a battlefield.  A fight to love the person you married with everything in you.  Yes, some days it's easy, very easy.  But other days... yes, it's a fight.  I hope this is a blessing to someone, and that perhaps it'll give a boost to at least one marriage out there.  Thanks for reading!
 Love,
Heather
PS.  This is in no way an exhaustive list.  I'm confident that each and every marriage faces different problems, and some of these may not apply to you.  Every person's story is different.  These are just 10 important things I learned our first year of marriage. 


 1.   Never EVER offer unrequested suggestions.  Offering suggestions in a man's eyes can be very offensive, because he feels like you are telling him what to do.  Although you may have to suffer the consequences alongside your man, it's never worth offering him a suggestion.  Only sit quietly until he has figured out his own solution. 

 2.  Always tell him exactly how you are doing.  Guys hate having to guess how you are really doing.  They don't want to ask you 15 times if you are ok, before getting the real answer.  If they ask once, and you tell them you are doing fine, don't be offended when they easily move on as if nothing has happened.  If you want their sympathy or shoulder to cry on, be honest and tell them the first time.  They love to help, but need to be told that you need help.  On the other hand, if you sense that he is having a rough day, he will usually tell you the first time.  Don't ask him 15 times if he is okay.  (I have worked lots with girls, and this technique always worked.  When I got married, I tried asking several times if he was ok... He couldn't believe I didn't believe him!  He told me when he told me once, that was all.  He wouldn't make me guess if he was ok... he also asked me to be more honest with him when I wasn't .)

      3.   A man is never, ever lost.  As a lady, you must remember this!  If it ever appears that you both might be lost, refrain from using the "L" word.  He will find a way eventually, and you'll be much the happier if you avoid mentioning or (worse) telling him you are lost.

      4.   Always be quick to forgive.  Living with any one person for any amount of time, you will run into difficult times.  Remember that you married your best friend (I hope you did ;)) and that the two of you are on the same team.  When Daniel and I have "discussions" we often remind ourselves in the middle, "I am on your team."  Once we both remember that fact, the issue can usually be fairly easily resolved and we can move on to making up and making out ;)

      5.  Marriage is a battlefield.  My entire single life, I heard one of two extremes: Marriage is like a fairytale or Marriage stinks- so get used to it.  I would like to beg to differ.  Marriage on some days has definitely felt like my own fairy tale.  Some days, I'll look at my love with the cheesiest grin on my face and think, "Could anything in this world possibly be better?" and I'm thoroughly convinced NO.  On other days however, I have learned that marriage is something you have to fight for.  I don't mean this in an ugly way.   Remember in single life, you were constantly fighting your flesh and lustful desires?  It's the same way in marriage.  If Satan could, He'd destroy your marriage in a heartbeat.  If he could destroy your marriage, he'd destroy both of your purpose for life.  So why wouldn't he?  Satan hates marriage because it is a picture of Christ's love for His bride.  When then, would he want you to look like the happiest married person on the planet? Uhh... Never! Some days, you will feel like you have to "work" on loving that dear person you married.  No, there's nothing wrong with you.  Everyone who wants to get good at something has to practice.  Most people, for instance, who play the piano, have played for years and years.  They've practiced for hours and hours and hours daily.  You'll have to do the same to have a great marriage.  Don't lose heart!  Practicing to have the best marriage has many rewards! :)

      6.  Kill Expectations... ok seriously, everyone has expectations!  But expectations without expression can get you into lots of trouble.   Expectations unexpressed can be one of your worst enemies.  They are DEADLY, and will only create disappointment in your life and heart.  Prov. 13:12- "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick." Oh and let me tell you... it DOES!  One day when I had high hopes that my husband would do something for me, I had a thought.  How unfair is it, for a person to make up a list in their mind of something or some things they would like and wish and wait for them?  The other person has had absolutely no idea on earth that the one was waiting for something... and is about to be very disappointed! 

Picture this!  My husband is gone working all day long.  All day long he dreams up a big plot in his mind about how much he wants to eat fried chicken for dinner, with mashed potatoes, green beans, homemade rolls, and sweet tea- yet never mentions this to me.  I work all day preparing a brand new Chinese recipe for him, and have the table set and ready for when he walks in the door.  He walks in the door, I welcome him with a sweet kiss, and as soon as he sees the chinese food he breaks down into tears because I did not serve his beloved fried chicken.

