Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Looking Back!
Oh my goodness, there is just way too much to say, and not enough time to write it all. This week has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. It's so incredible to see God working in all of our lives down here where it's easy to worship him freely without being embarrassed. I mean, who can break out in song and dance in church with a disco ball!?! It was great!!! The freedom down here is amazing!
Working in HH has been fun. I painted most of the week. It's really been cool, though, to see what our group from LSCC did last year, and seeing it all come together. Even though we wanted to get the whole project totally completed, we realized that every time a group comes down, we become closer and closer to being able to put girls in the home. The home is looking so great now.
My favorite part of this trip has been working with the kids from the orphnage and the ones we met at VBS. They are so interjetic. From the very first moment I layed eyes on them, there was a conection between us. There was one girl I was very attatched to from the first day. She has the most beautiful eyes, and had a great personality. Then there was also Natalie, Brandon, and so many more. Each one had their own personality, which made it so fun to be with the kids. With every kid you have a very unique realationship. I had a ball with them doing everything from dancing to tickeling to coloring. It was very cool to see how we could have such an amazing relationship with people you can't even talk to without a translator. I noticed, though, that there is one thing that is universal: laughter. At almost any moment in the day, you'll hear kids and workers laughing. It made our time with the kids even more exciting. I loved hearing the laughter fill the bus we were on and the orphanage. It was just an amazing experience that is WAY too hard to put into words.
This week has really changed my life, and I'll never forget it. I've experienced so many new things, made some great new frinds, and experienced God's work in a whole new way. Things that I've heard about have become so real to me. I thank God so much for giving me this opprotunity to work down here in Peru. He is a great God!!!
Abbey
Working in HH has been fun. I painted most of the week. It's really been cool, though, to see what our group from LSCC did last year, and seeing it all come together. Even though we wanted to get the whole project totally completed, we realized that every time a group comes down, we become closer and closer to being able to put girls in the home. The home is looking so great now.
My favorite part of this trip has been working with the kids from the orphnage and the ones we met at VBS. They are so interjetic. From the very first moment I layed eyes on them, there was a conection between us. There was one girl I was very attatched to from the first day. She has the most beautiful eyes, and had a great personality. Then there was also Natalie, Brandon, and so many more. Each one had their own personality, which made it so fun to be with the kids. With every kid you have a very unique realationship. I had a ball with them doing everything from dancing to tickeling to coloring. It was very cool to see how we could have such an amazing relationship with people you can't even talk to without a translator. I noticed, though, that there is one thing that is universal: laughter. At almost any moment in the day, you'll hear kids and workers laughing. It made our time with the kids even more exciting. I loved hearing the laughter fill the bus we were on and the orphanage. It was just an amazing experience that is WAY too hard to put into words.
This week has really changed my life, and I'll never forget it. I've experienced so many new things, made some great new frinds, and experienced God's work in a whole new way. Things that I've heard about have become so real to me. I thank God so much for giving me this opprotunity to work down here in Peru. He is a great God!!!
Abbey
Judge Visits, Painting, and a Rockin' Bible School
Three great things to tell:
All the visits from the legal authorities went well! Hannah's Home has the full support of the judge that visited--praise God! This opens the door for girls to be assigned to Hannah's Home in the next few months.
Today the guys put the floor in for the second story of HH, and Kelsi and I worked on the mural for the outside wall. It was so awesome to be able to paint for God's glory--I love to paint and be creative, and am so blessed to be able to do that on this trip. It was especially awesome to be able to create the mural with Kelsi. Serving as a family was been beyond my wildest dreams. God has given us an amazing week as we've sweated, worked, created, cleaned, painted, planted, eaten, walked, worshiped, and loved together.
There is not enough room here to tell about the Bible School we did. Here's a few words: 200 kids, outside in the dirt, 150 zip-lock gallon craft bags, 100 parents watching, the Frog song, Jesus loves me, Inca Cola game, communicating with signs, hugs and kisses, bright shiny eyes, praising God in 2 languages. AMAZING.
