Blog - Life in Peru on a Mission Trip

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."   Proverbs 19:21

This verse sums up our journey as we attempt to travel to Moyobamba.  The first legs of the journey went according to plan.  We drove to Columbus, checked in, said goodbye to Hans, and then we were breezed through security and were in New York before we knew it.  Caleb loved his first flight (that he can remember), and all went smoothly.  As we were waiting in New York for our flight to Peru, Hans called to let me know that the airline had cancelled our flight from Lima to Tarapoto the next afternoon and switched us to the 7:00 am flight instead. (Interesting, as our U.S. flight wouldn't even be landing until 7:05 am.).  They had sent an email that afternoon while we were already traveling.   Many anxious calls and texts were made discussing what our next steps would be, but as we boarded the midnight plane for Lima, no resolutions had been made.  The only choice we had was to trust that God would provide. (This did not stop me from worrying about the situation on the plane.)

The kids and I survived the 8 hour flight and gathered our luggage.  We spoke to an attendant for the airline about the situation, and she quickly got us 4 seats on the evening flight at 7:00 pm from Lima to Tarapoto.  She was very helpful, but now we faced some new problems; 1) an unexpected 12 hour layover in the Lima airport with tired and grumpy kiddos (and mom) and 2) the danger of traveling the 2 hours from Tarapoto to Moyobamba on the curvy mountain road at night.  The Lord again provided.  The airline offered us a hotel in Tarapoto and transportation to the hotel.  Hans' parents, Victor and Elizabeth, will still meet us in Tarapoto and stay at the hotel with us.  

We also were able to rent a hotel room at the adjacent hotel for 6 hours, which allowed us our own space to relax, rest, and recoup after the almost 24 hours of travel we already had experienced.  Dunkin Donuts were enjoyed by the kiddos for breakfast in the food court, and while our snack boxes definitely saved us some money in the airports!  Of course we had to buy some Inka Cola, the Peruvian cream soda!  It's a family favorite!

There are many things about this trip that have made me anxious and nervous as we were preparing.  Would we have any team members?  What work would God have for us?  Could we get all our supplies in the suitcases?   How could I travel over 24 hours by myself with the kids in unfamiliar places?  Am I crazy to do it? :)   

God is testing my faith in His Sovereignty and His plan.  Despite our best laid plans, there are always things that can cause us to get off track.  How we respond to these unexpected events is where we show our faith (or lack there of).  For me, this was a way to share with the older kids, as they saw me get frustrated and anxious, then finally turn to prayer and become calm(er).  Today, after we received the new tickets and news of the hotel, one of the kids told me, "See, mom, it all turned out just fine.  I prayed about it last night, and I knew it would."  Oh that my faith were like that of a child.  Praise God for his blessings.  God willing we will reach Moyobamba tomorrow during the day and see what else He has in store for us!

Dios les bediga.  God Bless you! - Angie

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard."  Psalm 19:1

Ya llegamos!  Finally!  We have arrived in Moyobamba!  It was 48 hour journey from doorstep to doorstep, but we are here.  Our flight left Lima last night and arrived in Tarapoto, where a gentleman from the hotel was waiting.  We were taken to a nice hotel where our room was waiting. (With air conditioning, an unexpected plus). The airlines also included dinner and breakfast at the hotel along with the room.  Victor and Elizabeth showed up 10 minutes later, and the reunion of kids and grandparents was beautiful!  We shared a meal with them and then quickly showered and went to sleep with bellies full and hearts happy.

After a restful night, we ate a quick and delicious breakfast at the hotel, did our daily devotions, and then packed up our luggage into the truck to begin the 2 1/2 hour drive to Moyobamba.  Tarapoto is a large city at the base of the jungle mountains.  It is HOT and humid all the time.  As we drove, we rose in altitude and the air began to get cooler.  Along the way, we stopped twice to get fresh, cold coconut water.  The coconuts are cut and then put into coolers with ice.  When you arrive, they cut the top off and stick in a straw!  It was a hit with all the kids, who remember stopping to get this treat the last time we were here.  

