Going Swimming

Sometimes waiting for God, trusting, feels like dropping little pebbles of faith down a shaft so deep you can't hear them 'clink' when they reach the bottom. It's dark and unclear and we don't really know what's on the other side. As I prayed last night about the future, I had that image come to mind...and immediately it was replaced with another, braver, bolder, more accurate(?) image.

Maybe waiting on God is more like being a little kid who really, really wants to go swimming on a hot, sticky summer day. I've got my swimsuit on and I'm at the edge of a pool, straining against my "Dad" who is holding me back. I'm wriggling and almost fighting Him, wanting to jump in--Now! But Dad knows better. He's waiting for the perfect time to give me what I want. See, I'm too young to understand, but the pool isn't full yet, and if I jumped in right now, the fun would be over real fast.

Sometimes waiting on God feels like we're hanging out in a black hole, but He knows our needs, dreams, and silly little wants, and He can't wait to give them to us...at just the right time.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Why does a farmer farm?

I spent a week in June at this building outside Lima, helping with a management workshop for three Quechua organizations. We were teaching planning strategies that help focus the resources and activities of an organization on meeting its ultimate vision.

Most Quechua people are well-acquainted with farming so they appreciated this analogy: A farmer doesn't get distracted by unnecessary irrigation projects or on building up his supply of an unusable fertilizer. His goal is also not to grow crops for their own sake. His sights are set on improving his family's well-being through nutritional food and income. Results-based management aims to direct the gaze of an organization on its ultimate goal, and in doing so, align its projects and resources to meet that goal.

Being the facilitator for this group from central Peru was an adventure (see photos below). We crossed a few language and cultural gaps and had a good week creating plans for their organization. They are running many diverse development programs, as well as planting churches and starting a translation of the Old Testament, having finished a New Testament several years ago. Having worked in development for several years, their holistic, grass-roots programs were very exciting for me to hear about.

I am really enjoying helping add capacity to the local Quechua organizations in the area of strategic planning. I'm grateful that I received so much valuable experience while at my last job in the States! It's exciting to pass on techniques and ideas so these amazing ministries can be even more effective into the future.

My team with their graduation certificates.

So this is Huánuco...

Most likely you can't come to visit in person, but I can show you around a little bit through pictures! We'll start by turning right onto this street (photo left), where I walk by my church everyday on the way to my office. On the roof, you can see their white sign with blue lettering. I'm so grateful for the 3 Peruvian amigas God has blessed me with through my church! One of them helps me with my English, another works near by, and I'm helping the third with her linguistics studies. Having good friends in a new country seems crucial, and I know I'm blessed to have them in my life.


Then we turn right again at this street where my office is, along with other SIL staff and JAWCA (photo right). We're in the little green building on the left side of the street by the parked car. The two vehicles in the street are moto-taxis-- basically a motorcycle in the front with a seat over two wheels in the back. You can fit up to 3 people if you squeeze and can travel anywhere in town for only a sol (about 30 cents).

And here's my office, complete with a Nalgene bottle, a Monet print (thanks Jan!), and a map of all the languages of Peru. I am so grateful for the laptop that I was able to bring with me to Peru. It travels back and forth to work with me and also allows me to stay in touch with all of you. Many people's gifts made that possible--Thank you!

Of course there's more to this city then the few blocks around my work and home. I'll keep taking pictures to share with you here. It's great that we can keep in touch a little through the web!

Christmas in July?

I'm not that great with plant names, but I definitely didn't recognize the tall tree/bush outside my kitchen window...until it blossomed! Below is a picture of my apartment (on the left), and the 2 poinsettia bushes/trees that grow outside(!). The Smiths, translators for another nearby Quechua language, live in the house to the right. Because you don't see much green in the streets of Huánuco, I really enjoy the beautiful landscaping on our property.

Machu Picchu!

I had heard so much about Machu Picchu that I assumed I would be underwhelmed when I finally visited--boy, was I wrong! It was my third trip to Cusco and this time I finally made it all the way to Machu Picchu with my friend Karen who was visiting from the States. It felt surreal, like a different world. Aside from the fact that you are walking in and around ancient Incan ruins, Machu Picchu is set high up into the clouds so you almost think you're in heaven. Since only one of the original Seven Wonders of the World still exists, they are holding a world-wide online vote to elect the "New 7 Wonders". Click HERE to cast your vote (for Machu Picchu!).