Love you all, Lorri
All the visits from the legal authorities went well! Hannah's Home has the full support of the judge that visited--praise God! This opens the door for girls to be assigned to Hannah's Home in the next few months.
Today the guys put the floor in for the second story of HH, and Kelsi and I worked on the mural for the outside wall. It was so awesome to be able to paint for God's glory--I love to paint and be creative, and am so blessed to be able to do that on this trip. It was especially awesome to be able to create the mural with Kelsi. Serving as a family was been beyond my wildest dreams. God has given us an amazing week as we've sweated, worked, created, cleaned, painted, planted, eaten, walked, worshiped, and loved together.
There is not enough room here to tell about the Bible School we did. Here's a few words: 200 kids, outside in the dirt, 150 zip-lock gallon craft bags, 100 parents watching, the Frog song, Jesus loves me, Inca Cola game, communicating with signs, hugs and kisses, bright shiny eyes, praising God in 2 languages. AMAZING.
Love you all, Lorri
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Changd Heart
Ola, that and alto are the only two words that I have learned and I think I can spell correct. It is day four and I have already done more physical work than I have in two years (the back is doing well, I have sung about a frog, jumped in the air waving my arms frantically, done a memory verse in front of the church, and I have fallen in love with not only a whole lot of kids, but a neighborhood, and a people. All this and we still have Wednesday night church and the disco ball to come.
I struggled the first two days here, the need did not surprise me, I was somewhat prepared for that. The burden of the need however overwhelms me to the point that it leaves me cold and insensitive. I know it is a defense from feeling hopless. The Lord has been very sweet these past few days to correct my perspective. He first had Dave (a great guy from Ohio) share a story about seeing the work of someone as a guardian angel to a specific child. He then related that we are to be guardian angels to those that the Lord puts before us. He then shared that we are not to be burdened with the whole, butvonly to be faitful for those who the Lord puts before us. From our first meeting with the children, the Lord put an eight year old boy named Jose in front of me, actually he grabbed me. Jose is not exactly "cute" and could seriously use a bath, but he is however very determined and irresistable. The Lord also has continued to work through his word and brought a whole new meaning to the word adoption to me.
The blessings have been many, the fellowship with others, and the community of believers phenominal. The coolest thing to see was the wall that the first LSCC group built. The stories from over a year ago all came alive. You all began a great work, and it is an honor to follow you and add to that work. The end is very close for the first phase, you all need to come down and see what the the Lord has done, and th kids are asking for you.
VBS was today, I could write for another hour, but I got to go my wife is telling old stories about me to the whole group, and none of them are true!
Miss you all, see you soon. In Christ Jim
I struggled the first two days here, the need did not surprise me, I was somewhat prepared for that. The burden of the need however overwhelms me to the point that it leaves me cold and insensitive. I know it is a defense from feeling hopless. The Lord has been very sweet these past few days to correct my perspective. He first had Dave (a great guy from Ohio) share a story about seeing the work of someone as a guardian angel to a specific child. He then related that we are to be guardian angels to those that the Lord puts before us. He then shared that we are not to be burdened with the whole, butvonly to be faitful for those who the Lord puts before us. From our first meeting with the children, the Lord put an eight year old boy named Jose in front of me, actually he grabbed me. Jose is not exactly "cute" and could seriously use a bath, but he is however very determined and irresistable. The Lord also has continued to work through his word and brought a whole new meaning to the word adoption to me.
The blessings have been many, the fellowship with others, and the community of believers phenominal. The coolest thing to see was the wall that the first LSCC group built. The stories from over a year ago all came alive. You all began a great work, and it is an honor to follow you and add to that work. The end is very close for the first phase, you all need to come down and see what the the Lord has done, and th kids are asking for you.
VBS was today, I could write for another hour, but I got to go my wife is telling old stories about me to the whole group, and none of them are true!
Miss you all, see you soon. In Christ Jim
VBS in the community!