Along the journey, I was reminded of the first time I came to Peru, 22 years ago.  The verse above from Psalm 19 fits exactly what I was thinking then and now.  The beauty of this land created by God.  The lush vegetation, the mountains and valleys, the rivers, all speaking to the glory of God.  A country I fell in love with so many years ago, and now being able to see all my children experience it again filled my heart with much joy.  Their excited chattering voices filled the backseat with exclamations of things they remembered or new things catching their eyes.  Caleb finally told his siblings, "My eyes can't see everything at once!"  :) 

After 2 1/2 hours of driving on the curvy mountain road following the path of the Rio Mayo, we arrived in Moyobamba.  We unloaded the luggage and began to settle in to our home for the next few weeks.  Over the past 4 years since we were last here, Victor and Elizabeth have done so much work on the house.  There is now a large room and bathroom upstairs where our family will stay.  We had a yummy lunch at a restaurant nearby then headed back to rest during the heat of the day.  Ian went with Victor to return the borrowed truck and was able to practice driving the moto (motorcycle) with Abuelito on the way back.  This was one of the highlights of his day!

Los Abuelitos (the grandparents) took the kids out for an ice cream, and then we all had a dinner of pollo a la brasa, papas fritas, and of course Inka Cola! (Peruvian rotisserie chicken and french fries).   Another Calebism for the day, "Wow, we've had so much sugar, and almost no vegetables!  We all laughed, but that will definitely change as stop traveling and begin to enjoy all the fresh goodies Peru has to offer.  The kids took turns getting beat by Abuelito in checkers, and we are all settling in for an early evening to catch up on much needed rest.  

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for our trip and travels.  It was definitely different than we expected, and we arrived a full 24 hours later than we were hoping, but along the way, God's mercy and provision was laid out for us.  We are grateful for your prayers, and we ask that you would continue to pray as we adjust to the climate, culture, and language.  We also ask that you would pray as we start to begin the work God has here for us in Moyobamba.  I specifically would ask that you continue to open the eyes of my children to the world around them and that you would give them a love for the people of Peru.

Buenas Noches.  Good night!  - Angie

"Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart..."  

Ecclesiastes 9:7

No wine was drunk today, but we definitely did EAT with gladness!  After turning in early last night, we slept in a bit later this morning.  When we awoke, Caleb said, "Mmm, I smell platanos!"   Sure enough, Elizabeth had made a breakfast of fried eggs (fresh from the chickens in her garden), fried plantains, freshly baked bread from the bakery, and a kid (and mom) favorite of manjar.  Manjar is a dulce de leche-like cream put on bread or fried plantains.

After breakfast, the kids and I went with Victor to visit their garden around the corner and to feed their chickens.  In the garden we also cut down a few more coconuts to drink and then eat the meat inside.  The kids also tried cacao, the plant from which the chocolate is made.  The bean inside is covered in a sweet pulp that you suck on but don't eat.  Elizabeth also made sure to buy granadilla (passionfruit) for Kira since it's her favorite fruit here.

We also went to visit the thermal baths here in town.  The kids had a good time trying out the natural thermal waters and then swimming in the pool.  The kids were approached by four Peruvian boys about Kira and Ian's age in the pool who found it funny that they were speaking a different language.  Ian talked with them some, as did I, and they were asking all about where we were from and why we were here.  It gave Ian a chance to practice some of his Spanish!  It was a beautiful day for just relaxing and enjoying time with the Abuelitos.  We had lunch at a restaurant, and one of the favorite things the kids are eating here is PALTA. (avocados). There are so many different types, with some being small with no seed and others as big as your head.  Ian and Kira are definitely taking advantage of having such easy and CHEAP access to avocados.  Caleb's favorite is definitely still the coconut water.

The rest of the afternoon and evening we spent relaxing and organizing some of the items we brought to give away.  We also started planning for the Hope Baskets and are going to go buy the items at the market tomorrow.  The kids also thoroughly enjoyed taking Motorbike rides with Abuelito to go buy more bread or just around town to see things.

I am doing a devotional with the kids about mission work and how we are the eyes, ears, hands, and feet of Jesus here on earth.  We are to use our bodies to serve others with compassion, generosity, and a servant's heart.  Would you pray with me that as we begin to serve others here in Peru, they would take these things into consideration and not serve because we are telling them to do so, but rather they serve with a heart filled with love for people in need?

"Learn to do right; seek justice.  Defend the oppressed.  Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."

