Discovering the mystery is taking time to step back and see Christ working in us, through us and around us, this is the mystery of the Holy Spirit. Today was another incredible day of experiencing God´s love in our Peruvian neighbors. We traveled out to the village of Isolina to be part of Kokí and Elisabeth´s Sunday School class, which they serve over 80 students out of their home, this would be known in the USA as a satalite sunday school class. In the village homes are not big, nor is their property, I have a picture of this incredible class, that happens every single week. This class is what you expect, meet together for songs, prayer, and celebrating birthdays, then dividing by age for Bible study in their classrooms.
You could sense the joy and desire they have to learn more about Jesus and who he is in their lives. I saw Bibles of teenagers that were actually falling apart because they were so well loved and used. The energy and desire to praise God was a joyous blessing to be part of--we also distrubed t'shirts, Bibles, and toothbrushes to the students and other children in the community.
Spending time with the Luz Divina church celebrating their 30th anniversary brought a new meaning to community, not only were they celebrating, but they celebrated in the streets, which brought the community together for games, conversation, and dancing--un perfecto! I was surprised to see my new amiga Jessi there--she came down from the village of New Jersalem to be there, she said she wanted see me once again, her husband was working so her and her son came down from the village for the celebration, I don´t believe the attend Luz Divina, but was fun to see her at the celebration.
Playing Bingo at the celebration, I needed help because I know most numbers in Spanish, but I was not quick enough to play bingo alone, so I asked this lady who was sitting beside me to help me out--with a smile, she said, si (yes). The second game, we won--she was so excited and so was I! Another person won, so we shared the prize, a 50 lb bag of rice, the two people who won, divided the bag of rice into containers and then I helped mi amiga carry the rice to her casa--with our translator Fernando by my side, we walked up to the third floor, and their house was a 10 by 12 foot room, for 3 adults and 1 child. Through our translator I discover how grateful they all were and that she was going to get a bingo card earlier and then discovered they were 2 soli, which she was not able to afford, she was so blessed when I asked her to play bingo with me and we won. She asked when I would be back as she wanted to give me a gift. This again reaffirms something I have gained from here is a new perspective on scarcity and abundance. From the American perspective we see them living in scarcity, but the reality is, the live in abundance and give because the desire to, they feel like they have enough and want to give because they are so grateful--whereas most Americans tend to always want more, or something else, or the newest this or the best that. We can all learn from my new amigos in Peru, to live in abundace and share the blessings instead of seeking more or something else. Fernando just reminded me what a huge help win rice was for this family.
There is more from today, but that is all for now. We leave Lima late tomorrow night--we will visit the Inca Market tomorrow and then back to Luz Divina and to say goodbye to all our Peruvian amigos.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Peru, Amigos in Cristo
Today part of our group stayed in Marquez around the Luz Divina area and I went with the group that went to a village called Jerusalem. To get to this village we drove up a dirt road, along a river with a steep embarkment with trash in the river and all around the river. A couple days ago people in our group built a small building that will be used for Sunday School since the church is about an hour walk away. Public buildings are often painted blue, so of course we painted the building that color. The village is only able to access water four about 2 hours a day, in which they all must get the necessary water for the entire day. I bought a coke at the store in the village, for 0.80 soles, which is just a little over 60 cents, so I overpaid, and she was so gracious for the extra $$, which is the least I can do.
I need to share pictures of this, but the building is on a slab of concrete on the side of a hill and therefore, we were not going to be able to paint the front because we had no ladder, after talking to a couple people who lived there, one went to find a roller brush they had and the other went and found a very long stick as well as wire... within 10 minutes, we had the roller we needed to paint the front... and all morning we were wondering how that was going to get done...
My friend Jenna made some domino necklaces for me to share with people I meet in Peru and today I meet two ladies in the village whom I shared this gift with. Earlier in the day Lena invited me to her casa to see her baby, 4 months old, I have pictures to share, sooo cute. She was so happy and excited for the visit. I later met her neighbor Jessica, and shared the gift with them, she shared about her family and I had pictures of my family I shared with them. Then we went on to Jessi´s house, and I wasn´t sure what was going on, but later discovered, they wanted to share a gift with me, which I will also share with Jenna. I have experienced amazing and genuine hospitality in my life, but never with such care and excitment for being such strangers. I have a few pictures with them and also of their homes, simple, yet all that they need.
