Would you go again?

I have been home from our Andes Adventure for three weeks.  I have returned to my life and it now seems surreal that I had the adventure.  As I have attempted to articulate my adventure, I have had a difficult time putting into words.  The reoccurring question as I fumble for words is:  "Would you go again?"

Would I go again?  I am arrested by this question.  It seems so simple but it is not easy to answer.  The entire adventure stretched me beyond what I thought were my stretching boundaries.  The time in the remote village of Aucho including the journey to and from, I was well beyond my comfort zone.  For me, Motel 6 is roughing it, and Aucho is well past Motel 6 comfort.

Picture a child, safely secure in parent's arms, being held over water.  This child is afraid of the water and is trashing its legs, squirming, trying to crawl back into the safety of the its parents chest.  Yet the parent, gently and firmly, lowers this child in the water, continuing to hold on to the child as it protests the entire process.  Yes, this was me.  As we prepared to leave, my mind was screaming ABORT, ABORT, ABORT.  As we journeyed through the beautiful mountains, switch back after switch back, through small villages, I took pictures in the beauty of the scenery and the people.  I fought motion sickness as I tried to maintain exterior calm as we traversed, what I considered, a narrow mountain road in the dark.   Yet the journey to the village was nothing to my anxiety of being in the village itself.  It was much too late to abort, I missed the point of no return when I boarded the plane in Minneapolis.



The village presented challenges I did not know how to cope.  Yes, I am a princess.  I am unabashedly accustomed to running water, most importantly a toilet.  Imagine my delight in securing a porta-potty.  Although it took a day to get set up.  I am accustomed to a bed with a mattress, off the floor.  And I rather do enjoy electricity and it benefits.  The village offered none of these luxuries.  My anxiety of going and staying in the village for three days nearly paralyzed me.  Time to abort was long gone as I traversed the mountainside in an old Land Rover singing silly songs.



The village experience is both the most stretching and the highlight of my trip.  The sight of Machu Picchu does not surpass the time in the village.  Would I go again?  Would I again?  I honestly do not know how to answer that question.  I want to say yes, but I am wiser now to the conditions.  I want to say yes, as the people endeared themselves to me without even trying.  I want to say yes, because I now know I can do it.  But I hesitate to answer affirmatively.  It was hard, it was challenging, it was rewarding.  Perhaps, yes I will consider going again if opportunity presented itself.  I will leave that in the hands of God.  I went on this adventure in faith that God called me to go. He held me securely in his arms as I thrashed about in discomfort.  I was never away from His safety although I would have preferred being snuggled into His chest rather than being given the freedom of seeing and doing new and wonderful albeit scary things.  If I go again, it will once again be a faith adventure.

                                                                

     

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Home Sweet Home with much to say

Home.  I love home. I am a bit embarrassed how excited I am to be home.  I also enjoy traveling but coming home is the best.  I am rooted and grounded here having resided in this dwelling for most of my life and spending half of my childhood in a home a few miles away.  More importantly, home is where my heart is as it is where my family is found.  This trip stretched me in many ways, one was the time apart from my husband.  I missed his presence and desired to share the experience with him.  Very honestly, I desired for him to be by side helping me cope with experiences I found to be very much outside my comfort zone.  Many years ago, my late brother-in-law, referred to this man in my life as the 'hum' of my life.  He observed I am much calmer with him rather than an erratic, emotional mess.  I felt incomplete without him on this journey.  Having my husband's support during this trip and the prayers of many others, I made it through and now stronger.  Although I am certain that had he been by my side physically, I would have thrived so much better.

I had one daughter by my side, experiencing the thrill of seeing a foreign land and being involved in ministry.  I had another daughter at home.  There were many sights and experiences I wished to share with her and yearned for her to experience herself.  This was the year of separate family travels as she went on her own journey to Costa Rica in the spring.  She had her own experiences.

I was stretched, pulled out of my comfort zone, into another land and culture.  For a time, on the mountain top, we were where time seemed to not have moved in that past 100 years.  There was a feeling of walking into a text book or National Geographic magazine as we gazed at the untouched landscape and interacted with the beautiful people in their colorful, traditional, everyday clothes.  Without the conveniences of running water or electricity, these people live as they have lived for many decades.

I strive to appreciate and be content in my home at all times.  Although I fail, being human and not perfect.  I live in an old home, over a hundred years old.  Yet compared to the mountain top, my home as been updated to American standards.  I have indoor plumbing including a hot water heater.  I have solid walls and windows with glass.  I have electricity and modern appliances. My return to my abode from the time on the mountain gives me a much greater appreciation for my space and modern conveniences.  I do miss the beauty of the mountains, the brilliance of the night sky in the darkness and thin air, high up in the sky.  My flat land in the plains filled with lights does not compare.

