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.