Pachamanca!

Somehow I managed to not have had a pachamanca meal until we got to Marias. This was quite an accomplishment, because Quechua make pachamanca every chance they get. This pachamanca was in celebration of Amador's birthday. While you can order pachamanca at some restaurants, and recreos (like outdoor community centers) will serve it to you on Sundays, the best pachamanca is made out in nature by friends and family.

First, find a big open space to cook and eat, and then dig a whole in the ground. Start a fire and heat up rocks until they are are really, really hot. Meanwhile you slaughter and marinate a pig. (I'll spare you the picture, but it was pretty impressive.)




Then you remove the rocks, and pile potatoes into the hole-->






Layer hot rocks on top of those and layer more rocks over anything else you want to add: sweet potatoes, yucca, big fat beans still in their pod, and humitas, the sweet, tamale-like corn "cake" repacked into corn husks.












Next, layers of straw, cardboard(!) and dirt are piled over the food:





















Then everybody hangs out for an hour or two while the whole thing cooks. Jan brought a Women of the Bible workbook and everyone enjoyed coloring and reading the stories. I loved playing with the kids. Some of us took a nap after all that labor.










Finally it's time to unpack the layers of rocks and food and dig in! It was all really good, and the pig had a really nice flavor, but I ate too many humitas to eat much of anything else!















I liked how someone's sheep wandered up the hill to sneak a few bites.






I was blessed for my first pachamanca to be with such a wonderful family. I am really grateful for their hospitality and the fun we had together. We had a perfect view from our little hilltop as we laughed, sang, and ate together. Check out the traditional Quechua style I've got going on!

Marías

A few weeks ago, Bruce, Jan and I traveled to the village of Marías where they lived for many years. Dozens of people throughout the town came up to us, greeting the Bensons and welcoming me--that's the blessing of revisiting the Benson's old home town. We were able to set Amador up with the computer and software he needs to begin working with me on the Huamalies Dictionary. We also celebrated his birthday with a pachamanca with his extended family, including the fun-loving kids below. (More on pachamanca later!) The weekend was packed, but I loved every minute of getting to know these beautiful people and their culture a little bit better.


I had many reminders that I was in a part of the world much different from where I grew up. As we were driving out of town we met workers on the Benson's former street that were installing street lamps for the first time. (We had used flashlights the night before to make our way down the street.) The computer we set up in Amador's home is the first computer in the village. While many of the things I noticed are just differences and not needs in the community, villages like Marías are home to many families without access to hygenic latrines, clean water, medical care, and affordable, healthy food. We CAN play a role in meeting our neighbor's need, as commanded by Christ. (Matthew 25:40 and Luke 10:25-37) A friend of mine in Sudan just posted a link to a world map graphic that describes some of the reality I experienced in Marías. If the world's population were reduced to 100 people, what would our world look like on a small scale? Click on "The Miniature Earth" to find out.

Amazon Bible Dedication

I never thought I'd get to spend more than 1 night in the jungle (remember Tingo Maria a few weeks ago?). Then I got invited to attend a New Testament dedication on the Chambira River, deep in the northern Amazon region of Peru. What an honor! We flew from Lima to Iquitos on Easter Sunday morning and traveled by boat for 2 days to reach the Urarina village of Nueva Esperanza. For two days we were docked at the village, spending time with the Urarina, dedicating the New Testament, and participating in the first church service in this village.

It had been 10 years since Ron and Phyllis had been able to visit the home of the Urarina. The story of their almost 60 years with the Urarina, recovery from life-theatening illnesses and accidents, and the sacrifice of their Urarina translators demonstrate how this New Testament and this dedication trip were miracles not accomplished by human hands.

Scroll through more of my pictures for more of the Amazon and the Bible dedication by CLICKING HERE. (Clicking on the first picture will let you see it a little larger and give you the caption too.)

"¡Coca—Si! ¡Hambre—No!"