Today was an incredible day. It started with the women doing an amazing job on the front of Hannah's Home. It looks great! Now for the really exciting stuff. After working all day we went and picked up the kids from Hogars. We took them into a community close by for VBS. The children went door to door inviting children to come to VBS. We had children following us down the streets. Our numbers kept growing every time I looked back. Some homes did not have children, but the adults wanted to come. It was so exciting to see the smiles on the kids and the adults faces. One boy, about 13 or 14, came up to us and wanted us to sign his shirt. I wish that I could share the feelings that we felt today. The preacher in the community said that nobody had ever come and done that before. It is so awesome to see God at work here!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Too Heavy to Land
TMI--too much information--that was my first thought when the pilot told us that we were too heavy to land in Houston. Our airplane had been filled with the extra fuel that we would need to get around the expected turbulence en route to Houston. We didn't encounter any turbulence, though, and we were too heavy to land. The pilot explained that he would let the landing gear down early to produce some drag and burn off the excess fuel. I had no idea that the amount of fuel "filled up" was based on weather, in addition to distance being traveled. I thought about how thankful I am for a sovereign God who knows just how much fuel I need to get through each day including any turbulence I might encounter. He fills me up with the exact right amount. I needed that encouragement today. I was up sick for several hours last night(Sunday) and when I was tempted to worry about whether or not I would be well enough, or have enough energy to participate in our first work day I remembered that my sovereign God would give me exactly the amount of fuel I needed. I felt well enough by morning, was able to eat, and participate in our first workday. It was a very sweet day; working alongside our team and new friends from Peru. Lorri, Kelsi, Abby, Alison, and I painted all day. I will have Jim upload some pics later. In the afternoon we visited Hogar de Ninos for the first time. We made pictures frames with the children and watched them dance for us. It is amazing how quickly you get to know each of them with their special wiles and ways. I am so blessed by Terry, Jeff, Dave who balance the work that needs to be done with the relationships that are being built; with each other and with the community here in Peru. The tranlators, the native workers, the bus driver, an elderly neighbor man...all friends to love. The tasks to be done to get Hannah's Home ready are all around, but we stop and learn about each other and play with the children. It is a great balance to learn for this Type A personality :-)! We love and miss you all and really wish you were here. ~Tkay
Sunday, July 15, 2007
The First Day
After a long day of flying, we finally made it to our final destination. This morning we attended a church were all of the children from the orphanage attend. Wow, it was so amazing to see how other people worship. Even though I could not understand what they were saying while they were sharing the word or singing, I still felt God's presence around us. I was in awe of all the kids up in front of us singing and resiting memory verses. Those kids had so much joy and happiness. I enjoyed hugging them and just loving on them. For lunch today we took the kids out to eat at a restraunt called Norky's. I was amazed on how well behaved 16 kids could be at a table. They were so patient waiting on their food. It made me stop and think about how I am such an unpatient person. I know that these kids are going to teach me so much this week.
Alison
Alison
Ready to Get Started
Our flight here was great. Lots of people in the KC and Houston airports asked us about our t-shirts ("I am adopted.") so we were able to talk to lots of people about what's going on here, and I realized we were being given a great opportunity to share Christ's love not only with the people of Peru, but even with those we met along the way.
We went to church this morning and it was amazing. The pastor spoke about faithfulness and loyalty, and God really used his word to speak to me about my own situation with work at home. It's amazing how God's word transends culture. The very best thing about church was at the end when all the age groups came to the front and reported what they'd learned. (Part of the time the children were out in classes.) Even the adults went to the front and we shared our memory verse from our lesson. What amazing accountability!! Imagine if Pastor Dan called us to come up by age groups at the end of each service and report what we'd learned. Wow.
Erica is the mom to the 16 orphans and her three biological children living at Hogar de Ninos, the orphanage across the street from Hannah's Home (where we'll be working this week.) We were able to communicate through the translator on our bus ride to Lima (the big city.) Wow--was I humbled. She and her husband show God's love and care for all those children with such love and humility. We were able to share with each other what God is doing in both of our lives and the children that God has brought to us. She's been at Hogar de Nonos for three years. I am in awe of the way God's love flows through this tiny little young woman, and I want to learn from her this week as well as minister to her. We have an amazing God who works in our lives across cultural boundaries. Even though it seems that nothing in Erica and my life situations is the same on the outside, inside God is doing a similar work as he has expanded each of our families. Pray for Erica and her husband, and that Tim, Kelsi, Abbey, and I will be able to minister to their family.
