Wednesday - May 21:
HEADLINES: DR. D. CAUSES LANDSLIDE - Dr. D. Falls 7 Feet And Lands on His Face!
Yes! But it isn’t really that bad. We were at the Hodges Home building site. I needed to get some pictures of the progress from the first Saturday we were here. I moved to get another view and needed to climb the rock and sand pile that was in my path. I moved slowly up the hill and just as I planted my foot on the top, half of the pile began to slide to my left. I tried to shift my weight to the right foot and then the entire top began to slide. I rode it as long as I could and then tried to run down with it – but to no avail..
I knew I was in trouble when the ground started coming up to meet me! I fell almost face first but managed to change position so that I landed almost parallel with my body. I felt my teeth hit a rock and then warmth began to flow. I got up to the impatient voice of a concerned wife trying to find out if I was alright. How do you answer when you don’t know and everything seems to be hurting?
A quick check told me that me teeth were still intact, but that I had cut my upper lip. I felt for broken bones but they were whole. As I tried to dust myself off I felt bruises on my knees like I had been kneeling on cement for hours. I completed the inspection process and found out the only other visible damage was about one inch south of my mouth.
The next inspection was that of my two cameras. The video camera was in its case and it was okay. However my digital camera suffered damage to the moving parts of the lens. It would not shut.
Now I noticed that I could not see very good and discovered that my glasses were very, very dusty. In the process of pouring water over them two parallel scratches were discovered on my right lens. That was how close the projection of the one rock came to my eye.
I am okay, but I do have a few aches.
We completed the round of unique shopping areas this afternoon and returned home to finish the final packing process, load the bus and wait for the clock to reach 7:00.
Everyone is downstairs chatting and spending the last few minutes with the Ciccia family. They have been very gracious.
The students are ready to go home. They have had a good time – both in ministry and fellowship with the people. And of course, with the three children of Agustin and Jessica - our hosts. I think the kids believe that our team came here just to play with them.
We will be looking forward to seeing you Sunday – or perhaps before.
We should arrive at the Church sometime between 10 and 11 o’clock. I am sure that those students who have phones or who have the ability to twist the arm of a friend (which means “ALL”) will call their parents, relatives, friends, and even part-time friends on the way from Miami to Ft. Myers. If you have not heard anything, call the Church office for the projected arrival time.
God bless,
Dr. D. - Marilyn, Zac - Brian - Bethany - Lindsay - Mikaela
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
PERU MISSONS TRIP
Tuesday - May 20:
The next to our final day here in Lima, Peru.
Monday for me ended late and Tuesday began too early! I had to arise early to prepare for the meeting of the Regional Coordinators for Universidad Impacto De Vida which convened at 9:00 AM and lasted until 2:30 PM. We were able to deal with some critical issues that were a hindrance but today the action taken was well received. We now have 14 schools actively involved and 12 more waiting for the sound of the “starting gun” to begin. In fact we had a pastor with us today who wanted to have a school in his church but was somewhat skeptical. We invited him and after the meeting he told Marco that he was ready to begin. He said that he could now see the benefit of having the university in his church.
We were even able to remove one pastor from his responsibilities and he was pleased because he said he could now see that we were consistent and did what we said would happen if the guidelines were not followed. He even requested an opportunity in the future to help the man we placed in the position of regional coordinator in his area.
The LTI gang were permitted to sleep in until about 10:00 AM! They deserved it! In fact, they were permitted to play “Slave” in my wife’s room while she slept. I had been “cruel” and told them they had to go to bed because our hosts deserved some peace and quiet after midnight. They approached Marilyn and asked her if they could play slave in the room she shares with the girls. She told them it was okay with her “if Dr. D. gave his approval.” Do you think I am crazy and would say “no?” I gave permission “if” they kept the sound in the room. I then turned over and crashed! In fact I emitted the loudest sound I have expressed while sleeping last night. How do I know? Zac moved his bed into the adjoining room! And when I awoke at 6:00 AM my mouth had the feeling that the entire Chinese Army had marched through my mouth! When that feeling is present in the mornings, I almost feel sorry for those in the room. Well, enough of this!
They youth were invited to an exclusive Chinese Restaurant for lunch and even though they may have to pay out of their pockets, they accepted the invitation. I do not know “if” they were treated or if it was a “Dutch treat”. But they returned with a satisfied look!
Tonight they had the second session on drama with the local church as well as a visiting youth. It appears to have been a success! At least the party is still going on downstairs and the sounds rushes up the stairs.
Marilyn and I had a counseling session this evening with a couple whose 17 year old son has gotten involved in witchcraft. e is now manifesting demonic activity, welcoming his friends with a special handshake with a greeting them with some allegiance to satan. He had formerly been involved in their church worship team. They share a house with an uncle and his family who hold witchcraft meetings twice a week. Added to that, their marriage is struggling. Throw on the fact that he is not involved in the ministry as he once was. Top all that with three other children at home.
There isn’t much more to say. It is now time to start the packing process. Go shopping tomorrow afternoon. Return home to load the bus and head off to the Lima airport. We MUST be there three hours before departure and it is best to be there three and one-half hours early because the lines here get long and slow.
Our flight departs at 11:00 Lima time – that is 12:00 Ft. Myers – and we arrive in Miami at 5:35 AM.
We look forward to seeing you and sharing in person the events of this trip.
So “IF” we do not post tomorrow – we will do our next “posting” on Sunday! See you in the service!
Dr. D. - Marilyn - Zac - Brian - Bethany - Lindsay - Mikaela
Monday - May 19:
What happened on Monday? It was sleep, go shopping at the Inka Market and the Indian Market across the street. There my job was to be sure no one got lost. I almost did trying to find someone. We survived and the “gang” had fun trying to accomplish their goals of purchasing their gifts and doing their bargaining to get the best deal. Did they? You determine if they did when you ask them what they bought.
In the evening they had their first “Drama Seminar” with the youth from New Strength and from Iglesia Centro Christiano De Avivamiento where they had ministered their first night here.
I spent my time trying to get some busy work accomplished like: getting my financial records in order and being sure that the dollars and the soles were accurate. I did it!
Then I crashed and – the rest of the story is in Tuesday’s blog.
God bless,
Dr. D. - Marilyn - Zac - Brian - Bethany - Lindsay - Mikaela
The next to our final day here in Lima, Peru.
Monday for me ended late and Tuesday began too early! I had to arise early to prepare for the meeting of the Regional Coordinators for Universidad Impacto De Vida which convened at 9:00 AM and lasted until 2:30 PM. We were able to deal with some critical issues that were a hindrance but today the action taken was well received. We now have 14 schools actively involved and 12 more waiting for the sound of the “starting gun” to begin. In fact we had a pastor with us today who wanted to have a school in his church but was somewhat skeptical. We invited him and after the meeting he told Marco that he was ready to begin. He said that he could now see the benefit of having the university in his church.
We were even able to remove one pastor from his responsibilities and he was pleased because he said he could now see that we were consistent and did what we said would happen if the guidelines were not followed. He even requested an opportunity in the future to help the man we placed in the position of regional coordinator in his area.
The LTI gang were permitted to sleep in until about 10:00 AM! They deserved it! In fact, they were permitted to play “Slave” in my wife’s room while she slept. I had been “cruel” and told them they had to go to bed because our hosts deserved some peace and quiet after midnight. They approached Marilyn and asked her if they could play slave in the room she shares with the girls. She told them it was okay with her “if Dr. D. gave his approval.” Do you think I am crazy and would say “no?” I gave permission “if” they kept the sound in the room. I then turned over and crashed! In fact I emitted the loudest sound I have expressed while sleeping last night. How do I know? Zac moved his bed into the adjoining room! And when I awoke at 6:00 AM my mouth had the feeling that the entire Chinese Army had marched through my mouth! When that feeling is present in the mornings, I almost feel sorry for those in the room. Well, enough of this!
They youth were invited to an exclusive Chinese Restaurant for lunch and even though they may have to pay out of their pockets, they accepted the invitation. I do not know “if” they were treated or if it was a “Dutch treat”. But they returned with a satisfied look!
Tonight they had the second session on drama with the local church as well as a visiting youth. It appears to have been a success! At least the party is still going on downstairs and the sounds rushes up the stairs.
Marilyn and I had a counseling session this evening with a couple whose 17 year old son has gotten involved in witchcraft. e is now manifesting demonic activity, welcoming his friends with a special handshake with a greeting them with some allegiance to satan. He had formerly been involved in their church worship team. They share a house with an uncle and his family who hold witchcraft meetings twice a week. Added to that, their marriage is struggling. Throw on the fact that he is not involved in the ministry as he once was. Top all that with three other children at home.
There isn’t much more to say. It is now time to start the packing process. Go shopping tomorrow afternoon. Return home to load the bus and head off to the Lima airport. We MUST be there three hours before departure and it is best to be there three and one-half hours early because the lines here get long and slow.
Our flight departs at 11:00 Lima time – that is 12:00 Ft. Myers – and we arrive in Miami at 5:35 AM.
We look forward to seeing you and sharing in person the events of this trip.
So “IF” we do not post tomorrow – we will do our next “posting” on Sunday! See you in the service!
Dr. D. - Marilyn - Zac - Brian - Bethany - Lindsay - Mikaela
Monday - May 19:
What happened on Monday? It was sleep, go shopping at the Inka Market and the Indian Market across the street. There my job was to be sure no one got lost. I almost did trying to find someone. We survived and the “gang” had fun trying to accomplish their goals of purchasing their gifts and doing their bargaining to get the best deal. Did they? You determine if they did when you ask them what they bought.
In the evening they had their first “Drama Seminar” with the youth from New Strength and from Iglesia Centro Christiano De Avivamiento where they had ministered their first night here.
I spent my time trying to get some busy work accomplished like: getting my financial records in order and being sure that the dollars and the soles were accurate. I did it!
Then I crashed and – the rest of the story is in Tuesday’s blog.
God bless,
Dr. D. - Marilyn - Zac - Brian - Bethany - Lindsay - Mikaela
Monday, May 19, 2008
PERU MISSONS TRIP
Sunday: May 19:
Sunday was another busy but glorious day.
The LTI students had a service for children in the mountains. The service was held outside. Boys were hitting each other on the heads with rocks during the service but no one drew blood and so I guess it is true in any culture, “Boys will be boys!”
On the way back from their children’s meeting the pastor took them for a tour toward the jungle. They were thrilled with the experience and wanted to go on into the jungle area but time prohibited and so they returned, riding in a Toyota extended-cab with four people standing in the rear bed which had high bars on all sides. From the looks of the girl’s hair, it must have been an exciting ride. Do not worry! You do not go that fast on those roads with the Peruvian traffic.
We journeyed to “San Felipe’s Brasa Chicken” restaurant for dinner with pastor Carlos Mendoza, his wife and children. Upon our arrival we discovered that all the worship team was there, along with the students from Universidad Inpacto De Vida. So the lunch was crazy, loud and enjoyable.
Following lunch we jumped into two small taxies (regular small cars) and drove to the Huanaco Archaeological Dig, “Kososh” for a tour of the ruins. This site was inhabited about the time of Christ. We discovered that the people were very intelligent in astronomical information, with building techniques, methods of feeding air to their altar of sacrifices as well as a sewer system for removal of any water that came into the “White Temple” (as they call it).