"Coca-Yes! Hunger-No!" Today there was another march in front of my house, which is on the main street at one end of town. The cocaleros are threatening to block roads and bridges in reaction to government policy changes regarding their crops. Cocaleros are farmers who grow coca, and while coca can be made into cocaine, it is legal to grow and sell in large quantities here. Around 60,000 families in Peru depend on their coca crops to survive. The new president of Peru is cracking down on these farmers, most likely because they are an easier target than those who illegally make and sell cocaine. Pray for peace and provision for the families in Peru for whom this crop is their livelihood. (For more information, check out this BBC News article.)

Planificación Estratégica

I learned a lot of new words recently. Facilitating a strategic planning workshop for 3 days with JAWCA maxed out my Spanish and then taught me a whole lot more. Talk about learning through immersion! We had a good time (see the "action" shot of small group work above) and these Quechua leaders inspired me as they defined their work and made plans for the next 3-10 years. I'm glad I'll be around a bit longer to see how things work out! If you would like to be involved, please stop right now and pray that God will fulfill JAWCA's dreams and plans to see the Word of God change lives in the language communities around Huanuco. Your prayers are effective!

Works of Art

Butterflies are everywhere in the jungle! I had to chase after these and take about 30 pix to get these shots. Thank goodness for digital cameras!

It's a Jungle out there!

Last weekend I spent my first night in the jungle! Traveling down the eastern slope of the Andes, we reached Tingo Maria in just 3 hours.

We spent about 30 minutes waiting for these two bus drivers who were nose to nose in the middle of landslide debris. I heard that's not very long to wait for someone to back up. Ironically they were from the same bus company, but neither driver felt he should be the one to move. You can imagine that nobody gets very far down the road when cars are line d up single file yet facing both directions!

Emily and Katie, two friends who work with Paz y Esperanza (see blog about the River Swing), came with the Bensons and I. It was a great break from "the routine", which doesn't feel much like a routine yet. :) I'll post more jungle pix and stories soon!

Graduation Night!

I first met these four CEFMA graduates when I took a Quechua grammer class my first week in Huanuco. A few Fridays ago, they graduated from the CEFMA program, which is 3 summers long, and prepares them for service in missions here or around the world. The theme was from Hudson Taylor's life, which is really exciting for me because my greatest dream for these people groups is to see them reaching the world for Christ! Everyone wore the traditional dress from their area. (Check out the 2 different styles and colors of hats the women are wearing. Hats and the patterns and colors of clothes are among the clues you can use to know what part of the Andes someone is from, even before they open their mouth. Just in case you are wondering, no one ever thinks I might be from around here, and they usually guess correctly that I'm from the States!)

Training teachers

2 weeks ago we held the next in a series of workshops for 14 Huamalies Quechua women. They are being trained in adult education and Bible study, and will be teaching workshops for another 60 women over the next 6 months. These 60 women are leaders in their churches and they will be teaching at least another 500 women between now and December. What a great chance to empower these women to teach and train others! It's also thrilling to know that, for the first time, these hundreds of women will get to study the Bible in their own language!

Photos: Jan leading a lesson planning session; Bottom left: Keila, a new friend!; Bottom right: Celestina practicing teaching

Adventura!

Yes, that’s me, out over the river! I’m riding in what they call a “river swing”. Really it’s a metal chair on a pulley system, so the guy across the river can haul people over to his side of the river. I had taken a bus to a spot about 30 minutes out of Huánuco, where my friend Elena and I got off. We shimmied down the hillside to the river swing, Elena in heels! Once across the river, we crossed a few fields and then reached our destination: the Paz y Esperanza camp. It’s basically a retreat center for this group that works toward justice and restoration for those that have been abused-- physically, emotionally, or politically (i.e., restitution from the years of terrorism).

During the summer (Dec-Feb in Peru), they hold camps for different age groups where kids to adults can play, let down their guard and hopefully grow. I enjoyed seeing the age group for this week (adolescents) playing with each other, sneaking into the swimming pool, working on art projects…and was moved when I heard that they had all started the week-long camp pretty shy and withdrawn.

The trip back home was the most eventful part though. We’d picked the day of a transportation strike to visit the camp, so once we’d hiked back to the river, crossed it on the river swing, clamored back up the hillside, we couldn’t find a bus to catch. We waited and waited, hoping. After my friend started talking about needing to stay near this one home we’d seen and not walking down the road (which I was thinking would be more fun than standing around), I realized we probably didn’t want to be out on a rural highway alone at night.

