Mission Possible (Phil. 4:13)

Todo Poderoso!!

2010-02-12T12:40:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a fabulous day we had in the Lord at SAM Academy. Today was our outreach on the plaza in town. Kenji (8th) and Jacob (12th) played guitar while the rest of us attempted to sing our hearts out. There is alot of noise around the plaza with motocars, traffic, vendors selling their wares, whistles blowing etc...but we just started singing and prayed God would bring a crowd; He did. Several students including Victoria shared about their faith and something God had taught them or brought them through. I know the kids were nervous beforehand, but you have never guessed it once they started. Even one of our new teachers shared while a student translated her testimony. We handed out our tracts and asked if there were any who had a need we could pray for or who wanted to know more about Jesus. The angels are singing in Heaven-- we have 4 new brothers in Christ (Cesar, Gender, Luis, and William). What joy has filled my heart as I witnessed and spoke with people and watched our students share with them as well. Praise God with us for His protection and watchcare and for His work in our lives and the lives of these new brothers. Please pray for them by name as they begin their walk with the Lord in a place that is not easy and full of oppression and poverty.

Earthquake

2010-01-25T17:24:00.001-08:00

I feel the earth, move, under my feet...I feel the sky tumbling down, a tumbling down... Wow! Today, Victoria and I were in town getting something notarized so we were in a concrete 2 story building when the earth started shaking. It scared us to death needless to say. All the people began to run out of the bldg. It rocked the bldg. but everyone was safe. I cannot even imagine one that was bigger. God is our Protector; we are praising Him tonight for watching over us.

Peruvian style Birthday "13"

2010-01-12T17:26:00.000-08:00

Victoria is 13! What a day we had. We enjoyed a quiet a.m. together having breakfast and praying (I was crying as I prayed over her),and she opened her gifts from Miss Kathy (thanks). We spent lunch with a Peruvian family who is in SAM Mission; we ate pollo a la brasa y papas fritas. The girls had made a cake for Victoria, and then we drove out of town to enjoy fresh coconuts and juice, sugarcane stalks (which you chew and suck the juice out of), and other fresh fruits at a roadside stand.

Later we went over to a friend's house who is a pastor here, and she and some of our Peruvian friends had a surprise party for Victoria. It was so sweet of them as many do not have much, but they each gave her a gift and they made a poster with birthday wishes on it. I had taken Victoria to Lima in Nov. as her gift from me, so I knew the day would not be filled with lots, but God richly blessed her through others. That is just like Him!

Christmas

2010-01-12T16:18:00.000-08:00

We had the blessing of being able to watch another missionary's home over Christmas for almost a week. They live out of town on a lake with air conditioning and a real "American" kitchen. We cooked the turkey I bought in Lima in Nov. which I brought back in a suitcase :) ; it was delicious. We invited a friend, Jennifer, who is a pastor here of a local church to eat with us. In the a.m. we opened all the fun gifts some had sent (especially Mr. Rick and Miss Kim) and ate cinnamon rolls for breakfast. We had lunch with another group of missionaries who live out there, so our bellies were full by nighttime!

Aloha from Peru!

2009-11-15T06:19:00.000-08:00

SAM Academy celebrated our 2nd annual homecoming this weekend with a Luau theme. Our students had a great time competing in volleyball, hula hoop, musical beach towels, tourist relay, soccer and much more. Victoria helped her team win the competition by placing 1st in the hula hoop, musical beach towels, and the limbo activities. We ended the evening with a Luau dinner and dance. It was great fun! We honored our two seniors, Amy and Jacob.

We also had Open House this past week to welcome the newest family to our school, the Listros, who have five kids grades 1st-7th. The other parents came to see what their kids have been up to in classes. It is always such a blessing when we all get together for fellowship and some much needed "down time".

Visit to Santa Rosita (indian village)

2009-10-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

We had an incredible trip today over the jungle out to an indian village (Shapibo). Someone watched my classes for me so that Victoria and I could join the team on the trip. We rode in a Cessna 206 FLOAT PLANE which was a first for us. We took off from the lake at Cashibo and flew over the Ucayali River (major tributary of Amazon River) and out to the village where we landed on the river. What an awesome sight! God certainly is the Master Designer. The kids in the tribe ran to the shore to greet us; they were so precious. They grabbed our hands and led us around the village. The kids played with them many games and sang songs. I got alot of great pictures. As we left, my heart ached b/c these children will never see the majority of the world outside of that village. I looked into their eyes which hungered for attention and love. I asked Victoria if she thought we could live out there for a school year and educate them; she did not seem so sure about that. We even got to touch a baby SLOTH!!