Thanks to eveyone for the prayers and support, Lorri:)
We went to church this morning and it was amazing. The pastor spoke about faithfulness and loyalty, and God really used his word to speak to me about my own situation with work at home. It's amazing how God's word transends culture. The very best thing about church was at the end when all the age groups came to the front and reported what they'd learned. (Part of the time the children were out in classes.) Even the adults went to the front and we shared our memory verse from our lesson. What amazing accountability!! Imagine if Pastor Dan called us to come up by age groups at the end of each service and report what we'd learned. Wow.
Erica is the mom to the 16 orphans and her three biological children living at Hogar de Ninos, the orphanage across the street from Hannah's Home (where we'll be working this week.) We were able to communicate through the translator on our bus ride to Lima (the big city.) Wow--was I humbled. She and her husband show God's love and care for all those children with such love and humility. We were able to share with each other what God is doing in both of our lives and the children that God has brought to us. She's been at Hogar de Nonos for three years. I am in awe of the way God's love flows through this tiny little young woman, and I want to learn from her this week as well as minister to her. We have an amazing God who works in our lives across cultural boundaries. Even though it seems that nothing in Erica and my life situations is the same on the outside, inside God is doing a similar work as he has expanded each of our families. Pray for Erica and her husband, and that Tim, Kelsi, Abbey, and I will be able to minister to their family.
Thanks to eveyone for the prayers and support, Lorri:)
Friday, July 13, 2007
What lies ahead?
As I sit here at our Hostel on a Friday night after spending the day at Hannah's HOme and Hogar De Ninos....I can't wait for the group to arrive on Saturday night. I am really excited to be able to share the upcoming week with my friends with whom I worship with at LivingStones Community Church. I am already sensing that God is going to impact each life this week in a very special way.
It is great to see God at work already as we have prayed that one of our team members (Mike Young) would recieve His Passport in time before departing. God answered our prayer and he recieved it in the mail yesterday (Thursday). I know that this experience has already increased his faith before stepping on the plane.
We have a long and wonderful week ahead. We will be making some finishing touches to Hannah's Home, begin to build the second story apartments onto the existing building, and begin building the wall in the back and side of the property where the orphanage is going to be built later this year.
It was a real humbling experience today walking on the back part of the property and seeing the construction of the orphanage has already started (the footing for the back security wall). God is so good!
Please be praying for Wednesday of this week. We are having a couple very special visitors come and see Hannah's Home and meet with us. Our lawyer here in Peru and a Judge from Lima. This judge is one who will be sending us the girls to live at Hannah's Home and also works with adoption cases. This could a very monuemental day in the life of ChildReach and our future.
Well....please keep checking the blog for future updates. Thank you for your prayers and support!
I love you all!
Jeff Hart
It is great to see God at work already as we have prayed that one of our team members (Mike Young) would recieve His Passport in time before departing. God answered our prayer and he recieved it in the mail yesterday (Thursday). I know that this experience has already increased his faith before stepping on the plane.
We have a long and wonderful week ahead. We will be making some finishing touches to Hannah's Home, begin to build the second story apartments onto the existing building, and begin building the wall in the back and side of the property where the orphanage is going to be built later this year.
It was a real humbling experience today walking on the back part of the property and seeing the construction of the orphanage has already started (the footing for the back security wall). God is so good!
Please be praying for Wednesday of this week. We are having a couple very special visitors come and see Hannah's Home and meet with us. Our lawyer here in Peru and a Judge from Lima. This judge is one who will be sending us the girls to live at Hannah's Home and also works with adoption cases. This could a very monuemental day in the life of ChildReach and our future.
Well....please keep checking the blog for future updates. Thank you for your prayers and support!
I love you all!
Jeff Hart
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