I have much to say about our trip.  I am still processing it in my mind and spirit.  I have notes to sort through to try to put into words about our experiences.  Stick with me, give me a few more days to begin that process.  Right now, I am busy getting back into the home routine.  Laundry, groceries, unpacking, etc.  Preparing for the beginning of the school year, shuttling children to appropriate activities.  I have delighted in hearing from many of my dear friends that prayed for me and am making connections with them.

Now to sort through some pictures and begin the writing to share with you who have walked this journey with me cheering me on and praying.  Soon, my friends, soon.

Leaving the mountains

Morning of Thursday, August 15

We are departing Cusco, Peru.  We have been here for a week and half.  So much has transpired in our time here.  I am still processing it all. This morning I cried as I said my final goodbyes.  Through communication difficulties, cultural mistakes, laughter, and service we became friends and family.  I have been inspired by the dedication and passion of those here working to spread the gospel message, to disciple God's children, to go to the most remote areas to work for God's kingdom.  I am ashamed of my lackadaisical attitude.  I desire to share the stories, to tell of the work, the give you a glimpse of what God is doing here in the Cusco area of Peru, I am returning home changed.

I have experienced, for a few short days, the lack of many luxuries I take for granted.  Running water, clean water, hot water, heat on demand, soft beds, the Holy Bible in my native tongue, the ability to read and comprehend the written word, good roads, wide roads, electricity, automobiles, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer.... The list goes on.  

The staff of ATEK sacrifice the comforts of home and time with family to train indigenous people in Biblical principals.  Their passion and energy seemingly unending.  Despite waning funds, they continue in their work.  They teach the people to read their own language to enable them to read the Bible in the language they speak.  The travel over narrow mountain roads, often walking long distances into remote villages.  They sleep on cold, hard floors to bring God's message to the ends of the earth.

This staff is so busy, I have few pictures of them.  They are rarely together in one room.  Pastor Fredi is gifted in applying lessons to any situation.  We led a few games with the pastors in training, and he applied Biblical applications.  Yoni, the children's director, in her quiet manner, led the children's camp in what I considered the be the most rough conditions with grace, poise, and efficiency.  Moises, with his fun boyish manner, assists in translation.  Luisa is sweet and teaches literacy.  Tomas and Eusebio, fellow pastors in ATEK, teach with love, compassion, and discipline (Fredi, too).  Milagros, beautiful and graceful, traveled with us to the camp as our cook and translator.  In the office, she continued to translate for us as she worked at her desk as secretary and accountant.  The 'kitchen ladies' were always smiling and provided us with much good food.  They even took five of us gringos on an outing to the market food shopping.  That was an adventure!  

We Americans must have been burdensome,  slowing down their work as they tried to include us in their ministry.  Often it is faster to do it yourself than show someone else.  We put forth efforts where we could, washing dishes, peeling potatoes, praying.  Each one of us tried our Spanish language skills.  

The Quechua pastors' desire to know God puts me to shame.  Many struggle with reading, applying themselves for 15 days of training.  They included my daughter in fútball and gave her compliments.  They tried our games that were hard to explain, first being translated to Spanish then to Quechua, patient in learning from us.  

The Quechua men's voices raised in song, with the mandolin accompanying, is a sound I hope to never forget.  Although I did not understand the words, I understood their worship.  As they cried out in prayer simultaneously, my heart pleaded with God to hear their prayers.  The man who shared his Quechua hymnal book with us as we butchered the pronunciation of the Quechuan words sang with gusto, he seemed to appreciate our efforts to sing words that are meaningless to us.

To see their joy on the final night to receive a new Bible in Quechua was a privilege.  They cherish and respect their Bibles, handling them with care.  They joyfully held up their Bibles in celebration and thanksgiving.  

I will miss these mountain residing people.  They endeared themselves to me.  I pray that I will be able to share with you a glimpse of this beautiful land and people, inspire you to pray for them, support them, and ultimately grow in your own faith.

Camp thoughts

Our days of service are mostly finished.  We spent three days helping at the kids camp in the remote village of Aucho, Livitaca province of Peru.  Approximately 150 children from 15 communities were in attendance.  Our hearts were tugged as we learned many of the children walked to camp, some as long as eight hours.  The children came with their Sunday school teachers who have been trained by ATEK.  This camp was a climax to show the skills the teachers learned.  Yoni (pronounced similar to Joni) is the ATEK staff that travels between these remote villages regularly training them.  She is an incredible young woman that traverses the mountains.  She is often alone carrying her gear and materials.  She takes a bus and then walks where the bus line ends.  Sometimes another staff member will take her on motorbike.  I admire Yoni.  She makes many sacrifices for the gospel.  She is away from home and her spouse.  She faces long, lonely, difficult treks to reach the some of the most remote people.  ATEK goes where many will not go.

