Well, it has been an interesting month. The first week of August was vacation from school for the whole family. The second week Christian went to Lima for a church planting conference and the kids and I went back to school after three weeks off for fear of "gripe porcina", swine flu. Christian had a wonderful time in Lima getting to know some of the guys from the Mil Palmeras church and I had fun driving for the first time since we've been here. I managed to get the kids back and forth to school every day until I tried to fix the problem with the blinkers and I accidentally left the key on and drained the battery. Needless to say we took public transportation the rest of the week. The kids were in school 4 days before Gavin came home with a fever. Our house has had a fever ever since! Christian came home and one by one they dropped like flies. High fevers that lasted 3 days plagued everyone (except me. I got to be Nurse Cratchet all week). The 4 youngest returned to school Friday after spending all of week three of August sick and delirious. Christian and Gabe are still feeling a bit under the weather but are slowly improving each day.
I am studying for my drivers exam right now. It is amazing how sensible the driving code is yet how NO ONE follows it. It is crazy. Driving here is crazy. It would figure however that as I study for my drivers test I see a headline yesterday that states, "No Drivers Licenses Until 2010". They are tightening the rules and changing regulations so that me they just aren't going to give out licenses until 2010 sometime. Sounds logical to me. So that leaves so big questions. It we take the test here in Arequipa do we have to come back with the paper work to get our licenses after we've already moved to Pucallpa?? Probably because the regulations are a such . . .so do we bother doing it here? I am told it is nearly impossible to pass the driving exam in Pucallpa. People want bribes so they fail you over and over again. So many questions.
We also just found out that we have to make an unexpected visit to Lima to pick up the kids resident cards. We thought we could wait till we moved but apparently not. We have chosen the over night bus trip experience. We will go in September and managed to get the appointment we need a immigration the same weekend friends and fellow SAMers arrive for their first term in Peru. It will be fun to see them in Lima and greet them when they arrive.
So, that is the latest from this side of the equator. You are all up there getting ready for school to start and our kids just finished their winter break. Actually, the kids have one week of school left before we take them out. We have 2 months before we head to Pucallpa and we are going to work on their studies at home to get them all caught up and ready for SAM Academy. I guess that means I only have one more week of language school . . . Christian has 2 more months and then we will be done here in Arequipa.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Thursday, August 06, 2009
La Playa
We made the trip out to the beach today . . . you'd think that would mean bathing suits, sand buckets and suntan lotion . . . . but this is Peru. Nothing here is as it seems or as you would expect. We left Arequipa on a coach style bus (our Kombi would never make it back up the 8,000 ft climb back to Arequipa) - Less than clean, but adequate. Really, you can't expect much more for a 2.5 hour bus ride that only costs $2.67. The weather leaving the city was beautiful. We had swim suits and towels all backed just in case we found sunshine at the shore.
The road leaving town toward Lima and the coast felt curvier and bumpier than the road to Colca Canyon. I was sure I was going to lose my breakfast before we even spotted water. We drove through some very interesting landscapes. Pretty much just desert but an occasional strip-mall-style town or farm. The kids thought the little houses that dotted the mountain sides looked like Legos scattered on the ground.
As we approached the very hilly horizon we could see this strange gray stuff above the hill tops. We were hopping there was an enormous garbage pile burning some where producing this amount of "smoke" but alas, no burning rubbish just a thick, dark cloud line. It was rather astonishing to leave the sun light behind us and plunge into such a distinct cloud line. The road began to descend and the overcast sky, that we were driving through, rose higher and higher above us.
We finally arrived in Mollendo. The bus station is located on the outskirts of town. We decided to walk to the beach instead of take a taxi. We donned our sweatshirts and chose the road less traveled. I think we saw parts of town that only the local residents see. We were quite a spectacle for the locals as well. Our family of seven, plus our friends with the cute two year old and the baby are quite a sight where ever we go, but today was extra special for the people of Mollendo. Though Meghan and baby Mark were not with us, we still made up 9 of the 11 gringos in the entire coastal town. It is really funny to hear people yell out, very loudly, "Que gringuitos bonitos!" We were imagining how that would work if the roles were reversed. You would never hear some one in the States yell, "What sweet little Mexicans!" or "Look at the cute Chinese kiddies!" It just gives you a deeper insight into the culture we live in down here.
After our detour through the more "scenic" part of town we made it down to the plaza that over looks the ocean. Absolutely beautiful! While we were there we ran into one of Max's class mates and her family. They were visiting the beach for the day as well. It was fun to chat and get to know them better. We talked about school and family, the weather and beaches . . .then some how the conversation turned to birth control (I think the mom asked if we were having any more and how were we preventing it) I told her we were done and had a full house and that my hubby had visited the doctor and we have no worries. She had a million questions. I found it quite amusing that I having a conversation, in Spanish, over looking the Pacific Ocean, with people I had just met, about vasectomies. God works in mysterious ways. Hopefully he will believe us that he won't be impotent if he has it done (that is what the doctor had told him) and their marriage will be blessed.
We then went to eat lunch and splash in the ocean. A great time was had by all. Of course the kids all got there clothes wet after we had asked them not to - reminiscent of afternoons at Lake Michigan. The bus ride home was crowed and long. We are very thankful that no one got sick and nothing was stolen. Other than a lack of sun it was a great day for the beach, in the middle of winter, in Peru.
The road leaving town toward Lima and the coast felt curvier and bumpier than the road to Colca Canyon. I was sure I was going to lose my breakfast before we even spotted water. We drove through some very interesting landscapes. Pretty much just desert but an occasional strip-mall-style town or farm. The kids thought the little houses that dotted the mountain sides looked like Legos scattered on the ground.
As we approached the very hilly horizon we could see this strange gray stuff above the hill tops. We were hopping there was an enormous garbage pile burning some where producing this amount of "smoke" but alas, no burning rubbish just a thick, dark cloud line. It was rather astonishing to leave the sun light behind us and plunge into such a distinct cloud line. The road began to descend and the overcast sky, that we were driving through, rose higher and higher above us.
We finally arrived in Mollendo. The bus station is located on the outskirts of town. We decided to walk to the beach instead of take a taxi. We donned our sweatshirts and chose the road less traveled. I think we saw parts of town that only the local residents see. We were quite a spectacle for the locals as well. Our family of seven, plus our friends with the cute two year old and the baby are quite a sight where ever we go, but today was extra special for the people of Mollendo. Though Meghan and baby Mark were not with us, we still made up 9 of the 11 gringos in the entire coastal town. It is really funny to hear people yell out, very loudly, "Que gringuitos bonitos!" We were imagining how that would work if the roles were reversed. You would never hear some one in the States yell, "What sweet little Mexicans!" or "Look at the cute Chinese kiddies!" It just gives you a deeper insight into the culture we live in down here.
