Thanksgiving 2011

My family away from family...

     This year has been a year of firsts for me and Thanksgiving was no exception. It was the first year that I have celebrated Thanksgiving and decorated a Christmas tree wearing flip-flops and a tank top instead of boots and a sweater.  This year I find myself overwhelmingly thankful for the ways that God has provided for me here in Peru.  Moving to another continent was, in many ways, like stepping off a cliff and falling into the huge abyss of the unknown, but I can say with confidence that every fear that has ever crossed my mind, God has answered in ways that are beyond my imagination.  It seems that every year at this time, I thank God for the same things: family, friends, church.  But being thankful for family takes on another dimension when I realize that although my family is thousands of miles away, God has provided me with another family in the form of roommates who have become like sisters, and in the 20-some Americans who gathered at the Madisons' house to eat turkey and watch the football game. (I have to say the US national anthem was my favorite part of the game...it made me feel at home!)  Being thankful for friends means more when I realize that despite different backgrounds, different cultures, and even a different language, I am forming some of the most meaningful relationships of my life.  The same is true of my church, a place where I can learn and serve despite the same challenges of language and culture. After a year of changes, challenges, and choices, God continues to astound me with His goodness and His faithfulness.

...decorating my home away from home.

We Run Lima - Nike 10K

On Sunday, November 6, 10,000 people gathered in Miraflores to run Nike's annual "We Run Lima" 10K. I went with Natalie, Kari, our friend, Jessica, and 3 gringa teachers from La Molina Christian School to run my first ever 10K.  I was slightly overwhelmed by the amount of people and as it turns out, many people in Lima run like they drive: reckless and disorganized, which made for a lot of swerving and weaving in an attempt to avoid running into people.  The first 7-ish kilometers were doable, but the last 3 were rough.  I ran so slowly it's too embarassing to post my time, but I was much more concerned about finishing in one piece.  I will worry about time the next time around.

Even the President showed up to run!

All 7 of us...

The girls who got me out of bed every morning at 5...

...and the sign I was waiting to see!!

We did it!

October/November Newsletter

Meet My Roommates

One of the greatest blessings of my time in Peru so far has been the girls that I live with.  They are an awesome, fun, godly group of girls and it is such an encouragement to be part of our mini family.  

(from left to right)

Natalie, Amber, Kari, Samantha and Kara

Natalie is from Iowa, graduated from Northwestern College with a degree in ESL education, teaches 5th grade and coaches volleyball at MCS, and cannot resist anything with the word "competition" in the title. She is a great listener and one of the most patient people I know.

Kari is from New York, graduated with an elementary education degree from Baptist Bible College, and is super creative. Anything fun I do in my classroom was probably her idea! She also plays guitar and piano, which has made us fast friends.  The vast majority of people either think that we are the same person (until they see us together and get really confused), or that we are sisters. 

Samantha is from Colorado and just finished her Master's Degree in Special Education. She is in the process of beginning a special ed program at MCS.  Her extra help with students who are struggling has been a great addition to our school and an encouragement to all of the teachers.  

Kara splits her time between Maine and South Carolina, where she attended Bob Jones University. She has a great sense of humor, a story for every occasion, and always keeps us laughing. She is good at a little of everything and we particularly appreciate her when something breaks in our house and she knows how to fix it! Although she will probably not be returning to Peru next year, we are very grateful for this semester that we have been able to spend with her. 

Pajama Party!

 Since I arrived my students had been adding dry macaroni to a jar based on good behavior and after two quarters, our macaroni jar is finally full!!  On the last day of 3rd quarter, we celebrated with a pajama party... 

...complete with popcorn and a movie...

...face painting...

...and Jacque Ward's world-famous macaroni and cheese. 

If you want a party done right, make sure you do it when Jacque Ward is in town to help!