Isaiah 1:17

 Today we began focusing on some of our projects for the next few weeks.  After a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit, avocado, bread, and fresh squeezed orange-papaya juice, we set off to visit one of the special needs schools in Moyobamba.  It is called CEBE or el Centro de Educacion Basica Especial.  Here school-aged children with mental disabilities or handicaps come to receive education and therapies.  There are 38 children who attend the school, but not all of the students attend everyday.  When we walked into the school, we were greeted by several of the older students who were at recess.  We were received with hugs, smiles, and handshakes, which warmed my heart.  They were so happy to have visitors.  My mother-in-law, Elizabeth, comes often to help out at the school, so many of the students already knew her.  We were given a tour by the director of the school and watched as the younger students ate and then went off to recess as well.  

We were offered some avena (an oatmeal-chocolatey drink) and learned more about the school.  Many of these students come from very poor families, and it is often difficult for them to get to school due to expenses.  People with mental disabilities and physical handicaps in Peru are often outcasts.  The world here is not kind to them, and there are very few options for schooling or alternative care.  Many will be taken advantage of, many become beggars on the streets. The goal of this school is to help the students learn skills they may use later in life.  They are teaching them how to make beds, prepare tea, and do other everyday tasks.  There is also an art class where the students are painting on cloths that they hope to sell.  The director of the school has been working there for almost 30 years, and she and the teachers have poured out their hearts and patience for these children.

This was definitely an eye opening experience for my children.  They were able to see not only how different school is here, but they were also able to see people following God's command to care for the least of these. My kids hugged, shook hands, and talked with some of the kids.  It was not necessarily easy and was definitely outside of their comfort zone, but they were willing to see those who are often "invisible" to the world.  We are the eyes of Jesus and need to see the needs of those around us as Jesus would.  We left the school after many goodbyes and definitely with our eyes opened to another reality.  In the U.S. there are many schools, therapies, and treatments for children with these types of disabilities.  Here in Moyobamba, this is the only school in the region, and many families travel distances to bring their children here.  The school lacks resources and materials for therapies, but it does not lack for love or kindness.

After lunch and resting a bit, the kids went with Abuelito and Abuelita to swim.  The older kids taught Caleb how to swim freestyle, which made him so excited!  When they returned home, we all went to have a dinner of salchipapas (salchicha = hotdogs, papas fritas - fries) to celebrate.  Salchipapas is a dish of cut up hotdogs on top of fresh fries with many different sauces to choose from for toppings.  Caleb preferred just ketchup, but the rest of us experimented with the mayonnaise, mustard, olive, and spicier sauces.  Then we took a walk around the main plaza and finally enjoyed ice cream at home.  

Would you pray with me for the CEBE school?  Pray for the continued hard work and love of the teachers.  Pray for the students who are often overlooked but who are dearly loved by God.  Pray that the eyes of my children (and mine) are open to see the needs around us.

~ Angie

"When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth."

Genesis 9:16

Our morning began bright and early today as a large group of people and a band came marching by the house at 6:00 am!!  Luckily, 2 of the kids slept right through it, and Ian and I were both able to go back to sleep.  We are entering the time of the Festival of St. John here in Moyobamba, as festival that honors the patron saint of the region, John the Baptist.  Many different traditions and celebrations occur during the upcoming week, with one being the dance of the Pandilla.  This is a traditional dance that leads the people marching through the streets to the music of a band.  This morning was a practice round for the neighborhood around us!  I am hoping that there aren't any more 6 am practices!

Today was a day to spend with family and enjoy the land and culture of Peru.  Ian was feeling a bit under the weather with an upset stomach, so he and I stayed home while Kira and Caleb went with the Abuelitos down to the Port of Tahuishco.  (Tie-weesh-co).  Down there they were able to see the boats coming ashore and crossing to the other side, as well as ride a boat along the river.  They stopped to play at the playground near the river too.  They enjoyed watching how they load the motocars onto the barge using just 2 planks of wood.  They also stopped to get more coconuts which made Caleb very happy!

By the time they returned, Ian was feeling better (thanks to Cipro), and we all headed out to a town called Calzada.  This town sits at the base of a lone mountain called Morro.  It is surrounded all around by valleys, and many times people on mission trips have climbed to the peak and looked upon the whole of the Mayo River valley.  The kids had a hard time believing that I had once upon a time also climbed this mountain.  (In my younger and more adventurous years!)