After our detour through the more "scenic" part of town we made it down to the plaza that over looks the ocean. Absolutely beautiful! While we were there we ran into one of Max's class mates and her family. They were visiting the beach for the day as well. It was fun to chat and get to know them better. We talked about school and family, the weather and beaches . . .then some how the conversation turned to birth control (I think the mom asked if we were having any more and how were we preventing it) I told her we were done and had a full house and that my hubby had visited the doctor and we have no worries. She had a million questions. I found it quite amusing that I having a conversation, in Spanish, over looking the Pacific Ocean, with people I had just met, about vasectomies. God works in mysterious ways. Hopefully he will believe us that he won't be impotent if he has it done (that is what the doctor had told him) and their marriage will be blessed.
We then went to eat lunch and splash in the ocean. A great time was had by all. Of course the kids all got there clothes wet after we had asked them not to - reminiscent of afternoons at Lake Michigan. The bus ride home was crowed and long. We are very thankful that no one got sick and nothing was stolen. Other than a lack of sun it was a great day for the beach, in the middle of winter, in Peru.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Returned to Owner
We got our Dell laptop back. We met with the D.A. and with the vendor that had the computer. He promised to never possess stolen goods again and we got the computer back. An ABSOLUTE MIRACLE! The D.A told us that people never find their stuff. Christian and our friend Scott went right to work on retrieving everything possible from the hard drive. So far they have recovered about 1,000 photos! God is amazing - nothing is impossible for him.
After:
We also got our Kombi back. . . FINALLY! After a long 6.5 weeks our beloved 1980 VW van has returned from the painters. As you can see 12 days takes longer in Peru.
Before:
After:We have been having a wonderful vacation from school with the kids and a great visit with my (Amy's) mom. I've got a lot to share with you but it will have to wait till she's gone. Please keep praying . . . . more changes for us in the near future.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Leave it to the government
Here is a little sample of our life in recent weeks to give you and idea of what things are like here. Every year the country celebrates there independence from Spain on July 28th and 29th. The normal vacation for all of the school, both public and private, is the last week of July and the 1st week of august. That is how it is every year . . . . well this past Friday the government changed the vacation schedule because of the swine flu. Friday we were told end of month exams were being moved to Monday and that exams would take place Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and the rest of the exams would take place when school started again on August 3rd. Tuesday at school we got a new note at the end of the day stating that there was no school the next day and that classes would recommence the 6th of August if they weren't prolonged any more.
So we have begun our unexpected vacation . . .I have to say that it has only been two days but I am enjoying being with the kids again. They have been really good about hanging out a physical therapy with Christian (his ankle still isn't healed) or at the dentist with me (still finishing up a root canal). My mom should be here next week!! We are looking forward to her visit. Spanish classes are moving along. We are feeling more and more confident all the time.
we would love to hear from all of you - please keep in touch.
So we have begun our unexpected vacation . . .I have to say that it has only been two days but I am enjoying being with the kids again. They have been really good about hanging out a physical therapy with Christian (his ankle still isn't healed) or at the dentist with me (still finishing up a root canal). My mom should be here next week!! We are looking forward to her visit. Spanish classes are moving along. We are feeling more and more confident all the time.
we would love to hear from all of you - please keep in touch.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Plaza de Armas and Current Events
I had been with out a camera for so long that I forget I have one now. Here is a photo, for your viewing pleasure, of the Plaza de Armas here in Arequipa.
Hello All! I keep thinking of the the many things I want to share with you but whenever I have the time to sit down and type I forget what I wanted to say. Things are moving along here. I am in the middle of a root canal and Christian is on his second week of physical therapy after injuring his ankle playing soccer. The kids are doing great and we have had a wonderful long week-end. Early dismissal on Friday, no school Monday due to Teacher's Day, and there has been a transportation strike yesterday and today. It has been fun. Gavin lost his lunch box AGAIN, but I found nothing of value at the market this time when I went to buy a new one.
Back to school as usual tomorrow for the kids and Christian and I have an appointment at the District Attorney's office at 8 a.m. We should be getting our computer back. Have I mentioned that we received a copy of the vendor's statement. He changed his story for the third time and says he got the computer from a young man named "Jorge2". Interesting, no?? Any how, I will let you know how it all plays out tomorrow.
My mom is coming to visit us in two weeks!!!! We can't wait. She is bring suitcases full of stuff for us so anyone has been wanting to send us something (a few people have asked) - can send there packages to my mom and she can carry them down. Let me know if you need more info.
Can you spot the gringo pigeon??
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Red Eagles
This is a photo of the kids before the father's day event at school - they are the Red Eagles
Couples Night
O.K. this past Sunday night we experienced our first public ministry in Peru. Christian was the main speaker at the couple's night at church. It was very interesting and didn't go at all like we planned but I believe it was a good ice breaker.
Christian spoke in English and I was his translator - that part went more or less well. After talking with the pastor on Saturday night we realized how careful we needed to be to NOT talk about marriage from a cultural stand point. The self-help tips in the U.S. are not going to be realitive to anybody here. Christian printed out 8 pages of scriptures on marriage - all in Spanish to hand out at the dinner. He simply pesented from scripture what marriage is and what it is not.
This fairly simply chat got off on the wrong foot when, while explaining that in God's eyes marriage is forever and how other than infedelity there is no way out of marrige, it ended up sounding like he was telling everyone how to get OUT of their marriages . . . the pastor quickly helped clear that up.
Actually, we weren't very unclear - we just han't gotten to the scripture about God hating divorce and apparently there were several men in the room who might be looking for an out because they have other women on the side. (a practice not at all uncommon here). However by the end I believe Christian had done a great job presenting the scripture and sending them home with much to read and study. The Holy Spirit can speak, correct, encourage, and convict from here.
Christian spoke in English and I was his translator - that part went more or less well. After talking with the pastor on Saturday night we realized how careful we needed to be to NOT talk about marriage from a cultural stand point. The self-help tips in the U.S. are not going to be realitive to anybody here. Christian printed out 8 pages of scriptures on marriage - all in Spanish to hand out at the dinner. He simply pesented from scripture what marriage is and what it is not.
This fairly simply chat got off on the wrong foot when, while explaining that in God's eyes marriage is forever and how other than infedelity there is no way out of marrige, it ended up sounding like he was telling everyone how to get OUT of their marriages . . . the pastor quickly helped clear that up.
Actually, we weren't very unclear - we just han't gotten to the scripture about God hating divorce and apparently there were several men in the room who might be looking for an out because they have other women on the side. (a practice not at all uncommon here). However by the end I believe Christian had done a great job presenting the scripture and sending them home with much to read and study. The Holy Spirit can speak, correct, encourage, and convict from here.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
A Word form the Lord??
I left my house early this morning - two hours early to be exact. I only have two hours of class per day this week and I have purposed to put the other two hours aside for praying and reading my Bible and journaling. Things I love to do but have not had the time - or should I say - made the time for recently. I knew if I stayed in the house I would spend my two hours cleaning or organizing so I fled to a cafe for coffee and solitude.
