A couple of weeks ago (February 7-9th) I helped out with the youth camp. Kids from all of our churches and missions in Southern Peru came. We focused on Matthew 5:13-16, and the theme was Sal y Luz del Mundo (Salt and Light of the World).
At one of the planning meetings for the trip Padre Victor mentioned they were in need of funds. Feeling led to help out with this area of ministry, I used a portion of my budget and made a donation of $500. I was able to do so thanks to all of my supporters who provided additional funds that I can use where I see a need. So, once again thank you. Padre Victor was very grateful and says "Thank you", too.
Anyway, the camp was held at a site here in Arequipa near the river. We spent Friday, Saturday, and Sunday playing games, singing praise songs, sharing in small groups, and listening to chats about our theme. I'll let the photos do the rest of the talking...
Monday, February 24, 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
The beach and Colca Canyon!
So I'm going to jump back to the beginning of February and update everyone on a couple of little trips I had the opportunity to take…
The first of which was the beach! They invited me to join the kids at Casa Hogar and spend the day at the beach. I had to skip a day of language classes, but I had no problem whatsoever choosing a warm day in the sun over a grammar lesson :) We left super early in the morning, spent several hours in the van, and arrived at the beach mid-morning. I didn't take too many pictures seeing as sand and cameras aren't exactly compatible, but I did snap a couple.
The second trip was to the BEAUTIFUL Colca Canyon. One of the recently ordained priests here in Arequipa is taking over the Anglican Mission we have there and so a group of us traveled to the little traditional town of Cabanaconde for his instillation service. It's such a pretty church with an absolutely incredible view.
The first of which was the beach! They invited me to join the kids at Casa Hogar and spend the day at the beach. I had to skip a day of language classes, but I had no problem whatsoever choosing a warm day in the sun over a grammar lesson :) We left super early in the morning, spent several hours in the van, and arrived at the beach mid-morning. I didn't take too many pictures seeing as sand and cameras aren't exactly compatible, but I did snap a couple.
The second trip was to the BEAUTIFUL Colca Canyon. One of the recently ordained priests here in Arequipa is taking over the Anglican Mission we have there and so a group of us traveled to the little traditional town of Cabanaconde for his instillation service. It's such a pretty church with an absolutely incredible view.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Language School
"Today, I am going to update my blog." I have been telling myself this for the past 6 weeks. I'm the worst…. and since all sorts of things have been happening lately I have lots of catching up to do…Starting with language school...
Since the months of January and February are summer vacation and there was no work to do at the school, I chose these months to do my language training. During my 6 weeks of classes I lived with a Peruvian family, and I loved every minute of it. They cooked all of the authentic Peruvian dishes, and served me portions large enough to keep me full for days at a time. And best of all, since they spoke zero english, I practiced my spanish until I had brain-aches. It was full immersion. And it was awesome.
The institute where I attended my language classes (ABC Espanol) is owned and operated by a preacher. It's located in a house, giving it a small and comfortable feel. The institute teaches Spanish to missionaries who have come from all over the world to serve the Lord and work in Peru. There were missionaries from the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Great Britain, and Canada. It was so cool to meet people from all over and hear their stories. I met some incredible guys and gals, made some good friends, and learned lots of Spanish. I truly was inspired by everyone's overwhelming faith and love for our Lord. Those 6 weeks weren't just a time of growth in my Spanish skills, but also my faith. It's a little hard to explain but to sum it up - I loved it. Now I feel ready. I'm excited to continue on with my mission feeling more confident in my communication skills, and therefore feeling more confident in my ministry.
Since the months of January and February are summer vacation and there was no work to do at the school, I chose these months to do my language training. During my 6 weeks of classes I lived with a Peruvian family, and I loved every minute of it. They cooked all of the authentic Peruvian dishes, and served me portions large enough to keep me full for days at a time. And best of all, since they spoke zero english, I practiced my spanish until I had brain-aches. It was full immersion. And it was awesome.
The institute where I attended my language classes (ABC Espanol) is owned and operated by a preacher. It's located in a house, giving it a small and comfortable feel. The institute teaches Spanish to missionaries who have come from all over the world to serve the Lord and work in Peru. There were missionaries from the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Great Britain, and Canada. It was so cool to meet people from all over and hear their stories. I met some incredible guys and gals, made some good friends, and learned lots of Spanish. I truly was inspired by everyone's overwhelming faith and love for our Lord. Those 6 weeks weren't just a time of growth in my Spanish skills, but also my faith. It's a little hard to explain but to sum it up - I loved it. Now I feel ready. I'm excited to continue on with my mission feeling more confident in my communication skills, and therefore feeling more confident in my ministry.
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| My last day of class with my teacher - Abby - and three fellow classmates behind. There was never a dull moment in our class and I never thought I would enjoy learning grammar as much as I did with them. |
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| My new friend Sigrid, she will be here in Arequipa until mid-summer the same as me! So grateful for this friendship |
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| Tabea and Tabea - one from Germany and the other from Switzerland - Two of my roommates who were also living with the Peruvian family. |
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| After our Bible study we posed for a picture. Crystal:U.S. - Sigrid: Norway - Yours truly: U.S. - Tabea: Germany |
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| Tabea and I on the roof of our house on a sunny afternoon. |
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