Then back to our Huanaco home for a short period of relaxation – no food because it is best to travel over the Andes on an empty stomach – so we are told. Anyway the students preferred to take another walk (this had become a ritual) to the bridge about two blocks down the street and enjoy the fresh mountain air, the sound of rushing water and their voices.
About 6:00 PM we once again stopped the three wheel taxis and made our voyage to the evening service, which is scheduled for 6:30 PM. From my past experience and the youth service on Saturday evening, I had talked with Pastor Carlos and told him we need to conclude the service by 9:00 so we could return to our home, change clothes, finish packing, move the luggage to his vehicle and be ready to leave for the bus station at 9:50 PM. (I allowed 10-20 minute cushion of time because I knew we would not leave at 9:50). And I had to spend a few minutes discussing the University and its operation in the Huanaco
Region. He is the regional coordinator.
The people had planned to honor the team and with great flare they did so, presenting us with gifts, special songs and words of appreciation for the university. And they started on time even though there were only a few people present. But as in Life Church the miracle of multiplication of people (fish) took place and the auditorium was almost filled by the time I stood to minister the Word.
Thank God for our audio/video team. Their mic cords have many shorts and were constantly popping and cracking. And when I approached the worship leader and requested my wireless microphone system – which I had left in their care from Saturday morning, at their insistence, to save me carrying it back and forth – they could not find it! There were several minutes of frustration and speculation, but in the end they discovered the pastor had placed it in another location.
So the service proceeded and concluded with a powerful time of prayer for the sick and prophetic word for Pastor Carlos and his wife Lenora. The pastor stepped forward to conclude the service – I thought – but that is when they proceeded to present another song to honor us and a dance from one teenager. I turned to Marco – my coordinator for all of Peru – and told him to be prepared to put the team in taxis when I gave him the signal. I waited until the last minute, gave him the signal and the pastor then concluded the service in prayer as the team headed for the door.
We completed our preparation for departure, including the session with Pastor Carlos and headed for the bus station. When I arrived and the students were unloading our luggage, I turned and saw many people from the Church. They had come to see us off. Along with them we packed the already crowded bus station. After MANY pictures, words of appreciation and who knows what, the call came for us to board. We did! Then we looked out the windows to see the people lining the street to wave good-by! It was VERY encouraging to see that the Students had such an impact upon the people. The frequent question was: When will you return? Will you be here December 15 for our first graduation?
The bus ride back over the Andes went without an complications. Zag, Brian, Mikaela and Bethany engaged in a game of “Slave” and the rest chatted until the lights went out. About 12:00 Marilyn passed out the medication to assist us with the altitude and in a short time all were in the “lights-out domain of sleep”. We arrived on schedule but to discover that our van had mechanical problems and they had sent a mini-bus to return us to Pastor Augustin’s residence.
Marco had been sick the last 24 hours plus and he just called Dr. Falcon – who is the assistant pastor of the church he attends and with whom we have a close relationship – and after the conversation the verdict: Kidney Stones! So pray for him.
The youth are asleep, except for Zag and all are well. Today will be a day of fun and relaxation begins – until their scheduled session this evening with the youth of New Strength – Pastor Augustin’s Church.
Thanks for your prayers.
Dr. D. - Marilyn, Zag, Mikaela, Bethany, Lindsay, Brian
Friday - Saturday - May 17-18:
Friday was the long anticipated (and dreaded) trip over the Andes Mountains with an altitude of 16,000 feet. We were well prepared with medication and oxygen. We had conflicting reports about what we should do and everyone seemed to want to share their knowledge and opinions. In the end, we decided the advice of the person co-ordinating the trip is the one we would follow.
Jessica gave us some last minute advice about how to breathe at high altitude and what it might do our stomach and intestines. Trust me, some of the info - you don’t want to know - these trips always offer us opportunities to have more information about each other than we need (or desire).
The bus was incredible. We had first class seats on the lower level of the bus. They were wonderful recliners that will afford us great rest on our night trip back to Lima - and afforded a lot of rest on our way here to Huanaco. At the advice of the stewardess (yes, you read that right) we took our medication upon leaving Lima. We hadn’t gone fifteen minutes when most of the kids were asleep and some of them slept most of the trip. Marco thinks it was more the heavy schedule they have had rather than the medication as he always takes the medication but he doesn’t usually sleep - and he was asleep as well.
My husband and I were anxious to see the Andes Mountains and although we slept off and on we were able to experience the most awesome scenery. There is no way to describe what we saw as it was ever changing. There were the dirt mountains, the boulders, the snow and the closer we got to Huanaco we began to see trees and green - what a welcome sight. We saw alpaca, llamas, donkeys and other creatures.
We went through one of the four most polluted places in Peru. Mining is a big resource - gold and other minerals. We saw adobe houses and a scattering of satellite dishes. It never ceases to amaze me – you know a man has to be involved!!
Bethany, who had dreaded this trip the most, slept through the entire climb and descent of the highest place. Lindsay and Zag were nauseous. My husband and I were neither one sick but we could tell we were at a high altitude but can’t describe exactly what was going on. My husband’s hard-drive video camera didn’t work for a period of time in the highest altitudes. Why? That is the question.
We arrived and got settled in our rooms. We brought three air mattresses and the three rooms housing the single team members are wall to wall beds. We have a spacious room right on the main street of town with a bus depot right beside us. Across the street is a wonderful river with rushing water but it can barely be heard over the street sounds. We have a private bath but it is open to the team as it is the only toilet in the house with a toilet seat. As Zag so aptly put it, “I don’t like those hover jobs” so our room has been busy.
We had NO water Friday evening night but this morning the water was on and a brave few took a shower – there’s no hot water. Zag said it was like glacier water. Reminds me of our first few years in Ukraine - we rarely had hot water. Tonight, whether I want to or not, I’ll have to brave it. Micaela said she was screaming the whole time. Angel, our interpreter said she won’t take a shower until she gets back to Lima. She is from the privileged class and it shows at times.
After my husband stayed up half the night, Thursday, before leaving to prepare for Saturday morning, the flexible rule concerning Missions Trips was in effect, and we had to do something for couples. He had no notes and didn’t bring his printer. Since all his material is on his computer, they went to a shop and had copies made for him. Because of the hand of God, the pastor had a projector and we proceeded with the expected presentation.
The students had a service for children this morning and they loved it. The children had prepared a dance and presentation for them. They insisted on teaching the dance to the students. The children and their mothers had made “stocking style” hats for them with “Huanaco, Peru” on them.
When we arrived and to get to the Church this morning our mode of transportation was a taxi made on a three wheel motorcycle. I don’t know any other way to describe it. They vary in style from very nice with a plastic or fiberglass enclosure to a tarp enclosure. Everyone should have the experience. To go to their meeting this afternoon, they were picked up in a dump style truck and they all climbed in the back and held on. Not what would be legal in the States but is part of the “Missions experience.”
The meeting with the kids went well this afternoon. They had 150 children and they were interactive and attentive. You can’t ask for more. I didn’t get all of the details as the students are getting ready for tonight but one of them mentioned being mobbed by the kids and I took it that it was in a good way.
We have different ones suffering in their bodies with different things, colds, sinus problems and stomach issues. All in all they are doing good and continuing to do what they came for. This is when I dislike being out of internet range so I could to ask for extra prayer but I do know that you are praying for us.
Friday evening we had no water and now the electricity is off. Just one more experience for the students to remember in times to come. Hopefully, it will come on before tomorrow morning. Although flashlights were on the list of things to bring - we don’t seem to have any except for the little one I have in my purse that has to be held on.
Sunday was another busy but glorious day.
The LTI students had a service for children in the mountains. The service was held outside. Boys were hitting each other on the heads with rocks during the service but no one drew blood and so I guess it is true in any culture, “Boys will be boys!”
On the way back from their children’s meeting the pastor took them for a tour toward the jungle. They were thrilled with the experience and wanted to go on into the jungle area but time prohibited and so they returned, riding in a Toyota extended-cab with four people standing in the rear bed which had high bars on all sides. From the looks of the girl’s hair, it must have been an exciting ride. Do not worry! You do not go that fast on those roads with the Peruvian traffic.
We journeyed to “San Felipe’s Brasa Chicken” restaurant for dinner with pastor Carlos Mendoza, his wife and children. Upon our arrival we discovered that all the worship team was there, along with the students from Universidad Inpacto De Vida. So the lunch was crazy, loud and enjoyable.
Following lunch we jumped into two small taxies (regular small cars) and drove to the Huanaco Archaeological Dig, “Kososh” for a tour of the ruins. This site was inhabited about the time of Christ. We discovered that the people were very intelligent in astronomical information, with building techniques, methods of feeding air to their altar of sacrifices as well as a sewer system for removal of any water that came into the “White Temple” (as they call it).
Then back to our Huanaco home for a short period of relaxation – no food because it is best to travel over the Andes on an empty stomach – so we are told. Anyway the students preferred to take another walk (this had become a ritual) to the bridge about two blocks down the street and enjoy the fresh mountain air, the sound of rushing water and their voices.
About 6:00 PM we once again stopped the three wheel taxis and made our voyage to the evening service, which is scheduled for 6:30 PM. From my past experience and the youth service on Saturday evening, I had talked with Pastor Carlos and told him we need to conclude the service by 9:00 so we could return to our home, change clothes, finish packing, move the luggage to his vehicle and be ready to leave for the bus station at 9:50 PM. (I allowed 10-20 minute cushion of time because I knew we would not leave at 9:50). And I had to spend a few minutes discussing the University and its operation in the Huanaco
Region. He is the regional coordinator.
The people had planned to honor the team and with great flare they did so, presenting us with gifts, special songs and words of appreciation for the university. And they started on time even though there were only a few people present. But as in Life Church the miracle of multiplication of people (fish) took place and the auditorium was almost filled by the time I stood to minister the Word.
Thank God for our audio/video team. Their mic cords have many shorts and were constantly popping and cracking. And when I approached the worship leader and requested my wireless microphone system – which I had left in their care from Saturday morning, at their insistence, to save me carrying it back and forth – they could not find it! There were several minutes of frustration and speculation, but in the end they discovered the pastor had placed it in another location.
So the service proceeded and concluded with a powerful time of prayer for the sick and prophetic word for Pastor Carlos and his wife Lenora. The pastor stepped forward to conclude the service – I thought – but that is when they proceeded to present another song to honor us and a dance from one teenager. I turned to Marco – my coordinator for all of Peru – and told him to be prepared to put the team in taxis when I gave him the signal. I waited until the last minute, gave him the signal and the pastor then concluded the service in prayer as the team headed for the door.
We completed our preparation for departure, including the session with Pastor Carlos and headed for the bus station. When I arrived and the students were unloading our luggage, I turned and saw many people from the Church. They had come to see us off. Along with them we packed the already crowded bus station. After MANY pictures, words of appreciation and who knows what, the call came for us to board. We did! Then we looked out the windows to see the people lining the street to wave good-by! It was VERY encouraging to see that the Students had such an impact upon the people. The frequent question was: When will you return? Will you be here December 15 for our first graduation?
