Back in the States

I've been back for almost a week, but it still doesn't seem normal. I constantly think about what my brothers and sisters in Peru are doing. For example, I can picture right now around 6 p.m. worship team is probably at church getting ready for the service that is at 6:30 p.m. tonight, and everyone else is starting to get ready to go to church. I think about what I was doing a week ago at this time. (learning a new worship song with praise team). Peru never leaves my head and I love it. It reminds me everyday that even though I'm on a different continent they are always in my heart. This I NEVER want to go away.

When I got back to the States and saw my parents it was so wonderful to give them hugs and share about what God's doing. All the way back from Omaha they let me share with them my experiences, the culture, and my love for those people. We stopped for lunch, which I was so excited for cold milk and savored the taste every sip I took! The next week was full of sharing my pictures and sharing the good news of what God is doing. It makes me SO Excited to tell my friends and family and really anyone who is willing to listen, the amazing things that I saw happen in Peru and how God is working so powerfully! Each morning my parents get a new fun fact of the day as I remember something more about Peru.

Today in church I got the privilege to share about what God is doing in Peru. It never gets old to tell about what God has been doing and as I continue to share He brings new thoughts and revelations to me. For example, the houses have basically nothing in them. As I walked into my house it was like "what is all of this stuff and why do we have it." or how to apply the faith that they have to my life. I don't have a job, yet I know that God will provide a way for me to pay rent this next upcoming school year. or one I will have to remember continually this year about after I graduate I know that God has amazing plans for me and since I trust Him I don't need to worry about a job. He WILL provide and lead me. All of this I shared in church, pretty much everything that I have written about over the past two months. - The work in Iglesia Berea, the jungle, listening with my spirit, and from the last three weeks I was there hearing the hearts of my brothers and sisters in Peru. God blessed me with the language to have deep conversations with Joe, Nery, and many of the other youth of the church to hear about their lives and be able to encourage them in Christ.

Words cannot express how grateful I am for this summer, for the things that God taught me and how I never want them to go away. I know with time some stuff disappears, but I pray to God that I'll never forget the lessons and people I met in Peru. And I know that I won't. Continually I'll be praying for them as they continue sharing the Gospel and living for God.

As I left Peru in the plane, I couldn't help but let the tears flow. Words really cannot express how I feel and how much I grew in Peru. I became very comfortable down there living life as they did, not missing any of my stuff at home (missing family Yes, but stuff no). I see myself and my friends and family in Peru the exact same. Our dependence is on our Father, our joy is in the Lord. The only difference is that I have a bunch of junk in my room and live in a different culture (some of which is good and some of which is bad). Through all of this and sort of despising the culture I was to return to, God gave me a new way of hope and work as He gently whispered to my heart ...and so the mission continues. Peru became my home and I was very comfortable. God blessed me with my goals for the summer beyond what I had ever imagined. I saw God's work being done and was able to be a part of it. I breached a new level of Spanish and was blessed by listening to my brothers and sisters in Christ. And I learned what it was like to be a missionary. I also found out that I will be a missionary for the rest of my life. Whether that be in Peru, another country, or here in America. The mission continues to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, to experience God's mighty power as it is to be experienced and to worship Him as He is to be worshiped. If you are a Christian you are a missionary. You are called to trust in our Heavenly Father and spend your life glorifying Him. For some that may be in an 8-5 business job, others it might be at their college or school, and for some it means going oversees. But we are all missionaries in some form, living life for God, and waking up every morning to remember ...AND SO THE MISSION CONTINUES.

My Last Week

Well, I have reached the last week here in Peru. It´a bitter sweet time as I reflect on everything that God has been doing! The trips He has provided and the lessons that He has taught me are beyond countable. Everyday is something new and it´s all thank to him. It´s thanks to him that I got to visit the people of the jungle, that I get talk with the Peruvians and acutally understand what they are saying, thanks to him that I got to know translators and speak at their church service, thanks to him for all of the kids that I´ve met and hopefully they are led closer to the light of Jesus, it´s thanks to him that I´ve started to learn what true faith looks like, and believing on a whole new level the promises of God!

For now it´s off the internet to enjoy every second of Peru while I can. More to come later so keep checking. I´ll pry have a huge blog when I get home, emphasizing on my trip as a whole and more about the last two weeks! Love you all! Glory be to God for everything!!

