Before I moved to Lima, I had been praying that I would meet other missionaries with whom I would be able to walk through this “new life”, learning from their wisdom, encouraging one another, and sharing in God’s mission for the city. After about one month of being here, I met Bill, a middle-aged missionary who has been here in Lima with his family for almost two years. Quickly after we met, we began to get together weekly to drink coffee, share experiences, and pray. Today was our third time to get together, and it was great. I have been greatly blessed by our time together and our new friendship. Praise God for answered prayers!
Autobuses y Español
Well, I have made the jump to traveling by bus through my new hometown, which has been an exciting step. By the time I left Costa Rica, I felt super comfortable with the bus system, traveling around both San José and the country through cheap public transportation. But, the shift to life in Lima has kinda taken me by surprise. The city is much bigger, the layout of the city is much different, and – getting back to the topic at hand – the bus system is very different. In order to know what bus you need to take, you have to know most of the major roads that that particular route travels on. Thus, all buses have a long string of street names painted on them (for example, Benavides Prado Arequipa – Wilson – Tacna – Abancay). My problem has been that, until recently, I had no idea where the vast majority of those roads were located, thus making me pretty cautious about jumping on a random bus (or mini-bus, which is way more common). But, I have made the leap and I’m not turning back.
On another note, next week begins my first week of continued Spanish study. I’m pumped.
Random, Recent Happenings
Our team had a great retreat with the Halbert Institute for Missions this weekend, the main topic of which was intimacy with God. I have been both renewed and challenged. – Why is it that I still say bonehead things? You would think that after 28 years I would have learned some restraint. – Three months, five days. – I began training for my first triathlon two days ago. Here’s to hoping that I don’t drown. – I have been blessed with an amazing group of brothers and sisters to spread the gospel with for the next 5-10 years. I am incredibly blessed, despite my ability to restrain my comments…Yep, I am still upset about that one. – The peace of Christ be with you.
140 Days…
Until we are on a plane to Costa Rica for language school, plus or minus a few days. Crazy, yes. Scary, definitely. Exciting, unbelievably.
Potential Support
Please keep my teammates in your prayers. In the past several days, there have been several positive developments in their search for support, but the road ahead is still uncertain. As a team we continue to wait, in faith, for the Lord’s provision. He has provided so much already, and we are confident in his plan’s for our future.
The Holidays
I don’t think that this Christmas break could have been much better, which is nice considering that I will most likely be in Central and South America for the next several Navidades. Time with Mom & Dad was wonderful, and I was able to see high school and college friends, as well as see many of loved ones from my home church. I am constantly reminded of how blessed I am with the amazing people that God has placed in my life.Marathon training continues. The longer I run, the more ready I am for the marathon to already be over. Although many would disagree, I get tired of running after about ten miles…call me crazy. The Davidsons have already moved to Paris, TX, and the Yoakums are heading out tomorrow to Kaufman, TX. While their departures have been sad, it is also an exciting reminder that Lima is drawing ever nearer. I can’t wait! More to come in the near future…
Fund-Raising
Continuing to travel the path that leads to long-term mission support. Thus far the path has consisted of one victory, with the A&M Church of Christ supporting our team for our year of training. The path ahead consists of looking for churches that are willing and able to support me for the next ten(ish) years. Three of the couples on my team are at the same point on the path. Please pray for our efforts! You could even make comments mentioning churches that might be interested. God bless you all!
When the past catches up with the present
My home for the last week has been College Station, Texas, during which our team spent time training and thanking the A&M Church of Christ for their generous support (they are supporting us for our year of training). Since College Station was my undergraduate home for too long (5 1/2 years), it is a place that is dear to my heart. Many memories and friendships were forged during those wonderful years, and my time in Aggieland has changed me forever. This past week has been filled with opportunities to renew many of those dear friendships, and I have been blessed. Times with these long-time friends were filled with laughter, kindness, reflection, comfort, and love.
Often, I forget how much my current actions will influence my future. This week, though, was a reminder of the continuity of our lives. How I choose to treat people today will affect my friendships of the future. My intentional spirituality (or lack there of) in the present will have implications for my future relationship with God. What I am involved with now will help shape the course of my life for years to come. This week I received the blessings of friendships that we cultivated years ago, and, as usual, my friends treated me better than I deserve. It can be so wonderful when your past catches up with you, and this week was definitely wonderful!
Community
What a blessing it is to live life in Christian community! I have been incredibly blessed to be a part of a mission team with eight other adults and six children (and counting…). For the last three weeks, we have been training for our future mission work in Lima, Peru. We have been learning the basics of Spanish, studying Peruvian culture, planning mission strategies, and strengthening our relationship with God and one another. They have been three wonderful weeks, filled with much joy and growth. Through this time, I have been reminded of the importance of community in the Christian life. As followers of Jesus, we are not called to an individualistic faith journey. Living together with other Christians teaches us to love, serve, forgive, and be selfless. In addition, our individual faiths strengthen our collective faith, which helps us all during times of trial. God did not give us the church as a suggestion. Rather, it is an integral part of our Christian existence. While you are here, check out some of the pictures of my Peruvian community, whom I am growing to love and appreciate more and more everyday.