When I arrived there was no one in the place. I found a table, took out my Bible and was about to look at the menu when a woman approached me. She was a Peruvian, and she spoke so quitely I couldn't HEAR what she was saying. I memtioned once that she needed to speak up but she didn't. I didn't want to say it again because she would have assumed that I don't understand Spanish. So I strained my ears the best I could to hear here over Ace Of Base blaring in the background.
She saw my Bible and told me that she was also a Christian. I asked when and how she decided to follow Christ and she told me a long story about 2002 when she was in Brasil . . . .unfotunately most of her story was drowned out by the music. I did here her clearly quote James 3:17 and then she spoke of my family and prayed for us. She spoke against discouragement and how inportant it is that we are here . . . .I then realized she was talking to me about me. It was amazing! She hugged me prayed over me and left. I would have thought she was an angel, but she came back and gave me her e-mail address. the waitress says she is a regular at the cafe and often speaks about God.
It is absolutely amazing to me that God knows our needs so well and exactly how to encourage us and exactly how much we can take as far as pain and trials go. I am suddenly starting to have terrible pain and swelling in my gums on one side and am very nervous about what might be going on in my mouth. It seems that everytime I get to the point where I feel like I can actually handle all that is going on in our life God sends something else to stretch us and try us. I was just telling Him how I really can't handle anymore, and he sent an sister in Christ to encourage me. I am so glad she responded to the Lord and talked to me and prayed for me. It was what I needed to be able to handle what God has for me. (Amy)
When I arrived there was no one in the place. I found a table, took out my Bible and was about to look at the menu when a woman approached me. She was a Peruvian, and she spoke so quitely I couldn't HEAR what she was saying. I memtioned once that she needed to speak up but she didn't. I didn't want to say it again because she would have assumed that I don't understand Spanish. So I strained my ears the best I could to hear here over Ace Of Base blaring in the background.
She saw my Bible and told me that she was also a Christian. I asked when and how she decided to follow Christ and she told me a long story about 2002 when she was in Brasil . . . .unfotunately most of her story was drowned out by the music. I did here her clearly quote James 3:17 and then she spoke of my family and prayed for us. She spoke against discouragement and how inportant it is that we are here . . . .I then realized she was talking to me about me. It was amazing! She hugged me prayed over me and left. I would have thought she was an angel, but she came back and gave me her e-mail address. the waitress says she is a regular at the cafe and often speaks about God.
It is absolutely amazing to me that God knows our needs so well and exactly how to encourage us and exactly how much we can take as far as pain and trials go. I am suddenly starting to have terrible pain and swelling in my gums on one side and am very nervous about what might be going on in my mouth. It seems that everytime I get to the point where I feel like I can actually handle all that is going on in our life God sends something else to stretch us and try us. I was just telling Him how I really can't handle anymore, and he sent an sister in Christ to encourage me. I am so glad she responded to the Lord and talked to me and prayed for me. It was what I needed to be able to handle what God has for me. (Amy)
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Father's Day
Sorry to leave you all hanging . . . everyone keeps asking what happened with the computer.
Well the next morning we went to our meeting at the District Attorney's office. The vendedor didn't show up. So he is trouble for possessing stolen goods and now for not appearing. She took our statement and said that there was a new investigation open and that she wanted to get the vendedor's statement before she gave the computer back to us. If he doesn't come to her office she said she would go to his tienda and look for other stolen goods. So now we just wait. But really, we don't mind. We are still just basking in the glow of God's hand in all of this. God is amazing!
We spent the day yesterday at the kids school, Sataurday, 8:30 to 2:30. There was a father's day party and the kick-off to the intermural olympics. The kids are on the "red" team. They walked in the opening parade of colors and them 4 of them danced or sang for the fathers. (3rd grade didn't do anything). It was so cute!
Christian's Father's Day started with a delicious breakfast of eggs benedict - Peruvian style: ciabatta rolls instead of English muffins, and "pizza ham" in lieu of Canadian bacon. It was still very good though. Then we hosted our gringo home church tonight. Scott and Meghan are in Lima. It was fun and we had a lot of people. It amazes me how many people come and go in our small circle of aquaintances. Our friend and fellow SAMer, Marshall, arrives on Tuesday and will live with us for a month while he attends classes at the institute as well.
It is freezing cold in our house right now. There is no heating anywhere here in any of the buildings. When the sun is out the temperature is o.k. It is winter here now so the cold is awful but you roast in the sun. It is crazy. Sweaters are contantly being put on and taken off. The only warm place around here is our bed . . . so good night.
Well the next morning we went to our meeting at the District Attorney's office. The vendedor didn't show up. So he is trouble for possessing stolen goods and now for not appearing. She took our statement and said that there was a new investigation open and that she wanted to get the vendedor's statement before she gave the computer back to us. If he doesn't come to her office she said she would go to his tienda and look for other stolen goods. So now we just wait. But really, we don't mind. We are still just basking in the glow of God's hand in all of this. God is amazing!
We spent the day yesterday at the kids school, Sataurday, 8:30 to 2:30. There was a father's day party and the kick-off to the intermural olympics. The kids are on the "red" team. They walked in the opening parade of colors and them 4 of them danced or sang for the fathers. (3rd grade didn't do anything). It was so cute!
Christian's Father's Day started with a delicious breakfast of eggs benedict - Peruvian style: ciabatta rolls instead of English muffins, and "pizza ham" in lieu of Canadian bacon. It was still very good though. Then we hosted our gringo home church tonight. Scott and Meghan are in Lima. It was fun and we had a lot of people. It amazes me how many people come and go in our small circle of aquaintances. Our friend and fellow SAMer, Marshall, arrives on Tuesday and will live with us for a month while he attends classes at the institute as well.
It is freezing cold in our house right now. There is no heating anywhere here in any of the buildings. When the sun is out the temperature is o.k. It is winter here now so the cold is awful but you roast in the sun. It is crazy. Sweaters are contantly being put on and taken off. The only warm place around here is our bed . . . so good night.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Hope in a Lunch Box (edited)
Well through a series of events I brought the kids to school today. Usually Christian brings the kids and I stay home to let in our house helper and give her instructions for the day (before you all start wondering way we can pay a maid here it is because it is expected, for one, for two, it costs us the same to have her clean, iron, and cook for what it would cost for 2 coffees and a cookie at Starbucks - honestly, I can't do it all with out help here.) Anyway . . . Christian stayed at home this morning and I took all the kids on the combi (public bus) to school. Taking the combi is interesting because the combi's job is to pick people up and drop them off but they don't like to stop for anyone. The bus is fast and crowded. When it was time to get off, two blocks from school, I was counting heads, back packs, and lunch boxes. It appeared that everyone and everything was in order as they rapidly exited the bus.
We crossed the street and started up the hill when I noticed that Gavin was missing his lunchbox. "Gavin, where's your lunchbox?" "I don't know. Maybe I dropped it.", he replied. Dropped it? You just dropped your lunch? Really now, how is that possible? Another student from the school passed us on the corner and said that there was a lonchera back across the street. So I sent the kids up the hill to school and went back for the lunch. Of course it was gone. Not to be found - some Peruvian experienced pumpkin pie for the first time today. I went to the school and ended up buying Gavin a nutritious meal of yogurt, chips, Gatorade, and clemintines from the corner store. The kids all went to class and so did I.
