Oansa Night

Tuesday consisted of work and lots of play!  In the morning we continued painting one of the guest house.  After lunch we had some downtime to hang around Casa Del Aguila and relax.  Around 4:00, Oansa (like Awana in the US) began for the orphans.  First up:  Activity time!  I was pretty excited to play with all of the kids.  Then I remembered they are younger, quicker, and used to the elevation and they ran sooooo much faster than me!  I mean, I get winded walking back from lunch and dinner!!  I found myself sprinting around a circle with them and praying God wouldn't let me pass out!  Next was study time.  I sat with a young girl named Maria during class and listened to her and the others recite their memory verses and songs.  It was awesome to see such young children learning God's word!!

Jessica reading her Bible while one of the missionaries, Greg, was speaking on Salvation

Minor spider issue...

Jana, TK, and I are sharing a room.  While writing my last entry a huge fly kept buzzing around my head.  I finally got tired of it and reached for a shoe after it landed right next to the wall by my head.  Here's what I saw:

Which led to me trying to kill both, one falling on my bed and not knowing which one it was, me screaming and jumping in to Jana's bed, Jana laughing hysterically, TK waking up wondering what all the ruckus is, us moving our beds towards the center of the room, and me on Spider Watch Duty.

Come to find out...our window was open.  Hopefully that solve the spider issue AND warm our toes up (its in the 30s outside!).

The Plan: To be willing and flexible

Initially we thought we were going to be helping to build a church this week...however plans change!  Instead we are helping around the farm with painting a guest house and the store, as well as helping to build a fire pit/grill.  The Picasso in me had a paint brush in hand and a little sidekick named Jessica to help me out!  We had a fun day painting one of the guest houses with the help of a few of the orphan girls.  They were all so sweet and helpful and it was great being able to interact with them.  Jessica helped me with the cinta (tape) and plantar (paint), as well as a little face painting to my surprise! :)

 Jessie+Jessica

Jessica & myself with our face paint

After lunch we walked down to the Rio Blanca river with some of the orphan boys and the team.  I can't describe the beauty of this place, so here are pictures.

Grober taking a photo of the Rio Blanca & Mountains

TK, Jana, & the kids walking back from our afternoon exploration

Shawn & TK taking a walk

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  - Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

Acclimate, Acclimate, Accli....whoa, let me catch my breath.

Casa Del Aguila consists of an orphanage, school, small clinic, housing, along with other projects in progress.  The farm is surrounded by mountains.  It is absolutely beautiful.  Yesterday was "Acclamation Day".  Back home we are about 250 ft above sea level.  Here we are around 8000 feet.  We took it pretty easy while giving our bodies time to adjust to the altitude.  Altitude sickness is no joke, however I've laughed at myself a few times.  Yesterday after lunch my friend Jana was trying to take a picture of a butterfly.  I thought it would be funny to jump and scare the butterfly away.  Joke was on me though.  I got light headed and my heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest!  Other than a slight to moderate headache and being very easily winded, I'm adjusting well to the difference in altitude.  Some of our team members are having a little more trouble with nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, so please keep them in your prayers! 

Here is a few photos of the farm and the gorgeous view!

It's the thought that counts

I love getting K-Love's Encouraging Word of the Day and thought I'd be going without for the next 10 days.  However, I had a very thoughtful surprise.   A very dear friend of mine took the time to make 10 cards, each with a verse and a little encouraging sentence.  Here's the wording in the card for Day 1:

Step Out of the Boat
Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water."  "Yes, come," Jesus said.  So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.  - Matthew 14:28-29
I know you're nervous but so was Peter.  You got this J!

How about that for some inspiration?!  :)

I've got a prayer & support team back home praying.  I've got my daily devotional.  I've got my daily encouraging word.  I've got an awesome team with me.  And most importantly, I've got God!

Mission Possible

I am embarking on my first mission trip as we speak...well as I type.  I am on the biggest airplane I've ever been on, the longest flight I've ever sat through, and the furthest away from home I've ever gone.  In addition, I'm leaving my kids for 10 days...Whoa!

In preparation for this trip, I'll be honest...I've experienced many tests and emotional ups and downs.   I questioned myself, my strength, and my capabilities.  I mean...how could God call ME to go on a mission trip?  Is it really possible for HIm to really use me?!  You better believe it!

Jesus says in Mark 9:23 "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked.  "Anything is possible if a person  believes."

Our team will be having daily devotional and journal while we are on this trip.  I read Day 1 on the flight from Little Rock to Atlanta and it reminded me to keep my heart open and let God work his magic.  To go ahead and plan to fully experience whatever God has in mind for this trip.  And I plan to do just that!  I believe without a doubt that I am following God's call to serve Him by serving the people in Peru.  I have absolutely no clue as to how He plans to use me or exactly what I will be doing.  What I do know is that I have surrendered 100% to His call and I am traveling to South America with 6 other people who feel the same.  My heart is fully open and am letting God begin to mold and change me.  To renovate and transform me to the likeness of Christ.

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the conifdent hope he has given to those he called- his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.  - Ephesians 1:18

I'm ready to let God's light shine through me.  Whatever God's plan is for me on this trip, whether it be share my story, help build a church, play tic tac toe with an orphan, or just show my love (and His) to the people...I'm down.