My day concluded at Luz Divina, with hugs and conversation with the kids--we later met them at the ´water park´ which is really a park full of fountains and lights and music, gorgeous for sure! It cost just a little more than $1 to get in, which something of this caliber would probably cost more than $10 in the USA. Dinner and conversation ended yet another late, but blessed day--God continues to be reveal through the people and the expèriece in this place.
I need to share pictures of this, but the building is on a slab of concrete on the side of a hill and therefore, we were not going to be able to paint the front because we had no ladder, after talking to a couple people who lived there, one went to find a roller brush they had and the other went and found a very long stick as well as wire... within 10 minutes, we had the roller we needed to paint the front... and all morning we were wondering how that was going to get done...
My friend Jenna made some domino necklaces for me to share with people I meet in Peru and today I meet two ladies in the village whom I shared this gift with. Earlier in the day Lena invited me to her casa to see her baby, 4 months old, I have pictures to share, sooo cute. She was so happy and excited for the visit. I later met her neighbor Jessica, and shared the gift with them, she shared about her family and I had pictures of my family I shared with them. Then we went on to Jessi´s house, and I wasn´t sure what was going on, but later discovered, they wanted to share a gift with me, which I will also share with Jenna. I have experienced amazing and genuine hospitality in my life, but never with such care and excitment for being such strangers. I have a few pictures with them and also of their homes, simple, yet all that they need.
My day concluded at Luz Divina, with hugs and conversation with the kids--we later met them at the ´water park´ which is really a park full of fountains and lights and music, gorgeous for sure! It cost just a little more than $1 to get in, which something of this caliber would probably cost more than $10 in the USA. Dinner and conversation ended yet another late, but blessed day--God continues to be reveal through the people and the expèriece in this place.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Peru Adventures, Discovering the presence of God
There is so much I am learning and so much I am pondering, here is my attempt to capture my first day experiencing Peru and the presence of Christ in my midst in a new place for me. I am not sure if words can capture my experience today, but I will attempt to fill you in a little about what I experienced.
Wow, today was definitely transformational. I am not sure I can process my experience so quickly--but I will share a few general thoughts. We rode a bus through a neighborhood on a mountainside just on the edge of Lima (can´t remember the name right now) and people would actually go and build what they could of a house to claim the rocky side of a mountain--houses are what you would expect, not much. We also visited Opèracion San Andres, which provides medical care and a day program-library for the children--more about this later. (Headed by a medical doctor the OSA group is actually based out of Houston). I was absolutely amazed by this group, but their consistent care and compassion for this community. They come down every 6 months to operate a health care clinic, where the day program is all year--the doctor has been bringing groups of people for 8 years and mentions that their visits are not about health care, but about the relationships that have continued through the years. This doctor is so right in many ways and we often don´t get that--mission trips are more than building houses, but they are about building partnerships and relationships with communities that flourish and thrive from year to year.
We spend the afternoon at Luz Divina, learning about the congregation and the history. I was also blessed to spend a couple hours with the children--the first being another friend from the group Tim and I and about 10-20 kids, just hanging out, tossing a football on the street. We probably went 15 minutes without words, just laughter--how amazing, I think laughter and God´s love are two things that are universal. Tossing the football eventually led to conversation and me trying to communicate in Spanish--I am not amazing, but seemingly I knew enough where we could communicate, or we would figure it out. These kids have so little, but yet they have so much love to give. Where else in the world would kids sit on the street curb with me and try to attempt having a conversation? Where they ask about how old I am or ask about my family--such curious people! I have noticed a few head turns and stares at the blonde hair on my head, I don´t really blend in here.
All in all, I experienced the love of Christ in a way never before and my heart yearns for these people who live simply because they must and they live at a slower pace because that is the culture--they cherish relationships and that is evident in their community. The love of Christ is present in these communities and they exemplify the love of Christ to the people they encounter.
