Wow. So I´ve officially been in Peru for two weeks. It definitely feels like so much longer than two weeks, not because the time has been dragging, but because so much has happened. I stayed in Lima in a hotel with Karina for a few nights until Lauren got here on Saturday. I was so very thankful for Karina´s help...I definitely could not have done it without her. By the time Sunday rolled around and it was time to go to the la communidad (for those of you who dont know, that what the orphanage is referred to here), I was honestly dreading it. I didn´t expect to feel this, especially after having such a wonderful experience in January. It wasn´t that I didnt want to see the kids, but it was more that I was going to live in a place where I was out of my comfort zone and that many of the things I had lived with for so long (like hot water...or sometimes just running water period, internet, familiar food, etc) would no longer be a part of my life in the same capacity they were before. To be honest, I struggled with going to one of the poorest districts of Peru because I knew I would not have the materialstic comforts I was used to.
When we got to la communidad, I was glad to be there. The kids greeted us with hugs and kisses. School started the next day, and I definitely did not feel prepared. Well, I guess God knew how tired I was and how much I needed sleep, because I actually ended up getting very sick for the first part of the week. I had horrible stomach problems, and I hadnt even really even eaten the food. The started within the first hour of being at the community. I would get up and make it across the room and realize that I didn't have as much strength as I had thought.
So, I taught a few classes throughout the week, but everything was really weird, because in addition to having the language barrier, there really wasn't a schedule of classes. It was just like "well...walk into the room, and if the kids don't have a teacher, you've found yourself a place." So one class I ended up teaching for almost 3 hours. That was interesting. Then I found out later that it's the teachers that rotate in secondary...not the students. Hmmm. interesting concept...ha.
The school indeed was finished in time for the government to pick up the teachers salaries, so of course that called for a celebration. Actually, it called for TWO celebrations!!! The ministry of education (education department) came out to the school and they had a fun celebration and then came back and did a formal celebraton on Saturday. I got the worst sunburn of my life during that celebration. We are A LOT closer to the equator here...
This last week, a mission group from Austin, Tx. came and did VBS at la communidad. This was the group that did so much for Lauren and I as we prepared to come to Peru. They came and stayed for the week and this meant that the kids only had school for about an hour every morning, and then the rest of the day was filled with fun activities and things that the group had planned. It great to meet some new faces from texas, and it was sooo wonderful to see Karina, Carlos, Luis Felipe, Horishi hahah, Rodo, Rox, and Super Manny =). And it was also great meeting the other translators I had not met before. I seriously had an amazing time.
Lauren and I were able to go into Lima this last week and spend a couple of days getting some supplies and things we will need for the rest of the year. Its so funny because I am so used to just going to Walmart and picking up some stuff and being done with it, but here, there is no Walmart. Many of the stores are about the size of closets (some bigger than others) and only sell certain things. Eduardo came an hung out with us and translated for us, which was very helpful. I think we found almost everything we needed, and Mom is sending the rest of the stuff I need from the states =) I am so glad for moms.
This week has been hard emotionally and spiritually for me. There really hasnt been a solid week of normal school schedule since Ive been here, and I think its just hard getting adjusted and realizing what I need to devote my time and energy to in order to succeed. God has definitely been calling me to a higher level with Him, and Im learning that while I know beyond a shadow of doubt that this is where I am supposed to be, there will still be challenges, and life may still be pretty stinkin hard. But its so encouraging to have a God who provides EVERYTHING we need. I saw His sweet hand today. When Olive Branch left today, they left some of their leftover food with us, and when Lauren and I opened the suitcase, there were some of our favorite snacks in there. God even cares about what we eat. Thank you so much, Lord.
There is so much more I could write about, but here are some specific prayer requests that I have.
-Please pray for spiritual and emotional strength for both Lauren and I.
-That our lives would constantly be pointing to Christ and that everything we do would be glorfiying to Him
-That Satan would not distract us from the goals God has set before us, and that we will only use the energy God has given us on things that really matter.
-For continued opportunities to share the gospel.
-That peoples minds and hearts would be open to the Lord and that the Holy Spirit would draw them toward Himself.
-That I would be able to learn Spanish quickly.
-That the Lord will give me wisdom on how to plan my classes and most importantly, how to integrate the Bible into my classes.
My schedule for this next week looks like this (but could change in a heartbeat haha)
Mon-Fri teach English from 8-1 (Ill prolly have some breaks somewhere in there)
Lunch from 1-2
Teach Intensive English from 4-7 Mon thru Thurs.
I am excited about what God has in store. I absolutely love Peru and Im so glad He has placed me here. I am so thankful for what God has done to get me here, and Im so thankful for the people Hes placed in my path.
I will have an address soon, and I will get it to anyone who wants it, so shoot me a quick email for fb msg if you want it and Ill send it on. lane.nancy@sbcglobal.net
Also, check out my latest album of pics on facebook. For some reason I couldnt upload them
here.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2398551&id=23926997#!/album.php?aid=2398551&id=23926997
Much love
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