The First Week

Hello everyone!

I'm sorry for taking so long to post an update.  We are not too busy here, but I just never got around to getting to it.  But I am writing now, and will tell you a bit about what has happened so far.

The traveling went quite smoothly.  We had a little mix up in Miami but everything ended up just fine. We arrived in Lima at about 9:30 pm and then we took a taxi to a bed & breakfast where we spent the night and ate my first Peruvian breakfast (they served bread with butter and jam, peach yogurt and coffee. I drank the coffee because it was Peruvian, not because I liked it). 

Thursday afternoon we arrived at the Stilwell's home - safe and sound. :)

Friday morning Mrs. Stilwell took Joe and I to the market where we bought our flour, sugar, and fruits and vegetables.  I loved it and was wishing I had brought my camera - Mrs. Stilwell assured us that we'd have more chances to bring our cameras to the market.  On Wednesday's and Friday's, at noon, Mrs. Stilwell teaches "Health" at the seminary, so she had me come along so I could be exposed to more Spanish. So far I am only able to pick up a few words but occasionally I can understand what is being talked about.  It is very difficult because it seems as though the Peruvians are just streaming out a long jumble of sounds.  Lord willing those sounds will soon become clear words and I will be able to understand and converse better with them.  I know I am learning a lot already - this is encouraging to me during those moments when I am sitting amongst the youth at church, wondering what was said that was so funny...

Saturday was a full day! In the morning we drove up to Alto Trujillo, where we own some church property.  The land is covered with sand and was not level so many men from the church and area came with their shovels and wheelbarrows to level it out.  I went along with Rebekah - we took many pictures and helped a bit.  I met a little boy named Luis who was telling us all the English words he knew from school.  When lunch time came around we all went home and ate dinner.  Then it was time to head off to the seminary for a little reunion of those who have been to camp.  We played soccer and volleyball (soccer is played so much down here!), looked at pictures of the camp and then listened to a message.  That evening was youth group at the church. 

The weather down here is perfect! I'm not sure what the temperature is, but we are wearing short sleeves all day (but it's not hot!).  If I am going out after the sun goes down, then I need a sweatshirt, but that is all.

On July first we are having our first service in Alto Trujillo. Please pray for all that has to be done with the property before then and pray that many new people will come. 

**Please leave a comment! I would LOVE to hear from you! Tell me how you are doing and what's going on with you!

**Pictures should be coming soon. :)