Spending Time with Old and New Friends

The past week and a half has definitely picked up its pace, and I know this is only a fragment of what is to come.

OUR FIRST LIMA SUNSET

  On the nineteenth, we spent the entire day with a friend who we met at our training in Virginia. She lives several hours south of us. The kids were even more excited to see Amy than we were! We went to the Inca Market, and she also showed us a lot of shops in the busy part of town, including a few Christian bookstores. Ending the day, we went to a several-story mall located on the edge of some rocky cliffs in Miraflores, overlooking the beach. The view was GORGEOUS! To top off a wonderful day, the sun actually came out, and we enjoyed a beautiful sunset, as we strolled around checking out the artistic cow displays, promoting milk.  

 
Last week, the Holemans, our supervisors who are also from Mississippi, returned from their vacation time in the States. We spent two full afternoons with them, reviewing our job description and how to use a computer program that we'll be using to upload and share documents, which will be used to connect US churches to the needed translators here. Jeff introduced us to Sodimac, which is like a Home Depot, complete with a Kentucky Fried Chicken. On another day, Jeff showed B. a brand new route to the office. Praise God, and thank YOU for your prayers!  This route seems to have much fewer buses and taxis on it, making the driving easier. One evening, Lisa took me over the mtn. to show me some of the grocery items she enjoys buying while at Plaza Vea and Wong's, and she also helped me get a Bonus card from Wong's.

Twenty-seven smiling faces returned to ESL classes on Saturday. Again, we opted to observe Sandi to get us acquainted with the students and lessons for the Advanced class. This coming Saturday, we will teach the class.  The other classes will not begin until mid-Feb., when Sandi returns from the State will be teaching. Again, this will allow us to observe each of the other night classes, and then we'll take it from there.

We had asked for prayer via Facebook about the possibility of a new project in our area. On Sunday, we spoke with a pastor from a nearby church (which is located on the campus of a school) about the possiblity of having an ESL class one night a week at their facilities. Speaking with him boosted my confidence in Spanish-speaking. A friend helped translate when needed, but we were able to practice what Spanish we knew. He urged us to start attending the church, which we REALLY enjoy, and said he would speak with the deacons on Monday. Sy. went to Children's Church for the first time since we've arrived in Peru. She, too, enjoyed the class. After emailing the pastor on Tues. (using Google translate), he replied and said they would be happy to have us share the Gospel through English classes!!  Praise God. Doors have opened for a new project. All of the other classes have been in Miraflores, which is downtown. I am excited to see who God sends to us out this way. Be praying for individuals to come with open hearts and minds. Pray for us as we begin teaching all of the students, both in Miraflores and in Monterrico, that we'll be discerning of how He wants to use us and that'll we'll follow Him all the way!

After church, we ate lunch with friends at the food court of a nearby mall, and then, we were invited to head downtown and play soccer with some of the translators who were playing on a soccer field by the beach. Off we headed! Sk. and B. both played. B. realized how out of shape he is, and Sk. made a goal or two! Sy. pranced around the end of the court, as I chatted with a member from our team and several other translators. The day was sunny (AGAIN!!). We watched people parasailing from the mountain and lots of people enjoying a day of fun with family and friends. Although I didn't play (because they had enough players), it has been insisted upon that I play next time. Get ready to hear some funny stories, because I might have been a cheering soccer mom, but I don't know the first rule, nor am I the least but athletic!

B. was able to enroll and get started in his online classes at N.O. B. T. S. this week.  He is taking 2 classes. He is still awaiting his books to arrive. Hopefully, they will get here soon. He's blessed because the first couple of chapters are online, and he won't get behind in his studies.

I spent an entire evening ordering items online for our ESL classes, which one of our supervisors, who is at a conference in the States, will be able to bring back for me! Now, for our monthly prayer newsletter and monthly reports....I better get busy!

Spending time with acquaintances, both old and new, makes for a good time! 

Comments

[Kimberley Byrd]

I am so proud of all of you! We miss you and love you!