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!!!

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will m

I entitled this blog “Godʼs Work in Peru,” and so for this post I want to dedicate it to what
God is doing so far in Peru.

When I first got here, I wonʼt lie I was a little disappointed because I expected to being
doing ministry all day, everyday and jumping over mountains for God sharing the love
and joy of the gospel. But it wasnʼt like that at all. I found myself being a little bored with
a lack or ministry. Yet Bethany and I had wonderful conversations about theology, grace,
and living life for God through the struggles and triumphs. In college I felt desperate to
have time to just be with God, not feeling rushed reading my bible or praying. Here I
have that time. The culture is a slower pace, and instead of feeling like it was dragging,
God changed my heart to crave the slower days so I could easily just sit and think about
the ministry here. Meditating on what God is doing right now, this week, and what his
plan for me is within the ministry for the rest of the summer. In the states, I feel a lot of
people have to find a place to fit God into their busy schedule, this is including myself.
But shouldnʼt our entire day be about God, taking moments throughout the day to listen
when the Spirit is nudging at your heart? I realize more so now than ever, how
dangerous it is to make God so small. Living by the Spirit isnʼt a checklist of praying
before bed and reading our bible. Itʼs taking the time to just be with God and hear Him
speak to your heart, without distractions or only giving God partial control of your life
while you still wanting the driverʼs seat. Many times I would put conditions on how God
was leading my life, because whether I realized it or not I wanted to take the control.
Here in Iquitos, Iʼve learned and seen from example of Nelton and Bethany, to wait on
the Lord throughout the day, and listen to the Spirit in prayer just as much as you read
the Bible. This is the biggest thing Iʼve learned here, to spend time in the presence of
the Lord, being satisfied in Him whether or not I feel like Iʼm accomplishing something
ministry-related. I read in a book, when we are most satisfied in God, He is most
glorified.

The last couple of weeks were slower, and a couple days I went through a phase of
missing family, friends, and American life. But now things are picking up. Last night we
started “Chicas Unidas” meaning Girls United. There were about ten girls from the
neighborhood and Church Berea, ranging ages 11-17. We played games, talked about
our theme verse 1 Timothy 4:12, “Donʼt let anyone look down on you because you are
young, but set an example to the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in
purity.” Then of course at American food of cinnamon rolls and popcorn. :) Bethany and
mineʼs purpose is to build relationships with these girls that will lead to intentional
conversations ending up at the truth of the Gospel. I feel like weʼre off to a great start
and relationships are starting to grow. For example, I met one girl named Brillyt (Bridget)
at the plaza last week. We had a great conversation and she seemed very eager to get
to know me and help me learn some more spanish. So I wanted to invite her. Before the
party I was going to go for a walk and see if I could find her. In the afternoon I was a
little tired and wanted to take a nap but before I could lay down the phone rang. It was
Hannah and Jenna (two girls who are coming here in a week and weʼll all be doing
ministry together). They asked if I wanted to talk, and although I really wanted to lie
down I decided to talk. Weʼll while we were talking Brillyt showed up at our window. After
I got off the phone I went outside to talk with her and her friend and give them the
invitation. They were stoked and came to the party. If I had laid down, none of this
wouldʼve happened. While we were talking in the afternoon though they asked if I
wanted to see her house. So I went with them, after telling Nelton where I was going,
safety first, I didnʼt want them to get worried! This was my first look at a little deeper
poverty. Their house is basically four walls, and a thatch roof. They have a kitchen, tiny
backyard, room for work, and a bedroom and bathroom. It wasnʼt much, but at the same
time that didnʼt seem to matter to her. Their family still had joy and seemed thankful to
just have the house that they did. Itʼs great to see that material possessions donʼt
matter, and they especially donʼt matter to God. I feel God telling me that some great
conversations and a friendship will come from this! It makes me so excited!

The little kids in the neighborhood are doing great too. Everyday they want to play tag or
some other game. Last night it was raining hard here and I wanted to run in the rain. So
the younger kids and I went to the plaza and ran around. We went down the slide, but
since Iʼm bigger I didnʼt land as easily as they did, so I fell forward to the ground. haha.
So I was all wet and sandy. They led me to a big puddle where we “washed off” by
laying in the puddle and wiggling around. It is so much fun to act like a little kid!

So I went from little action, to God bringing people and building relationships to me.
Praise be to Him. He just wanted me to wait on him patiently as He spent a while
teaching me first! The next couple of weeks are busier, as we have a vacation bible
school with two teams from America, and in July we are planning a trip to the jungle for
about a week! Yes the jungle! Iʼm so excited! Thank you all so much for your prayers
and keeping me updated on your lives. I love hearing what God is doing in your lives as
well.

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your
way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine
like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.” -Psalm 37:4-6

One Week Later

It seems like I´ve been here for a month, but it´s honestly been only one week. Starting off slow I had to work at adjustng to the culture of being more laid back. Instead of working to get as many things done in a day their is a lot more just hanging out and only doing a few things in one day. After feeling super lazy for a couple of days, I began to really appreciate the time to sit and think things through and to just investigate what God is up and being more in tune with Him. In the states I always complained of being distracted from God because of the million things to get done, but here I don´t feel that at all and it´s super fantastic to be able to just sit and listen to my Father and his love for the people here in Peru.