Since the sun had already set, we decided to go into high gear. Our only hope: hitchhiking. I rolled up my sleeves so my blindingly white skin had the best chance of literally blinding drivers off the road. ;) After waiving, jumping and miming our problem to 20 different drivers, we were getting desperate. The truck that finally stopped? I think I almost pulled it off the road myself. Our angels of mercy were seven guys heading back from a day of work in a big, beat-up farm truck. I was glad for a chatty, native-Peruvian companion, and that God held back the rain until just after we got inside the truck!

I'm a godmother!

Amador’s one year-old hadn’t had his hair cut since birth. The last day of our class together, he and his wife asked the Bensons and me to be the child’s godparents—the first ones to cut his hair! We sat out on the Bensons’ front lawn and took turns playing barber. This is made all the more tricky by the fact that traditionally the baby is breastfed during the “ceremony” so he’ll stay still! Be sure to aim your scissors correctly! (It's my turn as barber in the photo below.)

This godparent haircutting means we are now family to this beautiful baby. Godparents (madrinos) are an integral part of several events in a person's life: first haircut, dedication, first communion, graduations, a wedding. While I probably don't know exactly what I signed up for, I am honored to be one of this baby's godmothers!

The Class

What a blessing! My first week in Huanuco, Jan Benson and Amador Tucto, (far left) with whom I'll be making the dictionary, taught a class on Quechua grammer. The class was at a training center for young people who want to be involved in missions in the Andes! We spent several hours each day studying Quechua, learning about its grammer, its similarities and differences from other languages in the world, and how the different Quechua languages developed. It was great training for me!

I really enjoyed the other students, and we all loved the "grammer game" in the photo below. Quechua languages utilize really long words, compared to languages like English, and here we had to work together to combine our parts of words to make one Quechua word.

That looks like a really long word, but it's actually kinda small for a Quechua language!

I made it!

We took this picture of me at the highest point of the highest pass we crossed on our drive from Lima to Huanuco: 16,000 feet! (15,855 to be exact) That's about 1,000 feet higher than the tallest peak of the Colorado Rockies!

Trust me, in that thin air, I just barely made up the little incline to that sign! :) We traveled along at close to this heighth for about 90 min. Below are a few more pictures from the trip. I've put 20 in a photo album. If you'd like to see it click here: Photo Album. You have to put in an email address and password, but it's worth it. I recommend the slideshow!

Why We're Here

Most of these boxes are Ticuna New Testaments which are being wrapped in plastic to be sent by truck on Monday from Lima in the west, across the Andes, to Pucallpa in the jungle, and then by barge to Iquitos on the Amazon River, where they can be shared with Ticuna speakers. Another New Testament here is headed for the northern Andes, and a third is going to the Central Andes, close to where I will work. I love the backpack and clipboard lying on the boxes...it shows how every-day this is, but it's not taken lightly. How incredible that we get to be part of this kind of work! Thanks for "coming with me"!

Me & my Peruvian family! I lived with Sonja & Milagros (left to right) for these first two months in Lima.

Count Down to Huanuco!

SATURDAY
A music group is being formed of different SIL and Wycliffe missionaries who are traveling from all over Peru to attend a week of conference meetings just outside Lima. We will practice all day Saturday to prepare for the coming week of services. I am so excited to be able to play the piano with this group!

NEXT WEEK
The annual SIL conference lasts from Sunday through Saturday. It's a full week with a packed schedule, morning through evening. I'm glad for the chance to continue to get to know this organization, which has been in Peru for 60 years!

LAST WEEK OF JANUARY
I'll be in Lima for one more week, continuing to take Spanish lessons and finish my orientation. At the end of January I'll be moving to Huanuco, my new home, where I'll begin to work with the Bensons. I'm grateful to have been in Lima, learning from the SIL Lima office, and exploring this city, but I really can't wait for this final step to my "permanent" home.

(Incredible traditional Peruvian dancing, sometimes with scissors! :>)

The View

Standing on a random mound in the Sacred Valley, I took a few photos to try and make this panoramic shot. I mention the randomness, because this is the kind of view and beauty that is around every corner in this valley, which runs from a few miles out of Cusco northwest towards Machu Picchu. The Incas (1197 A.D. to 1592) believed that the Urubamba river flowing through the valley reflects the Milky Way. (p.s. These are just the foothills of the Andes!)