The bus ride back over the Andes went without an complications. Zag, Brian, Mikaela and Bethany engaged in a game of “Slave” and the rest chatted until the lights went out. About 12:00 Marilyn passed out the medication to assist us with the altitude and in a short time all were in the “lights-out domain of sleep”. We arrived on schedule but to discover that our van had mechanical problems and they had sent a mini-bus to return us to Pastor Augustin’s residence.
Marco had been sick the last 24 hours plus and he just called Dr. Falcon – who is the assistant pastor of the church he attends and with whom we have a close relationship – and after the conversation the verdict: Kidney Stones! So pray for him.
The youth are asleep, except for Zag and all are well. Today will be a day of fun and relaxation begins – until their scheduled session this evening with the youth of New Strength – Pastor Augustin’s Church.
Thanks for your prayers.
Dr. D. - Marilyn, Zag, Mikaela, Bethany, Lindsay, Brian
Friday - Saturday - May 17-18:
Friday was the long anticipated (and dreaded) trip over the Andes Mountains with an altitude of 16,000 feet. We were well prepared with medication and oxygen. We had conflicting reports about what we should do and everyone seemed to want to share their knowledge and opinions. In the end, we decided the advice of the person co-ordinating the trip is the one we would follow.
Jessica gave us some last minute advice about how to breathe at high altitude and what it might do our stomach and intestines. Trust me, some of the info - you don’t want to know - these trips always offer us opportunities to have more information about each other than we need (or desire).
The bus was incredible. We had first class seats on the lower level of the bus. They were wonderful recliners that will afford us great rest on our night trip back to Lima - and afforded a lot of rest on our way here to Huanaco. At the advice of the stewardess (yes, you read that right) we took our medication upon leaving Lima. We hadn’t gone fifteen minutes when most of the kids were asleep and some of them slept most of the trip. Marco thinks it was more the heavy schedule they have had rather than the medication as he always takes the medication but he doesn’t usually sleep - and he was asleep as well.
My husband and I were anxious to see the Andes Mountains and although we slept off and on we were able to experience the most awesome scenery. There is no way to describe what we saw as it was ever changing. There were the dirt mountains, the boulders, the snow and the closer we got to Huanaco we began to see trees and green - what a welcome sight. We saw alpaca, llamas, donkeys and other creatures.
We went through one of the four most polluted places in Peru. Mining is a big resource - gold and other minerals. We saw adobe houses and a scattering of satellite dishes. It never ceases to amaze me – you know a man has to be involved!!
Bethany, who had dreaded this trip the most, slept through the entire climb and descent of the highest place. Lindsay and Zag were nauseous. My husband and I were neither one sick but we could tell we were at a high altitude but can’t describe exactly what was going on. My husband’s hard-drive video camera didn’t work for a period of time in the highest altitudes. Why? That is the question.
We arrived and got settled in our rooms. We brought three air mattresses and the three rooms housing the single team members are wall to wall beds. We have a spacious room right on the main street of town with a bus depot right beside us. Across the street is a wonderful river with rushing water but it can barely be heard over the street sounds. We have a private bath but it is open to the team as it is the only toilet in the house with a toilet seat. As Zag so aptly put it, “I don’t like those hover jobs” so our room has been busy.
We had NO water Friday evening night but this morning the water was on and a brave few took a shower – there’s no hot water. Zag said it was like glacier water. Reminds me of our first few years in Ukraine - we rarely had hot water. Tonight, whether I want to or not, I’ll have to brave it. Micaela said she was screaming the whole time. Angel, our interpreter said she won’t take a shower until she gets back to Lima. She is from the privileged class and it shows at times.
After my husband stayed up half the night, Thursday, before leaving to prepare for Saturday morning, the flexible rule concerning Missions Trips was in effect, and we had to do something for couples. He had no notes and didn’t bring his printer. Since all his material is on his computer, they went to a shop and had copies made for him. Because of the hand of God, the pastor had a projector and we proceeded with the expected presentation.
The students had a service for children this morning and they loved it. The children had prepared a dance and presentation for them. They insisted on teaching the dance to the students. The children and their mothers had made “stocking style” hats for them with “Huanaco, Peru” on them.
When we arrived and to get to the Church this morning our mode of transportation was a taxi made on a three wheel motorcycle. I don’t know any other way to describe it. They vary in style from very nice with a plastic or fiberglass enclosure to a tarp enclosure. Everyone should have the experience. To go to their meeting this afternoon, they were picked up in a dump style truck and they all climbed in the back and held on. Not what would be legal in the States but is part of the “Missions experience.”
The meeting with the kids went well this afternoon. They had 150 children and they were interactive and attentive. You can’t ask for more. I didn’t get all of the details as the students are getting ready for tonight but one of them mentioned being mobbed by the kids and I took it that it was in a good way.
We have different ones suffering in their bodies with different things, colds, sinus problems and stomach issues. All in all they are doing good and continuing to do what they came for. This is when I dislike being out of internet range so I could to ask for extra prayer but I do know that you are praying for us.
Friday evening we had no water and now the electricity is off. Just one more experience for the students to remember in times to come. Hopefully, it will come on before tomorrow morning. Although flashlights were on the list of things to bring - we don’t seem to have any except for the little one I have in my purse that has to be held on.
Friday, May 16, 2008
PERU MISSONS TRIP
Thursday - May 15:
I give UP! I just found out that today was busier and longer than the day before! Anyway, we finally got back to our “home in Lima” about 12:00 AM - 17 hours after we departed. It was a great day!
The students did a great job and I am happy with their energy level. As you can tell by Mikaela’s update. Today they worked! They cleaned and painted an 8 foot by 12 foot room. This room is on the roof of the pastor’s house and is used for children’s ministry – youth ministry and college class room. Now figure it out! They put 12 adults in that room for a class – with chairs and “what I do not know as desks”. Then last night they had 33 youth plus the five LTI students in there for a youth service. If I heard right they finally just came outside in an area not much larger for the service. SUPER JOB! Zac and Mikaela led worship for everyone prior to the youth going to their own service.
Marilyn and I remained with the remainder, about 40 or there abouts. The Lord was there also and we had a great service. They were VERY responsive and many raised their hands to testify of a healing in their body.
After many pictures, we almost had to force our way out to the van to begin the long trip back. O yes! McDonald’s again! Nothing else was open or would be quick enough. And – we were HUNGRY!
Pardon me if this one is short but I only laid on the bed for 3 hours last night because what I thought was going to be a time of just sharing with some pastors and their wives on Saturday, turned out to be a Seminar for Pastors and Wives and I had to get ready.
We leave here in just over one hour to begin our journey of the Andes Mountains to Huanuco. I am not sure if we will be able to update from there but check it out and you will discover the answer.
Thanks for your prayers.
Dr. D. L- Marilyn - Zac - Brian - Mikaela - Bethany - Lindsay
I give UP! I just found out that today was busier and longer than the day before! Anyway, we finally got back to our “home in Lima” about 12:00 AM - 17 hours after we departed. It was a great day!
The students did a great job and I am happy with their energy level. As you can tell by Mikaela’s update. Today they worked! They cleaned and painted an 8 foot by 12 foot room. This room is on the roof of the pastor’s house and is used for children’s ministry – youth ministry and college class room. Now figure it out! They put 12 adults in that room for a class – with chairs and “what I do not know as desks”. Then last night they had 33 youth plus the five LTI students in there for a youth service. If I heard right they finally just came outside in an area not much larger for the service. SUPER JOB! Zac and Mikaela led worship for everyone prior to the youth going to their own service.
Marilyn and I remained with the remainder, about 40 or there abouts. The Lord was there also and we had a great service. They were VERY responsive and many raised their hands to testify of a healing in their body.
After many pictures, we almost had to force our way out to the van to begin the long trip back. O yes! McDonald’s again! Nothing else was open or would be quick enough. And – we were HUNGRY!
Pardon me if this one is short but I only laid on the bed for 3 hours last night because what I thought was going to be a time of just sharing with some pastors and their wives on Saturday, turned out to be a Seminar for Pastors and Wives and I had to get ready.
We leave here in just over one hour to begin our journey of the Andes Mountains to Huanuco. I am not sure if we will be able to update from there but check it out and you will discover the answer.
Thanks for your prayers.
Dr. D. L- Marilyn - Zac - Brian - Mikaela - Bethany - Lindsay
PERU MISSONS TRIP
Thursday - May 15:
I give UP! I just found out that today was busier and longer than the day before! Anyway, we finally got back to our “home in Lima” about 12:00 AM - 17 hours after we departed. It was a great day!
The students did a great job and I am happy with their energy level. As you can tell by Mikaela’s update. Today they worked! They cleaned and painted an 8 foot by 12 foot room. This room is on the roof of the pastor’s house and is used for children’s ministry – youth ministry and college class room. Now figure it out! They put 12 adults in that room for a class – with chairs and “what I do not know as desks”. Then last night they had 33 youth plus the five LTI students in there for a youth service. If I heard right they finally just came outside in an area not much larger for the service. SUPER JOB! Zac and Mikaela led worship for everyone prior to the youth going to their own service.
Marilyn and I remained with the remainder, about 40 or there abouts. The Lord was there also and we had a great service. They were VERY responsive and many raised their hands to testify of a healing in their body.
After many pictures, we almost had to force our way out to the van to begin the long trip back. O yes! McDonald’s again! Nothing else was open or would be quick enough. And – we were HUNGRY!
Pardon me if this one is short but I only laid on the bed for 3 hours last night because what I thought was going to be a time of just sharing with some pastors and their wives on Saturday, turned out to be a Seminar for Pastors and Wives and I had to get ready.
We leave here in just over one hour to begin our journey of the Andes Mountains to Huanuco. I am not sure if we will be able to update from there but check it out and you will discover the answer.
Thanks for your prayers.
Dr. D. L- Marilyn - Zac - Brian - Mikaela - Bethany - Lindsay
I give UP! I just found out that today was busier and longer than the day before! Anyway, we finally got back to our “home in Lima” about 12:00 AM - 17 hours after we departed. It was a great day!
The students did a great job and I am happy with their energy level. As you can tell by Mikaela’s update. Today they worked! They cleaned and painted an 8 foot by 12 foot room. This room is on the roof of the pastor’s house and is used for children’s ministry – youth ministry and college class room. Now figure it out! They put 12 adults in that room for a class – with chairs and “what I do not know as desks”. Then last night they had 33 youth plus the five LTI students in there for a youth service. If I heard right they finally just came outside in an area not much larger for the service. SUPER JOB! Zac and Mikaela led worship for everyone prior to the youth going to their own service.
Marilyn and I remained with the remainder, about 40 or there abouts. The Lord was there also and we had a great service. They were VERY responsive and many raised their hands to testify of a healing in their body.
After many pictures, we almost had to force our way out to the van to begin the long trip back. O yes! McDonald’s again! Nothing else was open or would be quick enough. And – we were HUNGRY!
Pardon me if this one is short but I only laid on the bed for 3 hours last night because what I thought was going to be a time of just sharing with some pastors and their wives on Saturday, turned out to be a Seminar for Pastors and Wives and I had to get ready.
We leave here in just over one hour to begin our journey of the Andes Mountains to Huanuco. I am not sure if we will be able to update from there but check it out and you will discover the answer.
Thanks for your prayers.