My teacher and I went to the police station in Yanahuara, to pick up my denuncia that states I was robbed and I need to get a new ID. All went very well and then we were off to converse over coffee. Christian stayed home because he wasn't feeling great but at noon met me and some friends for a quick lunch and then we were off to the second hand clothing market. It was in a part of town I had never been to before and very interesting - it was strange to rummage through all the American "throw away" clothes, some of which were VERY nice. We couldn't stay long because we needed to get back to the otherside of town to pick up the kids after school. So off we went. Everyone had a great day at school, we took the combi home and had lunch - In Peru they eat their big meal, lunch, between 2 and 4ish. We ate and got ready to leave because we needed to go out and find a new lonchera for Gavin.
That may seem like an easy thing to do but at this time during the school, no. If it were March you could find them on every street corner but this time of you you have to seek out the source and find out who sells the loncheras year round. We had to choices: San Camilo or Siglo XX. The San Camilo area I know pretty well now. It is not the best part of town but you can find EVERYTHING there. I had only been to Siglo XX once before but they have everything, too, so I picked to night as the night to learn. We found a taxi larger than a Tico and made our way out there. When you see the street Siglo XX you might not think there are very many stores, but there are hundreds! You enter one shop and it leads to another, which leads to another, and pretty soon you realize that the entire block is all shops. It can be intimidating and overwhelming at first but we now find it quite interesting.
The first isle we went up we found just about everything on our list. Then we were free to just wander around the shops. We were in the second block of stores when we found ourselves in the computer section - all used, referbished, and most of them probably stolen. Christian, half joking, said, "Keep your eyes out for our stolen computer." and then approached a random vendedor in his 5'x5' cubicle of a store to ask how much used laptops go for. As he was chatting he noticed a Dell Studio Laptop up on the shelf. We asked to see it and the guy wouldn't let us. He lied to us about the brand (said it was a Toshiba - it says Dell right on it) then he lied about the color and also that it wasn't his. Someone had dropped it off to be fixed. We told him we didn't want any trouble and if we could just verify that it WASN'T ours we would be on our way. He continued to refuse so Beth and I left to find the police. We prayed that if God wanted the Police involved that he would let us find one - there was one, only one that I could see for blocks. I explained to him the problem and he can back to the tienda with us. He made the vendedor show us the computer. It was blue, not silver like he said, and had other options that ours had.
Christian went to the tienda across the hall and paid them to use the internet and get our serial numbers for our Dell. (We happened to have them because our new computer broke and we had it serviced Friday. The service tech told us to get the numbers from Dell and if he ever ran across our stolen laptop he'd return it - before Friday we didn't have these numbers in our posession) - Christian printed the e-mail and it was a perfect match. It was OUR Dell. You have to understand that there were over 200 cubicle-like computer tiendas in this block and Christian "just happened" to talk to the guy that had our computer? It was a direct act of God - a miracle.
At this point the police man said the vendedor didn't want trouble and the police man is implying that we should pay the man for our computer to settle the matter. No, gracias. So we, all 10 of us, went to The police station Santa Marta. Here you pay for the taxi to take you and the police man to the station. After much talking amonst them selves (I really don't think the police knew exactly what to do) we went to a different police station, another taxi ride. Again, confusion, and we went back to station SM. Finally, after I realized I had told them the wrong date for the robbery of our house back in March, we all went to police station Y (where I had been in the morning) and finished the paper work there.
Long story a little shorter, the vendedor said he bought the computer from someone and can prove it so tomorrow we have to go to the Y police station again to show the special judge lady our paperwork. Once all of this was done, hours into the process the vendedor decided he would like to just give us the computer if we would drop the process. I f we drop the process the computer goes back to him there is no garantia he would return it. So we are going to continue with all of this in the morning. So we may get our computer back tomorrow. Vamos a ver!
Tonight was long and tiring for all of us (at one point the 5 kids, me, 3 police men, and 2 Peruvian friends were all in the same small SUV! Two police up front, 4 kids, me and a police in the backseat, and two adults and Gavin in the back hatch. I was balancing on one leg with my bottom off the seat to avoid sitting on the policeman's lap.) Lucky for us Dominos was having 2 for 1 pizza night. We didn't eat till 10:30p.m. The kids were exhausted, but it was good for them to expirience all of this first hand. So the appointment is for 9 a.m. We may get it back, we may not, but either way this has encouraged us greatly! God is reminding us of his power -and that bad can be used for good by him. So we went out insearch of a luch box and came home several hours later with a new lonchera and a lot of hope. Not hope for the computer but for all that God can and will do.
We crossed the street and started up the hill when I noticed that Gavin was missing his lunchbox. "Gavin, where's your lunchbox?" "I don't know. Maybe I dropped it.", he replied. Dropped it? You just dropped your lunch? Really now, how is that possible? Another student from the school passed us on the corner and said that there was a lonchera back across the street. So I sent the kids up the hill to school and went back for the lunch. Of course it was gone. Not to be found - some Peruvian experienced pumpkin pie for the first time today. I went to the school and ended up buying Gavin a nutritious meal of yogurt, chips, Gatorade, and clemintines from the corner store. The kids all went to class and so did I.
My teacher and I went to the police station in Yanahuara, to pick up my denuncia that states I was robbed and I need to get a new ID. All went very well and then we were off to converse over coffee. Christian stayed home because he wasn't feeling great but at noon met me and some friends for a quick lunch and then we were off to the second hand clothing market. It was in a part of town I had never been to before and very interesting - it was strange to rummage through all the American "throw away" clothes, some of which were VERY nice. We couldn't stay long because we needed to get back to the otherside of town to pick up the kids after school. So off we went. Everyone had a great day at school, we took the combi home and had lunch - In Peru they eat their big meal, lunch, between 2 and 4ish. We ate and got ready to leave because we needed to go out and find a new lonchera for Gavin.
That may seem like an easy thing to do but at this time during the school, no. If it were March you could find them on every street corner but this time of you you have to seek out the source and find out who sells the loncheras year round. We had to choices: San Camilo or Siglo XX. The San Camilo area I know pretty well now. It is not the best part of town but you can find EVERYTHING there. I had only been to Siglo XX once before but they have everything, too, so I picked to night as the night to learn. We found a taxi larger than a Tico and made our way out there. When you see the street Siglo XX you might not think there are very many stores, but there are hundreds! You enter one shop and it leads to another, which leads to another, and pretty soon you realize that the entire block is all shops. It can be intimidating and overwhelming at first but we now find it quite interesting.