The camp had a feel similar to kids camps of home.  There were classes and games.  Not very much free time, as the focus was more on teaching God's word in the few valuable days they had with the children.  We heard the children singing, reciting verses, laughing, and learning.  The second day of camp the message of Jesus' salvation was taught.  Our team brought a craft that reinforced the message.  We helped the children put together color bead bracelets, each color bead representing a piece of the gospel message.  By a show of hands, it appeared 85-90% of the children made the decision of receiving God's grace.

As the children left the final day, tears came to my eyes.  Some were shy around us, others followed us around with curiosity, and others loved to have their photo taken.  I cried as I watched these beautiful children head out for home, colorfully dressed in traditional clothes and blanket-bags on their backs. Knowing many will walk for a very long way.  We, in the USA, would not allow our 8-12 year olds to walk this type of distance.  Unthinkable.  

We are back from kids camp!

Hello, everyone!  We are back from Aucho, Levitaca.  Four of the most challenging days of my life.  We think we were at 14,000 feet.  Our travel up in two vehicles with C and Pastor driving provided much adventure.  Winding, twisting, mountain roads that only allowed for one vehicle.  Meeting another vehicle proved to be interesting as we negotiated passing and the edge of the Mountain.  We traveled the most adventurous roads in the dark!  We encountered road construction and had to turn around on the single lane mountain road, encountered road closures in a small town where we scraped against railroad ties and berm while praying our vehicles would not tip.  I had a drunk, angry Hombre chase me as I guided vehicles along railroad ties.  When darkness fell, Pastor's truck decided it did not like the mountain climb and stalled -  we really prayed then!  The 'path' into the village had to be found on foot with flashlights.

We entered Aucho on this path and parked next to a dark home.  We were told to gather our things, via flashlights, off the top of the Landrover and back of truck, and head toward the lit building in the distance.  Foolishly, I thought that was our destination and sleeping quarters.  Due to darkness, we could not see the steep downward walk followed by steep incline upward.  At about, what we believe, 14,000 feet, carrying my sleeping gear and backpack was beyond exhausting.  The brothers of the village church thankfully assisted us as we labored uphill.

The night sky was amazing, beyond description!  The Milky Way looked to be touchable, the stars brilliant and innumerable.  If not for labored breathing, carrying my stuff, and a flashlight, I would have tripped over myself looking at the sky.

We were shown our room for sleeping.  We learned just how primitive our conditions were for our time there.  Oy!  A 12x12 rrom for 7 women and 2 men!  That was not going to work. They found another space for the two men.  It was also our cooking area.  The room had a window with missing glass.  The doors were warped and did not close.  The floor was wood, the ceiling tin.  We were exhausted and stressed, but the children were waiting to meet us.  We were escorted to the church building.  The doors opened to about 150 smiling, anxious faces.  A small cheer arose as we entered.  WOW, their smiling faces, so excited to see us, made it worth it.  The adventure was just beginning.  Pics of our rooms and the building we stayed in below.

Thank you for your prayers, God was faithful throughout and continues to be.  I stand in awe of our God.  My faith has grown, my waist line shrunk, I have been stretched thin.  I can't wait to tell you.

Keep praying as we minister to the pastors in training.

Hugs to all.  We are back where there is electricity and usually running water.  Whoo!

Peru Day 2 - Cusco

Quick update.  How can I say a lot in a few short words?

We arose to find Kim very ill.  She was in no condition to travel.  We made the hard decision to leave her behind in the guest house.  I have prescription migraine meds which I shared with her.  She reports feeling better and will join us tomorrow.  Thankful we were not in a hotel which made it easier to leave her in the care of the house keeper.

The flight to Cusco gave us breathtaking views of mountains.  We are in the offices of a Quechua run ministry (ATEK). They have dormitory housing we are staying in.  More to say on this later....  But Megan is amazing.  She is currently washing dishes, which she promptly volunteered to learn how to do from the group from Canada that is leaving tomorrow.  Jumped right in.  Oh, and she was so great this morning during the hecticness of Kim's illness.  

We have done a bit of exploring and had dinner of spaghetti 'camp' style, served family style.  

Lots of feral dogs, and we are disturbed by the slum look to the middle class area.  We are reminded just how incredibly rich we are in America.  And yet try to understand that wealth is not a driving factor here, survival is primary.

We have tried Inca Cola.  Yummy.  And 'Mate de coca' tea.  