Dr. D. L- Marilyn - Zac - Brian - Mikaela - Bethany - Lindsay
Thursday, May 15, 2008
PERU MISSONS TRIP
Tuesday and Wednesday LTI Catchup (written by Mikaela)
Hello everyone! These past few days have been extremely packed! On Tuesday morning, we visited a school in Ventanilla. We went from classroom to classroom doing a salvation message. The drumline and the flash paper were very popular with the kids! Rover was a big hit once again, except with the young one’s. We also did the salvation lesson with special needs kids; they were very excited. Many of the kids raised their hands to receive salvation; that was the best part of the morning! We had another service in the afternoon. We were expecting it to be a children service but we had many parents as well. We were planning on doing our salvation message, but the Holy Spirit changed some things. We flowed great as a team. We started in worship and a lot of ministry took place. We felt the Holy Spirit move on us to lay hands on people for physical or emaotional healing. The altar was full of people hungry for God. I believe physical healing took place. There was a lady with an issue of blood at the altar. Bethany and our translator prayed over her and were fully convinced that she was healed. Praise God for what He is doing! The rest of the evening we rested while Dr. D and Pastor Marilyn spoke at a church.
Wednesday was an early morning! We visited another school and ministered to the children. I’m sure Dr. D reported to you about that. It went pretty good. In the afternoon, we painted, and we painted some more. We were working on Pastor Guillermo’s church. We started painting the walls, and then we painted each other. After we got a lot of work done (don’t worry, we didn’t play around the whole time), one of the students decided to paint my face, and it began. I must say that I have never experienced a more intense paint war in my life! It started out with little splatters, and then before we knew it, we were dripping with paint. I got a handful in my mouth; I’m sure we all swallowed some. Marco got in on the fun! It was amazing! The cleanup afterwards was so worth it! We definitely made some memories. A missionary let us rest at her apartment after we painted. We played cards, sang with the guitar, and took very long showers. We had a very fun day.
Thank you again for your prayers! We love our church!
Hello everyone! These past few days have been extremely packed! On Tuesday morning, we visited a school in Ventanilla. We went from classroom to classroom doing a salvation message. The drumline and the flash paper were very popular with the kids! Rover was a big hit once again, except with the young one’s. We also did the salvation lesson with special needs kids; they were very excited. Many of the kids raised their hands to receive salvation; that was the best part of the morning! We had another service in the afternoon. We were expecting it to be a children service but we had many parents as well. We were planning on doing our salvation message, but the Holy Spirit changed some things. We flowed great as a team. We started in worship and a lot of ministry took place. We felt the Holy Spirit move on us to lay hands on people for physical or emaotional healing. The altar was full of people hungry for God. I believe physical healing took place. There was a lady with an issue of blood at the altar. Bethany and our translator prayed over her and were fully convinced that she was healed. Praise God for what He is doing! The rest of the evening we rested while Dr. D and Pastor Marilyn spoke at a church.
Wednesday was an early morning! We visited another school and ministered to the children. I’m sure Dr. D reported to you about that. It went pretty good. In the afternoon, we painted, and we painted some more. We were working on Pastor Guillermo’s church. We started painting the walls, and then we painted each other. After we got a lot of work done (don’t worry, we didn’t play around the whole time), one of the students decided to paint my face, and it began. I must say that I have never experienced a more intense paint war in my life! It started out with little splatters, and then before we knew it, we were dripping with paint. I got a handful in my mouth; I’m sure we all swallowed some. Marco got in on the fun! It was amazing! The cleanup afterwards was so worth it! We definitely made some memories. A missionary let us rest at her apartment after we painted. We played cards, sang with the guitar, and took very long showers. We had a very fun day.
Thank you again for your prayers! We love our church!
PERU MISSONS TRIP
Wednesday - May 14:
YES!!!! It was a busy day but also a good day!
We had a slight delay - 10 minutes - because our teenage translator could not go today - but her substitute did a good job - Ernesto (I think this is his name, but at this hour I will not guarantee anything – it is 11:30 PM).
We arrived 15 minutes ahead of time – CHUDA! (Russian for "miracle"). After introductions to Pastor Edgard (Guillermo) Sifuentes we walked 100 feet to the school where the LTI students spent 20 minutes with each level of the three level school students. The first session was a tough challenge for them. Imagine! Hip LTI students talking on a pre-school level and leaving out all of their youthful slang! It almost ripped their tongues right out of their mouths. And then we had to keep saying to them: "Keep it simple........." It is hard to forget all of the North American slang and then also drop the "Christianeze" that we use so casually without remembering that many people do not understand our "Christian terms." By the end of the second session - probably the 1st through the 3rd or 4th grades - they were getting better and so at our request they kept it at that level.
With all joking put aside, they did good! (But don’t tell them I said so. I still want them to think they just made the grade and that is all.)
We all piled into the van - now there are twelve of us in there with all of the gear, props and my traveling office - and headed to the home of the pastor. Marilyn and I got out and the team went to a mall to eat at the food court and to purchase paint and supplies to paint the children’s room for the Church.
We (Marilyn and I) spent time with Pastor Guillermo and his wife, Lisseta in their home. They have the cutest girl one and one-half years old. Her big brown eyes sparkled. Her brother, came home from school at noon but he is so shy that he hid from us and would get as far away as possible when we had to move close to him. Once when they had guests from the US who were over six feet tall, he approached his daddy and said, "Where did those giants come from? I am afraid of them!" They told us that he is the same with even the Peruvians who visit the home.
We were served a typical Peruvian meal – white rice with lomo (beef strips), tomatoes, onions and I can’t remember if there was anything else in it or not. It was a delicious meal.
The LTI students lined up at Burger King and with Marco’s help they got some grub and returned to paint almost half of the room. When they arrived at the apartment where we were I was not sure they got any paint on anything else but one-another. At least that is Biblical! They "preferred one-another" to the wall! But they were happy and that is what counts. Right? Well they were happy because they could take a shower and stay there while Marilyn and I walked three blocks, caught a taxi and proceeded to the evening couples seminar on marriage.
This was the most alert, involved and hungry group we have had on this trip. It was a pleasure to teach and watch their response. The time flew by - 2 hours of teaching. Now, wait a minute! I did not do it all! Marilyn was involved! And they were actively involved in asking questions the last 30 minutes.
Pastor Guillermo introduced me to a blind man and told me that he was a pastor from a neighboring city. He also told me that this man had 38 students from his Church in Universidad Impacto de Vida (Covenant Life University). WOW! By-the-way, I found out today that we have currently have twelve schools here in Peru and more waiting to get on board!
9:30 PM rolled around and we packed into the van and after much discussion and by an executive decision made plans to stop at McDonald’s for our late evening meal. Believe it or not, but the food at McDonald’s overseas is better than in the US! This decision was made due because of the time factor. It took us over one and one half hours to get home by the way of dropping of our second interpreter, Magally Falcon.
So we rolled in about 11:00 dragging everything with us, said our "good nights" and listened as Zac rejoiced declaring that he had been able to see deliverance from his affliction which has handicapped him only slightly for the last 4 or 5 days. Everyone appeared to be in good health now - excluding two with either a sinus struggle or a raspy throat – but nothing serious!
What I am trying to figure out is why it is so quiet here? I guess I am the only one up and the morning begins at 6:00 and will not end until about 11:30 PM. But it is only two weeks in their life and ours, so we will make it. At least we can rest on the bus trip of about eight plus hours on Friday. The quieter they sit, the better they will make the trip over the 15,000 Andes Mountains. (I have an oxygen tank to take with us in case someone appears to have any problem.)
That is enough for this report – AND DO NOT WORRY ONE OF THE STUDENTS WILL FINISH THE THURSDAY REPORT – so keep on reading to find out what happened!
Dr D, Marilyn and the LTI Team: Zac, Brian, Lindsay, Mikaela, Bethany
YES!!!! It was a busy day but also a good day!
We had a slight delay - 10 minutes - because our teenage translator could not go today - but her substitute did a good job - Ernesto (I think this is his name, but at this hour I will not guarantee anything – it is 11:30 PM).
We arrived 15 minutes ahead of time – CHUDA! (Russian for "miracle"). After introductions to Pastor Edgard (Guillermo) Sifuentes we walked 100 feet to the school where the LTI students spent 20 minutes with each level of the three level school students. The first session was a tough challenge for them. Imagine! Hip LTI students talking on a pre-school level and leaving out all of their youthful slang! It almost ripped their tongues right out of their mouths. And then we had to keep saying to them: "Keep it simple........." It is hard to forget all of the North American slang and then also drop the "Christianeze" that we use so casually without remembering that many people do not understand our "Christian terms." By the end of the second session - probably the 1st through the 3rd or 4th grades - they were getting better and so at our request they kept it at that level.
With all joking put aside, they did good! (But don’t tell them I said so. I still want them to think they just made the grade and that is all.)
We all piled into the van - now there are twelve of us in there with all of the gear, props and my traveling office - and headed to the home of the pastor. Marilyn and I got out and the team went to a mall to eat at the food court and to purchase paint and supplies to paint the children’s room for the Church.
We (Marilyn and I) spent time with Pastor Guillermo and his wife, Lisseta in their home. They have the cutest girl one and one-half years old. Her big brown eyes sparkled. Her brother, came home from school at noon but he is so shy that he hid from us and would get as far away as possible when we had to move close to him. Once when they had guests from the US who were over six feet tall, he approached his daddy and said, "Where did those giants come from? I am afraid of them!" They told us that he is the same with even the Peruvians who visit the home.
We were served a typical Peruvian meal – white rice with lomo (beef strips), tomatoes, onions and I can’t remember if there was anything else in it or not. It was a delicious meal.
The LTI students lined up at Burger King and with Marco’s help they got some grub and returned to paint almost half of the room. When they arrived at the apartment where we were I was not sure they got any paint on anything else but one-another. At least that is Biblical! They "preferred one-another" to the wall! But they were happy and that is what counts. Right? Well they were happy because they could take a shower and stay there while Marilyn and I walked three blocks, caught a taxi and proceeded to the evening couples seminar on marriage.
This was the most alert, involved and hungry group we have had on this trip. It was a pleasure to teach and watch their response. The time flew by - 2 hours of teaching. Now, wait a minute! I did not do it all! Marilyn was involved! And they were actively involved in asking questions the last 30 minutes.
Pastor Guillermo introduced me to a blind man and told me that he was a pastor from a neighboring city. He also told me that this man had 38 students from his Church in Universidad Impacto de Vida (Covenant Life University). WOW! By-the-way, I found out today that we have currently have twelve schools here in Peru and more waiting to get on board!
9:30 PM rolled around and we packed into the van and after much discussion and by an executive decision made plans to stop at McDonald’s for our late evening meal. Believe it or not, but the food at McDonald’s overseas is better than in the US! This decision was made due because of the time factor. It took us over one and one half hours to get home by the way of dropping of our second interpreter, Magally Falcon.
So we rolled in about 11:00 dragging everything with us, said our "good nights" and listened as Zac rejoiced declaring that he had been able to see deliverance from his affliction which has handicapped him only slightly for the last 4 or 5 days. Everyone appeared to be in good health now - excluding two with either a sinus struggle or a raspy throat – but nothing serious!
What I am trying to figure out is why it is so quiet here? I guess I am the only one up and the morning begins at 6:00 and will not end until about 11:30 PM. But it is only two weeks in their life and ours, so we will make it. At least we can rest on the bus trip of about eight plus hours on Friday. The quieter they sit, the better they will make the trip over the 15,000 Andes Mountains. (I have an oxygen tank to take with us in case someone appears to have any problem.)
