Just another day in missions! During the Sunday service at Jicamarcas as Bethany and James were leading in worship some members noticed that David's pig was out of the pen and on the mountain.
Marco and Ryan ventured onto the mountain to catch the wayward pig. Pastor Hodges appeared and joined in the pursuit along with Chase. For the next 15 minutes they scurried upon the mountain to surround the pig, but to no avail. Marco got close enough to grab its legs. Pastor Hodges told them to rub the pig's belly to cause him to settle down, but the squealing continued as they carried him by the church on the way to his pen.
Now you will hear various versions of this depending on who you talk to, but believe me this was an exciting begining to the worship service.
When the service ended they spent 2-3 hours casting a demon out of one attendee. Victory on both sides. The pig was back and the demon was out!
It is Monday evening as I write this as it is being dictated to me by Ryan. We are in my favorite place and that of the whole team -- "Four Bucks!" We will soon be on our way to Jicamarca to pack, move the Hodges belongings downstairs and the leave about 12:00 for the airport.
Until we see you on Wednesday -- sometime -- that is if we get out of bed!
God bless and thanks for your prayers.
Dr D and the Gang
Monday, August 25, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Sunday - A Day of Battles
We are very busy as you can tell from the previous posting. Along with the "hard" work which the 20 Something's approached with vigor, consistancy and no complaining there have been those among us who have been attacked physically. Four of us have had battles with stomach problems.
Since I am not with the team today or tomorrow (Monday) I do not know the condition of the one who got sick Saturday, but I heard by phone today that he is still having problems. And then whatever it is or was grabbed me this morning before service -- but I made it through and we had a great service.
I spoke to David Hodges earlier this evening and he updated me on the manifestation of the devil through one of his wife's nieces. They spent much time praying and in worship to see her devlivered from a demon. I am sure the team memebers will never forget what they saw -- the screaming, the biting of the inside of her mouth USA. There is no connection in Jicamarca and the only reason we have been able to send one email and to add it to the blog is because I am in Lima with Pastor Agustin today and tomorrow we will travel to Chincha to check on the progress of the rebuilding of some of the churches which were damaged, even destroyed in the earthquake one year ago this month.
God bless and thank you for your prayers.
Dr. D.
Since I am not with the team today or tomorrow (Monday) I do not know the condition of the one who got sick Saturday, but I heard by phone today that he is still having problems. And then whatever it is or was grabbed me this morning before service -- but I made it through and we had a great service.
I spoke to David Hodges earlier this evening and he updated me on the manifestation of the devil through one of his wife's nieces. They spent much time praying and in worship to see her devlivered from a demon. I am sure the team memebers will never forget what they saw -- the screaming, the biting of the inside of her mouth USA. There is no connection in Jicamarca and the only reason we have been able to send one email and to add it to the blog is because I am in Lima with Pastor Agustin today and tomorrow we will travel to Chincha to check on the progress of the rebuilding of some of the churches which were damaged, even destroyed in the earthquake one year ago this month.
God bless and thank you for your prayers.
Dr. D.
20 Somethings - Peru
Hello,
There is no way that I can describe or write all that has taken place in the time we have been here. It has been a busy trip -- some of the plans that were made have been accomplished but a lot more has been done as well.
Because of the Hurricane (Tropical Storm) My husband and I along with Carrie, Chase and Ryan went to Miami on Monday night. We spent the night in the Airport -- we were determined to make our flight and we had no problem. It was an interesting night in the Airport and we have pictures of our experience. Chase and Ryan's brother, Nick, met us in Miami and was able to fly "stand-by" with us to Lima. Bethany went to Ft. Lauderdale on Monday night and made her flight with Spirit on Tuesday. James and Paul were able to fly stand-by to Houston Monday night and we all arrived in Lima at our scheduled time.