It was a busy day getting everyone where they needed to go, but I sense God really worked in many ways. The ladies on the team shared this a.m. at a girl's club in San Jose (near Pucallpa) and visited homes in the community. Later they went on their flight and then returned for their meeting and dinner before they speak again this evening to the group of volunteers at Latidos de Esperanza (the pregnancy ctr.). Jeff was busy with plumbing in the a.m.; Kyle spoke this afternoon to the men at Mision Santiago (drug rehab), and one of our HS students translated for him. I am so proud of Jacob and his willingness to use his gift of the language here.

What a treat it was to have the time off from school to see the native people today.

A new adventure

2009-10-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I am sitting at the Pucallpa airport getting ready to leave for Lima. We have a group from loganville, GA coming; they are our first visitors ever! We are very excited. Our mission's pastor Kyle Berry and his daughter Tori (Victoria's friend) are in the group. Unfortunately Rick Wages (Santa Claus) is not coming due to a back injury. This has been a crazy week once again. I found out yesterday that the teacher who was suppose to be coming in Jan. is NOT coming. Honestly, I have no idea what I am going to do. Either Satan is trying to attack us or God is trying to stretch us. Either way---I really need prayer!!! I am feeling overwhelmed at the thought of all 12 grades by myself.

We have lots planned for our group. We are hoping they will survive the Pucallpa heat and the incredible storms we have been getting. This a.m. at 4:30am the sky fell out here. It was intense until about 1 hour ago. My flight has been delayed a bit, but Lord willing--I will get to Lima to welcome them and get some errands done. For now....

Cooling off!!

2009-09-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! While the temps. here are close to 100 degrees this week, we are able to cool off a bit thanks to LCA. The picture is of our new air conditioner which is in our library. It replaced one that was 10 years old and not working well at all. We now have 6 beautiful computers (3 with flat screens) and a new printer. The kids are soooooooo encouraged by these new items. They are so appreciative of your prayers for them as well. We are having T-shirts made this week (yes, LCA they arrived in the mail, yeah!!) with our new logo, verse -Eph. 2:10, and a paw print on the sleeve to represent our mascot as well as LCA's mascot.

Walk Like an Egyptian

2009-09-23T18:53:00.000-07:00

Well, we are all better and back to school. As you can see by the photo, we are studying Egypt in World History. We watched a mummification process today and wrapped ourselves to be like King Tut who we read about. It was great fun! Classes continue to go well. Today was a banner day in accomplishments--we installed 2 new ceiling fans in my room, we now have wireless internet (a major accomplishment here), we have all computers up and running with everything installed, we have 110 outlets in our classrooms now, and of course all in between the normal class hours. Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do.

Thank you so much for all your prayers. Our heavenly Father has heard them and He continues to provide for us daily in the most incredible ways from the smallest detail to the largest. We are so excited about our very first visitors who will be coming on Oct. 8th. One of the goals is for us to get hot water in our sinks in our house--what a treat! Keep believing we serve a mighty God--He is more than able~! EPHESIANS 2:10 OUR SCHOOL VERSE

A Wild Week

2009-09-23T18:36:00.000-07:00

Wow! Last week was unbelieveable. On Monday, we welcomed our 4 new German students and tried to get them settled in to our routine. We called back to the US to thank our friends at LCA for the wonderful new computers we purchased thanks to them. They are great! The kids were sooooooo excited. What a difference it has made already with our classes. We also found out that a student had come down with a very high fever (104) in the night and was going to the hospital that a.m. The results were highly contagious; she was put in quarantine for 7 days. On Wed. the next student came down with it. Wed. afternoon a huge storm hit right at MS/elem. lunch period. The rain was so heavy we could hardly see and it was coming from every direction. Power went out (as it did 3 more times during the week) and it got really dark. I rescued the elem. kids from the dining hall with my one very large Georgia umbrella (thanks Rick and Kim), the HS girls were screaming with every crack of thunder and lightening, and MS just made a run for it getting soaked. The classrooms were a mess since we have only screens. We shoved everything to the middle and waited it out. I ended up taking 3 kids home that afternoon b/c dad could not get into town. I had a meeting with another parent shortly thereafter. We canceled prayer meeting due to the sickness, the trees that fell and we were busy with clean up.