La Selva - The Jungle

Oh my, so much to talk about!! The last five days I have been out to the jungle literally seeing the hand of God work. On Sunday we rode a boat down the Amazon (which took about three hours). It was so much fun!! We started out inside of the boat with all of the other translators, learning about them and having fun speaking English. About half way through the ride, I found out some people were going on top of the boat, so Jenna and I decided to go up and see what it was like. Oh my, how glorious. We got a full view of the jungle and the mighty river that we were traveling on. I couldnʼt take my eyes off of the majesty of God. The trees were so green and jungly looking, I donʼt quite know how to describe it; the river was so magnificent and mighty. It was amazing to think of how the Peruians do this all of the time and have the opportunity just to dwell in the glorious view of the Lord. The feeling reminded me of when our family goes to Colorado and after a hike through the mountains you reach a spectacular view of a beautiful lake in front of you with a grand mountain backdrop. Just as you would think of an award-winning photo, but in real life. I couldʼve stayed there all day! Then we arrived at Indiana (a town probably the size of Sioux Rapids). Hannah and Jenna got to stay in a tent, but I had to stay in a hotel. It was nice, but I was really looking forward to camping.

Our job for the week was to be translators. I was under the impression that I was just going to help facilitate the kids ministry and be a bridge between the Americans and Peruians. So Monday morning we started. We broke up into our four different groups that we were going to travel around the area to smaller villages and set up a medical clinic, translating for the doctors and each place also had the kids ministry. We took a small motor boat to the villages. This was another one of my favorite parts, because I got to be even closer to the water. I stuck my hand out the boat the entire time, just to feel the Amazon water. Lucky for me, we got lost the first day and went about an hour to

far up river. To me it was like a grand exploration, showing me what the jungle looked like as we traveled up tributaries of the Amazon. Finally we got to the village. Yanuycai Timituri (or something like that). We only saw about ten smaller houses, kind of hut looking. Working out of the school the village people came to see the doctors about all sorts of things. I did help with the kids ministry this day as we played games and I translated for Bill, an older man. He got to know some of the people and then shared his heart with the people and told them about the great gospel of the Lord. I was so honored to be able to translate for him and God blessed me with the words to be able to translate. With each person we said a prayer at the end. Most people seemed to know who Jesus was, but maybe didnʼt have him as their savior. This is where it was also nice because at the end of all of the medical stuff, as a village we sat and had a bible study. The pastor of the area Alvaro and Pastor Gary from Alabama shared songs and the word of God with all of the people. I talked with Pastor Alvaro a couple times and learned of what itʼs like for the people of the jungle and learning about Jesus. Many villages donʼt have churches and donʼt meet regularly to learn more about Jesus. This is when it hit me, the huge need for the jungle people to hear about Jesus. If someone isnʼt there to share the faith and word, and have the Spirit leading them, how will they ever grow to really understand the love of Jesus or have a deep relationship with Him. I wish all of you could just feel the pain that this brings to my heart. They want to learn more, but who is going to bring it to them?? Things are moving, and hearts are changing. I met the son of the Father of the Village, and he has a huge heart to start with a church meeting with the village, so God is working. This brought joy to my heart, knowing that God will rise up people to preach his word. Even if they donʼt have resources like we do and the access like we do, God will make a way for his Word to be

known!

So we basically did this every day. But get this...the next day I was asked to be a translator for triage, or registration. Oh my goodness, I did a quick lesson thanks to the help of my friend Willy, learned what a whole bunch of words meant, like cough, sore throat, flu, rash, itch, etc. Because my job was to help figure out what the people needed to see the doctor for, so we could send them to the right place. It went pretty good and there were a couple times I had to call someone else over, but we pretty much got it figured out. Wow, ok so blessing number two is the language skill that I gained on this trip. The first morning this friend Willy and I were talking. He said that we wasnʼt

going to talk to me in English (although he knows quite a bit), but was only going to talk to me in Spanish so I could get more practice. So we talked quite a bit in Spanish and my confidence and what I learned went up to a whole new level! I breached the wall and got to where I could think and converse in Spanish without translating. This was very hard before as I heard English for the majority and when I heard Spanish I would want to translate every word. Iʼm so thankful to my new friends, and all of them that I spoke Spanish with as they helped me tremendously. I would hang out with them throughout the week and get to know them or joke around with them, and watch their mad-skills at futbol (soccer).

