Wow--I can't believe I haven't blogged since our February newsletter. I'm so sorry. Time has gotten away from me. Let me briefly catch you up.
During the first week in February, we were introduced to the city of Canta, which is in the mountains about 3 hours north of Lima. It's beautiful--actually one of the most beautiful places that I have ever visited in my lifetime. A combination of mountains--Mountains that were brown and rocky with cacti--brown and crisp; mountains and valleys that were lush green with streams flowing as waterfalls and in riverbeds. Villages outside of Canta that were very tiny. At their entrances stood little monuments, some only a foot or two tall, others 5 or 6 ft. in height, featuring figures of saints and such inside; flowers and other offerings laid at their feet. Some people who stood and stared at the Gringos who entered into their communities, who looked at us with blank faces and wouldn't respond to our waves of hello. A few others who did respond with a curious wave. A child standing far below in the valley, fishing with his father, who saw me high on a mountain as we sped by in our truck waving to him below, and he waved back. One-lane dirt roads weaving higher and higher into the mountains, curving around the sides of mountains with no guardrails. Donkeys and cows in the roads grazing, some with or without someone attending them. A little restaurant with two people working; one waiting and the other cooking; two dogs who sat underneath our table, begging for food upon occasion. Sodas in plastic bottles on the shelf, served in the bottle warm. Cool temperatures at night in our hotel (in 60s) with no heat; we were kept warm with 2 alpaca wool blankets. Rabbit, trout with the head, lomo saltado (fries, tomato, seasoning, peppers, and heap of white rice) were some of the plates we were served. God's hands have created these beautiful places and people.Being in Canta for the short period made my heart spring for joy. I didn't know whether to cry at His amazing works or to do somersaults down the mountain. :)
High altitude causes sickness in a variety of ways. Dizziness, nausea, vomiting. Not to mention, car sickness from all of the bumpy riding. Sy. got sick twice. Poor Brian had some sort of bug before we left, which returned in Canta. High fever and stomach bug. The ride to and from Lima was a bumpy ride. VERY bumpy. Dusty, too, until after a certain point where you entered the mountains.
After our trip was cut short because of Brian's illness, I got the experience of driving to our Saturday advanced class! The night before, I became a little panicked, but also determined. He still felt sick, but did accompany, which relieved me some, since my sense of direction still wasn't the best. Around 40 students! It's beginning to be very warm here in Lima, with more and more sunshine, since it is the summer months. In the 80s, in a small office with 40 people and 2 small fans. The classes are enjoyable. I love being around the people. They thirst for English and have many deep and wonderful conversations about our Bible studies.
B. and Sk. returned to Canta several days later, on a research trip with a fellow team member and a Peruano and a fellow friend/translator. This time, they ventured even farther out. Their bathroom at the tiny hotel was down the hall from their room, and their bath consisted of soaking in hot sulfur springs, which drained from the mountains into tile pools. The pictures are even more beautiful. Green/blue lakes at the tops of the mountains. A huge icy glacier. Snow-capped mountains. Hundreds of sheep and a few alpaca and llama with one shepherd. Amazing. Blessed to be part of this venture. There are many pictures on my Facebook that you should go and check out!!
While they were away, Sy. and I ventured down the street to our supervisors' in our teammate's truck (I haven't ever driven without B. here!). We had a going-away goodbye time with a team member. I had a funny experience. They left early and didn't show me the truck. The brake was different from ours. I had to push the button, pull, and release it. I did not pull, so it would not release. The guard stood with the gate open for me, and I could not go!!! I frantically waved him over. He looked as frustrated as I did, because he speaks no English, and I did not know the words for help me release the break. He, being polite, would not reach across me, but he pantomimed how to release it. TAAA-DAHH!! I did it. Language barriers!!!!!!
Last week, we had our first class in our new area. 15 people attended!!! Praise God!! He opened the doors for us here, and I know He has plans. This week is our first FULL week of classes--Sat., Mon., & Wed. across town in the office. Thurs. here in our area of town. Pray for our and the kids' adjustments. 3 night classes, 2 hours per class. Next week, the kids start school. Sy. will go 3 days a week. Sk., 5 days. Lots more transitions and getting used to our schedule. Finding time to come up with lesson plans for all these classes. The teaching is wonderful; the lesson plans are time-consuming and hard. B. is trying to keep up with 2 online classes, but most importantly, he's taking care of the logistics of churches with translator needs.
On Facebook, I wrote that my teaching ESL is like a drug. I enjoy it. We know this is where God wants us for our season in Peru. With that, we have much peace and joy.
Today, we had a birthday party with Sk. & Sy.'s friend Caleb. He turned 6. The party was at a fantastic park by the Peruano Pentagon. Water pads, playgrounds, geese....it's a beautiful area. What fun!!
Tomorrow, we are supposed to get our Visa's for residency here. :)
Back in MS, my mom's thyroid is enlarged, and she is having 2 biopsies on it. Pray that all will be clear and well.
Thanks for your prayers and support. If you have anything that we can pray with you about, please let us know. We love you guys!!