Next day, another student and a part-time teacher got sick. I canceled school for Friday and told everyone to stay home and get rested. Another student down on Saturday with fever. Victoria and I felt kinda yukky over the weekend, but we heeded the advice of the school administrator (I heard she is smart :) ) and rested. We were fine by Monday--PTL!

Other than that...it is pretty boring here. Thanks for your prayers.

New school year

2009-09-05T17:10:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a great start to the school year! God is sooooo good. The Open House went well, and the kids were very excited to get their school supplies donated by the kids at First Baptist Church of Greenville, Mississippi. Thanks!! We are still waiting the arrival of the German family which will be next week. The two German translators are here though; they are so sweet and helpful. God will help us endure I know though our schedule is very full. I am teaching 1st-8th Lit., Spelling, Bible, Writing, math and 4th-12th grade World History, HS Bible, and 4th-12th Drama and Speech. I love the challenge and it keeps me on my toes. God has so stretched my days since I have been here enabling me to plan and prepare. Victoria has adjusted as well; Copper still thinks, well I do not know what he thinks. I know he is hot. Thank you for your prayers everyone and keep in touch.

What a summer!

2009-08-10T16:02:00.000-07:00

Well, it is almost time to head back to Peru. We leave on the 22nd. It has been a busy time these last few weeks, but our time of fellowship has been wonderful. God provided plane tickets for us too. We have so many people to thank: Loganville Christian Academy, First Baptist Church Loganville, Covenant Academy, Springhill Methodist Church, Dr. Hill, Laurenburg Senior center in NC, many friends who have opened their houses to us and fed us (like the Gackles - pictured), First Baptist Church of Monroe, Monroe Church of God. We have certainly shared about our ministry this summer. We put 2,900 miles on our car and borrowed someone else's car for our roundtrip to FL to see family which was so fun. Leadership conference put on by ACSI was fantastic--you should be at next year's. Dr. RIchard Blackaby spoke and WOW!!! Please keep in touch this year with us and continue to pray as my work load is about to balloon. I will be teaching 1st-8th now in addition to running the school since we are low on teachers. Pray God will provide helpers.

Enjoying the US

2009-07-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! Our time in the US has been full!! We are not believing we are in the 3rd week on July and will be heading back to Peru in a month. We have had fun with grandparents in NC, completed 2 weeks of training in SC, had a surprise b'day party for me 2 days after getting back which allowed us to see many friends, spoke at a community center, a doctor's office, church (today) and will be speaking several more times in the next 2 weeks, some much needed down time, dinners and lunches with friends (new and old), going to yard sales, and enjoying the Fourth of July which is one of our favorite holidays.

We will be traveling this week to Florida and I am going on to Colorado for a leadership conference and back to FL to visit and get Victoria. We will be leaving for Peru (thanks to a generous donation today at church) on Aug. 20th. God has been so faithful in the midst of this struggling economy b/c HE WILL NOT BE LIMITED BY ANYTHING!! I knew He was going to do great things this summer, but WOW, He is really bringing it all together so we can return and begin another school year at SAM Academy. Blessings!

SAM Academy Graduation 2009

2009-06-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

Well, my first school year as administrator came to a close last week in grand style! Our graduation program was very nice, and as I write this our senior is on her way to Japan to spend 6 weeks doing mission work on then on to college in the US. Victoria and I are spending a week here in Lima relaxing and spending some quality time together before heading to the US as our summer schedule is going to be quite busy.

crazy week at SAM Academy

2009-05-19T21:57:00.000-07:00

Crazy week was loads of fun for the students, but I think we teacher (esp. me) enjoyed it the most. It just goes to show that I am not as serious as everyone thinks. We had crazy hair day, wacky tacky, disney day (I'm the teapot from Beauty and the Beast), dress like your parent, and PJ day.