That is enough for this report – AND DO NOT WORRY ONE OF THE STUDENTS WILL FINISH THE THURSDAY REPORT – so keep on reading to find out what happened!
Dr D, Marilyn and the LTI Team: Zac, Brian, Lindsay, Mikaela, Bethany
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
PERU MISSONS TRIP
Tuesday - May 13:
Today has been a long day and tomorrow will not be any shorter and may in fact be longer. We departed at 8:00 AM and got back here at 10:15 PM. Showers have been taken and bodies are lying on their beds, but their voices ring out about the activities of the day. Activities that you will have to read about later because all LTI students have been assigned to "crash" or "be crushed" - Dr. D. style!
Zac is still fighting with his stomach and the earthquake within. Brian is trying to figure out what his nose is doing with his sinus passages. Bethany appears to be okay, but with some questions because you never know what is going to come from her. Lindsay seems beat! Mikaela is back to normal – whatever that is!
Zac is lucky to be alive! He attacked "Elmo" at Burger King and drew a crowd! Thank God they were all friendly and loved his sense of humor when he picked up Elmo and spun him or was it "her" around. You never know what is going to come from this group!
Marilyn and I spent the day with Pastor Jorge Watanabe and his wife, Janine. They have just gone through a traumatic experience. Their associate pastor took over 50 people and departed with them, leaving them with less than 10. They have had to start over and in less than one month the attendance has doubled and with new excitement but with the lingering questions about what happened and why. So our time was expended in encouraging them. They took us to their home and we ate lunch with them, took a siesta, tried to get on-line and could not. We took them and the team to Pizza Hut for supper and then to their church for a seminar session on marriage and family life.
Check here later for more of the days activities.............(Dr D signing off until an LTI student can update you about their exciting experiences of the day)
Today has been a long day and tomorrow will not be any shorter and may in fact be longer. We departed at 8:00 AM and got back here at 10:15 PM. Showers have been taken and bodies are lying on their beds, but their voices ring out about the activities of the day. Activities that you will have to read about later because all LTI students have been assigned to "crash" or "be crushed" - Dr. D. style!
Zac is still fighting with his stomach and the earthquake within. Brian is trying to figure out what his nose is doing with his sinus passages. Bethany appears to be okay, but with some questions because you never know what is going to come from her. Lindsay seems beat! Mikaela is back to normal – whatever that is!
Zac is lucky to be alive! He attacked "Elmo" at Burger King and drew a crowd! Thank God they were all friendly and loved his sense of humor when he picked up Elmo and spun him or was it "her" around. You never know what is going to come from this group!
Marilyn and I spent the day with Pastor Jorge Watanabe and his wife, Janine. They have just gone through a traumatic experience. Their associate pastor took over 50 people and departed with them, leaving them with less than 10. They have had to start over and in less than one month the attendance has doubled and with new excitement but with the lingering questions about what happened and why. So our time was expended in encouraging them. They took us to their home and we ate lunch with them, took a siesta, tried to get on-line and could not. We took them and the team to Pizza Hut for supper and then to their church for a seminar session on marriage and family life.
Check here later for more of the days activities.............(Dr D signing off until an LTI student can update you about their exciting experiences of the day)
Monday, May 12, 2008
PERU MISSONS TRIP
Monday - May 12:
Marilyn and I had a day free to catch up on some of the things necessary for the trip – like do laundry, spend time with Pastor Agustin and Jessica – as well as take them to lunch and give her a break from cooking. Since the maid was sick, Marilyn also helped to tidy up the house from all our "invasion of confusion and trashing a house."
(Dr. D)
The kids came home sunburned and tired – but it didn’t take long for them to catch a second wind and start playing games and such. Everyone is doing better - Zac is still having some issues but is better as well. Lindsay, had a sugar issue today but is doing fine tonight. OOPS!! There are lots of "plastic" chairs in Latin Countries and Zac’s just collapsed – he’s flat on his back with everyone laughing. (Marilyn)
Today we had an early start. We left the house around 8:00 and had breakfast on the way. We drove about an hour towards our destination and stopped to pick up the Pastor we were going to work with. We stopped for a little longer than planned because of a flat tire! It was very interesting to watch the "strong men" turn the tire jack the wrong way. We ended up stopping at a car place to have the tire changed. We arrived at our destination in Ventanilla about 45 minutes later.
We parked the van and hiked up a dirt mountain. Just when I thought we had seen all the dirt in Peru, there was more, a lot more. By the time our legs were burning and we were panting, we made it to the school. We were greeted by 170 rambunctious children. We received very many kisses! We immediately started the drumline and then broke into the "Chicken Skit." Rover Comer (Bethany) was a huge hit! At least she didn’t get punched this time! On a more serious note, Zac and I preached a message of salvation, and the kids received it well. 90% of the children raised their hands to receive salvation. Praise God! That is something we should never take lightly! We gave out some prizes and finished the service.
We had a break for lunch and headed to our next destination in the same area, a multi- functional concrete court. The guys and Angeli (our translator) started a game of soccer, or more correctly, futbol. Bethany, Lindsay, and I decided to sit in the shade. It was much more fun to watch them sweat than sweat ourselves. Today was a very hot day! We started the service an hour late. You may have already heard that Peruvian time is just a little bit different than American time. We were surprised to have adults and kids at this service, 38 people total. We did the "Sin Skit" and preached salvation. Once again, almost every single person wanted to receive salvation. We prayed the prayer together and ended with a song of worship. It’s amazing to me that the presence of God is manifested anywhere at any time. The Holy Spirit does not need a church building. Many lives were changed today.
We are now resting at Pastor Augustine’s beautiful home, playing the card game "Slave." It doesn’t get much better than that! I just want to thank you all for your prayers and support while we have been in Peru. I ask that you continue to lift us up during the remainder of the trip. Thank you! (Written by Mikaela)
DR. D - Marilyn - Mikaela - Bethany - Lindsay - Brian -Zac
Marilyn and I had a day free to catch up on some of the things necessary for the trip – like do laundry, spend time with Pastor Agustin and Jessica – as well as take them to lunch and give her a break from cooking. Since the maid was sick, Marilyn also helped to tidy up the house from all our "invasion of confusion and trashing a house."
(Dr. D)
The kids came home sunburned and tired – but it didn’t take long for them to catch a second wind and start playing games and such. Everyone is doing better - Zac is still having some issues but is better as well. Lindsay, had a sugar issue today but is doing fine tonight. OOPS!! There are lots of "plastic" chairs in Latin Countries and Zac’s just collapsed – he’s flat on his back with everyone laughing. (Marilyn)
Today we had an early start. We left the house around 8:00 and had breakfast on the way. We drove about an hour towards our destination and stopped to pick up the Pastor we were going to work with. We stopped for a little longer than planned because of a flat tire! It was very interesting to watch the "strong men" turn the tire jack the wrong way. We ended up stopping at a car place to have the tire changed. We arrived at our destination in Ventanilla about 45 minutes later.
We parked the van and hiked up a dirt mountain. Just when I thought we had seen all the dirt in Peru, there was more, a lot more. By the time our legs were burning and we were panting, we made it to the school. We were greeted by 170 rambunctious children. We received very many kisses! We immediately started the drumline and then broke into the "Chicken Skit." Rover Comer (Bethany) was a huge hit! At least she didn’t get punched this time! On a more serious note, Zac and I preached a message of salvation, and the kids received it well. 90% of the children raised their hands to receive salvation. Praise God! That is something we should never take lightly! We gave out some prizes and finished the service.
We had a break for lunch and headed to our next destination in the same area, a multi- functional concrete court. The guys and Angeli (our translator) started a game of soccer, or more correctly, futbol. Bethany, Lindsay, and I decided to sit in the shade. It was much more fun to watch them sweat than sweat ourselves. Today was a very hot day! We started the service an hour late. You may have already heard that Peruvian time is just a little bit different than American time. We were surprised to have adults and kids at this service, 38 people total. We did the "Sin Skit" and preached salvation. Once again, almost every single person wanted to receive salvation. We prayed the prayer together and ended with a song of worship. It’s amazing to me that the presence of God is manifested anywhere at any time. The Holy Spirit does not need a church building. Many lives were changed today.
We are now resting at Pastor Augustine’s beautiful home, playing the card game "Slave." It doesn’t get much better than that! I just want to thank you all for your prayers and support while we have been in Peru. I ask that you continue to lift us up during the remainder of the trip. Thank you! (Written by Mikaela)
DR. D - Marilyn - Mikaela - Bethany - Lindsay - Brian -Zac
Sunday, May 11, 2008
PERU MISSONS TRIP
Sunday - May 11:
Just wanted to give you a little background in the preparation the students have made for this trip. We have been working since the first of the year. Each person has prepared a written testimony, an encouraging word and an altar call. In addition they have prepared two services for children. One is a salvation message and the other is the lesson on the tongue and includes lying. They prepared a service for Youth and the theme revolves around sin, how pleasurable it is for a season and the results - they do a tag team teaching. The last two evenings we are in Peru they will be doing a seminar on drama. As well they have prepared a drum line and dramas. They all learned children’s songs in Spanish and Zac and Mikaela have learned numerous songs in Spanish and have led worship in the different services.
I’m not sure I listed everything but wanted you to know that a lot of work and preparation has gone into this trip. BUT, the hindrance being, that sometimes it is easy to get "stuck" to the paper prepared instead of sharing from the heart. The students are "getting it" and they are encouraged by how the Holy Spirit is speaking through them and using them – and so are we.
I didn’t report on last night’s service and it was a dynamic one. Yesterday, Lindsay told some of the team she felt like she was supposed to share last night. I leave those kinds of decisions to the kids. The kids look to Zac for leadership among themselves and he has shown great qualities in his ability to lead – listening to the input of all the students.
Zac and Mikaela led worship. One man, who is the associate pastor of the Church where they were on Friday night, brought his youth to the service last night. He remarked to me about their ability to lead worship and how powerful it is. Brian shared his testimony – without notes, which is a huge step for him and he did a great job. Lindsay combined her encouraging word with her testimony – and everyone said it was awesome. She was so transparent and broken and what she shared was something that many could identify with. She also prayed. People responded to an altar call and many were ministered to. I had a number of adults say how important her testimony was for many people. It is especially exciting to see our first year students "step up to the plate." They are excited because they are hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit. What a win, win situation.
Zac and Mikaela both shared as well – they always do a great job. Bethany didn’t get to go as she was sick. Which, she is feeling better, but she and three other students are all dealing with stomach issues. Enough said!!! Lindsay, my husband and I are feeling healthy. We need divine health as this week will be really busy.
Today, we only had one service. I shared for 15 minutes for Mother’s Day. Peggy had sent the Life Church Mother’s Day pens with us and the Mothers were thrilled to receive them. My husband preached a message for dedicating their Tabernacle. They have a wonderful, portable facility that cost them $2500. They plan to use it until they out grow it.
The students had the children’s service. Pastor Agustin’s, 10 year old son, interpreted for them. Another interpreter went to help – but wasn’t needed as he was doing a fine job. I told him yesterday to keep practicing and some day he would travel with us and interpret for us. He said, "if my mother comes." How sweet and innocent. He didn’t believe me when I told him that when the time comes – he wouldn’t care that his mother didn’t come with us.