The first isle we went up we found just about everything on our list. Then we were free to just wander around the shops. We were in the second block of stores when we found ourselves in the computer section - all used, referbished, and most of them probably stolen. Christian, half joking, said, "Keep your eyes out for our stolen computer." and then approached a random vendedor in his 5'x5' cubicle of a store to ask how much used laptops go for. As he was chatting he noticed a Dell Studio Laptop up on the shelf. We asked to see it and the guy wouldn't let us. He lied to us about the brand (said it was a Toshiba - it says Dell right on it) then he lied about the color and also that it wasn't his. Someone had dropped it off to be fixed. We told him we didn't want any trouble and if we could just verify that it WASN'T ours we would be on our way. He continued to refuse so Beth and I left to find the police. We prayed that if God wanted the Police involved that he would let us find one - there was one, only one that I could see for blocks. I explained to him the problem and he can back to the tienda with us. He made the vendedor show us the computer. It was blue, not silver like he said, and had other options that ours had.
Christian went to the tienda across the hall and paid them to use the internet and get our serial numbers for our Dell. (We happened to have them because our new computer broke and we had it serviced Friday. The service tech told us to get the numbers from Dell and if he ever ran across our stolen laptop he'd return it - before Friday we didn't have these numbers in our posession) - Christian printed the e-mail and it was a perfect match. It was OUR Dell. You have to understand that there were over 200 cubicle-like computer tiendas in this block and Christian "just happened" to talk to the guy that had our computer? It was a direct act of God - a miracle.
At this point the police man said the vendedor didn't want trouble and the police man is implying that we should pay the man for our computer to settle the matter. No, gracias. So we, all 10 of us, went to The police station Santa Marta. Here you pay for the taxi to take you and the police man to the station. After much talking amonst them selves (I really don't think the police knew exactly what to do) we went to a different police station, another taxi ride. Again, confusion, and we went back to station SM. Finally, after I realized I had told them the wrong date for the robbery of our house back in March, we all went to police station Y (where I had been in the morning) and finished the paper work there.
Long story a little shorter, the vendedor said he bought the computer from someone and can prove it so tomorrow we have to go to the Y police station again to show the special judge lady our paperwork. Once all of this was done, hours into the process the vendedor decided he would like to just give us the computer if we would drop the process. I f we drop the process the computer goes back to him there is no garantia he would return it. So we are going to continue with all of this in the morning. So we may get our computer back tomorrow. Vamos a ver!
Tonight was long and tiring for all of us (at one point the 5 kids, me, 3 police men, and 2 Peruvian friends were all in the same small SUV! Two police up front, 4 kids, me and a police in the backseat, and two adults and Gavin in the back hatch. I was balancing on one leg with my bottom off the seat to avoid sitting on the policeman's lap.) Lucky for us Dominos was having 2 for 1 pizza night. We didn't eat till 10:30p.m. The kids were exhausted, but it was good for them to expirience all of this first hand. So the appointment is for 9 a.m. We may get it back, we may not, but either way this has encouraged us greatly! God is reminding us of his power -and that bad can be used for good by him. So we went out insearch of a luch box and came home several hours later with a new lonchera and a lot of hope. Not hope for the computer but for all that God can and will do.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Birthday Fun
Hey, we just got a new camera today! So hopefully I will be faithful in posting new pictures, but I just remembered that we had pictures from Beth and Gavin's b-day that Scott and Meghan took.
Lining up for the pinata.
Cake number one.
Cake number two.
Cake number one.Cake number two.Sunday, June 14, 2009
Daniel, anyone?
" . . . so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that you were destined for them. In fact when we were with you we kept telling you that you would be persecuted. And it turned out that way as you well know." I Thes. 3:3-4
This is one of the scriptures that Christian used when he lead homegroup tonight. He was sifting through the scriptures and ideas of why we are here. All of us, the gringos in our home church, have very different yet very similar reasons for being here in Peru. But it is really good to reflect and remind yourself every now-and-again.
My purse was stolen yesterday. It was the final blow for me in a very tough week. Things here can just be very frustrating. No one ever does what they say they will do, and if they do do it, it will get done a week later than you requested. Trafic laws are non-existant. Life here is organized chaos at times. So, when you spend your day running around making photocopies of your id card just to mail a small package to the States and then the mail clerk slathers on a small line of glue to the copy, sticks it on the envelope and then wants you to put it in the slot where your id paper is just going to fall off , you can get a bit frustrated. . . . or you pull up to the gas pump and ask for 60 soles of gasoline, you give him s/60, the reciept says s/60 but then you look at the pump before pulling away only to see s/50 of gas had been pumped . . . .or you leave the park early because the kids need to use the bathroom only to find you got on the bus going the wrong direction only to end up in a part of town you've never even seen on the map.
Finally yesterday I was going out to have coffe with my friend Meghan and baby Mark (he is 3 weeks old). We went to this little coffee shop a few blocks from my house and had chocolate cake and cappucino. It was just what I needed after a frustrating week. We had a great time talking and catching up (I haven't seen much of her in the last 3 weeks) The cafe is very small and you have to walk down stairs to get inside. We sat near the back and I was sitting facing the door so i could see everyone coming in. For some reason my purse was really bothering my neck so I hung it on the back of my chair and leaned against it. The only people who could see it were the waitstaff and I was checking on it every 5 to 10 minutes. We were getting ready to leave aftering having been at our table for well over and hour. I asked for the check and checked my purse. All was well. A group of ladies entered the cafe and were talking to the workers about the cakes and wanted to buy one. As we waited for our check one of the ladies approached the table to see baby Mark - his car seat was on the chair opposite mine. She began to ask questions about the baby and then was telling us that something was wrong with the baby's chin. I stood up to see Mark's head and then the lady suddenly had to leave with her friend. I sat down and the check came. I went to grab my purse and it was gone and so were those two ladies. The other ladies in the store actually bought a cake, while the other two entered the store simlpy to steal something. My wallet with my id card, my drivers license, my cell phone, and my house keys se fueron (left). The worst part was I can't be sure that our address was not on a receipt in my wallet and thus the robbers would have my house number and house keys. It took all last night and most of today to get our locks changed . . . again (they had just been changed in March after the break in) - the locks are welded to the door. Not something you can do your self w/o a welder.
All is now fixed and I have to go to the police station tomorrow to get a report made so I can send it in to get new id papers . . . the sad part is I am scared about what the police station will be like. I am sure it will be a long drawn out process that makes no sense and then I will have to pay what ever the guy at the counter tells me. I doubt there is a standard price sheet at the counter.
If you can not tell I am having a hard time loving neighbor and my enemy right now since they seem to be one-in-the-same.
I know that as followers of Christ we are to expect hardship but I have to be honest things are hard right now and it can get pretty discouraging. There have been a lot of good things lately but they quickly get blocked out by the hard and ugly part of life. Please pray for us that we will see the world around us the way God sees it. We are all either lost or found and we all need compassion, love and mercy in our lives. That IS why we are here. We have the opportunity to share the love of God with the people around us. To show them and tell them that God prefered to become a human and die than to live forever without them. What an amazing love story. A story for all man kind - even the ladies that used my concern for a baby to steal my stuff.