Now, hopefully all of you can tell this is a ridiculous and made up story, but I can't deny that I haven't broken into tears at different times because of expectations I had, yet never made known.  My husband is the sweetest man ever, and I'm sure if he knew what I wanted he would do everything in his power to make it happen... but I never thought to tell him what I would like.   Avoiding expectations will in the end be like avoiding broken-heartedness.  It's a definite must for a fantastic marriage.

7.  Honestly is always best!  This has been my husband's policy since the day we met.  He used to    say, "I'm a huge honesty fan."  He's never wanted me to be anything other than completely honest with him.  I can't begin to mention how much this has helped in our discussions.  When we don't agree on something, or when one of us is upset about something, we will talk about it all the way through.  Yes, sometimes saying the complete truth is difficult, but it's always worth it.  Trust me, when you're at the end of your disagreement, and you've both been completelyhonest, it's the best feeling in the world.  Hiding things will only complicate your relationship. 

8.  Communication, Communication, communication!  I once heard a very wise quote that went       something like this, "Don't talk to talk, talk until you know you are understood."  I can't say how many times I have been talking to Daniel and we both think we understand, but neither of us really does.  I'm actually about to look for another book on communication... because I still don't  feel like I have the slightest clue about how to communicate, except to say, "Talk until you are understood."  Repeat back what you believe the other person is saying to you until you both are in agreement.  This will save you from so much frustration, and many tearful arguments.  (Trust me, I know....;))

  9.  A Space of Grace- This is another thing my husband taught me.  I can't take a bit of credit for it!  But it goes like this... We all have tough days.  Every once in a while, you'll have a bad day.  So when one of you is having a bad day, you give them a space of grace.  Give them room to be themselves, and make a mistake or two without biting their head off.  We all need moments of grace,  so give a little bit more grace. 
      
  10.  Love unconditionally.  This kind-of goes along with number 9.  But if anything is needed in marriage, it's love!  On the good days, Love!  On the bad days, Love!  Let all things be done in love! 



Thoughts From a Wife's Heart

9:35 AM



  Almost two and a half months have passed since we first moved to Peru.  Moving is never easy...But God never promised life would be easy.  He promised He would never leave us, and that means more to me than anything else could.  Yes, we've had our trying moments.  We've had frustrating moments.  We've had sad moments.  I won't lie and say I've never cried myself to sleep at night.  I think every person hits those tough times, especially being so far away from loved ones.  But the joys God has given us, make every hard day worth it.
   How can I begin to describe how awesome it is, to have new believers in your home studying the Word of God with you?  How amazing is it to be able to see first hand the scales fall off their eyes as they see and understand the truth?  Is there anything as priceless as to watching them realize the truth, and the truth set them free?
   Being in Peru these past months have been for me, one of the ultimate highlights of my life.  I feel like I was born for this!
    There is nothing like seeing people get saved!  Since we've come here, in nearly every service we've seen people get saved.  There's nothing like the excitement of someone who gets saved and brings back another person to the next service so they can get saved.  Our people know now that if they bring someone to church, we will share the Gospel with them.  They love that!
    There is nothing like seeing new believers grow in the faith.  Sometimes the questions they ask are tough!  I look at my husband and wonder how he's going to explain that particular truth to them.  He patiently takes them to scripture and shows them why we believe what we believe.
   The other night, my husband taught our Bible study on prayer.  He literally got to teach them how to pray. They have really not ever embarked on the journey of prayer before.  They are used to reciting the vain rituals in church, and confessing to a man.  I thought it was so cool last night when they were telling Daniel about how they had started praying for their food.  "It's good to thank God for your food every time you eat, isn't it?"  "Yes" my husband would answer.  Then he explained to them why we pray before we eat.  "Because Jesus, before he broke the bread with his disciples looked up into heaven and thanked God for it.  We follow Jesus' model of praying."  "Oh, they would say."  Then Anita would tell my husband how she prayed for her little boy before he went to school each morning.  "I pray, God bless his lunch, and thank you for life and for breath that you give us.... Is that ok?" She would ask.  "Yes, of course."  My husband explained.  "God wants to hear from you all day long."
   It's moments like these that I think... Man! Look at what we get the privilege of doing! Seeing their zeal, and their fresh eagerness for God puts an incredible excitement in my heart to go and tell others about Jesus, so that they too can know the truth.
   Sometimes people ask me how I'm doing.  Sometimes I think people feel sorry for me, because I'm "on the mission field."  Please, don't feel sorry for me!  Yes, we do need your prayers, but I must confess, I LOVE my life! I have a beautiful home, an ocean in my back yard (now you know I'm spoiled!)  a wonderful (and very handsome) husband, a great church, and an Almighty God.  Life just doesn't get any better than this!
 