On Sunday we went to the Iglesia Berea (church). It´s a small building with no front door and a thatch roof, but many generous people with warm smiles, inviting me to join their family of believers. I was asked to say a few things but got nervous and basically just said my name and that I would be staying for two months..haha..I don´t know what those people are saying that I talk a lot, because here it hasn´t been quite as true. Of course that´s because I´m trying to get to know the culture and finally understand the language. I´m comprehending more everyday and starting to join in conversations..Praise God!!! I couldn´t do it without him that is forsure!

Monday night the leadership from the church came over and we talked about a group of kids coming from the states (about 7) to lead a vacation bible school in about two weeks! The head Pastor directly asked me to help and that I would represent the church with a Christ love. I felt very honored to be asked in such a way to be a part of their church and that they trusted me so. So I´m helping with the sports of futbol (soccer) and volleyball!

The other most exciting thing actually happened today! God has been putting this burden on my heart for the kids in our neighborhood. Just to play around with them and become friends. About three days ago I joined in with some girls playing volleyball in the narrow street. That way I may two friends and we talk for a bit everyday now. Today I was going to take a picture of the red clouds in the sky (sunset plus rain clouds) and all of a sudden I had a swarm of new friends from the neighborhood inquiring about my camera and wanting to take pictures. From this I now gained about 10 new little friends as we played with Kyliana (Bethany´s little girl) and listened to a band playing in the streets. The girls clung on and just kept hugging me. I can tell they have hearts that are so large and just loving life! I´m so excited to get to know them more and play with them all summer!

Through all of this that happened only in one week, I feel even more in love with God and how his plan works for the good of those who love him! A reason to smile and have joy everyday! He is such a good God and I absolutely can´t wait to see what he has in store for the rest of these nineish weeks left!! All for Him. -Jess

From Iquitos Peru!

Hola mis amigos,

Well I have been in Iquitos for about 24 hours no and it has been great! The airports and planes were good but sometimes difficult to get around, as I probably looked like some random girl acting like a chicken with her head cut off. A man literally told me to go right in a line and I took a left..haha..sorry mom, I may need to relearn my directions. :) I sat by a very nice Japanese lady on my eight hour flight. We communicated very well through hand signs and lots of laughter. Finally after flying over the ocean, Andes, and parts of the rainforest I arrived in Iquitos Peru where Bethany, her husband, daughter, niece, and friend were awaiting me.

I really enjoy Bethany and her family and friends as we have been tooling around town together! Suprisingly it has rained quite a bit here but also has been quite humid. We´ve been traveling around via motocars which is quite the site to see when you get a whole bunch of them in one place! Thankfully Jamie (a family friend) is a very good driver. Yet he´s been doing it for a while! God has begun teaching me what it´s like to be on the otherside where I am the one who sticks out like a sore thumb and how it´s okay to be that person. It´s uncomfortable as I just want to know their culture and language and participate fully as they do. Then again I¨ve only been here for one day so hopefully next week will become more like home. Today I read from Isaiah 6 where he says, ¨Here am I. Send me!¨ I can so relate as I don´t know what´s happening tomorrow, the rest of the summer, or even later on tonight, but Lord here I am, and I know he will use me in some way. Until next time, blessings and I pray that you´re all doing well! -Jess

Today is only the Beginning

Well here is the start to my blog that most of you know about. I'm going to try to update it about once or twice a week, letting everyone know what God is doing in Peru.

I'm now finally internalizing that I'm actually going to Peru for the summer, and I'm leaving today! The last month of school was a whirl wind finishing up my RA job and finish well with my classes. Then the next week was just sitting and being. I could finally breath from school ending yet I didn't really want to think at all. Isn't that how it goes...haha The next week was packing and heading to California for my brothers wedding! It was beautiful weather and a wonderful time in California. They had an absolutely gorgeous wedding with it all being so glorifying to God. What he brought together let no man separate! That is my prayer for the newly Mr. & Mrs. Matty Skelton. The rest of the week we visited the surrounding areas with my family! Great bonding time and I wouldn't want to do anything else before I leave.

So here we have it. Today. At 12:21 p.m. (Pacific Time), finished packing and now to get the last odds and ends. I don't really know what to expect in Peru, but neither do you...so let's go on this adventure together! The adventure of life that God has planned for us and he knows exactly where we're going. I know God is a pretty good guy to trust so therefore I will trust him will all of my heart that I may not know or plan for anything beyond today, except I know that I will be working to grow deeper in my faith with God, be satisfied in Him, and therefore He will be glorified beyond anything that I could plan! So for now..hasta luego (see you later) and the next post will be from Iquitos, Peru! God bless, Jess.


P.S. Here's how I got the opportunity to go to Peru and work with Bethany all summer long:
I thought I needed an internship with my Communications major at school. I've always wanted to do missionary work and in a spanish speaking country (as my minor is Spanish). Therefore I started my search looking for misson organizations that would do internships. I met Bethany through a friend of a friend and she loved the idea of me coming down for the summer. Her and her husband are working on a church plant and investing themselves there, in the city of Iquitos, Peru. After much prayer, I knew that was where God wanted me for the summer. He opened all of the doors and shown me the path I will be taking to Iquitos. Money support was beyond belief, as the generous givers have met the money need and beyond that we have more to give as an offering to their newly started church as they work to share the love of Jesus with their fellow people in Iquitos. I'm so excited to be a part of this and really learn what it's like to be a missionary planting a church. I am really looking forward to building relationships with those people, especially the kids and encouraging them in their faith! Or telling them about this wonderful creator to whom we owe everything! So there you have it, kind of messy, really messy actually but it's all in God's plan I'm sure!