We knew a head of time that by following Christ there would be hardships, and but leaving all that we know to head out somewhere new and different the hardships would be even greater, but when you think about them the way the James describes them in James chapter 1: that we should count it all joy when we face trials because the bring about maturity so in the end we will be lacking in nothing! (My paraphrase and exclamation.) I do want to grow in my faith and learn perserevence and become mature, but I am no Daniel. Just like when we were robbed I pointed out that I am no Job - I honestly am scared to keep maturing because it means more trials. Daniel was 80 years old when he was ready for the trial of the lion's den. He had been through much prior to that event and had been proven faithful , , so I pray to be proven faithful, but I am not sure I ever want to be "ready" to pass throug the trial of the lion's den.
No matter what happens I KNOW that God is good and faithful - unfortunately at times what I know and what I feel are at odds with each other. So God, I pray for and undivided heart. A heart thet seeks only for your honor and glory. Help me to love those who persecute me/ steal me stuff.
This is one of the scriptures that Christian used when he lead homegroup tonight. He was sifting through the scriptures and ideas of why we are here. All of us, the gringos in our home church, have very different yet very similar reasons for being here in Peru. But it is really good to reflect and remind yourself every now-and-again.
My purse was stolen yesterday. It was the final blow for me in a very tough week. Things here can just be very frustrating. No one ever does what they say they will do, and if they do do it, it will get done a week later than you requested. Trafic laws are non-existant. Life here is organized chaos at times. So, when you spend your day running around making photocopies of your id card just to mail a small package to the States and then the mail clerk slathers on a small line of glue to the copy, sticks it on the envelope and then wants you to put it in the slot where your id paper is just going to fall off , you can get a bit frustrated. . . . or you pull up to the gas pump and ask for 60 soles of gasoline, you give him s/60, the reciept says s/60 but then you look at the pump before pulling away only to see s/50 of gas had been pumped . . . .or you leave the park early because the kids need to use the bathroom only to find you got on the bus going the wrong direction only to end up in a part of town you've never even seen on the map.
Finally yesterday I was going out to have coffe with my friend Meghan and baby Mark (he is 3 weeks old). We went to this little coffee shop a few blocks from my house and had chocolate cake and cappucino. It was just what I needed after a frustrating week. We had a great time talking and catching up (I haven't seen much of her in the last 3 weeks) The cafe is very small and you have to walk down stairs to get inside. We sat near the back and I was sitting facing the door so i could see everyone coming in. For some reason my purse was really bothering my neck so I hung it on the back of my chair and leaned against it. The only people who could see it were the waitstaff and I was checking on it every 5 to 10 minutes. We were getting ready to leave aftering having been at our table for well over and hour. I asked for the check and checked my purse. All was well. A group of ladies entered the cafe and were talking to the workers about the cakes and wanted to buy one. As we waited for our check one of the ladies approached the table to see baby Mark - his car seat was on the chair opposite mine. She began to ask questions about the baby and then was telling us that something was wrong with the baby's chin. I stood up to see Mark's head and then the lady suddenly had to leave with her friend. I sat down and the check came. I went to grab my purse and it was gone and so were those two ladies. The other ladies in the store actually bought a cake, while the other two entered the store simlpy to steal something. My wallet with my id card, my drivers license, my cell phone, and my house keys se fueron (left). The worst part was I can't be sure that our address was not on a receipt in my wallet and thus the robbers would have my house number and house keys. It took all last night and most of today to get our locks changed . . . again (they had just been changed in March after the break in) - the locks are welded to the door. Not something you can do your self w/o a welder.
All is now fixed and I have to go to the police station tomorrow to get a report made so I can send it in to get new id papers . . . the sad part is I am scared about what the police station will be like. I am sure it will be a long drawn out process that makes no sense and then I will have to pay what ever the guy at the counter tells me. I doubt there is a standard price sheet at the counter.
If you can not tell I am having a hard time loving neighbor and my enemy right now since they seem to be one-in-the-same.
I know that as followers of Christ we are to expect hardship but I have to be honest things are hard right now and it can get pretty discouraging. There have been a lot of good things lately but they quickly get blocked out by the hard and ugly part of life. Please pray for us that we will see the world around us the way God sees it. We are all either lost or found and we all need compassion, love and mercy in our lives. That IS why we are here. We have the opportunity to share the love of God with the people around us. To show them and tell them that God prefered to become a human and die than to live forever without them. What an amazing love story. A story for all man kind - even the ladies that used my concern for a baby to steal my stuff.
We knew a head of time that by following Christ there would be hardships, and but leaving all that we know to head out somewhere new and different the hardships would be even greater, but when you think about them the way the James describes them in James chapter 1: that we should count it all joy when we face trials because the bring about maturity so in the end we will be lacking in nothing! (My paraphrase and exclamation.) I do want to grow in my faith and learn perserevence and become mature, but I am no Daniel. Just like when we were robbed I pointed out that I am no Job - I honestly am scared to keep maturing because it means more trials. Daniel was 80 years old when he was ready for the trial of the lion's den. He had been through much prior to that event and had been proven faithful , , so I pray to be proven faithful, but I am not sure I ever want to be "ready" to pass throug the trial of the lion's den.
No matter what happens I KNOW that God is good and faithful - unfortunately at times what I know and what I feel are at odds with each other. So God, I pray for and undivided heart. A heart thet seeks only for your honor and glory. Help me to love those who persecute me/ steal me stuff.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
The long walk home
We are thoroughly enjoying having our Kombi (VW bus) - it is great to have room for 5 kids and backpacks and lunch boxes. Trying to squish all that in to a taxi at 7:30 in the morning is NOT fun. Well, the kombi is off to the beauty shop tomorrow to get a new coat of red paint. We planned on painting her when we bought her - at the moment the Kombi is tan, silver, and blue - with the words "servicio escolar" scratched off the front and back. We have been pulled over 4 times now and got in our first car accident. Christian has gotten very good at talking with the police and has yet to be hauled off to the station house. (The accident wasn't bad, a taxi wanted to change lanes and drove into the side of our bus. The taxi was much worse off than our bus.)
Saturday we went on a hike with our Swiss friends Christian, Petra, and their son Jan. We took a taxi out to the middle of of no where, about a 20 minute drive. We found ourselves in a valley with the shrine to the Virgin of Chapi protruding out of the mountain side. Interesting and sad all at the same time. . . . 90% of all taxis in Arequipa have a photo card of this icon/doll in them or have her name plastered across the back of their car. We walk through fields and farm land along the river for close to two hours then made our way back to a street and then back to the city. Our friends took a bus back to our side of town and for some reason we felt like walking. We walked, all 7 of us, over 10 km in total, all the way back to the house. Dinner never tasted so good and bed was never such a welcome sight. It was a long but great afternoon.