The Second Time

1:13 PM



Last night, I sat contentedly by my husband at church.  I noticed a visitor, who walked in and sat nearby during our service.  Through the welcome time, I found out his name was Guillermo.

Preacher stood behind the pulpit and read with us the passage of scripture he would preach from that night.  When Preacher bowed his head, I walked to the front of the church to sing with my trio.  We were singing, "Sinner Saved by Grace." The words of our song seemed perfect for this particular Sunday.  The leader of our group had done an excellent job picking it out.

You see, the people who we work with come from lives and religions where they believe you must work for your salvation.  Just believing and receiving God's free gift is ALL it takes.  They have come to realize this now, and it tells their story in a beautiful way.

Take a moment, and read the beautiful words of this song: 
If you could see what I once was, If you could go with me,
Back to where I started from, I know you would see.
A miracle of love that took me in its' sweet embrace,
and made me what I am today, a sinner saved by grace.

I'm just a sinner,saved by grace.
When I stood condemned to death,
he took my place.
Now I live and breathe in freedom,
with each breath of life I take,
I'm loved and forgiven, back with the living,
I'm just a sinner saved by grace.

 How could I boast of anything, I've ever seen or done?
How I could I dare to claim as mine the victories God has won?
Where would I be had God not brought me gently to this place?
I'm here to say, I'm nothing but a sinner saved by grace.

At the end of our service, as is our custom, Preacher asked if there was anyone who didn't know they would spend eternity in heaven.  Guillermo raised his hand.  A man in our church had the privilege to lead him to Christ during our invitation.  Just as Guillermo was accepting Christ, Preacher asked our trio to come back and sing the song once more to close out our service.  We walked up to the front and began to sing.

The second time we sang our special, Guillermo sat in the back of the room with tears flowing down his face.  He had walked in a sinner, and would now leave a sinner ~saved by grace~.  

The second time he heard the song, it had a completely different meaning for his life.  

The second time, he knew he was loved and forgiven by an Almighty God.  

The second time, he realized he could live in *complete* freedom because now he was saved by grace.

The second time made all the difference.

Como Ningun Otro Lugar

11:45 AM


"They have our DIP!" I exclaimed, super shocked that the Chili's in Peru had the exact same queso/chili dip my husband and I love from the States.  I was speechless!  What tastes more like home than chips and dip?  And it was made exactly the way they make it in the states! It tasted identical! (Now that's unheard of! Everything I make here tastes at least slightly different.)  My husband and I each grabbed a chip and dug in! Yum!  

  It was our 1st wedding anniversary, and we spent it out on the town.  Nothing like exploring a huge city in a third world country.  You seriously never know what you might see.  It adds much excitement to our lives!  

 Celebrating by eating lunch at Chili's was a great idea!  We loved it!  As we were sitting there, we started looking back over the past year of our lives together, and the years before then.  We started talking about how good God had been to both of us.  We talked about the flow of our lives, and how God brought us together at just the right time, and in just the right way.  It was crazy to think that a year ago we were saying our vows, giving away our first kiss, and going on our honeymoon in the good old USA.  Our first year was a year unlike either of us had probably ever imagined.

  What would have happened, if one of us had chosen to go another way than the Lord was guiding?  What would we have missed, if one of us had chosen to do our own thing? It would have only taken one decision for either one of us, and we would have gone a down a completely different path.  Perhaps we might never have even met.  What if?  What if one of the times that Dan or I didn't understand what God was doing we gave up and quit on God.  Can you imagine everything we would have missed?  

   We both sat there smiling thinking about God's will.  It was perfect!  Sometimes we might not have understood it, it might not have always been what we "wanted" to do.  But at that moment, looking back, we both were able to see that there's no place like being in God's will. 

     Just then, I noticed the sign that filled the wall I was facing right there in the restaurant.  The wall is the picture I used above, "Como ningun otro lugar."  In English it means, "Like no other place." There is truly no other place like the will of God.  I wouldn't dream of doing anything else or living anywhere else.  Lima, Peru is God's perfect will for us.  God's perfect will - there's just no place like it! 