Almost the end of the year

2009-05-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

Wow! I cannot believe the school year is almost over. What a journey it has been. This time last year I was beginning my language study in Costa Rica. We have only 4 weeks left, and I can say I feel really good about my first year as an administrator. I am still learning and have lots to improve on, but all in all-- I can see a difference in the school. I have big plans for next year and am working on them already. I hope to have most everything completed before we head back to the US on June 11th. We will more than double in size; however, we are going to be short on teachers, so I will be teaching alot more. As it stands now, I will be teaching Middle School (grades 4th - 8th) Science, Math, Language Arts, Spelling, BIble, Literature, and World HIstory to grades 4th - 12th. I will teach HS Lit., and I will also be helping with some of the electives with High School. Hopefully, I will still have the time and energy to complete my administrative duties and continue improving teacher's training and keep a balanced budget.

It is a good thing God is able because I am not getting any younger. You can definitely pray for me that I will continue to lean on the Lord and stay disciplined in my walk with HIm.

Victoria is doing great! She is finishing the year strong as always. We are looking forward to being back with friends and family in the US this summer. We will do our best to see everyone who wants to see us. First stop is Loganville for a few days and then on to see my mom and dad in NC. I also have training in SC for 2 weeks at the end of June, and then back to Loganville.

These past months have been busy here. We have had conference in March, the board of directors visited from the US this past week, the funeral of our fellow missionary, completing our paperwork for residency in Lima, compiling book orders for next year, and getting ready for graduation. I have been teaching in town every Tuesday a.m., and my Bible study just ended last night after 17 weeks. I took the ladies out to dinner and we shared what names for God have impacted us the most in this study. I am in awe of how God has used my past and this study to strengthen others' lives. Praise HIM!!!! I will be sending out a newsletter soon. THanks for being patient. God bless and thank you for all of your prayers!

A Renaissance "homecoming" in Peru

2008-11-10T19:03:00.000-08:00

Well, the weekend of homecoming is past. It was alot of work but worth it; we had a blast! There was a volleyball and soccer tournament which put SAM center tied with SAM Air base 1 to 1. The tie was broken with the skit (that I wrote for SAM ctr.), and we won! I turned the story of Snow White and the dwarfs into "Guenivere and the 7 Knights". Each knight had a quirk. They were great. We also enjoyed log throwing competition, nail driving, joust, fun kids games, and a food contest. We ended the evening with a great meal even though we only used our hands -- hey, it was Renaissance -- (we raised almost $400 for our senior for college) and then a bonfire. It was first for SAM Academy; the families enjoyed it and I was able to show them my fun side instead of my serious administrator side.

I cannot believe it is almost Thanksgiving--times flies. We are praising the Lord for all He is doing here. We will be doing a Christmas outreach program to the indians, a new teacher helper is coming in Jan., we welcomed 2 new students this month and 1 next month. God is really growing the kids. I had a special chapel with them last week, and the high schoolers particularly got honest. I am praying for them diligently to "put off" ungodly attitudes and "put on" Christ like ones.

You really can teach an "old dog" new tricks

2008-10-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hey! Sorry it has been so long...we have had alot going on these last couple of weeks --PTL! No, you do not need to get your eyes checked or new glasses; the picture is me with a guitar. I am taking lessons to learn how to play. I love music and carrying around a piano is tough, so I thought I would try something a little lighter. I picked black b/c it will go with alot of my outfits :) --no seriously, my teacher, a fellow missionary says, I have potential.

School is humming right along. We finished our 1st 9 weeks and report cards go out this week. Victoria is going to do great - por su puesto! In Geography we are studying Europe, so our passports have a stamp in them for ancient Greece and Rome. Next, we travel to France. The guy who cuts my hair here is from France (he was on a trip to the jungle and loved it so much, he decided to stay and open a beauty shop), so he is coming to teach my students about the history and culture. We are going to dress up too. This past week we dressed in Renaissance outfits. It was fun!

I have also completed all of my training for the administration part of my position, so I am going full speed now. I am loving every minute of it, even the complaints (though few). I figure they are a good indicator that I am doing something right b/c I require a certain standard to be maintained. Several parents have given me the thumbs up and said, "It is about time." We hope to increase our enrollment next year by building confidence in our staff. So far, so good.