By the end of the trip I really didnʼt want to leave, and even now I want to go back and do it all over again! Seeing God working in the jungle and moving and changing hearts, and working through all of the Spanish with my brothers and sisters in Christ here in Peru, it was just an AMAZING experience all around. The last night we all got together and talked about the week and anyone could get up to speak what was on their heart. The Spirit led me to talk (after also being coaxed into going by everyone chanting for me to speak) but the main thing I wanted to say was what a Godly gift to be given to be able to speak two languages, help people of the jungle, and help share the gospel. This is an incredible ability that they have, and I didnʼt want them to forget that. When I saw the work being done at the villages, I didnʼt see Americans and Peruians. I saw the children of God bringing his light and doing his work in the jungle. What a blessing to be a part of this opportunity. Iʼm so thankful for the opportunity that I was given and for being a part of Godʼs work. My spirit is so joyful right now, basking in the work of the Lord. Heʼs truly at work all around the world, and moving in great force to make his name know throughout all of the world. For people to know that the majesty and beauty that they see wherever they are, whether it be in the jungle, in the city, or talking with people, God the Almighty has done all of that and his love is so grand for everyone. He wants to share this with EVERYONE in EVERYPLACE all around the world. Gloria a

Dios!!!

The middle continued!

Iʼve been here for one month..wow that is really crazy to believe. Glory be to the Father

that I feel so comfortable here and have been able to adjust to the culture and somewhat to the language. It seems like Iʼve been here for much longer than just one month and I absoultely canʼt wait to see what the next month brings!

Mom emailed me a list of questions that you have been asking her. So I thought I would tell you a little about life here in Peru. Itʼs a much slower culture, many times we have been late for church or take our time getting to gathers. That is late on American culture, but within this culture itʼs acceptable and sometimes expected to not be so punctual. The other part of that is that events donʼt start on time so to arrive late is to arrive when the event is actually starting. Itʼs hot, but not scorching. The short rain showers in most afternoons brings a refreshing breeze through the house. Iʼve become so accustom to the weather that I think the air-conditioning will freeze me out of my house. :) Most every meal here includes rice, chicken, and salt. Even the Peruvians like eating rice for breakfast. One of my favorite meals so far has been Lomo Saltado. It includes french fries, beef or chicken, tomatoes, and rice. Most houses are very small with little furniture. Our house is all cement and has no glass windows. Actually thinking about it, I have seen only a few houses with windows and those are usually the more ritzy houses. It is more longer than it is wide. At least once during the day the water shuts off, so we have a big bucket always full of water. We also use this bucket for showers (which are always cold, and very refreshing) as the water pressure is practically nothing. Cooking comes from a stove top, or something that is boughten for a street vender. It is almost cheaper or the same price to buy from a street shop. These street shops are usually peopleʼs homes where the women cook all day to make a supper to sell to people. You can eat there or take it to go. A brother from the church has a place like this that we have gone to eat many times, and it is probably my favorite place to go eat. Also because they have a parrot that laughs and makes me laugh so hard that I almost cry. Our transportation around town is by motorcars or motorcycles (the crochrocket type, not harleys). Itʼs a three wheel, half of a motorcycle connected to a type of cushioned bench with a roof over the top. Itʼs very breezy, and I love it so much I can hardly think of what itʼll be like to be in a car again.

In the Middle

Well yesterday meant that I only have one month left here, and that I have successfully completed one month!!! It´s wierd to think about because I feel like I´ve been here. This next week we are going into the jungle to work with translators and a team of medical missionary doctors!! I´m helping with the kids ministry nd cordinatoring! I can´t wait and we leave tomorrow!!!! More after the trip!!!

A Touch of Home

This past week gave me a taste of home. First came the arrival of Jenna and Hannah!! Two wild and crazy girls from Iowa. :) They are so full of joy and love for the kids. Itʼs been an enormous blessing to have them here to know more and especially seeing their love for kids just exploding from them. They donʼt need any language to reach the kids but continue to have fun playing games with them. Now our house is full of four gringa (American) girls, which brings a lot of fun moments, talking, just being girls and joking around. It has been messing with my mind a bit more as I have to switch between my Spanish mind and English mind. Sometimes I think my mind just wants to
shut down and think in no language. lol. :)

Then, we had a group of seven Americans from Orlando, Florida come to work in Church Berea for four days. Monday started the week with a sports tournament day, volleyball for the women and soccer for the men. It had a great turnout and the winners got cash prizes. The teams fought hard for that prize. I had so much joy giving the volleyball prize to the winners, because they really needed that extra blessing in their lives. In the mornings of Tuesday through Thursday, the American group did training on water filters that provided clean water for people in the neighborhood around Berea. I sat in on one of the teachings where the Americans taught about the water filters and gave an underlining presentation of the gospel, as the water of Christ can clean our hearts from our sinful nature which gives us new life. Then the afternoons of Tuesday and Wednesday were full of kids ministry. Children came by the bucketful! There were songs, candy, and activities for the three different age groups. I helped with the youngest age group which was a bit of a challenge as I donʼt work with them much. But Godʼs name was lifted high during all of these days. Thursday afternoon contained door to door evangelism. This was one of my favorite days, to see how Sister Mele from the church presented the gospel with the love of Christ and truth pouring out. An Paul, one of the Americans, and I went with her, so I translated to him what I could and translated questions that he had. Please pray for all of those who were presented with the gospel that they may have their hearts turned to rely on God and be brought to his kingdom. The entire week we had prayed for no rain, because if it rained we wouldnʼt be able to have the ministry. God was faithful (as He always is) and it didnʼt rain at all until the last group came in after door to door
evangelism when we were literally done. It was such a cool God moment to see his faithfulness time and time again.

