A small flood of blessings

God is not silent, and He chooses lots of ways to show you that He cares and is watching over you.

Sometimes in the littlest things:
Like finding out that Peruvians have a tradition of buying MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS FOOD, Panettone, and eating it in on Christmas Eve. I had to hold myself back from stuffing one of these giant, Italian bread/cakes into my suitcase as I left the States, only to find every store in Lima is stocked with these - some relocating whole aisles of groceries to make room to carry a large-enough supply of Panettone for the month of December.

Sometimes in very big things:
Like, after planning to meet your friend Heather in Lima at the beginning of December (she's down here visiting her brother and sister-in-law), you RUN INTO HER in a city of 7 million people. Yes, run into her ON THE STREET IN LIMA!! Her sister-in-law recognized the lady I was with, and called out to her. It felt like it took Heather and I a couple of seconds to realize what was going on!

What kind, loving encouragements from God!

Feliz Cumpleanos a Mi!

My new SIL friends know how to celebrate! I had a birthday lunch on Sunday afternoon, and a birthday dinner on Monday evening! They made me feel so special and welcome. I have to gush about the plate (above) from dinner: look at all the veggies! That's chicken on the left (honey chicken, to be exact) and there rest is all from the garden! Wow. There's also a corn appetizer on the small plate - In Peru, they call all corn "choclo" (not "maiz"), and most of the corn here is large, white, and sweet. It's delicious! What a great birthday gift from the Lord, to get to know new people, new food, and this new city.

Lima, Peru!

One week ago I landed in Lima! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, and for all of the encouragement that's gotten me this far. It's amazing to be here! Sometimes I can't believe I haven't just gotten lost in some part of the States that I don't recognize. Lima is a very large city: 7 million people. The people and the food are fabulous. There are a million little differences, some easy, some frustrating, but I'm enjoying getting to know my new surroundings.

Here is my new favorite bush! I don't know what the name is, but I'll add it once I've learned it in my Spanish lessons!

My home on wheels

Seriously! Everything I took to Peru fit into these 4 suitcases. I was pretty impressed. I had to ditch the purse at the airport (2 carry-ons means 2 carry-ons on American: no extra purse!)

I can't remember how much it all weighed, but it was close to 225 pounds. It's cheaper to take it with you on the plane than to mail it to Peru, but it was still pretty expensive! I'm glad I'm here for over a year - less wouldn't seem worth it. :)

I'll be living out of these suitcases for another week before I move in with the Peruvian family I'll stay with for 2 months. Thank you to the Wycliffe Boutique where I got one for free and to Beth, who gave me an old-school hard case one that has been wonderful. Thx to Target and TJ Maxx for the other cheap, but wheeled pieces that have been so nice! Mom, can you believe that $18 backpack has lasted through 2 trips to Peru!

Auntie Amy

Lucky me, I get to babysit Baby Katie tonight for the last time before I leave for Peru in *6* days! Here's the two of us at lunch after church on Sunday. She's 8 months old and has 7 teeth. I guess I can leave her in the care of her two wonderful parents, but I sure am going to miss her!

I'm Official!

Sunday, I was introduced to my home church in Portland as a missionary candidate. This is a blessing to me and a step forward towards becoming a commissioned missionary with Cedar Mill Bible Church! Here I am sharing my story with the church body:

Just for fun

Honest Hymn Titles...

• Blest Be the Tie that Doesn't Cramp My Style
• I Love to Talk About Telling the Story
• I'm Fairly Certain that My Redeemer Lives
• Spirit of the Living God, Fall Somewhere Near Me
• I Surrender Some

...may it not be so!