We are staying at David and Ceci's new house in Jicamarca. Although it is new -- it isn't finished and there were/are lots of things yet to be done. The girls are sleeping upstairs (on air mattresses) and the guys downstairs. It gets cold at night. The temperature may not be under 50 -- but it is damp and the building soak in the moisture. It is a challenge staying warm while sleeping.
They have no refrigerator and their showers are still not working as they should -- it is a true camping experience. Tonight is our first opportunity to be where there is Internet (which is a challenge). I have never experienced as many flies in my entire 62 years under any circumstances. It is winter, and they are swarming and lethargic which is something I have never seen. They and swarming -- I can't imagine what their summer will bring.
Lima is desert - but this particular area has huge boulders and lots of dirt and dust. The only thing "green" you will find is something someone has planted and is watering. It is not like our desert where you find cactus and other growing things. Because this is winter a heavy mist settles down and the result is mud which is tracked everywhere. It keeps a person busy just trying to clean up the dirt and mud.
The guys have been working on electrical things and the plumbing. They came with a plan (and a water pump) and they have done all the right things but the pump (and battery) just aren't powerful enough to pump the amount of water that needs to be pumped. They have spent countless hours working on it. The pump for the septic system has been installed and is working. They put in light in their laundry area and other odds and ends as well as installing a reverse osmosis system so they can have pure drinking water.
My husband, the girls, Paul and James have painted the downstairs and the living room. When that was finished they tried get the courtyard level and they made great progress on that.
They have had a service for adults, one for children and two for youth. Tomorrow they have one for children and one for adults. My husband and I had a seminar for couples last night. My husband speaks for Agustin on Sunday and is going to Chincha on Monday to visit the Pastors and see what has happened since the Earthquake two years ago. Sunday and Monday afternoon and evening we will do some shopping and sight seeing.
Sorry we haven't been able to communicate -- believe me, we like it better when we have daily contact with home.
James and Paul leave Monday night and the rest of us on Tuesday. The group has worked hard and harmoniously - they have been uncomplaining in trying situations. It has been a delight to be with them.
Thanks for your prayers -- we have been mostly healthy and James is extremely happy as this is the first Missions Trip he has taken and NOT been sick. However Paul is sick with stomach cramps. So pray for all.
Marilyn
There is no way that I can describe or write all that has taken place in the time we have been here. It has been a busy trip -- some of the plans that were made have been accomplished but a lot more has been done as well.
Because of the Hurricane (Tropical Storm) My husband and I along with Carrie, Chase and Ryan went to Miami on Monday night. We spent the night in the Airport -- we were determined to make our flight and we had no problem. It was an interesting night in the Airport and we have pictures of our experience. Chase and Ryan's brother, Nick, met us in Miami and was able to fly "stand-by" with us to Lima. Bethany went to Ft. Lauderdale on Monday night and made her flight with Spirit on Tuesday. James and Paul were able to fly stand-by to Houston Monday night and we all arrived in Lima at our scheduled time.
We are staying at David and Ceci's new house in Jicamarca. Although it is new -- it isn't finished and there were/are lots of things yet to be done. The girls are sleeping upstairs (on air mattresses) and the guys downstairs. It gets cold at night. The temperature may not be under 50 -- but it is damp and the building soak in the moisture. It is a challenge staying warm while sleeping.
They have no refrigerator and their showers are still not working as they should -- it is a true camping experience. Tonight is our first opportunity to be where there is Internet (which is a challenge). I have never experienced as many flies in my entire 62 years under any circumstances. It is winter, and they are swarming and lethargic which is something I have never seen. They and swarming -- I can't imagine what their summer will bring.
Lima is desert - but this particular area has huge boulders and lots of dirt and dust. The only thing "green" you will find is something someone has planted and is watering. It is not like our desert where you find cactus and other growing things. Because this is winter a heavy mist settles down and the result is mud which is tracked everywhere. It keeps a person busy just trying to clean up the dirt and mud.