They prepared barbeque for us. The kids were pretty disappointed and would have been glad to find a Papa John’s even with the issues they are experiencing. Barbeque here, just isn’t the same. As always, the meat is tough. We also had sausage sandwiches. A sausage on a crusty roll, no mayo, no mustard just sausage and bread.
Everyone, except Lindsay had a short nap and the kids spent a good part of the day playing "Slave."
Right now, everyone is out for some fellowship with people from the Church – this week won’t allow for such pleasures.
Thanks again for your prayers.
Marilyn, Dr. D, Bethany, Brian, Lindsay, Mikaela and Zac
Just wanted to give you a little background in the preparation the students have made for this trip. We have been working since the first of the year. Each person has prepared a written testimony, an encouraging word and an altar call. In addition they have prepared two services for children. One is a salvation message and the other is the lesson on the tongue and includes lying. They prepared a service for Youth and the theme revolves around sin, how pleasurable it is for a season and the results - they do a tag team teaching. The last two evenings we are in Peru they will be doing a seminar on drama. As well they have prepared a drum line and dramas. They all learned children’s songs in Spanish and Zac and Mikaela have learned numerous songs in Spanish and have led worship in the different services.
I’m not sure I listed everything but wanted you to know that a lot of work and preparation has gone into this trip. BUT, the hindrance being, that sometimes it is easy to get "stuck" to the paper prepared instead of sharing from the heart. The students are "getting it" and they are encouraged by how the Holy Spirit is speaking through them and using them – and so are we.
I didn’t report on last night’s service and it was a dynamic one. Yesterday, Lindsay told some of the team she felt like she was supposed to share last night. I leave those kinds of decisions to the kids. The kids look to Zac for leadership among themselves and he has shown great qualities in his ability to lead – listening to the input of all the students.
Zac and Mikaela led worship. One man, who is the associate pastor of the Church where they were on Friday night, brought his youth to the service last night. He remarked to me about their ability to lead worship and how powerful it is. Brian shared his testimony – without notes, which is a huge step for him and he did a great job. Lindsay combined her encouraging word with her testimony – and everyone said it was awesome. She was so transparent and broken and what she shared was something that many could identify with. She also prayed. People responded to an altar call and many were ministered to. I had a number of adults say how important her testimony was for many people. It is especially exciting to see our first year students "step up to the plate." They are excited because they are hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit. What a win, win situation.
Zac and Mikaela both shared as well – they always do a great job. Bethany didn’t get to go as she was sick. Which, she is feeling better, but she and three other students are all dealing with stomach issues. Enough said!!! Lindsay, my husband and I are feeling healthy. We need divine health as this week will be really busy.
Today, we only had one service. I shared for 15 minutes for Mother’s Day. Peggy had sent the Life Church Mother’s Day pens with us and the Mothers were thrilled to receive them. My husband preached a message for dedicating their Tabernacle. They have a wonderful, portable facility that cost them $2500. They plan to use it until they out grow it.
The students had the children’s service. Pastor Agustin’s, 10 year old son, interpreted for them. Another interpreter went to help – but wasn’t needed as he was doing a fine job. I told him yesterday to keep practicing and some day he would travel with us and interpret for us. He said, "if my mother comes." How sweet and innocent. He didn’t believe me when I told him that when the time comes – he wouldn’t care that his mother didn’t come with us.
They prepared barbeque for us. The kids were pretty disappointed and would have been glad to find a Papa John’s even with the issues they are experiencing. Barbeque here, just isn’t the same. As always, the meat is tough. We also had sausage sandwiches. A sausage on a crusty roll, no mayo, no mustard just sausage and bread.
Everyone, except Lindsay had a short nap and the kids spent a good part of the day playing "Slave."
Right now, everyone is out for some fellowship with people from the Church – this week won’t allow for such pleasures.
Thanks again for your prayers.
Marilyn, Dr. D, Bethany, Brian, Lindsay, Mikaela and Zac
Saturday, May 10, 2008
PERU MISSONS TRIP
Saturday - May 10:
We had an early morning start as we were going to Jicamarca today. This is the place where David and Ceci have a Church and where Life Church has invested the First Fruit offering to finish their home - more about that later.
Our young, 16 year old interpreter, Angeli, met up with us this morning. She is on Spring Break all next week and we planned our trip around her Break. She is going to be a nice fit with us and I am thankful to have her. There is also a young man, who is 20, and he will be with us all next week as well. Marco, who has arranged our time here has done a good job. Of course, no trip is without glitches and we have to be flexible.
We were to have a 10:00 meeting with children that didn’t begin 11:30. There were 25 children from throughout the community. They went door to door inviting them. There facilities consist of a bamboo "pole barn." It is hard to describe what the area is like and although I had tried to prepare the kids for what it was like – it is impossible. It is in the mountains but all you can see are boulders and dirt. The only thing green that exists is something that has been planted and is watered. There isn’t much of that as all the water is trucked in. Very primitive existence and the kids said some of the homes were worse then the sheds we would have in our backyard.
The kids did a good job with the service and gave all the children a Beanie Baby. Gifts are always a hit.
Maria, Ceci’s sister had brought food for us to have for lunch. We sat inside the partially finished portion of David and Ceci’s house. There is no place to get away from the dust and grime but it was better then sitting outside.
After lunch, we made ourselves useful. Maria has started stacking some of the big rocks along the edge of the Church to provide a wall of sorts. She and some of the little children had started on one side and it was 18" - 24" high. We started on the other side and got the rocks stacked about 30" high. These are big rocks - some bigger then the size of a basketball. Before winter comes in a month - they hope to have bamboo to hang to provide a wind break. It was strenuous and dirty work. We had thought to work for an hour but everyone gave out after about 45 minutes but we did make progress.
My husband and I were scheduled to speak to couples. There were only 3 couples present but lots of women - probably 25 in all. We took about an hour and a half.
Zac and Marco hiked up the mountain to get pictures that David Hodges wanted. Brian had promised to do it - but my husband wouldn’t let him climb the mountain because of his bad knee. He was disappointed but it would have been ugly if he had a problem.
We were a very tired, dirty and hungry crew that climbed into the van for the ride back. Called back and found they weren’t fixing dinner for us so we stopped at Papa Johns. It made us late getting back and all the kids had to clean up for Church tonight but it couldn’t be helped. AND, Church was supposed to start 20 minutes ago and there is still nothing happening. ( : It is the Peruvian way!!
As a side note – all of our coffee drinkers are really blessed by Agustin’s willingness to fix us his special expresso or cappuccinos. They all think it is better then Starbuck’s and for sure, it is less expensive.
Zac’s desire for food that is Peruvian has been satisfied with two kinds of fruit. Chirimoya which is sometimes called custard fruit. It is a white smooth fruit with a mild flavor. The other is Granadilla. It is very distinct and looks like seed in mucous. It is some like fish eggs so I am told. Jessica said the mucous part they give to babies for bowels problems. You crack the outer shell (which resembles citrus) like you would an egg and twist the fruit to open it. Zac wasn’t so fond of this.
The kids have a service tonight for their Youth (ages 15-25). It’s been a good trip so far - keep praying for us.
Marilyn, Dr. D, Bethany, Brian, Lindsay, Mikaela and Zac
We had an early morning start as we were going to Jicamarca today. This is the place where David and Ceci have a Church and where Life Church has invested the First Fruit offering to finish their home - more about that later.
Our young, 16 year old interpreter, Angeli, met up with us this morning. She is on Spring Break all next week and we planned our trip around her Break. She is going to be a nice fit with us and I am thankful to have her. There is also a young man, who is 20, and he will be with us all next week as well. Marco, who has arranged our time here has done a good job. Of course, no trip is without glitches and we have to be flexible.
We were to have a 10:00 meeting with children that didn’t begin 11:30. There were 25 children from throughout the community. They went door to door inviting them. There facilities consist of a bamboo "pole barn." It is hard to describe what the area is like and although I had tried to prepare the kids for what it was like – it is impossible. It is in the mountains but all you can see are boulders and dirt. The only thing green that exists is something that has been planted and is watered. There isn’t much of that as all the water is trucked in. Very primitive existence and the kids said some of the homes were worse then the sheds we would have in our backyard.
The kids did a good job with the service and gave all the children a Beanie Baby. Gifts are always a hit.
Maria, Ceci’s sister had brought food for us to have for lunch. We sat inside the partially finished portion of David and Ceci’s house. There is no place to get away from the dust and grime but it was better then sitting outside.
After lunch, we made ourselves useful. Maria has started stacking some of the big rocks along the edge of the Church to provide a wall of sorts. She and some of the little children had started on one side and it was 18" - 24" high. We started on the other side and got the rocks stacked about 30" high. These are big rocks - some bigger then the size of a basketball. Before winter comes in a month - they hope to have bamboo to hang to provide a wind break. It was strenuous and dirty work. We had thought to work for an hour but everyone gave out after about 45 minutes but we did make progress.
My husband and I were scheduled to speak to couples. There were only 3 couples present but lots of women - probably 25 in all. We took about an hour and a half.
Zac and Marco hiked up the mountain to get pictures that David Hodges wanted. Brian had promised to do it - but my husband wouldn’t let him climb the mountain because of his bad knee. He was disappointed but it would have been ugly if he had a problem.
We were a very tired, dirty and hungry crew that climbed into the van for the ride back. Called back and found they weren’t fixing dinner for us so we stopped at Papa Johns. It made us late getting back and all the kids had to clean up for Church tonight but it couldn’t be helped. AND, Church was supposed to start 20 minutes ago and there is still nothing happening. ( : It is the Peruvian way!!
As a side note – all of our coffee drinkers are really blessed by Agustin’s willingness to fix us his special expresso or cappuccinos. They all think it is better then Starbuck’s and for sure, it is less expensive.
Zac’s desire for food that is Peruvian has been satisfied with two kinds of fruit. Chirimoya which is sometimes called custard fruit. It is a white smooth fruit with a mild flavor. The other is Granadilla. It is very distinct and looks like seed in mucous. It is some like fish eggs so I am told. Jessica said the mucous part they give to babies for bowels problems. You crack the outer shell (which resembles citrus) like you would an egg and twist the fruit to open it. Zac wasn’t so fond of this.
The kids have a service tonight for their Youth (ages 15-25). It’s been a good trip so far - keep praying for us.
Marilyn, Dr. D, Bethany, Brian, Lindsay, Mikaela and Zac
PERU MISSONS TRIP
Friday - May 9:
This was the most relaxed day the LTI students will have. They were able to avoid putting their feet on the floor until 8:30 AM. But Saturday it is early rise and shine! And their day was spent in practicing and preparing for the rest of the trip.
About 3:30 they were taken to a mall to pick up some of the items they needed, wanted personally or for mementos. Then it was off to Iglesia Centro Christiano De Avivamiento, the same Church where we were on Thursday, for a youth service.