Saturday we went on a hike with our Swiss friends Christian, Petra, and their son Jan. We took a taxi out to the middle of of no where, about a 20 minute drive. We found ourselves in a valley with the shrine to the Virgin of Chapi protruding out of the mountain side. Interesting and sad all at the same time. . . . 90% of all taxis in Arequipa have a photo card of this icon/doll in them or have her name plastered across the back of their car. We walk through fields and farm land along the river for close to two hours then made our way back to a street and then back to the city. Our friends took a bus back to our side of town and for some reason we felt like walking. We walked, all 7 of us, over 10 km in total, all the way back to the house. Dinner never tasted so good and bed was never such a welcome sight. It was a long but great afternoon.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Surprise Party
Hello all! You missed agreat time last night. I threw a suprise party for Christian. His birthday was last Monday but it didn't work out to have the party until this week end . . . boy, was he surprised! The best part was all of the guests. I guess we are getting to know quite a few people here - english and spanish speakers. We had a house full. We had friends from the language schoolas well as new friends from church (we've been attending a small church that meets in a cafe for about 2 months now). Good food and conversation . . . I am so thankful that God has been VERY faithful to us supplying us with friendship and relationships where ever we go.
Life is continuing at breakneck speed here. I can't believe we've been here for 4 plus months already! We are working on a newletter . . . it went through it's 5 rewrite in two months, so continue to be patient with us. If you are not on our mailing list send us your address, postal and electronic, and we will add you to it.
The kids are all doing great in there new school. There spanish gets better everyday. Gabe is on the soccer team and the three boys stay after school once a week for a soccer workshop. The girl took a cooking class after school this past month, too. I can't belive that tomorrow is June 1st! Where does the time go?
Christian and I have both finished our spanish practica books and are finishing up our spanish grammar books in the next few weeks. We have a lot of head knowledge but are still encountering road blocks to getting that knowledge out of our mouths in spanish.
Our dog Libby has grown huge and has an even bigger appetite - balloons and Polly Pocket clothes are her favorite entrays.
As we are half way through our time in Arequipa we are starting to look towards oar move to Pucallpa . . . lots of details to be worked out. Please keep this in prayer. Our plan is to move in August or September but that all depends on our Spanish.
Life is continuing at breakneck speed here. I can't believe we've been here for 4 plus months already! We are working on a newletter . . . it went through it's 5 rewrite in two months, so continue to be patient with us. If you are not on our mailing list send us your address, postal and electronic, and we will add you to it.
The kids are all doing great in there new school. There spanish gets better everyday. Gabe is on the soccer team and the three boys stay after school once a week for a soccer workshop. The girl took a cooking class after school this past month, too. I can't belive that tomorrow is June 1st! Where does the time go?
Christian and I have both finished our spanish practica books and are finishing up our spanish grammar books in the next few weeks. We have a lot of head knowledge but are still encountering road blocks to getting that knowledge out of our mouths in spanish.
Our dog Libby has grown huge and has an even bigger appetite - balloons and Polly Pocket clothes are her favorite entrays.
As we are half way through our time in Arequipa we are starting to look towards oar move to Pucallpa . . . lots of details to be worked out. Please keep this in prayer. Our plan is to move in August or September but that all depends on our Spanish.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Alive and Well
Hello to all of our friends, family , and supporters. We are here, alive and well, despite our lack of communication. We are hard at work on a news letter that has been through 2 revisions in the last month and is in need of yet another since several weeks have passed.
Christian is getting over another bout of something - gastrointestenal stuff. The kids have had their fair share of sore throats and days off from school for "swine flu education" (mandated by the government of Peru). The change in the kids school has been very good for everyone. The kids are happy, so we are happy, and this new school seems more interested in them as people and character development than in copy work. I am taking a few minutes before I run to class to let you all know that we think of you and pray for you all often.
Christian is getting over another bout of something - gastrointestenal stuff. The kids have had their fair share of sore throats and days off from school for "swine flu education" (mandated by the government of Peru). The change in the kids school has been very good for everyone. The kids are happy, so we are happy, and this new school seems more interested in them as people and character development than in copy work. I am taking a few minutes before I run to class to let you all know that we think of you and pray for you all often.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Samantha Ryan Bagley
We would like to introduce to you our new niece, Samantha Ryan Bagley. Other than having a couple of very sleep deprived parents everyone is doing very well. She was born on Friday the 24th. This is a picture of her and her daddy, Chad, shortly after her arrival.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Overwhelmed and Unmoving
I know I am not the only one this happens to, but it feels like it at he moment . . . you have so much too do that you find yourself frozen unable to do any of it. I am home today with two semi-sick girls. Not sure if they have strep or just wanted a day off from school . . . today is Gavin's b-day, tomorrow is Beth's, it is my cranky time of the month, I have a boat-load of house work (amazing how one day w/o water can set you back), I have cakes to bake, pinatas to either make or buy, phone calls to make to find someone to buy the kids unused school books from the other school (they changed schools), other things I would like to look for in the market, need to go to the farmacia, if I were to make the pinata we should have started yesterday or at least early this morning . . .yet here I sit. How did I get here?
I was making our bed this morning when a song came on entitlted, "What Do I Know Of Holy" by Addison Road, and I found myself dropping onto the bed listening to the words and then swooped into a time of fervent prayer - for myself but more for a very young sweet friend of mine. I have not experienced such an amazing time of communion with God in a LONG time. It is so painful, but I love when god uses me to pray for others and I can feel their pain in my heart and pray for them in a way I couldn't have otherwise. Then some crazy loud Spanish song came on and the moment was over - but I am so thankful for that moment in the presence of the creator; that he loves my friend enough to burden my heart for her, and I know he loves me and draws others to pray for me.
So, even though nothing I wanted to get done today have gotten done yet I am deeply reminded that life is not about the stuff you get done and accomplish - it is about who you are and where you stand with God - I am a fool if I think I know what his plans are or should be for my family - my plans are made with a small mind and small eyes. I like to measure myself and others by what I can see, by what I can control, or by what I think they should be able to control - however that is not God's measuring tool. I have been forgetting that my purpose is not to DO things for God, but to simply BE with him. Great things will naturally follow being with him and being his hands and feet where ever go. So, overwhelmed I am right now, but unmoving is where I hope to stay. Unmoved from His hands, His gaze, His spirit, His love, and His presence.
I was making our bed this morning when a song came on entitlted, "What Do I Know Of Holy" by Addison Road, and I found myself dropping onto the bed listening to the words and then swooped into a time of fervent prayer - for myself but more for a very young sweet friend of mine. I have not experienced such an amazing time of communion with God in a LONG time. It is so painful, but I love when god uses me to pray for others and I can feel their pain in my heart and pray for them in a way I couldn't have otherwise. Then some crazy loud Spanish song came on and the moment was over - but I am so thankful for that moment in the presence of the creator; that he loves my friend enough to burden my heart for her, and I know he loves me and draws others to pray for me.