The guys have been working on electrical things and the plumbing. They came with a plan (and a water pump) and they have done all the right things but the pump (and battery) just aren't powerful enough to pump the amount of water that needs to be pumped. They have spent countless hours working on it. The pump for the septic system has been installed and is working. They put in light in their laundry area and other odds and ends as well as installing a reverse osmosis system so they can have pure drinking water.
My husband, the girls, Paul and James have painted the downstairs and the living room. When that was finished they tried get the courtyard level and they made great progress on that.
They have had a service for adults, one for children and two for youth. Tomorrow they have one for children and one for adults. My husband and I had a seminar for couples last night. My husband speaks for Agustin on Sunday and is going to Chincha on Monday to visit the Pastors and see what has happened since the Earthquake two years ago. Sunday and Monday afternoon and evening we will do some shopping and sight seeing.
Sorry we haven't been able to communicate -- believe me, we like it better when we have daily contact with home.
James and Paul leave Monday night and the rest of us on Tuesday. The group has worked hard and harmoniously - they have been uncomplaining in trying situations. It has been a delight to be with them.
Thanks for your prayers -- we have been mostly healthy and James is extremely happy as this is the first Missions Trip he has taken and NOT been sick. However Paul is sick with stomach cramps. So pray for all.
Marilyn
Friday, June 27, 2008
Sending a short blog now, since I have a few moments. If you do not see another blog do not be concerned, I may not get back to Maria´s for the remainder of our trip to update again.
If I have not told you there is a real working bathroom in David and Cesi´s house now! The men made a make shift door so it can be used by all. And, of course the question of the day was, "Does the water in the toilet bowl really swirl the opposite way in the southern hemisphere than in the northern hemisphere?" The answer is "Yes!"
Yesterday the men and myself were very tired. David went to the hardware store in the afternoon so we did not need to go in the evening. Yeah!!! So some of the men went to bed really early and others went to relax in the hotel sauna. We had ordered pizza delivered to the hotel.
Today is our last real day to accomplish projects at Jicamarca. Tomorrow we will only be there until noon and will finish projects started and clean up the site.
Lunch today consists of chicken, rice, potatoes and vegies. Maria is an exceptional cook and all the meals have been wonderful. She always has different sauces she makes with fruits and vegetables to put on your food. Everything is very healthy because it is all made from scratch. The men have really enjoyed filling up with this good, wholesome food. There is always a big supply of fresh rolls from the market also which we have really enjoyed, maybe a little too much!!
Wives be prepared to cook next week and get those rolling pins out! It may take the men awhile to adjust back to life in the states!!!
Must sign off as we are taking lunch to Jicamarca now. If I get a chance to update again later today I will. Our flight leaves Lima at 5:30am on Sunday so will need to be at the hotel and it bed early Saturday night.
If I have not told you there is a real working bathroom in David and Cesi´s house now! The men made a make shift door so it can be used by all. And, of course the question of the day was, "Does the water in the toilet bowl really swirl the opposite way in the southern hemisphere than in the northern hemisphere?" The answer is "Yes!"
Yesterday the men and myself were very tired. David went to the hardware store in the afternoon so we did not need to go in the evening. Yeah!!! So some of the men went to bed really early and others went to relax in the hotel sauna. We had ordered pizza delivered to the hotel.
Today is our last real day to accomplish projects at Jicamarca. Tomorrow we will only be there until noon and will finish projects started and clean up the site.
Lunch today consists of chicken, rice, potatoes and vegies. Maria is an exceptional cook and all the meals have been wonderful. She always has different sauces she makes with fruits and vegetables to put on your food. Everything is very healthy because it is all made from scratch. The men have really enjoyed filling up with this good, wholesome food. There is always a big supply of fresh rolls from the market also which we have really enjoyed, maybe a little too much!!
Wives be prepared to cook next week and get those rolling pins out! It may take the men awhile to adjust back to life in the states!!!
