So close yet so far away… July 16, 2009

We officially made it home to O’Hare around 1:04Pm Wednesday.  Late Tuesday night we found out that our plane from Lima to Miami had been delayed an hour, thus delaying our arrival into Chicago.  Tired, dirty and hungry this news was a breaking point for some of us.  Home sounded so wonderful and so close that this news wasn’t welcomed.  But only for a moment-the students remembered quickly the word  FLEXIBLE.  This amazing adjective had become very important to our team.  This word allowed us to remember that the Lord is ultimately in control.  Although home was so far away, our God was nearer.

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9-

This verse guided us during the trip.  It helped us remember that patience, self-control and contentment would be the attributes to help us fight irritability, anger and frustration.  Because the Lord determines our steps we could be at peace trusting his plan.

Receiving a “Welcome Home” and a stamp documenting our return, we all are pondering the work the Lord did not only through us, but in us.  God used Peru to change our hearts to the things that are on His-advancing His name among all people.

Please join us at SPC Monday July 20th from 7-9Pm to see pictures and hear stories from the team.  Email jwoerz@southparkchurch.org to RSVP by Sunday the 19th.

Thanks for all your prayers.

Deborah Kaminsky

Shopping? July 16, 2009

From Steve a few minutes ago:

 

Hey all we are safely in Lima and are going for a shopping spree. Flights are all on time. Flight from Miami to Chicago flight number on the sheet is different. New flight number is aa 847.

An adventure filled with hours of travel! July 14, 2009

The team went down to a river village about about 100 people two days ago.  Half the team flew in with SAM Air (15 minutes) the other half took the canoe in (2 1/2 hours).  They met up in the village and were able to entertain all the people in the village with their Guppets Show, dance and more.  They played with the children and learned about Peruvian River Village Culture!

The half of the team that flew in, canoed back up river, while those that canoed in got to fly back.  This gave the entire team the full experience of what it takes to get into remote areas to share the Gospel.  The half of the team canoeing back had a bit of an adventure when the motor quit on them.  Rest assured, Todd and the Pastor of the church Todd works with were there and knew the village they could go to for parts.  SAM Air ended up taking the team back to Pucallpa with just Deborah, Amanda and Todd staying behind to finish the motor repair.  They made their way back to Pucallpa talking about God’s wonders, watching the Southern Lights and just being in awe!!

Each night, they do team devotions and debriefing, talking about what they encountered, what they felt, what was amazing, challenging and how they are feeling and seeing God working with and through them.  They did this last night with a Youth Group that is at the local church (a program similar to our JAM/1:20).  They helped with games, English speakers taught Spanish teens, Spanish speakers taught English teens.  Deborah said that they night was an amazing thing for our team.  Knowing brothers and sisters in Christ was very cool.

They went into Pucallpa “proper” for a “real dinner” in a restaurant and had Peruvian restaurant food.  Most of the team is really enjoying the local food fare and their house mom/cook is quiet talented.  This was a cool experience for them and they really enjoyed it.  One of the local delicacies is Guinea Pig.  They did order one to share and try.  All but one team member gave it a try.  I will let you all ponder who that was! 

Tomorrow the team hopes to work with the Pregnancy Center, but as Deborah said, they are all learning to take each day moment by moment as the culture is very laid back and planning well in advance is just not the way they do things.   The first day, the teens asked constantly, “What are we doing?  What is next?,” etc.  The last few days they are just learning to go with the flow and enjoy the divine opportunities that unfold.  Tomorrow will be their last “work” day before heading out Tuesday for Lima where they will spend the day sightseeing and being tourist in the market.  A few team members have gotten slight diarrhea, but nothing that Immodium AD isn’t managing.

PRAY:  That the last three days of their trip will not be rushed and the effort that has been so strong so far will continue to be steadfast with the awaited opportunities to serve the Lord on this mission trip right until they land at O’Hare.  Pray that the team will be focused and protected and that all lives will be changed by this experience. 

New Arrivals to Pucallpa July 11, 2009

Steve called.  All is well!  They are staying in an AMAZING house (his words).  They rested a bit on Wednesday, toured the SAM Air base.  Spent time in “town” with creative ways due to the “auto strike” and worked on demolition work tearing down an old house (Steve said it was cool to watch the “girls” grabbing hammers and wacking away).  They fly (3 minute flight) back to the village from Pucallpa airbase – their version of a cab!

 Last night they had a prayer meeting with the SAM Air group at the house they were staying in (unable to get out due to the “auto strike”).  After the prayer meeting, they all had ice cream with a peruvian touch!!  Delicious chocolate and butterscotch syrups that were homemade for them.  The food has been fantastic.  A little tummy trouble for a few, but nothing big.

All the kids that went with Malaria pills, started taking them yesterday.  Everyone is juicing up with bug spray and sunscreen.  The weather has been amazing.  A little rain yesterday.  Muggy, but breezy.  Everyone is hydrated and handling it well.  Keep on praying for lives to be touched and changed.  Safety and God’s hand to guide their work.

Saftey First! July 9, 2009

Hey all,

The team did great today. Everyone is healthy and safe. We have gotten
adjusted to our living quarters which are very beautiful and have ac.
We practiced all of our outreach materials this evening and are
excited about how God is pulling everything together. Todd and
Stephanie have been fantastic hosts for us and were able to give us
advice on our evangelism materials and presentation. Our schedule is
flexible for the next couple of days due to an automotive strike.
Safety wise we are perfectly fine and are seeking out some alternative
travel arrangements to work on the missionary school. Todd has told us
that these strikes will typically only last a day or two because
people realize fairly fast that while on strike you don’t get paid.
We are extremely excited to get cracking on the school tomorrow and
can’t wait to see what God has in store. Pray for our team is we
adjust to the different pace of life down here and that our cultural
adaptation would be smooth. Look forward to updating you again soon.

And They’re Off!!! July 5, 2009

 Tomrrow, July 6th The Peru Green Team is leaving for Peru. It would be very appreciated if you all kept up the prayers for a safe flight and a safe boat ride up river to thier destintion. Your continued support is greatly appreciated thanks again!