Wow, today was definitely transformational. I am not sure I can process my experience so quickly--but I will share a few general thoughts. We rode a bus through a neighborhood on a mountainside just on the edge of Lima (can´t remember the name right now) and people would actually go and build what they could of a house to claim the rocky side of a mountain--houses are what you would expect, not much. We also visited Opèracion San Andres, which provides medical care and a day program-library for the children--more about this later. (Headed by a medical doctor the OSA group is actually based out of Houston). I was absolutely amazed by this group, but their consistent care and compassion for this community. They come down every 6 months to operate a health care clinic, where the day program is all year--the doctor has been bringing groups of people for 8 years and mentions that their visits are not about health care, but about the relationships that have continued through the years. This doctor is so right in many ways and we often don´t get that--mission trips are more than building houses, but they are about building partnerships and relationships with communities that flourish and thrive from year to year.
We spend the afternoon at Luz Divina, learning about the congregation and the history. I was also blessed to spend a couple hours with the children--the first being another friend from the group Tim and I and about 10-20 kids, just hanging out, tossing a football on the street. We probably went 15 minutes without words, just laughter--how amazing, I think laughter and God´s love are two things that are universal. Tossing the football eventually led to conversation and me trying to communicate in Spanish--I am not amazing, but seemingly I knew enough where we could communicate, or we would figure it out. These kids have so little, but yet they have so much love to give. Where else in the world would kids sit on the street curb with me and try to attempt having a conversation? Where they ask about how old I am or ask about my family--such curious people! I have noticed a few head turns and stares at the blonde hair on my head, I don´t really blend in here.
All in all, I experienced the love of Christ in a way never before and my heart yearns for these people who live simply because they must and they live at a slower pace because that is the culture--they cherish relationships and that is evident in their community. The love of Christ is present in these communities and they exemplify the love of Christ to the people they encounter.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
In the Chaos: God is present
The definition of chaos is: "a state of utter confusion or disorder; a total lack of organization or order." Lately my life has seemed to exemplify a great example for chaos and I am just living life one day at a time. While I was on a long run last night I began to think about how I was not stressing out, nor have I been trying to solve everything that's going on, and realizing that somethings will just remain unfinished, and I have just living in the chaos. We are called to live in the chaos, to seek out the presence of God in our midst and in the midst of all the chaos. God gives us a purpose and the strength to live in the chaos.
Today I am leaving with people from Living Word to go visit our brothers and sisters in the Lima, Peru area. My prayers have been that I slow down and take time to discover the presence of God in the chaos of everyday life and in this experience. I am blessed to be going to make connections for future youth and family mission trips and I look forward to experience the love of Christ in a new way. I don't have any expectations, as I wouldn't know where to begin. I am not bring much more than clothes and a big bag of smarties candies, my journal and my Bible. I pray this is an experience where I continue to seek God and see beyond myself into this world and who God has created us all to be as loving brothers and sisters in Christ.
Prayers for good health, patience, and smiles. Also prayers that my heart, mind, and spirit be renewed and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
May you see the presence of God in the chaos of life, no matter the circumstance you are encountering this day. Where is it that you see God today?
Today I am leaving with people from Living Word to go visit our brothers and sisters in the Lima, Peru area. My prayers have been that I slow down and take time to discover the presence of God in the chaos of everyday life and in this experience. I am blessed to be going to make connections for future youth and family mission trips and I look forward to experience the love of Christ in a new way. I don't have any expectations, as I wouldn't know where to begin. I am not bring much more than clothes and a big bag of smarties candies, my journal and my Bible. I pray this is an experience where I continue to seek God and see beyond myself into this world and who God has created us all to be as loving brothers and sisters in Christ.
Prayers for good health, patience, and smiles. Also prayers that my heart, mind, and spirit be renewed and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
May you see the presence of God in the chaos of life, no matter the circumstance you are encountering this day. Where is it that you see God today?