Homecoming is just around the corner, so I am busy with that too. It should be alot of fun. I wrote one of the skits this weekend with another parent. We (SAM center) are doing a funny portrayal of Snow White. Photos to follow in November. Hope this finds you and yours well. We love ya and miss ya.

Batter, batter, "bat"ter up!

2008-10-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

Well, we have had another full week. This week brought a bat swooping over my head in the library and plopping down in front of me. I screamed of course. Shortly thereafter, I heard another scream coming from the next room; it was Victoria. They had 4 bats in their classroom. We are also accumulating some very undesirable bat poop in the library, so my next project this coming week is to find some brave soul to go into the roof area and kill the bats and clean out all the poop b/c it is being to drop through the ceilings--YUK. I did manage to get alot of areas organized this week though. Classes are going quite well too. We are studying Europe in Geography and reading A Father's Promise in Literature, so we are incorporating Poland into our studies as well. I taught the HS Lit class this week and helped them broaden their horizons with some interesting writing assignments.

Our "homecoming" event is beginning to shape up. We will honor our Senior on Nov. 7th and 8th; first with a semi-formal dinner and presentation and then on Sat. with tournaments, games, food, contests and a bonfire all with a Renaissance theme. I hope I have not taken on more than I can accomplish.

Victoria spent the afternoon playing dolls with one of the moms here whose daughter is all grown up and no longer wants to play. They had a fantastic afternoon. Minori (the mom) teachers Spanish and Japanese for SAM Academy. They also made brownies. I spent the afternoon going to town in search of a marker board. I found an older gentleman walking around with several hanging over his shoulders, so I popped out of the taxi and made a beeline for him. Moments later, I was the one walking through town with it draped over my shoulder. Ah...the simple life (no WalMart). I ended my successful town trip with a coconut shake which was welcomed as it was 100 degrees here today with very little breeze.

Just a reminder, we have a hammock waiting for the brave ones who want a jungle town experience...blessings.

Interpol and Lima trip

2008-09-27T06:51:00.000-07:00

Well interpol went well yesterday. I paid my $ for my carnet for residency here and got my fingerprints and my teeth checked. I am able to go on to the next stage. They are also translating Victoria´s birth certificate so I can get hers next time I am in Lima. I made a few purchases for the house and will be going back out today to find lighting and fans.

I had the pleasure of spending alot of the day with Adeila, the Peruvian lady who runs the SAM house here in Lima where we stay. She is so helpful. I had a great time getting to know her and laughing and riding around in many taxis with her. Lima is a city of 8 million and it is sprawling. We ended the evening meandering through the Inca Market in Miraflores and then having dinner overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was a real treat for both of us! I could tell she had never been to the rest. I took her to--we both loved our meals. We got back around 10pm and I got settled into bed around 11. Shortly thereafter there was loud commotion in the street outside and then a gun shot. There is a park next to the house. The police came;I believe some joven (young person) was shot. Sleep evaded me for a while and I laid there thinking about how many of these 8 million are unsaved. We must press on towards the goal friends...whether here in Lima, Pucallpa, or in the US...there is a lost world out there that needs Christ. The taxi drivers here have little statues and cards with saints pictures on them. They believe these things will protect them. It is such a lie that Satan has brought into this culture.

On a positive note, my Spanish is holding its own. I pretty much understood everyone yesterday and got around town with no problem. Even my conversation with Adeila was flowing. I am planning on getting a tutor with a couple of the other new folks so that we can stay on top of the language.

Brrrrrrr...

2008-09-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

Wow! We are super cold in the jungle--Yesterday, it was 98 degrees; however, in the night, a storm rolled in from the South. Today it was only in the 50's which is freezing for us here. The drastic drop has been causing many to be sick today and church was very intersting as the chairs blew away. The church has no walls of course. The pastor was preaching on psalm 23 and had just finished saying that God is our Shepherd/Pastor...and the wind blew so much that the roof shook. He said, "Hey, aren't you glad He is?" Tonight it is 40 some degrees colder and since we only have screens, it is chilly. We have one room finished with windows (Victoria's), so she was sheltered last night -- PTL!

Please pray for our counterparts in Bolivia. They are being evacuated b/c of civil unrest. Two single ladies are arriving here as we speak. They are teachers and will be helping us out at SAM Academy.