C is taking very good care of us.  We are beginning to understand, or perhaps I am beginning to understand, the true rustic nature of our time in the village beginning Monday.  God is definitely stretching me, I will be thin upon my return :-)

It is chilly, buildings unheated, so being warm overnight may be a challenge here, and definitely will be when we are in the very remote village.  Warm water is precious, but we should be able to have warm showers through a water heater in the shower head.

I am fighting altitude effects and need to go rest.  I will try to journal more soon.

Mountains from the roof top

Kids playing on the street

Peru - day 1

The team less one

We arose early, gathered our prepared bags, and met most of the team at church at 5:45 am.  We transferred our luggage and settled into the 15 passenger van to start our journey to Lima, Peru.  Ample time to check in, meet with our final team member, say goodbye to our two chauffeurs. We effortlessly went through security.  Thankfully, they turned off the body scanner shortly before our turn.

Tiny airplane to Houston. Three seats per row, a total of 19 rows. We departed on time.   Included in our full flight, we were honored to fly with a few military service men and woman.  All of our carry on bags went on board with us without question.  I didn't enjoy the flight overly much, as I struggled minor motion sickness and then acute ear discomfort as we descended,  which felt like a third of the flight.  I think it was the size of the aircraft.

Landing in Houston, our very focused leader led us to our connecting gate, where dropped our bags.  We ladies were thankful to head to the little girls room.  We all found lunch, stretched our legs, and prepared to board a very spacious 747 ( I think 747).   Megan was plagued with a headache, she seemed to do better as the afternoon went on.

 A 2-3-2 seat arrangement, Meg and I sat in the center, with me on the inside where I met a sweet college student seated next to me.  She had an identical camera bag to mine, we got along just fine.  She is on her way to Cusco to serve in an orphanage with some college mates, all from Oregon.

We had personal screens on the seatbacks that provided entertainment of movies, music, and games.  But alas, no internet.  Much appreciated flight accommodations, especially after the first flight.  We again departed nearly on time.  The flight crew was excellent and the food, well, not great, but not bad, we got food!   

We landed in Lima to begin the process, with hundreds of others, to get through immigration and customs.  I was nervous about immigration.  Entirely unsure I had properly filled out the forms.  Those forms were prayed over, even the second set that I redid after I decided I had too many scribbles on the first set.  The immigration lady also received my prayers for understanding and favor.  We all made it through without a hitch.

Then it was time to find our luggage, which all arrived with us! We waited in yet another long queue to clear  customs.  Thankfully, none of us got the red light requiring further inspections.  We made our way out to find our missionary friend (C) and guide.  Wow!  We felt like celebrities with the hundreds of waiting people, all seemingly holding name placards.  C spotted us and told of her surprise at the crowd.  We met up with her friend and taxi driver, split our luggage and people between her and his vehicle, and made it to the guesthouse around midnight.  Taxi ride was a little more adventurous than I am used to, as road rules seem to be a bit less standard than at home, but much less adventurous than Hubby's India traffic experience.

C settled us in the missions guesthouse, where I should still be sleeping.  Shortly, I will arise for my first South American shower, rearrange my luggage, and we will depart for Cusco.

Thank you for praying.  Our travels were smooth and without glitches.  Our luggage made it.  Out spirits are high, but our bodies a bit travel weary.  Our Lord has gone and continues to go before us.  I am excited to see the country in daylight ;-)

Pray for our altitude adjustment.  Cusco is at least 11,000 feet.  We have 1.5 days to adjust and then go to higher elevation for the kids camp.

This is it, we are ready to go!

This is it, the day to depart is less just a few hours away.  We have packed and repacked our suitcases.  Megan and I have redistributed, purged, and rearranged items we find necessary for a 15 day faith adventure.  Our suitcases are under the 50 pound maximum weight.  Our backpacks are stuffed and hopefully will make it into the airplane cabin with us.

Megan has baked several batches of cookies this week, her dad will not starve.  I washed every item of clothing, he'll start out with clean clothing.  Our older daughter is responsible for her own laundry.  I have made lists, cleared clutter, vacuumed, cleaned, created love notes, and tried to make it possible for my very capable husband and older daughter to survive without me with ease.  I like to think they can't live without me.

Admittedly, I have butterflies in my tummy of anticipation.  The nervousness of the unknown and the surreal reality that I am really leaving tomorrow morning.  I feel very inadequate for the tasks ahead.  I do not have language skills other than my native language of American English with accents of sarcasm and mom-ese.  I have attempted to learn a few words as my language gifted eldest child snickered at my attempts and roared with dismay at the program I was using, declaring it sub-par and unacceptable.  I will smile and mime my way through the days.  I will engage the children in games, peel potatoes, and depend on a translator to communicate with the pastors.

