Twisted Guts from Tacna

Twisted guts: That feeling in the pit of your stomach when your guts are all tied in knots and the ache that accompanies it in your heart. (Adj.)

Tacna is our last big stop on our three week trek in Peru.  After a wonderful worship service, a delicious meal of chicken soup followed by fried octopus and freshly fried corn nuts was cut short in a rush to make the bus to Ilo.  A flood of goodbyes, well wishes, God blesses and come visit agains filled my ears and my heart.  

Oh, the love.  It truly is nearly indescribable.  Sincere smiles, cheek to cheek kisses, hands in hands, arms in arms from one brother or sister to the next and then again.

They didn't want us leave, and I wasn't ready to.  Too fast.  So many faces.. What if I can't keep the name with the right person?  What if we don't connect on Facebook, will I ever see them again?  

Experiencing first hand the love I was given has planted a seed that is being watered with each person I meet.  A seed with the desire and prayer that I might someday visit my family here again and introduce my dear husband, my children and oh the joy if my parents could come again, too.

As I wrestle with the pain of goodbyes, I am praying that the Lord will keep our heart strings tied and I can get to know my new hermanos better through our use of technology.

Adios, Tacna.  Until we meet again, keep the faith, stay strong and let's keep in touch.  I will remember to pray for you.  That I can promise.

Mutually Encouraged Part 2

Part 1 that I shared last night at Buen Samiritano:

http://mamacitalujan.blogspot.com/2013/01/mutually-encouraged.html?m=1

then added:

Thank You, Jesus!  The verse He drew me to and the words in our own mission statement repeated and drove home my take-away... We are ministering every single day.  We don't have to go to another country to fulfill our mission but wherever we are called to be on that given day, share a spiritual gift with another so that they can be blessed and then we both will be encouraged and comforted by our own faith.  

Now that I am here, getting to know you, I am more than encouraged by your faith & the work God is doing in you; I am challenged!  You have shown me that I am lacking in some areas, like your weekly prayer & fasting time at Nueva Esperanza.  I know that when I get back home, The Lord will reveal more areas in my life that He wants me to grow.  

I will never forget my 3 weeks here in Peru.  The friendships I have made, like with Victoria, rebekah, olinda & so many more of my Peru brothers & sisters are ones I will treasure.

Thank you for loving me.  My parents were not exaggerating when they described your love & friendship.  

God is doing amazing things in your lives!  Don't stop now.  Share the good news with others... in church, across your street, throughout Peru and around the World.  You are an encouragement to me & I thank God for you!

Juli, Peru

Go here to read my post from my first home stay in Juli!

http://nwfriends.org/peace-with-justice-joy-lujan-9/

I Forget

The day I received the topic for this month, I was on a bus in Peru, looking out the window at moms trying to provide for their children.  My thoughts were already on how day to day life for them is different than it is for me.  And I wonder...

Prior to Compassion, when did I stop and think about clean drinking water?  I could claim ignorance then, what about now?  I have no excuse.  I know.

I know there are mamas who wake up with the plight of survival on their hearts and minds.  Will they all eat today?  Will they get sick from drinking the water?  Do they have a choice?  It's death to not drink it and severe illness and possible death to drink it but what is the choice?

I never think of these things regarding my children.  I forget.  I don't know how, but I do.

This week, as we think of honoring mothers, I can't help but wonder if the best gift I could receive is knowing at least one mama has safe clean drinking water for her family.  

As I hear the noises from the streets in Puno, Peru, I am reminded that I have an obligation to care for "the least of these."  

I love my mum.  I want her to have a wonderful day.  I am thankful she doesn't have to wonder if her children and grandchildren have clean water.  I want more mums and grandmothers to have that.

http://www.compassion.com/babies.htm?referer=96738

12,600' is High!

We acclimated the best we could with the time we have and after two days & nights in Arequipa, we hit the road.

First, on Sunday night we had our first service. It was wonderful. I recognized people from my parents trip & meeting them in person was extra special. They remember them & that my Dad is a pastor. Lots of hugs & kisses.

I was able to mail Mary's backpack (thanks, Dan!) from the post office & that was a huge relief to have that done. In case you don't remember, Mary is my patents Compassion International child, here in Peru. I wasn't able to meet her in person since we aren't staying in the city she is going to school in so this was second best. I'm grateful to be the mule in this case. Ha!

All of our meals were delicious! We stayed in the same hotel my parents did & it was very nice.

We arrived in Puno today by bus. We were on the "top bunk" of a very nice bus. I was not prepared for the sway of the bus. After talking myself down from a minor anxiety/panic attack, I did pretty good. The sky is so big, the sun so bright!

We are staying in a different hotel than my parents stayed in when they visited. It is nice & I was excited by the extra wool blankets in the closet. Yes, the little things can be big things!

Blessings are mine, with ten thousand beside!

#nwymperu2013

My Peru Team!

#nwymperu2013

Our team is off to Peru!

Beginnings

#nwym2013

Today marks the beginning of my 25 day adventure away from home.

As I go & meet my team in Oregon, we covet your prayers as we prepare to leave for Peru.