¡Jenny!

Amy's from Oregon but she lived in Peru for 2 years and now lives in Costa Rica. Jenny's from Costa Rica but she got some training in Peru before moving back to Costa Rica last year.  Amy and Jenny had a happy and loud reunion outside of a university in Lima, Peru, a few days ago, as Amy swung by to bring a bit of Costa Rica to Jenny, who is back in Lima for a few years.  Chess pieces in the hands of One who knows how it all plays together?!!

School Daze

It's pretty hard to get studying done in class...

...when the other students are so crazy!!

Thank goodness there's more to life than studying!

Most of these students in my first trimester have moved on to the mission field.  Only the Sears and I have stayed for a second trimester: Seth is in a blue shirt in the back and Andrea is sitting on the left.

Our school (The Spanish Language Institute) is dedicated to training people heading to serve God in Spanish-speaking countries, so there are a lot of joyful goodbyes throughout the year.  Goodbye to friends who are leaving...

...and holding on to those that are staying a while longer!

Peruvian Birthday #2

It was my birthday Tuesday and the ladies surprised me with a full-blown birthday tea instead of the cake and hot drinks I was expecting.

What a great time we had! Sandra, Sara and Ana came from church; Jan, Martie, and Marilyn from the missionary community; and 4 new friends as well!

We aren't supposed to live alone, and I thank God all the time for putting me in a community here!

I also thank God for this piece of dessert heaven which we are calling Pecan Pie Upside-down Cake. Thanks Jan!

Homeward Bound

I was so glad to see Portland, Oregon, out my airplane window on September 10th. I still can't believe home is only a plane ride away. It was a gift to spend time with my family, and visit churches and friends during my two weeks in the Northwest.

Of course time with niece Katie, who is such a big girl now, was one of the highlights! We went to the zoo and were both excited to see the elephants up close.

Of course there wasn't time for everything and everyone, but I had a rich time with every person I was lucky enough to see. I had the chance to meet with a missions group at my church, share at a recruiting event, and spend time with the "family" I have at the church I grew up in.

Getting to hang out in person with friends was something I really had been looking forward to. A group of girlfriends threw a tea party, and we all had tons of fun over 5 gourmet courses and many, many pots of tea.

I spent my last few days in Colorado, spending time with my dear friend, Deedra. We took a drive up into the mountains on 1 of the 2 peak days per year to see the aspen turning. What great timing by God! I felt His hand of direction and provision throughout this trip.