Our Open House was a success this week; we had alot of fun too. The kids displayed their work and many parents and other missionaries attended. It was my first official duty as Adminstrator. School continues to go well.

My talk at the ladies retreat went well too. I saw a few of them at church today, and they again said how much they appreciated my sharing. A few of them went home and shared my testimony with their families as well. We will be meeting each Saturday afternoon from 4-6pm. I am praying the Lord will continue to build these relationships and help me with communicating in Spanish. Thank you for your prayers.

almost there...

2008-09-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

Well, we are almost there...the house is still in progress, but we are closer. Electrical stuff is being finished today (Lord willing), floors are going to be finished Friday and screens put in. The cleaning(which is going to be a huge undertaking) will be on Sat. and Monday. Thanks to so many, windowns are being measured and hopefully within a few weeks, they will be installed. The Lord has touched the hearts of our dear spiritual family and has provided the means for almost all of them!!!! He has also provided for other house needs as well.

School continues to go well. I have been assessing where we are at and where we need to head. Our first teacher meeting is today after school, and I am looking forward to sharing with everyone my vision for the school and areas needing improvement. The Lord is teaching me alot in this position. Teaching is going great! I have been filling in for someone until they get here for High School Bible (one of my favorite subjects) as well as Geography (we have a great project going on right now), Literature/Larts, and teaching Daniel.

Please be in prayer as I speak this Saturday (IN SPANISH) at a ladies retreat for a local church here. It is a privilege to be asked to do this, and I am hoping the Lord will use it in the lives of these women. I am also praying for the development of relationships with this group as many of them will be in my upcoming Bible study (IN SPANISH) Lord I Want to Know You. It is awesome to see how the Lord is already working in my life in this area, which has been a heart's desire for several years. We are sensing His leading and your prayers in this endeavor. Praise the Lord with us!

Victoria is doing wonderfully! As always, she is a top student. She loves her friends here already and will be helping watch the young children while I am teaching the Bible study. She is quite active each day and enjoying the outdoors and warm weather. The students get together twice a week after school and play volleyball or soccer; she has alot of fun.

I will send pictures of the house when it is completed...until then -- be blessed and have a great day in the Lord!

update

2008-09-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

Well, our 3rd week of school is well under way. We have a new bat in our classroom now. This is a continual problem as they live in the ceilings, and they have not been cleaned out in many years. Classes are going well. In Geography, the kids are responsible for researching their chosen area in the world and construct a hotel/resort given the dynamics of the geographical features in that area. Victoria is loving it! She selected the Galapago Islands. Her "draw" is, "Come sleep in both hemispheres"... My time with Daniel, the 4th grade boy I am helping is going great! He is very motivated to overcome his challenges. He is extremely bright.

Our house is not quite finished, but it is coming along. They are saying by the end of next week maybe. It actually has been a blessing to be a part of the process and getting to make choices for the layout etc... We are very excited about finally getting settled. Our trips into town are dusty. We have to take a mototaxi (which is a motorcycle that has a rickshaw like cart on the back). I think I am pretty familiar where stuff is now. I continue to struggle with breathing and coughing to the point of being doubled over at times b/c of the smoke that 24 hours a day pours into the sky here from the wood factory. The Lord has been gracious though and has kept me strong and able to continue in my responsibilities.

Next week I will be speaking at a ladies retreat for a local church, so my sharing (30 mins.) will be all in Spanish. Wow, what an opportunity! I am thrilled the Lord has given me this privilege. Pray for me next Friday evening that all the Lord has for them will flow freely in Spanish from my mouth and heart.

There is NO lion in the street

2008-08-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

I was reading this a.m. during my quiet time and was reminded that a sluggard comes up with excuses not to do something (to stay in their house) b/c "there is a lion in the street". However, God clearly commands us to go forth...whether that means across the street to your neighbor or to the next state or to a different country, the command is clear. However, we (people who are so comfortable and don't like change) make up excuses like the sluggard not to do God's work or fulfill His destiny. It has been my prayer for several years to teach a Precept study in Spanish. I recently went to language school to aid in this endeavor. While there I thought, "if only I could stay for the whole year...I could really teach in Spanish". God convicted me right there. If He has called me or you to a ministry or to a job or whatever, HE will equip.