Must sign off as we are taking lunch to Jicamarca now. If I get a chance to update again later today I will. Our flight leaves Lima at 5:30am on Sunday so will need to be at the hotel and it bed early Saturday night.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
We have some very exciting news. One of the Peruvian men that is working on the job site this week accepted Christ this morning! Felipe had been speaking with him and asked him if he knew where he would go if he died today. He hung his head low and said, "To hell." Felipe continued to speak to him about that and prayed with him!!! Praise the Lord. We are working on getting him plugged into a church so he can be decipled.
Yesterday the men worked until dark and returned to the hotel to clean up. They again needed supplies from, yes you guessed it - the hardware store!! The plumbing supplies here are not properly manufactured and they do not go through quality control. So they do not always fit properly. Paul has had to try many fittings just to find one that will work.
We also went to Applebies for dinner. The men had planned on going to a soccer game, but it was raining here and they needed to go to the hardware store. Yes, it does rain here. Like a very heavy mist, but enough to make puddles. It never storms with lightening or thunder, just mist.
Today was an early start back to Jicamarca after breakfast at the hotel. Maria, JoVanna and I brought out a Peruvian meal of Rice, Beans, Hamburgers and Vegies. Tom had been wondering what a Tres Leche dessert was. So we surprised them by bringing a large cake out today. It is a cake that is made with three different milks and is very good.
Yesterday at the hardware store I had asked Marco where the restroom was and he pointed. Well it was not marked very good and I found myself in a mans bathroom! Thank God no one was inside!! Everyone thought that was just too funny expecially Marco. Today I found out that Gary had walked into a womans bathroom when at Applebiels last night but there was someone in there! He was very embarrased!!
Thank you for your continued prayers. David is feeling much better, just a sniffly nose and no fever. Continue to pray, the week has been long and the end is near. The rain and dreariness have made it challenging to work in at Jicamarca. God has been so faithful and good to each one. We have had time to sit and chat about the week and what the Lord is speaking to us. We are blessed to be here.
Yesterday the men worked until dark and returned to the hotel to clean up. They again needed supplies from, yes you guessed it - the hardware store!! The plumbing supplies here are not properly manufactured and they do not go through quality control. So they do not always fit properly. Paul has had to try many fittings just to find one that will work.
We also went to Applebies for dinner. The men had planned on going to a soccer game, but it was raining here and they needed to go to the hardware store. Yes, it does rain here. Like a very heavy mist, but enough to make puddles. It never storms with lightening or thunder, just mist.
Today was an early start back to Jicamarca after breakfast at the hotel. Maria, JoVanna and I brought out a Peruvian meal of Rice, Beans, Hamburgers and Vegies. Tom had been wondering what a Tres Leche dessert was. So we surprised them by bringing a large cake out today. It is a cake that is made with three different milks and is very good.
Yesterday at the hardware store I had asked Marco where the restroom was and he pointed. Well it was not marked very good and I found myself in a mans bathroom! Thank God no one was inside!! Everyone thought that was just too funny expecially Marco. Today I found out that Gary had walked into a womans bathroom when at Applebiels last night but there was someone in there! He was very embarrased!!
Thank you for your continued prayers. David is feeling much better, just a sniffly nose and no fever. Continue to pray, the week has been long and the end is near. The rain and dreariness have made it challenging to work in at Jicamarca. God has been so faithful and good to each one. We have had time to sit and chat about the week and what the Lord is speaking to us. We are blessed to be here.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Written Wednesday, June 25th
Thank you God:
Yesterday afternoon Maria, JoVanna and I brought a sandwich dinner up to Jicamarca since we had planned on staying for the prayer and worship service at David Hodges church at 7:00pm. We ate in the Hodge´s dining room with a light on!! We now have power!! After dinner David and the team needed supplies to continue their work today so we were unable to stay for the prayer service.