Friday, November 6, 2009
Shine Where You Are
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…hide it under a bushel? NO! I’m gonna let it shine… This verse connects with Matthew 5:14-16—part of the Sermon on the Mount when Jesus says,” 14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
This past week, I’ve been thinking a lot about this song and wonder, what does it mean to let our light shine? What is the light that shines? There are numerous scripture metaphors and references using light and the more I think about the image of light, the more beautiful I see these metaphors. Looking at John 1, Jesus is the life and the light of all people. John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it,” can be understood as Jesus shines in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome . The question of how is Jesus shining in the darkness in our lives?
Being human, we yearn for light. When I was a backpack guide in Colorado, after a long day, 6am-11pm of guiding the group and making sure we were on the right path, had food to eat, water to drink, leading Bible study, games and being sure everyone was healthy, I yearned for time to read a book or write in my journal. Often times, my alone time was at 11pm at night, when we were 7 miles from the trailhead and there was no light around besides flashlights. When I turned my flashlight on, bugs began to pester me. I yearned for light so I could see, so I would shine it to corner in my tent, the light was present, but I was unable to read my book. The light is sometimes a challenge for us to see the details, but knowing that the light is there brings comfort and peace.
Jesus is the light that shines through us—how is Jesus shining through you and how you live your life? Letting the light of Christ shine through you is not a requirement, but a response to the grace and presence of Christ in our lives. Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness; the darkness will not overcome Jesus, but will sustain and be the stronghold through all challenges encountered in this world.
Jesus is the light of the world, and Jesus is the light that shines through you. What you do in this world is not about you and not to shine yourself into the spotlight in this world. The good news is that Jesus is present in who you are as a child of God and you have the call to live in this world and let that light shine through you.
Let the light shine through you in not some parts of your life, but all parts of your life, each and every day. You may not be able to read the words on this current page of life, but the light of Christ is present and you know the truth and that is that Jesus died on the cross and forgives all your sins; may you respond to this love and grace and let the light of Christ shine through you. May you love your neighbor as yourself and let the light of Christ shine.
I’d like to close with my favorite camp song that reminds us to live in the present moment and shine where we are:
You are the light of the world.
You are the light of the world.
So shine, shine, shine where you are.
You are the light of the world.
This little light of mine, I am going to let it shine—may this be your mantra for the weeks to come.
This past week, I’ve been thinking a lot about this song and wonder, what does it mean to let our light shine? What is the light that shines? There are numerous scripture metaphors and references using light and the more I think about the image of light, the more beautiful I see these metaphors. Looking at John 1, Jesus is the life and the light of all people. John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it,” can be understood as Jesus shines in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome . The question of how is Jesus shining in the darkness in our lives?
Being human, we yearn for light. When I was a backpack guide in Colorado, after a long day, 6am-11pm of guiding the group and making sure we were on the right path, had food to eat, water to drink, leading Bible study, games and being sure everyone was healthy, I yearned for time to read a book or write in my journal. Often times, my alone time was at 11pm at night, when we were 7 miles from the trailhead and there was no light around besides flashlights. When I turned my flashlight on, bugs began to pester me. I yearned for light so I could see, so I would shine it to corner in my tent, the light was present, but I was unable to read my book. The light is sometimes a challenge for us to see the details, but knowing that the light is there brings comfort and peace.
Jesus is the light that shines through us—how is Jesus shining through you and how you live your life? Letting the light of Christ shine through you is not a requirement, but a response to the grace and presence of Christ in our lives. Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness; the darkness will not overcome Jesus, but will sustain and be the stronghold through all challenges encountered in this world.
Jesus is the light of the world, and Jesus is the light that shines through you. What you do in this world is not about you and not to shine yourself into the spotlight in this world. The good news is that Jesus is present in who you are as a child of God and you have the call to live in this world and let that light shine through you.
Let the light shine through you in not some parts of your life, but all parts of your life, each and every day. You may not be able to read the words on this current page of life, but the light of Christ is present and you know the truth and that is that Jesus died on the cross and forgives all your sins; may you respond to this love and grace and let the light of Christ shine through you. May you love your neighbor as yourself and let the light of Christ shine.
I’d like to close with my favorite camp song that reminds us to live in the present moment and shine where we are:
You are the light of the world.
You are the light of the world.
So shine, shine, shine where you are.
You are the light of the world.
This little light of mine, I am going to let it shine—may this be your mantra for the weeks to come.
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