So, even though nothing I wanted to get done today have gotten done yet I am deeply reminded that life is not about the stuff you get done and accomplish - it is about who you are and where you stand with God - I am a fool if I think I know what his plans are or should be for my family - my plans are made with a small mind and small eyes. I like to measure myself and others by what I can see, by what I can control, or by what I think they should be able to control - however that is not God's measuring tool. I have been forgetting that my purpose is not to DO things for God, but to simply BE with him. Great things will naturally follow being with him and being his hands and feet where ever go. So, overwhelmed I am right now, but unmoving is where I hope to stay. Unmoved from His hands, His gaze, His spirit, His love, and His presence.
Catching Up
A lot has happened over the past month since our last posting. Things had been pretty stressful and busy with the kids school and then add in a very small puppy who wakes you up several times a night you get two parents who aren't functioning at 100%. Throw in the Spanish factor and you have some extremely stressful moments. Take away our health and then we are floundering.
We have all had sickness since arriving in Peru but two weeks ago a bad virus hit us. Gabe and Christian seemed to have slept it off in one afternoon while the girls and Gavin seemed to barely get a fever. For Max and me it was quite a different experience. We both had high fevers and aches and pains that put us in bed for days. I ended up going to the ER - we thought I might have typhoid. Max seemed to get better but I didn't and after many, many tests it was determined that I had amoebas and salmonella (on top of the virus that has been going around). The whole family took anti-amoeba meds for a week. It was strong medicine and we are all feeling better but trying to share the nasty side effects of the Flagyl. Not more than a few days after getting over one illness a second of low fevers and terribly sore throats has hit our house. I am sick of being sick!!!!
Also this month after much prayer, question asking and information gathering we withdrew the kids from Colegio Internacional. The stress of the environment there was too much for us. There was little consistancy between what we were told would be expected of our children (free students) and what was happening in the class room. Our kids need to learn Spanish not live in fear of getting screamed at by their teachers for not completing homework that we can't do yet due to the language barrier or for not having a $40 science that they can't read anyway . . .there was a lot more to it than that but long story short we changed schools. The kids are now attending a much smaller school called Rey de Reyes. They have officially been there a week now and we are all much happier.
Over the past month and a half two people who have been very important in Christian's life and spiritual formation have passed away and this past weekend a fellow missionary in Pucallpa died while practicing for a motorcross race. I have to say, I flich a little everytime I open e-mail wondering what news shall come our way next.
Some good news: Christian's sister, Nicole, and her husband, Chad, had a baby girl on the 24th. We are proud to announce the birth of our niece, Samantha Ryan Bagley. Our baby is going to turn 6 years old tomorrow!!!! We spent 6 years straight being pregnant, and now I can't believe that it has been 6 years since our last baby!!!! Our sweet little Bethie will be 9 on Friday. It seems like just yesterday that we told her she was getting a baby brother for her third birthday. Oh, how the time flies!!!! We are inviting some Peruvian friends over for the party along with the gringos - birthdays are a VERY big deal here. We visited the street today where they sell all the b-day stuff. Some many pinatas!!!
We had a special visit from our good friends Kirk and Emily - Kirk also happens to be head of SAM and he had to come to Peru for board meetings and Emily was able to join him. What a blessing it was to us that they could slip out to Arequipa for 30hours. We had a great time. But I have to admit it was really hard to watch them leave . . . . however, they did not leave us empty handed. They we the deliverers of our new computer and a slew of gifts from our home group and others. Thank you to every one involved in that. And a special thanks to my gilrfriends who sent me a great selection of new jewelry to replace all mine that was stolen. I love it all!
Speaking of the robbery, we also received a new front door this month. It is now flush with the road so you can't hide in the doorway while you pry open our door. Turns out that the night we were robbed we were just the lucky ones. Other houses had been tried that night, our was just the winner. Our neighbor two doors donw was robbed over the week-end while they were all asleep in the house - they are getting a whole new wall and doors. That is just life here - not much you can do about it.
We have all had sickness since arriving in Peru but two weeks ago a bad virus hit us. Gabe and Christian seemed to have slept it off in one afternoon while the girls and Gavin seemed to barely get a fever. For Max and me it was quite a different experience. We both had high fevers and aches and pains that put us in bed for days. I ended up going to the ER - we thought I might have typhoid. Max seemed to get better but I didn't and after many, many tests it was determined that I had amoebas and salmonella (on top of the virus that has been going around). The whole family took anti-amoeba meds for a week. It was strong medicine and we are all feeling better but trying to share the nasty side effects of the Flagyl. Not more than a few days after getting over one illness a second of low fevers and terribly sore throats has hit our house. I am sick of being sick!!!!
Also this month after much prayer, question asking and information gathering we withdrew the kids from Colegio Internacional. The stress of the environment there was too much for us. There was little consistancy between what we were told would be expected of our children (free students) and what was happening in the class room. Our kids need to learn Spanish not live in fear of getting screamed at by their teachers for not completing homework that we can't do yet due to the language barrier or for not having a $40 science that they can't read anyway . . .there was a lot more to it than that but long story short we changed schools. The kids are now attending a much smaller school called Rey de Reyes. They have officially been there a week now and we are all much happier.
Over the past month and a half two people who have been very important in Christian's life and spiritual formation have passed away and this past weekend a fellow missionary in Pucallpa died while practicing for a motorcross race. I have to say, I flich a little everytime I open e-mail wondering what news shall come our way next.
Some good news: Christian's sister, Nicole, and her husband, Chad, had a baby girl on the 24th. We are proud to announce the birth of our niece, Samantha Ryan Bagley. Our baby is going to turn 6 years old tomorrow!!!! We spent 6 years straight being pregnant, and now I can't believe that it has been 6 years since our last baby!!!! Our sweet little Bethie will be 9 on Friday. It seems like just yesterday that we told her she was getting a baby brother for her third birthday. Oh, how the time flies!!!! We are inviting some Peruvian friends over for the party along with the gringos - birthdays are a VERY big deal here. We visited the street today where they sell all the b-day stuff. Some many pinatas!!!
We had a special visit from our good friends Kirk and Emily - Kirk also happens to be head of SAM and he had to come to Peru for board meetings and Emily was able to join him. What a blessing it was to us that they could slip out to Arequipa for 30hours. We had a great time. But I have to admit it was really hard to watch them leave . . . . however, they did not leave us empty handed. They we the deliverers of our new computer and a slew of gifts from our home group and others. Thank you to every one involved in that. And a special thanks to my gilrfriends who sent me a great selection of new jewelry to replace all mine that was stolen. I love it all!
Speaking of the robbery, we also received a new front door this month. It is now flush with the road so you can't hide in the doorway while you pry open our door. Turns out that the night we were robbed we were just the lucky ones. Other houses had been tried that night, our was just the winner. Our neighbor two doors donw was robbed over the week-end while they were all asleep in the house - they are getting a whole new wall and doors. That is just life here - not much you can do about it.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Libby Sparks Listro
Here she is. The newest member of the Listro family. Her full name is Libelulle Sparks Listro, but we call her Libby. She is a mere 4 weeks old and very very sweet. (Lily Lawrence, we named her 'Sparks" after you :0)
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