I was dropped off at the hotel since I was not interested in shopping at the hardware store again this week. Not my usual place to shop if you know what I mean. Tom and Walker decided not to go as well, making it an early night for them. The rest of the team shopped and purchased the supplies needed and arrived back at the hotel around 10:30pm.
This moring I woke to laughter, lots of it! The men have been having breakfast down the hall from our rooms at 6:45am. I have been sleeping until 8:00 since I am not picked up until 9:00am to go to Maria´s to cook. The hotel is tiled from ceiling to floor so any noise in the hallway can be heard by all. When the men get together they are so full of joy and love to have fun. They are laughing and joking all the time. I believe everyone sleeping at the hotel this morning heard the joy of the Lord through these men as they fellowshiped at breakfast!!
Maria and I (mostly Maria) made a really good meal of rice, beef and vegies. We also made a delicious Peruvian dish. We rolled mashed potatoes like you would roll cookie dough, which had lime juice and an orange pepper mashed in also. Then we stuffed a little avocado inside. So very good, I will be trying this dish at home!
The men accomplished a lot this morning. By lunch time they had installed a ceiling fan, a real toilet, numerous other lights and outlets. The steel work continues with all the stair railing done. Marco is finishing and painting it before it can be installed. More plumbing is being done on the roof for a washer and sink as well as for the gray water and sewer on the lower level.
Tonight some of the men are talking about going to a soccer game. David felt wonderful throughout the day yesterday but ran a fever last night and today his sinus´s are causing him some problems. He has decided to call it an early night and get some rest.
Continue to pray that all the men get the rest they need. They are doing fine but they are working very hard, long days and we are now entering into the end of the week. Pray also for David that he feels better and is healed of whatever is causing these symptoms.
Blessings
Yesterday afternoon Maria, JoVanna and I brought a sandwich dinner up to Jicamarca since we had planned on staying for the prayer and worship service at David Hodges church at 7:00pm. We ate in the Hodge´s dining room with a light on!! We now have power!! After dinner David and the team needed supplies to continue their work today so we were unable to stay for the prayer service.
I was dropped off at the hotel since I was not interested in shopping at the hardware store again this week. Not my usual place to shop if you know what I mean. Tom and Walker decided not to go as well, making it an early night for them. The rest of the team shopped and purchased the supplies needed and arrived back at the hotel around 10:30pm.
This moring I woke to laughter, lots of it! The men have been having breakfast down the hall from our rooms at 6:45am. I have been sleeping until 8:00 since I am not picked up until 9:00am to go to Maria´s to cook. The hotel is tiled from ceiling to floor so any noise in the hallway can be heard by all. When the men get together they are so full of joy and love to have fun. They are laughing and joking all the time. I believe everyone sleeping at the hotel this morning heard the joy of the Lord through these men as they fellowshiped at breakfast!!
Maria and I (mostly Maria) made a really good meal of rice, beef and vegies. We also made a delicious Peruvian dish. We rolled mashed potatoes like you would roll cookie dough, which had lime juice and an orange pepper mashed in also. Then we stuffed a little avocado inside. So very good, I will be trying this dish at home!
The men accomplished a lot this morning. By lunch time they had installed a ceiling fan, a real toilet, numerous other lights and outlets. The steel work continues with all the stair railing done. Marco is finishing and painting it before it can be installed. More plumbing is being done on the roof for a washer and sink as well as for the gray water and sewer on the lower level.
Tonight some of the men are talking about going to a soccer game. David felt wonderful throughout the day yesterday but ran a fever last night and today his sinus´s are causing him some problems. He has decided to call it an early night and get some rest.
Continue to pray that all the men get the rest they need. They are doing fine but they are working very hard, long days and we are now entering into the end of the week. Pray also for David that he feels better and is healed of whatever is causing these symptoms.
Blessings
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Written Tuesday, June 24th at 4:00pm
WHEN HIS PEOPLE PRAY...