Last night, my prayers were answered. God took this willing heart and gave me the confidence IN HIM to say yes to teaching a ladies group here in Pucallpa! God is so good and patient. Although I am nervous and hope my Spanish is good enough...I know God will use it for His glory. WHAT LIONS ARE YOU LETTING get in the way? Don't be a sluggard (God said it, not me)-- get out and do what He has laid on your heart to do. IF you are not sure (b/c He has a plan for you and it is more than watching that TV), ask HIM; He is faithful. Love and grace as you live for HIM!

A Look Back

2008-08-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

Our 1st week of school went very well. I am adjusting to teaching on a block schedule which is very different than everyday teaching the same subjects. My middle school students are sharp. We have already had our first test and all A's. I tutored Daniel today. He is the boy who wants to come to school full-time; our session was very successful and I am confident we will make the necessary progress in time. Please pray for him.

Our house is coming along great! I was in there over the weekend sweeping up and helping with some electrical wiring issues (thanks dad). The addition is walled in and now just the finishing touches along with electrical stuff. We are excited about getting truly settled. We visited a church this weekend with one of the missionary families here. Their sanctuary was being worked on so we all crammed into the old building with no fans, and it was 98 degrees here yesterday. The sermon was solid on the life of King Hezekiah, and I understood almost everything the pastor said; what a blessing. We tried our first restaurant yesterday too. We had fish from the river, which is a tributary of the Amazon River flowing out of Brazil. It was delicious. In the afternoon, we played volleyball with the church and enjoyed getting to know them. Victoria sends HI to everyone and thanks for writing. It is an encouragement.

The Heat is On!

2008-08-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

Hola amigos! Que tal? We are doing very well. I have so much to tell you, but I will try to be brief. First of all, GOD IS SO GOOD. I am truly amazed by HIM continually! We arrived here in Pucallpa, Peru on Saturday as scheduled, and the luggage was here by the end of the day. The trip over the Andes Mtns. was incredible. We even saw snow on the tops of some of the peaks. It was just so strange seeing that knowing we were going to land in extreme heat. And we did...our new friends, students and co-workers met us at the quaint airport with a welcome sign. We made the short trip to the SAM academy compound and got settled in right away. It immediately felt like home even though we are not yet able to move into our home for another couple of weeks. The workers are so diligent and even working in extreme heat to get it done promptly. I took before pictures today and will include them in our next newsletter. The house needed repair and an addition, as it was built some decades ago. It is made of wood and is on brick stilts to cut down on the bugs and such.

Pucallpa is alot like where we were in Venezuela except much poorer and if you can imagine, I think a bit hotter. I love the heat though and have been enjoying the trickles down my back while unfortunately for others, they are dripping wet. We have not had many bug bites yet, but the smoke from the next door wood factory is almost unbearable, especially at night. Victoria has already had a nose bleed from the dryness and smoke, but God is able and all we need to adapt. We are living in the old boys dorm in two seperate rooms that have not been occupied for many years. It is quite sufficient but rustic. Another teacher is gracious enough to let us use her bathroom and kitchen.

School began yesterday, and it was quite a day. I am teaching middle school Language Arts, Spelling, Literature and Writing along with Geography. I was going to teach HS Lit. as well, however, I have decided to tutor a 4th grade boy who has some learning disabilities while his mother who is a certified teacher for HS Lit. and taught a couple of years ago (as I am sure much better than I) serves in that capacity. I am excited about helping this young man with the goal of getting him in the mainstream classroom. (I sure wish I had Ed Lawson down here - NILD instructor). My students are quite smart. I have 6th-8th grades; Victoria is the only 6th grader and will be challenged and she is excited! I am teaching her Latin III several times a week, and she is taking Spanish as well with another teacher.

The other great news is that one of the pastor's wives here who is Peruvian has been praying that someone would come and teach a group of young believers (women) in her church using the inductive study method that she experienced while spending time in the US. This has been my heart's desire for many years. I am humbled that God has put me here equipped with Spanish and a love for inductive study. I hope to begin next month. Please pray that the women would be receptive to this indepth study on the names of God by Kay Arthur/Precept. I have taught it in English before, now I have the privilege to teach it in Spanish.