We ate lunch at a tourist restaurant and spent time playing a game that involved attempting to throw metal discs into the mouth of a metal frog on a box a few feet away!  This caused much giggling and laughter as we all tried our best to earn points.  While we were eating lunch, a small rain storm came in, cooling down the air, and after clearing, giving us a small rainbow in the sky of clouds.  We enjoyed looking at the flowers and plants around, remembering the promise God gave his people to never flood the earth again.  After the rain cleared, the kids and I jumped in the pool to cool off, as it quickly got hot again!  We came home a few hours later, sunbaked and waterlogged, but happy.

After resting for a while, we had a quick dinner, and then the kids went with the Abus to the main plaza to see part of the festival called Corpus Christi.  Many different vendors were there selling food, toys, and artisan crafts.  The plaza was packed and loud with music and noise.  The kids tried churros filled with manjar, Maracuya flavored cheesecake (a local fruit), and anticuchos de corazon (skewers of grilled beef heart).  With full bellies, they came back on the motos and we got ready for bed.

It was a beautiful day of fun, and we are preparing ourselves for church tomorrow.  It will be good to see many familiar faces tomorrow. 

~Angie

"Therefore I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name."      Psalm 18:49

One of my very favorite parts of doing mission work is experiencing worship in different cultures.  It is always a joy to be part of a family of believers worshipping the same God, even if their form of worship is different from ours.  I have always loved being part of the Moyobamba church services because despite the heat, the outside noise, and the hard pew benches (you don't know how good you have it!) the Spirit of the Lord is there.  The people in the church sing with abandon, allowing their hearts to be filled with the Holy Spirit and praising the Lord with all they have.  There is joy and clapping and many "Amens" during the hour long sermon.  The people bring their well-marked Bibles and pray aloud along with the pastor when he prays.  It really is an experience.

The two hour long service, with an opening prayer lasting about 15 minutes, was a bit difficult for the kids since they didn't understand.  Kira and Caleb were brave and went to the children's service without me even though they weren't sure what to do.  (I think they felt it was better than sitting and being bored squished on the bench with me!) Ian did an excellent job sitting and paying attention and grabbing as much as he could with his Spanish.  Our sermon today was on 2 Peter 2: 1-11 warning the church and believers of the false prophets and teachers that are among them.  God warning us that they will be there causing many of us to fall to their false teachings, and they will be coming in secret, not in the ways we expect.  Without the Word of God we will not be able to tell the difference between the Truth and Satan's lies.

After church, we said hello to many people we knew and met the new pastors of the church.  I left my phone at the house, so I didn't get any church pictures this time.  We returned, ate lunch, and then rested during the heat of the afternoon.  Today was INCREDIBLY hot with a temperature that felt like 96 degrees.  

Once the heat started to ease, we walked a few blocks to the Punto de Tauhuishco. (Tauhuischo Point) There we found that we could see a beautiful double rainbow!  After taking pictures and walking around, we then drove down to the Port of Tauhuischo and took a boat ride on the river.  The sun was beginning to set, and the boat (with it's tiny Peki peki motor) took us to see a place where hundreds of white birds (maybe herons?) were settling into the trees for the evening.  It was a beautiful and calm boat ride, a far cry from the first boat ride I took in Moyobamba 22 years ago.  On that boat ride, we road on a tiny, overloaded boat with planks of wood to sit on for 14 hours until we reached a native village. 

For dinner, Victor and Elizabeth surprised the kids with a trip to a restaurant called 4FC! (a KFC knockoff) The kids thought this was the funniest thing, especially since we had seen a McRonalds in the plaza the day before.  The chicken was DELICIOUS, and the kids enjoyed it very much!

The rest of the evening we spent in the house, doing puzzles, playing Legos, and passing time as a family.  Tomorrow we will begin to buy the supplies to create the Hope Baskets.  It's not as easy as just going to Walmart and purchasing everything.  We will be going to the market and passing from stall to stall to find the best price for the items we wish to purchase.  Some of the items going into the baskets will be rice, sugar, oil, oatmeal, beans, and dry or canned milk.  We already have a long list of very needy people, especially older people who have been abandoned by their families.  Once the baskets are created, a group from the church will visit the people, speak to them about God, pray for them, and leave them the supplies.  It is our wish that these baskets would help the people feel the love of Jesus and lead them to the hope we have have in Him.