 Previously 'the sender', I now am going.  It will be exciting to see Christ's ministry in Peru and to participate in it.  Many have sown seeds prior to us, I hope we are faithful in continuing to water the seeds of faith.

But first there are many miles to traverse.  Two planes to get to Peru.  Another plan ride into the Andes.  And then the bus up into the village.  Later a train to Maccu Picchu.  All modes of 'motorized' transportation being utilized.   Thankfully they are motorized versus the llama type of transportation.

Fun fact:  Today I learned the details of distant relatives in Peru.  Apparently I have two great-great Uncles who traveled to South America, married Peruvian women, and had children.  It is rather fun to think that I may interact with some distant cousins.   I will never know for certain.

I leave you with my pastor's FB status so perfected stated:
“I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.” Nehemiah 2:18 NIV Tomorrow, 6 people including myself are traveling to Peru for 15 days of ministry. We will be working at a kid’s camp and at a pastor’s conference. We have already seen God’s hand with us as we have been preparing to go and we look forward to how He will work through us as we touch the lives of others. We ask for your prayers as we travel and as we are involved in ministry.

Next post when I find internet access in Peru!  Stay tuned.

Preparations

The tickets were purchased, there was no turning back.  It was time to change our focus of who was going and the exact dates our trip to preparing.  We did not have much information as to what the missionaries  would like us to do while we were on the ground.  The broad details were a children's camp and pastor's  retreat.  Some games to play with the children that had a purpose or lesson were desired.

We focused much of our initial preparations on packing and immunizations.  I mentioned the sleeping bag requirement previously in the blog.  We learned it is winter in Peru while summer at home, with varied temperatures of near freezing at night to 70 degrees in the day.  I started gathering layers, shopping clearance racks for the really nice sport tech gear.  This fit nicely into my new running routine, especially as it snowed here until mid May.

As winter lingered, cutting down my already shortened summer, I again questioned why I was going on this journey.  As you see, I am not very confident in my decisions and have many misgivings.  As I said, the tickets were purchased, I was and am past the point of aborting the plans to go.

We met as a team a few times, feeling fairly good about our preparations, but not certain what would be desired or expected of us.  That is until we met at our planned final meeting prior to departure.  Pastor read an email laying some requests of us:

- be prepared to do some skits or songs each evening.  Mimes would be best for the language barrier.

- be prepared to lead devotions up to one hour in length with translation 

- lead games for 200 children for 2 hours each day of camp

- lead team building activities for pastors 

- Pastor was asked to teach the book of Nehemiah

- bring potato peelers as there will be lots of potatoes to peel at each event -  finally something I feel capable of doing 

- could the hygienist come prepared to teach the children to brush teeth and please bring tooth brushes and paste for each child.

Whew!  We felt a little overwhelmed with the short notice.  Each of us are busy in the summer schedule.  How would we put a drama/mime together?  Would it be possible to get the toothbrushes donated?  Would the additional items fit in our full suitcases?

Our team is hand picked by God, which became evident as we responded to the requests.  Two could get toothbrushes.  Megan had a suggestion for a mime which we found on YouTube.  We plotted out how we could do the drama and found an evening to meet again to practice.  

You know what?  In one evening, a powerful drama came together.  Wow!  This was not in our strength, this is beyond our meager capabilities.  We all give full praise to God.  We learned first hand how God will equip one when needed.  We asked for guidance and strength, and we received.  Such a simple principal --  ask and you will receive.  

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him ! (Matthew 7:11 NIV)

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6 NIV)

Now, just days away from departure, we are finishing the packing, suitcases are stuffed.  Everyone has been preparing devotions and games.  Perhaps we will practice our drama in the airport during layover.  Certainly we will have time to put our individual efforts together.  God has been faithful to bring us together as a team.  I am confident He will finish our work as a team.  

We seek Devine strength and anointing as 'we go.'  There we will find the will of God and be effective in ministry for Him.

A kindred spirit

Do you know what is crazy interesting?  Although I have been married to my best friend for nearly my entire adult life, and we both have traveled around the world, he more than me, we have only been out of the country together one time, when we visited Grand Cayman to celebrate his completion of college.  Since, he has been to Singapore, Australia, India, and England without me.  I have traveled to Germany and Poland without him.  Now I am embarking on a trip to another continent without him.  I guess we don't believe in both leaving this good ole USA together. *giggle*

I have had to come to terms with a few of my anxieties while preparing for this missions trip.  One is the fact I could not convince my husband to go with us, to carry my luggage (see first post in blog).  I hope one day we will have opportunity to do ministry together, but this trip he is sending, while I and Megan are going.  