The youth service was supposed to start at 7:30pm. However, after the sound check and making sure all the equipment was good and working, we ended up starting around 8:15pm. We started out singing one song in Spanish, then did the bucket skit. Zac, Brian, and Mikaela did a tag team message on sin and how it is fun for a season. Bethany shared her testimony at the end and did an altar call. Zac and Mikaela led worship, it was powerful. We had a young man named Javier play the drums with Zac and Mikaela. He has a lot of potential. There was not a dry eye in the room by the end of service. Pastor Roger at the end invited the youth to come tomorrow night to Pastor Augustin’s youth service and almost everyone in the room is planning on coming. (Paragraph written by Lindsay)
Bethany shared her testimony and then gave an alter call. Almost every single young person came to the alter, and there was a very powerful time of prayer. We all laid hands on the young people and prayed whatever we felt the Holy Spirit saying. I believe there was definite emotional healing in many young people. (Thanks Mikaela)
THEN it was time to go to Bembo’s! A hamburger establishment! Ask Zac about it! He said it was GREAT! The hamburger had a piece of sausage sliced and laid over the top!
Well, anyway, that was the day and almost the night but 12:30 AM wasn’t TOO LATE to get to bed.
Be back later to update you.
Dr D - Marilyn, Lindsay, Zac - Brian - Mikaela - Bethany
This was the most relaxed day the LTI students will have. They were able to avoid putting their feet on the floor until 8:30 AM. But Saturday it is early rise and shine! And their day was spent in practicing and preparing for the rest of the trip.
About 3:30 they were taken to a mall to pick up some of the items they needed, wanted personally or for mementos. Then it was off to Iglesia Centro Christiano De Avivamiento, the same Church where we were on Thursday, for a youth service.
The youth service was supposed to start at 7:30pm. However, after the sound check and making sure all the equipment was good and working, we ended up starting around 8:15pm. We started out singing one song in Spanish, then did the bucket skit. Zac, Brian, and Mikaela did a tag team message on sin and how it is fun for a season. Bethany shared her testimony at the end and did an altar call. Zac and Mikaela led worship, it was powerful. We had a young man named Javier play the drums with Zac and Mikaela. He has a lot of potential. There was not a dry eye in the room by the end of service. Pastor Roger at the end invited the youth to come tomorrow night to Pastor Augustin’s youth service and almost everyone in the room is planning on coming. (Paragraph written by Lindsay)
Bethany shared her testimony and then gave an alter call. Almost every single young person came to the alter, and there was a very powerful time of prayer. We all laid hands on the young people and prayed whatever we felt the Holy Spirit saying. I believe there was definite emotional healing in many young people. (Thanks Mikaela)
THEN it was time to go to Bembo’s! A hamburger establishment! Ask Zac about it! He said it was GREAT! The hamburger had a piece of sausage sliced and laid over the top!
Well, anyway, that was the day and almost the night but 12:30 AM wasn’t TOO LATE to get to bed.
Be back later to update you.
Dr D - Marilyn, Lindsay, Zac - Brian - Mikaela - Bethany
Friday, May 9, 2008
LTI IN PERU
Thursday - May 8:
All the kids were anxious to sleep late this morning but Jessica had breakfast ready at 10:00 so everyone had to get up and get with the program. We sat down to fresh pureed papaya and pineapple blended with some fresh orange juice. This is a very typical Peruvian breakfast drink.
We had to unload all of our team bags and sort everything. Thanks to all those who generously donated we have lots of gifts to give. Those include 200 beanie babies, 14 cd players (we have brought cd’s of Life Church worship team and Zac and Mikaela recorded 3 songs on a cd), matchbox cars and lots of candy. They sorted all the candy into Zip Loc snack bags ready to be given away.
We had a very typical Peruvian lunch. Chicken, potatoes and carrots and a green sauce with rice and chicha which is a drink made from purple corn.
In the afternoon, the students prepared for the evening service. They were having a children’s service and they had made preparation but had never gone through the complete program. Agustin and Jessica’s Church meets here on their property. They have a "Tabernacle" that is a tent (25 x 50) with trusses and a beautiful wooden floor. The students decided to go there to practice. Agustin’s 10 year old son served as their interpreter. Visiting here in the home at the time was a young man who hadn’t been to Church for 3 months. The theme of their teaching centers around the tongue and the problems it can cause. During their "practice" they were talking about lying and this young man was convicted. Although this teaching was prepared for children, God knew this young man would be present to hear and it was a God moment for him and for our students.
Our transportation is a 12 passenger foreign made van. It is small, I’m not complaining, just letting you know it isn’t spacious. When you try and put 12 passengers and all the buckets for the drum line and everything else we carry with us – it is crowded. I always forget about how the foreign traffic effects novices – it is fun to "see" through their eyes. It is indescribable. Last night we saw bus drivers driving with their right tires on the sidewalk and always mores lanes of traffic then the roads were made for.
My husband and I had a service for couples. We usually do some sort of tag team speaking. ALWAYS, people want to hear how their marriage can be different and better.
The students had about 10 children but they came away totally blown away by the response. When Zac encouraged them to worship - they raised their hands, sang and tears ran down their faces. Obviously, they have been the recipients of some good examples and teaching.
We went to Pardo’s for a late night supper of typical broasted chicken. Zac is our adventurous one and wants to try what he can’t get in the States. He ate beef heart skewers. The rest of us got something more identifiable. Agustin was suggesting things for Zac to eat. Worms which they eat in the jungle. Or how about frog juice. They keep the frogs live and drop them into a blender – let’s say, he isn’t to anxious to try that one.
This trip we have some advantages over last year and the kids have some challenges as well. My husband shares a space with the guys and I share with the girls. BUT, we have one bathroom for the boys and one for the girls while last year we had one shower for 12 people to use. I had encouraged the kids if noise bothered them to bring ear plugs - especially if snoring would bother them. Zac said he would have his mp3 player so it wouldn’t bother him. NOT!! My husband’s snoring woke him up even with music playing in his ear. My husband gave him ear plugs, he was able to sleep, except when they might fall out of his ear.
Thanks for your prayers for all of us.
Marilyn, Dr. D, Bethany, Brian, Lindsay, Mikaela and Zac
All the kids were anxious to sleep late this morning but Jessica had breakfast ready at 10:00 so everyone had to get up and get with the program. We sat down to fresh pureed papaya and pineapple blended with some fresh orange juice. This is a very typical Peruvian breakfast drink.
We had to unload all of our team bags and sort everything. Thanks to all those who generously donated we have lots of gifts to give. Those include 200 beanie babies, 14 cd players (we have brought cd’s of Life Church worship team and Zac and Mikaela recorded 3 songs on a cd), matchbox cars and lots of candy. They sorted all the candy into Zip Loc snack bags ready to be given away.
We had a very typical Peruvian lunch. Chicken, potatoes and carrots and a green sauce with rice and chicha which is a drink made from purple corn.
In the afternoon, the students prepared for the evening service. They were having a children’s service and they had made preparation but had never gone through the complete program. Agustin and Jessica’s Church meets here on their property. They have a "Tabernacle" that is a tent (25 x 50) with trusses and a beautiful wooden floor. The students decided to go there to practice. Agustin’s 10 year old son served as their interpreter. Visiting here in the home at the time was a young man who hadn’t been to Church for 3 months. The theme of their teaching centers around the tongue and the problems it can cause. During their "practice" they were talking about lying and this young man was convicted. Although this teaching was prepared for children, God knew this young man would be present to hear and it was a God moment for him and for our students.
Our transportation is a 12 passenger foreign made van. It is small, I’m not complaining, just letting you know it isn’t spacious. When you try and put 12 passengers and all the buckets for the drum line and everything else we carry with us – it is crowded. I always forget about how the foreign traffic effects novices – it is fun to "see" through their eyes. It is indescribable. Last night we saw bus drivers driving with their right tires on the sidewalk and always mores lanes of traffic then the roads were made for.
My husband and I had a service for couples. We usually do some sort of tag team speaking. ALWAYS, people want to hear how their marriage can be different and better.
The students had about 10 children but they came away totally blown away by the response. When Zac encouraged them to worship - they raised their hands, sang and tears ran down their faces. Obviously, they have been the recipients of some good examples and teaching.
We went to Pardo’s for a late night supper of typical broasted chicken. Zac is our adventurous one and wants to try what he can’t get in the States. He ate beef heart skewers. The rest of us got something more identifiable. Agustin was suggesting things for Zac to eat. Worms which they eat in the jungle. Or how about frog juice. They keep the frogs live and drop them into a blender – let’s say, he isn’t to anxious to try that one.
This trip we have some advantages over last year and the kids have some challenges as well. My husband shares a space with the guys and I share with the girls. BUT, we have one bathroom for the boys and one for the girls while last year we had one shower for 12 people to use. I had encouraged the kids if noise bothered them to bring ear plugs - especially if snoring would bother them. Zac said he would have his mp3 player so it wouldn’t bother him. NOT!! My husband’s snoring woke him up even with music playing in his ear. My husband gave him ear plugs, he was able to sleep, except when they might fall out of his ear.
Thanks for your prayers for all of us.
Marilyn, Dr. D, Bethany, Brian, Lindsay, Mikaela and Zac
Thursday, May 8, 2008
LTI IN PERU
Wednesday - May 7:
Today we said our "goodbye’s" loaded into the vans and made our way to Miami for departure to Lima, Peru. There wasn’t anything dramatic about the travel time and we arrived at Miami International with plenty of time to check in.
This is when a series of events began to unfold that proved the divine hand of God was with us. We pulled up to the unloading area for American Airlines and saw a sign telling us we could check our overseas luggage at the curb. Since we had 12 full-to-brim suitcases/duffle bags (49.8+ lbs; one over 50 lbs; and another ov er 77 lbs – it was wise to use this service. Our Sky Cap was pleasant and when he saw the weight of our luggage he told me I would have to pay $100 overweight for the 77 pounder and $50 for another.
I had already figured that out before I left home, so I wasn’t surprised. But then he told the man assisting him to let the bags alone and he would take care of the weight problem. He then turned to me and said, "I will only charge you a total of $100 for overweight bags." I told him I appreciated that and gave him my credit card.
After sometime he completed the project and handed me our boarding passes. Since I knew they expected $2/bag, I gave him an additional tip of $5. To this he began to whine and tell me that he had to pay the other man who assisted from his tip. Since I am so famous for being generous, I squirmed and finally gave him an additional$10 because I knew he had saved us a lot of money and time.
We then moved into the terminal, found the directions to an eating establishment and headed that way to fill out stomachs with our last American meal for two weeks. To my amazement and joy, right behind me at the table where we sat was "Ole Five-Bucks!" (Starbucks to you who do not frequent the place.) I finished my pizzas and then savored the Frappacino as though it were my "last supper drink."
The line for the screening process was very long and we thought we would be inline for an hour, but 10 minutes later we were putting our shoes back on and heading down to gate 10. We sat down. The students began to play "Slave". Marilyn had gone "shopping" or something. Then the sound from the speaker system inspired us with the announcement that Flight 917 was now going to depart from Terminal D, Gate 40. We were in Terminal E. Marilyn was no where to be seen. I called out my detective powers and found her next to the shopping area.
The hike began! Ten minutes later – a sweat beginning to pop up – legs moving slower – we arrived at the right location – without going through the screening process again!
We boarded and landed without much happening. Food – sleep – Ipod – laughing – finding the "goat" (figure out what this is) and other developments took us to door of the airplane and the march through immigration and customs. You would have to experience what I am about to tell you personally to appreciate the next events. The immigration process was a piece of cake. Then, with my great sense of leadership I led everyone to the wrong conveyor belt and we moved quickly to the correct one. Our luggage all arrived and after several counts we were sure we had everything. We lined up to move through the exit and customs.