Ceviche!

9:23 AM

Ceviche:  A delightful dish Peruvians have made famous!  Ceviche can be made from many different kinds of fish, in which the fish isn't cooked in the way we think of a fish being cooked.  It's actually soaked in lime juices and other seasonings which gives it it's unique yet delicious flavor.  Neither my husband or I have ever been very big seafood fans, but our new Peruvian friends insisted on making this national food for us.  I'm SO glad they did!  Daniel and I both loved the dish!  The way Anita prepared it, you couldn't even taste a "fishy" taste.   

This is Anita, preparing "Chicharrones de pulpa."  They tasted like a spicy tough version of a french fry, and were good dipped in Mayo! 

    Chicharrones de Pulpa~  On the stove and the finished product! 

                                
I was thrilled to find out that they eat cancha (my favorite snack) with this meal!  It's like an addictive popcorn, except it doesn't pop. 

I couldn't wait to eat it!  Had to pause for a quick picture!

We also learned that Ceviche HAS to be eaten with the national beverage, Inca Kola.  I'd agree- it compliment's Ceviche perfectly! 

They cook up sweet potatoes to go on the side, as well as corn. 


The final product!  It was a delicious success!  Can't wait to eat it again! 

Open House!

2:50 PM



One year later, we finally had settled in to our first place!  Of course, we wanted to have an open house so all could come and see our new place.  How we wish that many of you, our dear friends and family members could have come from the States to see our new home.  But seeing how you just couldn't make it, (perhaps it was a little too far to drive?? ;))  we thought we'd do a little blog post so you could feel like you were here!

We thoroughly enjoyed hosting many of our team families, as well as one of our Peruvian families on our special night! 

  Pictured below are the Alvites family.  We have loved getting to know this sweet Peruvian family.  They have been a huge blessing to us.  They've taught us many things about the culture here, and even showed us around town.  If we need anything, they usually have an answer and are more than ready to help!


From Left to right: Alexandra, Carlos, Dan, me, Lucas, and Anita

 Having both English and Spanish speaking people, we laughed and joked all night in 2 languages!  It was a blast!  The couch game was perfect to play, because it really doesn't matter in which language you play it! We also enjoyed round robin around the ping pong table, and ended the night off with Mofia!  Having an open house was a blast!  I'm thinking we should do it more often... I'll just have to think of a new excuse for our next party :) 

Por Que Peru?

7:35 AM




Yesterday, we got to go out with a Peruvian family!  I was super excited from the moment I heard that they wanted to take us out!  We spent the whole day with them; went to the Zoo, downtown Lima, and all over town. While we were driving around, we talked and talked, and my mind raced in Spanish as fast as it could to understand what all 4 of the family members were telling me.
   In the middle of one of our conversations, Alexandra (17) asked me, "Y Por Que Peru?" "Por que vinieron a Peru?" "Why Peru, why did you come to Peru?" We had been telling them about our team, and how God placed us all together, and laid a burden on all of our hearts to go to the mission field.  But why Peru?  What was so special about Peru? 


 I know there are a million reasons why, but the first thing that came out of my mouth was, "Porque Dios te ama." "Because God loves YOU."  Her mom looked at me from the front seat of the car and said with a huge smile on her face, "What a great answer."  Then Alexandra asked, "Por que Lima?"  Which is our city. Then, "Por que Chorillos." Which is our district.  "Porque Villa Marina?"  Which is the urbanizacion. (What's the English word? Help!)  What she was in essence asking was, "Why our city? There are many other cities in Peru.  "Why Chorillos?"  There are 36 districts in the city of Lima.  Why Villa Marina? Which is an area in the district of Chorillos.  Chorillos is big, with many other areas in it.  But God brought us right to their neighborhood, so that one Sunday evening when her Mom and Dad walked down the street to buy bread, they could hear a group of white American Christians singing about a Savior, walk in the building and get saved.  That night, Alexandra's mom told one of our team ladies, "We walked in to see what was happening here, and we're leaving changed people." God did a miracle for their family.  He loved them SO much, that he sent us here to Peru and right to their neighborhood to tell them that He died for their sins, so that they could have hope of eternal life.  What a loving God! 

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