Felipe is back!! He arrived Monday night at 12:00am and is working hard today!!
David was very ill yesterday and ended up in bed with fever, chills, aches, etc. He woke up a new man this morning like nothing had ever happened!!
The generators are working efficiently even with the load that is required!!
Praise the Lord and thank you for praying.
Yesterday afternoon David took ill and had to return to the hotel for the afternoon and the evening. The men did an awesome job in his absense and knew exactly what to do. I opted to stay at the site in Davids absense and had a wonderul time with the Lord on the mountain and did a little construction clean-up. Walker and Tom went to town on the stair railing. The two were quite a team and got a lot done. Paul worked on plumbing and assisted Gary who is working on the electricity.
Maria cooked a wonderful American spagetthi lunch which I helped to prepare along with Cesi´s niece JoVanna and took it to the site. In the evening we went to Pardos Chicken a restaurant where they cook this very good chicken, then it was off to the hardward store for a few items before heading back to the hotel. Gary volunteered to go with Marco to the airport and get Felipe.
This morning everyone including David and Felipe headed back to Jicamarca after breakfast at the hotel. We brought a lunch to them, very good Peruvian chicken dish and brought a new fruit, Chire Moya, for everyone to try. It is a very good juicy sweet fruit.
I can´t say enough about this team of men. Each one has worked very hard, pitches in at a moments notice, gives expertise advise, is flexible and I have never heard a grumble. Well, except maybe there isn´t enought hot water. Yesterday when we arrived back at the hotel these grown men were running down the hallway of the hotel trying to outbeat the others to their room, claiming, "I´m in the shower first" so they would get the hot water before it ran out!!! Lots of work but lots of laughter and fun too.
Keep praying for our men and remember to include Marco as well. He works for David and Cesi Hodges and is with us night and day. We couldn´t do this without his help. He tranlates, drives, helps with construction and his knowledge of the local area, customs and people is so valuable to us.
Till tomorrow...
Felipe is back!! He arrived Monday night at 12:00am and is working hard today!!
David was very ill yesterday and ended up in bed with fever, chills, aches, etc. He woke up a new man this morning like nothing had ever happened!!
The generators are working efficiently even with the load that is required!!
Praise the Lord and thank you for praying.
Yesterday afternoon David took ill and had to return to the hotel for the afternoon and the evening. The men did an awesome job in his absense and knew exactly what to do. I opted to stay at the site in Davids absense and had a wonderul time with the Lord on the mountain and did a little construction clean-up. Walker and Tom went to town on the stair railing. The two were quite a team and got a lot done. Paul worked on plumbing and assisted Gary who is working on the electricity.
Maria cooked a wonderful American spagetthi lunch which I helped to prepare along with Cesi´s niece JoVanna and took it to the site. In the evening we went to Pardos Chicken a restaurant where they cook this very good chicken, then it was off to the hardward store for a few items before heading back to the hotel. Gary volunteered to go with Marco to the airport and get Felipe.
This morning everyone including David and Felipe headed back to Jicamarca after breakfast at the hotel. We brought a lunch to them, very good Peruvian chicken dish and brought a new fruit, Chire Moya, for everyone to try. It is a very good juicy sweet fruit.
I can´t say enough about this team of men. Each one has worked very hard, pitches in at a moments notice, gives expertise advise, is flexible and I have never heard a grumble. Well, except maybe there isn´t enought hot water. Yesterday when we arrived back at the hotel these grown men were running down the hallway of the hotel trying to outbeat the others to their room, claiming, "I´m in the shower first" so they would get the hot water before it ran out!!! Lots of work but lots of laughter and fun too.
Keep praying for our men and remember to include Marco as well. He works for David and Cesi Hodges and is with us night and day. We couldn´t do this without his help. He tranlates, drives, helps with construction and his knowledge of the local area, customs and people is so valuable to us.
Till tomorrow...
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