As the trip was being planned and others were committing to go, it initially looked to be a small group of 4 - Meg and I along with our Pastor and another man from our church.  Fabulous men that I am honored to travel and serve alongside.  But, I wondered how the dynamics would be with two men and a mother/daughter team.  I am delighted to travel with my daughter, but I was concerned about how these men would handle a rather emotional woman on the trip with them.  Let's face it, life is just different for men and women.  

Another discussion I broached with God, I told Him of my concerns and desires for another lady and kindred spirit to go along on this trip.  He came through in a fabulous manner.  Kim, fellow committee member, coffee addict, and neighbor had a strong desire to go on the trip, but did not believe she could leave her job during the time of the trip.  She and I prayed together for her boss to 'let her go.'  Our prayer was answered shortly, and she is going with us!  How wonderful to have this kindred spirit going with me.  We both share concerns of finding coffee to wake up in the morning, how to fit all those necessary items in a suitcase, cope with 'roughing it' in a foreign land, and other 'girlie' issues.  

Now we were a group of five but soon we learned of a sixth member.  Another lady, who is a delight, joined our group.  Four ladies and two men, the guys will be overwhelmed with female hormones.  Thankfully they have each other while we women will take turns crying and holding each other up.  Ha ha.

I am not sure why I am always surprised that God answers my prayers.  But I usually am surprised at just how much He cares about my silly anxieties and desires.  It is incredible that the God, who created the entire universe, every human, is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, takes the time to know the number of hairs on my head, has the time to hear me among the trillions of humans, listen to me whine most of the time, and give good things to me.  I am not worthy.  I constantly fail at living a righteous, sinless life; I am selfish, a worrier, and not always faithful in my relationship with Him.  And yet, He always loves me, listens to me, and continues to lavish on me.  I need to remember this as I encounter difficult things.  

Getting Fit

The last few years have not been the best for me in physical fitness area.  It has been a real challenge to maintain my weight which was creeping steadily upward.  Age, hormones, stress, life are not working in my favor.  I determined that if I truly wanted to be effective on the mission field I need to return to a healthier lifestyle.  My chosen start date (why must there be a start date to healthier living?) was the Monday following Easter.  I fully intended to enjoy Easter meal and dessert.  April 2 arrived and I began my journey.

I once lost quite of excess weight, kept it off for quite a few years.  But April 2nd found me in need of relearning how to eat correct proportions and nutrients as well as revving up my activity level.  Walking is my exercise of choice.  I enjoy the pace, I have neighbors that I walk with many days a week, and it is easy on my joints.  Unfortunately, I was rear ended the day before my 18th birthday and suffered severe whiplash.  For my entire adult life, I have been recovering from this injury.  I have tried jogging in the past but this was too much for my body, in fact my chiropractor told me to stop running.

As I approached this endevour in weight loss and healthy eating, I figured I was going to need to try to do more than walking.  I am not as young as I once was and losing weight is not as easy as I want it to be.  Additionally, my youngest daughter expressed a desire to run in 5K fun run races.  I figured if I was going to take her to these 5K events it would be silly for me to stand on the sidelines watching.  I again attempted jogging.  I bought new shoes for running and set a goal of running 2 to 3 times a week.  I started out slow using a couch to running type program.  On days I did not run, I walked.  On days it was a blizzard I played Dance Dance on the Wii.  Before April ended I ran in my first 5K race.  I ran the entire distance!  I was also down a few pounds.   You cannot understand my excitement and pleasure in this accomplishment.  I did not think I was ever going to be able to run.

I am running, I am still in shock.  I have now completed 5 fun runs.  My back and neck feel great.  My knees, well they are complaining somewhat.  I bought new shoes, again, that brought my knees some relief.

As I have been running, God has shown me much.  He has provided cheerleaders when I have needed them, a jazzy song in my headset when I told Him I just didn't think I could run another step.  Through analogies in running He taught me that I need not be concerned with winning races.  I need to be concerned with running the race, not giving up, running my own pace.  If I try to keep up to another's standard of pace or distance, I will likely fail.  This is true in my spiritual life too.  I need to run the race, following His call on my life, not the call of another's life.  Following a person will likely lead to failure, I need to follow Him!

I learned to keep my eyes focused on small goals, such as the next mail box or the stop sign rather than focusing on the fact I have 2 more miles to the end.  This again translated in my spiritual life.  God often tells me only the next step.  He knows that if I am shown the big picture I will be overwhelmed and give up before reaching the goal.

I love how God talks to me.  And I am so excited that He has healed me to allow me to run, albeit slowly, but I am running.

Now that I am down a few pounds and my lungs have been tuned up with aerobic exercise I am more confident in handling the thin air of the Andes Mountains.  Once again, God gave me what I needed when I needed it.  This time it is the ability to run.

A Garage!!