We are so full of joy in this ministry opportunity. I am hesitant to say I could stay here for a long time b/c of what happened in Venezuela, but I truly do feel as though we have once again been put in the right place for the right time--thanks be to GOD. Let us hear from you...KandV

Bittersweet

2008-08-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

The Lord has blessed us with so many wonderful friends!

Greetings from South America! As always transition time is a time that is bittersweet (la dulce y el limon) We left Atlanta last night at around midnight(14th) after a busy 12 days back in US visiting as many as we could and repacking. The overnight flight was as fun as you can imagine--NOT. We kinda slept in every position we could think of trying to get a few winks in before we arrived here in Lima. The smell of Delta's eggs were almost more than I could bare at 4a.m. The trip was smooth and customs was a breeze compared to what we have dealt with in the past, so we are thankful. The Lord sent one of his angels to help with the 6 heavy suitcases which totally saved my back--thank you Lord for your provisions. We are now at the guest house in Lima awaiting our trip tomorrow into Pucallpa. The luggage is on its way now by truck which will take almost 24 hours. The plane trip is only 1 hour mas o menos. Starting our paperwork was not too successful today as we are now on Latino schedules (muy tranquilo). I will make another trip back in a couple of weeks to try again.

School starts on Monday and we are excited about getting settled in our temporary house until they finish renovating our house which is steps away from the school, yeah! We have met several families already who we will be working with in Pucallpa; I am excited to hear all that is going on for the Kingdom in our jungle town. My prayer is that Victoria and I will be a part of the growth of new believers in the area and find a church to become involved in. My heart's desire is to begin a Precept study with a group of Peruvian women in Spanish, so please pray to that end.

For all of you that know I am not "up with the times", I just wanted to let you know that I now have a MP3 player thanks to Stephanie and my 43rd birthday. Hey Jenn, "I'm in the now. (ha, ha)

Thank you so much for your continued prayers. We are here thanks to your support and love. Please know we are humbled by all that the Lord has done and is doing and will do. Blessings!

Seeing God in the midst of busy times--

2008-08-10T12:36:00.001-07:00

Wow! What a week we have had since returning to the US last Sunday! We have been visiting friends old and new. We had the pleasure of returning to Hebron Christian Academy and seeing lots of friendly faces. It was such a blessing! We were commissioned at First Baptist Church Loganville and have been loved on by our wonderful church family. We are going to miss everyone. God has been precious to me in these days as I went before Him and asked Him to cleanse me b/c I did not have peace. He was faithful to show me my sin and give me Scripture to set me on His path. I have allowed doubt to hinder me and fear to paralyze me at times during this process. All that needed to be raised and done before leaving seemed overwhelming to me. I thank the Lord for reminding me that He is in control and His timing is Perfect. Isaiah 58:11 and Habakkuk 3 really spoke to me.

Thursday the 14th is the day--we will leave in the evening and by Friday be in Lima, Peru to get paperwork for our visas underway then onto Pucallpa. School starts on Monday the 18th, so we are very excited to get to know everyone and get settled.

Thank you again for praying for us and encouraging us in these times. We could not be going without your love and support and prayers.

Spreading the Gospel to the nations

2008-08-01T15:29:00.000-07:00

Por que de tal manera amó Dios al mundo que ha dado su hijo unigénito para que todo aquel que crea en Él, no se pierda, mas tenga vida eterna.

Juan 3:16

Peruvian flag

2008-08-01T15:01:00.000-07:00

Friends and fun in South America

2008-08-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

1. My students in Venezuela.

2. Three beautiful princesses, Anna, Emmalee, and Victoria.

The other places we've traveled to

2008-08-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

We've worked in many countries. We worked in Puerto Ayacucho, Venezuela, for 2 years. We worked in Madrid, Spain for a while after that. Later, we went to Costa Rica for a couple months to learn Spanish at The Spanish Language Institute in San José. Now we are in the process of moving to Pucallpa, Peru, where I will be the director and teacher of a small mission school.

What we've been up to

2008-07-31T22:20:00.000-07:00

1. My Spanish grammar teacher, Marlene.

2. Our new friends, the Penningtons.

3. Mauricio, Rosalia, and Grace Sanchez (the family we live with) before going to a party.

4. Victoria, Miguel, and Grace on Superhero day at school. Victoria was a soldier, Miguel was Spiderman, and Grace was Super Flora.