With the final document in each of our hands, pushing the carts loaded with bags – each one containing something that customs could "force" us to declare and pay a ridiculous fee – we started the process of the "Custom’s Light". You hand your slip to a worker, press the button which turns on either a green light or a red light on what is a two light traffic light. I led the way and one by one a green light flashed for everyone! MIRACLE! THE HAND OF GOD!
Relief rushed over me like a warm shower after being out in cold snow! The ONE item I was the most concerned about – a winch for a Nissan Pathfinder belonging to our host, Pastor Agustin Ciccia – went through on my cart without getting a red light! We were "home free" – well we were in Lima, Peru "free."
We were greeted by Marco Aroni, the coordinator for Universidad Impacto De Vida (Covenant Life University) and for this trip along with Roger Falcon, a doctor and assistant pastor and in a few minutes Pastor Agustin and a couple of men from his Church. Everything was LOADED! I mean the 12 passenger van was packed, the Nissan pathfinder was packed and the people had to squeeze in to the limited space that remained.
Finally, we arrived at the home of Pastor Agustin and was greeted by Jessica, his wife and ushered to our rooms, but only after drinking some fresh squeezed papaya juice or some melon juice. And of course discussed the journey, the hand of God on the "custom’s traffic light" – which it was hard for the Peruvians to believe that none of us got a "red light."
By the time I hit the sack everyone else was in bed and probably asleep. I was last because I can’t place my head on the pillow if I haven’t unpacked and readied everything for the next morning.
The day of travel ended at 1:15 AM Thursday.
See you later – well through this blog anyway!
Dr. D. - Marilyn - Mikaela - Bethany - Lindsay - Brian - Zac
Today we said our "goodbye’s" loaded into the vans and made our way to Miami for departure to Lima, Peru. There wasn’t anything dramatic about the travel time and we arrived at Miami International with plenty of time to check in.
This is when a series of events began to unfold that proved the divine hand of God was with us. We pulled up to the unloading area for American Airlines and saw a sign telling us we could check our overseas luggage at the curb. Since we had 12 full-to-brim suitcases/duffle bags (49.8+ lbs; one over 50 lbs; and another ov er 77 lbs – it was wise to use this service. Our Sky Cap was pleasant and when he saw the weight of our luggage he told me I would have to pay $100 overweight for the 77 pounder and $50 for another.
I had already figured that out before I left home, so I wasn’t surprised. But then he told the man assisting him to let the bags alone and he would take care of the weight problem. He then turned to me and said, "I will only charge you a total of $100 for overweight bags." I told him I appreciated that and gave him my credit card.
After sometime he completed the project and handed me our boarding passes. Since I knew they expected $2/bag, I gave him an additional tip of $5. To this he began to whine and tell me that he had to pay the other man who assisted from his tip. Since I am so famous for being generous, I squirmed and finally gave him an additional$10 because I knew he had saved us a lot of money and time.
We then moved into the terminal, found the directions to an eating establishment and headed that way to fill out stomachs with our last American meal for two weeks. To my amazement and joy, right behind me at the table where we sat was "Ole Five-Bucks!" (Starbucks to you who do not frequent the place.) I finished my pizzas and then savored the Frappacino as though it were my "last supper drink."
The line for the screening process was very long and we thought we would be inline for an hour, but 10 minutes later we were putting our shoes back on and heading down to gate 10. We sat down. The students began to play "Slave". Marilyn had gone "shopping" or something. Then the sound from the speaker system inspired us with the announcement that Flight 917 was now going to depart from Terminal D, Gate 40. We were in Terminal E. Marilyn was no where to be seen. I called out my detective powers and found her next to the shopping area.
The hike began! Ten minutes later – a sweat beginning to pop up – legs moving slower – we arrived at the right location – without going through the screening process again!
We boarded and landed without much happening. Food – sleep – Ipod – laughing – finding the "goat" (figure out what this is) and other developments took us to door of the airplane and the march through immigration and customs. You would have to experience what I am about to tell you personally to appreciate the next events. The immigration process was a piece of cake. Then, with my great sense of leadership I led everyone to the wrong conveyor belt and we moved quickly to the correct one. Our luggage all arrived and after several counts we were sure we had everything. We lined up to move through the exit and customs.
With the final document in each of our hands, pushing the carts loaded with bags – each one containing something that customs could "force" us to declare and pay a ridiculous fee – we started the process of the "Custom’s Light". You hand your slip to a worker, press the button which turns on either a green light or a red light on what is a two light traffic light. I led the way and one by one a green light flashed for everyone! MIRACLE! THE HAND OF GOD!
Relief rushed over me like a warm shower after being out in cold snow! The ONE item I was the most concerned about – a winch for a Nissan Pathfinder belonging to our host, Pastor Agustin Ciccia – went through on my cart without getting a red light! We were "home free" – well we were in Lima, Peru "free."
We were greeted by Marco Aroni, the coordinator for Universidad Impacto De Vida (Covenant Life University) and for this trip along with Roger Falcon, a doctor and assistant pastor and in a few minutes Pastor Agustin and a couple of men from his Church. Everything was LOADED! I mean the 12 passenger van was packed, the Nissan pathfinder was packed and the people had to squeeze in to the limited space that remained.
Finally, we arrived at the home of Pastor Agustin and was greeted by Jessica, his wife and ushered to our rooms, but only after drinking some fresh squeezed papaya juice or some melon juice. And of course discussed the journey, the hand of God on the "custom’s traffic light" – which it was hard for the Peruvians to believe that none of us got a "red light."
By the time I hit the sack everyone else was in bed and probably asleep. I was last because I can’t place my head on the pillow if I haven’t unpacked and readied everything for the next morning.
The day of travel ended at 1:15 AM Thursday.
See you later – well through this blog anyway!
Dr. D. - Marilyn - Mikaela - Bethany - Lindsay - Brian - Zac
Monday, May 5, 2008
Peru Missions Trip
AN OVERVIEW:
Departing: Wednesday, May 7 - Returning Thursday May 22.
Marilyn and I, along with our Life Training Institute Students depart the Church at 10:45 AM for Miami and then Lima, Peru.
The students: Zach Camp, Brian Smith, Bethany Skinner, Mikaela Wolff and Lindsey Young face 14 days of ministry, life at a different pace, a trip over the Andes at about 14,000 feet (thank God it is only for about 4 hours before we drop back to a comfortable altitude. But jus in case we will have an oxygen tank to assist us "if" anyone has difficulty. The "key" will be staying quiet and relaxing on the bus for the altitude venture. Our trip going to Huanuco will be in the daytime but our return trip will be night.
Follow us as we report to you what has transpired daily.
AND: Pray for the team.
Dr. D.
Departing: Wednesday, May 7 - Returning Thursday May 22.
Marilyn and I, along with our Life Training Institute Students depart the Church at 10:45 AM for Miami and then Lima, Peru.
The students: Zach Camp, Brian Smith, Bethany Skinner, Mikaela Wolff and Lindsey Young face 14 days of ministry, life at a different pace, a trip over the Andes at about 14,000 feet (thank God it is only for about 4 hours before we drop back to a comfortable altitude. But jus in case we will have an oxygen tank to assist us "if" anyone has difficulty. The "key" will be staying quiet and relaxing on the bus for the altitude venture. Our trip going to Huanuco will be in the daytime but our return trip will be night.
Follow us as we report to you what has transpired daily.
AND: Pray for the team.
Dr. D.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Day 16 - Thursday: Kiev
Today was a lot like yesterday, except that the weather is turning nice. I still needed my leather jacket but I did not button it and of course my leather hat to keep the heat in (80% of one’s heat is lost through the head.)
I cleaned my computer of all double documents (I have them in Word Perfect and Microsoft Word in many cases) and other programs that I no longer needed and discovered an additional 13 gigabits of free space. And that is great since I have been noticing my hard drive is beginning to act up.
O yes! Missions! That is why I am here.
Well, I have completed all necessary projects for this trip and have started planning for the fall trip. Also we are forced to register the college officially with the Ukrainian Government at this time. I knew this was going to happen but we were waiting on some other developments which have now fallen through. By doing this the workers will receive retirement from the government.
The problem is that the government taxes the employers 100%! That’s right! 100%! To get around this all employers pay a small salary and then give their employees what the Churches here call “blessings.” This sounds like it is dishonest and in our culture it would be. But here no business can make it if they do as the government says they require. So all employers pay the minimal amount that will qualify their employees for retirement and then find other ways to compensate them in addition. Churches will pay for the rent or own the apartments of their employees or will buy them a car and pay all expenses for it. They find many ways to get around the government’s outrageous taxes.
This will also allow us to officially rent facilities and do other business. The registration will be with a Church Union (similar to a denomination or fellowship of Churches). Andre Ivanov, who visited us in Ft. Myers in the fall of 06 has volunteered his union. This will probably be the union that I suggest the pastors in Chernivtsi join, because I have a special relationship with him and his wife, Ira.
Day 17 is a travel Day:
I have one suitcase packed and another ready to toss in the last few items in the morning for my 8:00 AM trip to Borispol – the main Kiev airport. I will change planes in Amsterdam (2 hours to do so) and then again in Detroit where I have three hours and finally arrive at RSW – Ft. Myers about 11:30 PM.
See you Sunday in Church!
God bless,
Dr. D.
Today was a lot like yesterday, except that the weather is turning nice. I still needed my leather jacket but I did not button it and of course my leather hat to keep the heat in (80% of one’s heat is lost through the head.)
I cleaned my computer of all double documents (I have them in Word Perfect and Microsoft Word in many cases) and other programs that I no longer needed and discovered an additional 13 gigabits of free space. And that is great since I have been noticing my hard drive is beginning to act up.
O yes! Missions! That is why I am here.
Well, I have completed all necessary projects for this trip and have started planning for the fall trip. Also we are forced to register the college officially with the Ukrainian Government at this time. I knew this was going to happen but we were waiting on some other developments which have now fallen through. By doing this the workers will receive retirement from the government.
The problem is that the government taxes the employers 100%! That’s right! 100%! To get around this all employers pay a small salary and then give their employees what the Churches here call “blessings.” This sounds like it is dishonest and in our culture it would be. But here no business can make it if they do as the government says they require. So all employers pay the minimal amount that will qualify their employees for retirement and then find other ways to compensate them in addition. Churches will pay for the rent or own the apartments of their employees or will buy them a car and pay all expenses for it. They find many ways to get around the government’s outrageous taxes.
This will also allow us to officially rent facilities and do other business. The registration will be with a Church Union (similar to a denomination or fellowship of Churches). Andre Ivanov, who visited us in Ft. Myers in the fall of 06 has volunteered his union. This will probably be the union that I suggest the pastors in Chernivtsi join, because I have a special relationship with him and his wife, Ira.
Day 17 is a travel Day:
I have one suitcase packed and another ready to toss in the last few items in the morning for my 8:00 AM trip to Borispol – the main Kiev airport. I will change planes in Amsterdam (2 hours to do so) and then again in Detroit where I have three hours and finally arrive at RSW – Ft. Myers about 11:30 PM.
See you Sunday in Church!
God bless,
Dr. D.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