Have you mourned with me at the loss of my garage?  Perhaps you applauded my sacrifice in answering the call 'to go'.  Maybe you are praying for a windfall of money that will somehow result in something, a garage or walls or flooring in the house.  For me, I was striving in being content in the wait for the someday garage and remodeling projects.  The story of the garage will not disappoint, keep reading.

I am married to a man that is beyond wonderful.  He is not perfect but he is as close.  Don't get me wrong, he has his moments but well, he is perfect for me.  This guy who is sending his wife and daughter on a trip to Peru, staying home to work, not taking a summer vacation himself, guiding  his other daughter through a college search, asked me how important a garage is to me.  I carefully responded with 'very important'.  We have lived here 20 years and will likely be a minimum of 20 more years.  We are not getting any younger and fighting the snow and ice is getting harder with each year.  He nodded and let me sit while he pulled a piece of paper and began drawing.  I became cautiously optimistic.

We discussed the size of the garage, the amenities of the space, the type of structure (wood or steel), and the exact location of the structure.  My man of many talents drew out the garage of my dreams, a three car stall with an attic above, included a full concrete apron out front with a basketball hoop at one end.  My excitement began to grow as he began to collect bids for such a fabulous building.  The prices came in and we had a bit of sticker shock.  We then discussed exactly what did we need in a garage versus want, are there areas to cut back in the structure to make it more cost friendly.  

I waited in a somewhat quiet, non-begging manner as hubby figured and collected data.  Okay, I was not that quiet, I asked a lot of questions wanting to know if we were really building a garage.  Shortly he presented me with a drawing of the garage of my dreams:  a two car garage with a gambrel roof with a lean-to third car stall, and windows!!.  Oh!  How lovely.  He was planning on putting only concrete in the two car area with a small apron.  I jumped with delight.  I was so excited to have a garage for my car this next winter, near the back door, as well a place to host a graduation party next spring.  AND - I was also going to Peru.  I am truly the luckiest girl and the most spoiled.

The story is not quit over yet, this amazing man then decided that if he was going to do this project he may as well do it right and do it all the first time.  You can imagine my joy when I understood the stakes he put out laying out where the building included stakes indicting a 25 foot apron of concrete out front.  I am nearly giddy with the knowledge that less dirt and mud will enter our home with all this concrete out the back door. Our dream garage is to become a reality.  

The man I married is wise and generous.  He has wisely waited until we had the money saved to build rather than taking on debt to burden us for years.  He is patient and puts up with an impatient spouse as he leads our family as a wise steward of our resources.

I am still living with partial walls, worn flooring, unfinished woodwork, lack of woodwork yet I am get the privilege of a short term missions trip with my daughter and a garage.  God wasn't done blessing me as donations started to arrive for our trip.  Approximately 50% of our trip is paid for through donations.  As my friend and fellow traveler said "you cannot out give God."  She is so very right.  

The garage is in planning phase, going through blue print design and approvals, etc.  Although the building site pad is ready and waiting.  The process is taking much long than my impatient personalty prefers.  I keep reminding myself that the wait worth it.  I real relish each time I pull into the garage, near the back door of the house this winter rather than traversing the icy hill to the big shed, maneuvering the big sliding door, tromping through the snow to lock it all up.  I desire to remember how I though the dream was lost to have it given back to me with much more than I expected.

I'll post a picture of the lovely structure when it is built.  

P.S. 10 days to our departure for Peru.

Sleep on ground required... uh, I'm not so sure

As I wrote in the previous post, the decision was to sacrifice the garage and/or home remodeling to go to Peru.  I wish I could tell you that I signed up immediately without further pondering or questioning.  But that would be less than honest.  Rather, I had the audacity to debate the decision and leading with God.  God the Most High Creator of the Universe, Alpha and Omega --  that God. 

Before I would pay the down payment, I had to convince myself that I could survive without some comforts I am accustomed to at home.  I readily admit I am a spoiled princess.  I have a soft bed, running water, flush potties, heat and cooling on demand.  I am not an outdoorsy, camping kinda girl.  I gave up tents when every adventure in camping as a young girl turned into monsoon rains and tornadoes.  I have decided that hotels are best for me.

The schedule for this trip includes time in a little village high in Andes where we will sleep on the cold ground, hopefully in a building, a building that does not get heated.  The night time temperatures drop to around freezing as August in winter in Peru.  I simply and respectfully told God that  my hips could not tolerate sleeping on the cold, hard ground.  Seriously, they ache and cause discomfort in my soft, adjustable mattress.  In very predictable God-like fashion, He quietly reminded that His grace is sufficient, He is the God who created me, after all.  God and I discussed this detail for some time.  Yes, I lost the debate.  I am going to where I sleep on the cold hard ground, BUT I am bringing an air mattress, thank you very much.