God has also presented an awesome opportunity to go with another group of missionaries this next week (July 3-8ish) as translators and helping with kids ministry. Bethany was asked to be a translator and so weʼre all going. I think maybe us three younger girls might be helping with the kids ministry. Itʼs in a village a little bit up the river, so weʼll be getting a bit deeper into the jungle.The neighborhood kids are doing great and I have enjoyed getting to know them even more, playing games in the street or sitting and talking with the little bit older kids. Thatʼs where my passion is, with the kids in middle school/high school. God continues to show me where he is planning on using me and affirming my identity in Him. That he has made me exactly as he meant to, even when thatʼs completely different than other people around me. He continues to give me encouragement and love everyday as I am satisfied in Him and his plan as we walk together throughout life. Lately he has given me a huge love for Berea church and the people there! Their hearts are so dependent
on Him and they wait on the Lord and have faith in Him, that he will satisfy their needs. There is a great lesson to be learned here I feel. At home I didnʼt have to have this type of dependence because I knew that I couldnʼt at least get through the next week with food for example. Here they must depend on God for even their next meal. God has his children in His hands, and thatʼs the faith they we should be living every day.

At the Heart of Noriega

So Iʼm staying in the house of Bethany and Nelton Norgiea. I couldnʼt be more blessed to be spending my summer with them. They have one daughter who turns one year old on Friday. Bethany and Nelton are so deep in doing the work of God. Everyday I see more and more of Godʼs work being done through them here in Iquitos, as they unselfishly give of themselves to help others around them. Their main passion and goal is to work with people in the jungle. They want to be godly encouragers to the villages, by spending a couple months there discipling and mentoring the ¨the forgotten Christians¨ who want to learn more about God, but don´t have the resources or connections to learn. So they are raisingmoney to buy a house boat so they can go up and down the Amazon River working with different villages in the jungle. They are now waiting patiently on God and partnering with a local church, Iglesia Berea, while funds come for their boat. At Berea, Nelton is a pastor and gives messages on Sunday morning and night, and sometimes at the Wednesday prayer service. He is a very powerful speaker and truly speaks what God has been laying on his heart. He speaks the most passionately about faith and living by faith. That includes moving in steps of faith because we know of whom we believe and we can look to the future in the hope of the glory of the Lord that is to come. Romans 5:2b -”...And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Not only does he preach this, but he and Bethany live out stepping in faith with God and through that God has just blessed them! A part of their mission right now is to teach this to the church members. Not to be legalistic on rules, or try to take control of recieving more of God´s blessings, but to wait on the Lord for the blessings he will provide to the faithful! Iglesia Berea has a vision to be a megachurch with international connections where they are characterized by giving to needs that they hear. The people in the church are great, as I see them giving all of themselves at every service. I would say there are about 30ish people who attend every Sunday, and I am met with their bright smiles and Dios te bendiga “God bless you”. Bethany works with the childrenʼs ministry as they meet during the message on Sunday morning. She leads them through some songs, a message, activity, and game. Of course Kyliana helps her parents with all of their activities in church by adding with her little cries, giggles, or wandering up to the stage.

These next two weeks bring to us two mission groups from the states. One is very small with about 7 people I believe. They are going to do some stuff with water filters, and lead a bible camp for the kids, including games of volleyball and futbol (soccer). Iʼm not sure of all that is happening, but I do know that itʼll be great and Iʼm so excited to see some Americans and just hear their stories and what their passions are within this ministry theyʼre helping with. I feel like a lot can be learned and shared between the relationship that weʼll have. Also the end of this week is bringing Hannah and Jenna. They are two girls (one a sister of Bethany) who are joining up for the rest of thesummer with the ministry weʼll be doing. So prayers for Bethany and Neltonʼs ministry and funding for their vision to help those in the jungle would be so appreciated; and the following week with the Bible Kids Camp, sharing Jesus and hopefully changing lives there all for the glory of God!

P.S. Feliz Cumpleaños to Matt today!!!