I do not recommend debating with God.  I have yet to win a debate.  He really does know what is best.  I guess I am just bull-headed.  Thankfully, He is a patient, merciful, compassionate God.  I am praying that I do not wear out His patience.  I admire the quality of Mary who immediately responded to God in a positive manner without any questioning.  "May it be done to me as you say."  It is a quality I really would like to strive to achieve, I fail daily in attaining this character trait.  

In the end my suitcase includes a sleeping bag, an air mattress, and a camping pillow.  Hey, did you know that make small camping pillows that roll in a bag?  I didn't, nor did I know that there are compact, yet warm sleeping bags.  Those outdoorsy, camping stores have some really neat products to make outdoor living more comfortable.  I can learn and I can enjoy.  I am really hoping it doesn't rain.  It is only temporary and I will survive.  I may suffer aches and pains, I may find it difficult to move those mornings following ground sleeping but I will also learn that God's grace is sufficient.  Prayers are most appreciate for those three nights high in the Andes Mountains as our team attempts to rest on the cold ground in our sleeping bags.

I am going to Peru? Really?

Welcome to my journal of this adventure I am about to embark upon with my youngest daughter and four others to the Andes Mountains of Peru.  We are a group of six going on a short term missions trip for two weeks.

We leave in less than two weeks but I think you might like some background how I became a part of this adventure to bring Christ to the Andes Mountains.

I currently serve on my church's mission's committee.  We strive to provide opportunities for our congregation to serve in our church, community, and world.  With that in mind, as a group, we desired to offer a short term missions trip opportunity further than a day's drive.

Our church has a relationship with a missionary currently living and serving in Peru.  She was sent out by this congregation.  Coordinating a short term missions trip with her seemed appropriate and natural.  We will get to see her mission field, learn about her work first hand, and have a clearer understanding how to pray and support her.  We also will have the opportunity to serve along side of her and hopefully bring her encouragement.

For myself, I have long desired to go the mission field.  My adult life has been a continual exposure to the larger field of world-wide missions.  Being a part of a the Christian Missionary and Alliance I have gained friends who are missionaries.  I follow the ministries of several missionaries, read about missions, pray for missions, and financially support mission work.  This season of my life has not been conducive for me 'to go', raising a family.  I have watched others and have been waiting for my turn.

I have visited some very dear fiends on the missions field.  These were not official mission's trips, I was visiting my friends.  I quickly learned that visiting a missionary is an opportunity to serve.  I saw up close and personal what is like to move your family to another country and culture, to navigate in a place without language skills, to create a home, to make friendships, networks, and ultimately tell other of Jesus in a place far from home.

We have so much going on in our lives right now with two teenagers.  I told my husband, initially  that I did not think I should consider this trip.  The timing, again, did not feel right nor was I convinced of the financial aspect of the trip.  At about that time, I began reading a book entitled Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis (http://www.amazima.org/katiesbook.html).  Katie was a high school student desiring to go a missions trip, she lobbied her parent to allow her to go to Uganda.  Her mother finally agreed to go with her in December of her senior year of high school.  This trip changed Katie's life forever.  She now lives and serves the Lord full time in Uganda.  That short trip was a life altering trip in Katie's young life.

My next conversation with my husband about the Peru trip was different.  Our youngest daughter has had a life-long interest in the Spanish language - - this is a trip to a Spanish speaking/Latin country.  I told him that rather than building a garage and continuing our home remodeling projects of 20 years, perhaps I should go to Peru with our daughter, which will ultimately impact her relationship with the Lord.  Where do I want to store up my treasure, in things that rot and decay or in the heavenly realms?  Please understand my deep desire for a garage.  We have an upcoming grad party in the spring, I have awaiting 20 years for a real garage and am tired of fighting the ice and snow.  I would also really like to finish the interior of our home, the never ending remodeling.  We live with half finished walls, unstained woodwork, walls needing to be torn down and rebuilt, and flooring in desperate need of replacing.  This is not an easy sacrifice for me.  My husband quietly and confidently agreed, as if he had been waiting for my conclusion he had made long before, that we should go.  His agreement gave me the final nudge I needed to commit.  Thus our preparations began in earnest.  

That was in February/March.  It is now July and we are leaving shortly.  I am excited and nervous all at once.  How I wish my husband was going to lead me and handle all the complexities of travel into a foreign land as well as carry my luggage *grin*.  This is also the longest period of time I have every been away from home.  My husband has been gone longer but I was the one at home in the comfort zone holding down the fort.  I am being stretched and look froward to all there is to learn in my faith walk, but, admittedly, scared at the same time.

Here in this blog, I hope to journal my experience as we go forth.