~ Angie (who is feeling much cooler now since the sun went down)

 “‘What should we do then?’ the crowd asked. John answered, ‘Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.’”  Luke 3:10-11

WOW, what a temperature difference today in Moyobamba compared to back home.   By 11:00 am today it was already 90 degrees with a feels like 112, compared to the 65 degrees in Findlay, Ohio.  Luckliy for us, we got some rain in the afternoon to help it cool down some.  

Kira and I spent the morning with Elizabeth walking around the mercado (market) in the hot sun!  Kira enjoyed looking at all the things available, but blanched as we went buy the meat stalls with the chicken heads and cow feet laying out.  We visited about 20 different places, asking about prices for the products we want to put into the Hope Baskets.  Just like bargain shopping at home, the prices at each vendor can be different, especially if you are buying more than one product.  There are 3 things I have learned to say in order to get better prices at the market:  

1) Why so expensive? - Often times vendors will lower the price for you if you name a different competitor's lower price.  They are in competition and would rather lower the price a bit and get your sale than not have your business at all.

2) Give me a discount! - It never hurts to ask for a discount.  At the market you can always offer a lower price, and sometimes they will accept it.

3) How much if I buy more than one? - Usually you can get a discount if you are willing to buy more than one of an item.  As we are planning to make about 100 baskets, this will often work in our advantage! 

After about 2 hours of stall hopping at the market, we walked a couple blocks to the Uno store (a mix between a Walmart/Sam's club/Costco) in town.  There we were able to buy 200 small bags of pasta and 100 small bags of soap for the baskets.  This store had the best prices for those 2 items that we could find in town. The poor checkout guy's face when he had to count out 100 packets of soap and the bags of pasta that weren't being sold as a pack was priceless, but when we explained what we were doing, his smile returned.  I am sure we were a sight!  I imagine several people were wondering what in the world we were going to do with all those noodles! (I know several people were annoyed at how long it took for us to checkout.)

 Ian, Caleb, and Victor had stayed at home, playing checkers and teaching Caleb to do Sudoku, but they came to pick us up at the store.  We stopped at a restaurant on the way home to have a quick lunch.  Many small places here in Peru have what they call "Menu" (men - ew).  These restaurants have a set menu of appetizers and entrees plus a drink all for a set price.  Today we ate at La Canela y La Flor (The Cinnamon and the Flower).  All six of us were able to get a starter, entree, and drink for $2.60 a piece.  It's a great way to grab a quick and yummy meal for a great price.

The rain and clouds came out when we got home and really helped to cool the afternoon down as we rested.  We spent the evening and afternoon comparing prices and planning our purchases for tomorrow morning.  Abuelito took Ian and Caleb to his garden, and they brought back guaba.  This long skinny plant you slice open and eat the white pulp but not the seed.  All the kids tried it and liked it!  The kids also had fun playing with a jumprope they found, plus we finished a puzzle and played many games of checkers and Uno.  The kids' Spanish is getting better everyday, and they are feeling more confident talking to the Abus and other people.

Good night! ~Angie

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving."  Colossians 3:23-24

Hurry up and wait seemed to be the motto for today.  This morning we woke up and ate a delicious breakfast of baked plantains that we split in half and filled with manjar and peanuts or with cheese.  It was yummy!  We did our devotions after breakfast, and it was sweet to watch Kira and Caleb do their devotions together on the top bunk of their bed.  

Kira and I walked with Elizabeth to the market.  Walking is one of the most common ways for people to get around here, even if they are going quite a distance.  Other transportation, while cheap to us, is often too expensive for many too afford for just a quick trip to pick something up.  Some people have motorbikes, and others might use a Motocar (like a taxi but on the back of a motorcycle).  The majority of people here do not have cars, so errands take more time and more planning.  Kira was not especially fond of all the walking we did today, especially in the heat of the day.  For her, we hurried up and walked, just for her to stand and wait for a long time while purchasing.

At the market, we bought most of the items we wanted in one place.  Due to us buying a such a large amount, we got very good discounts.  Watching my mother-in-law bargain with the shopkeeper was amazing!  She fought (politely) for every price, explaining how we were doing this for good and that the lower the price, the more people we could help.  I couldn't even imagine trying to do that in the U.S.  While we sat in the market stall, dripping with sweat in the 95 degree weather, I had to remind Kira (and myself) of the above verse.  We were doing the Lord's work, not for man.  So while we often had to wait for the person to help someone else who came in to the shop, we were able to talk with the owner's wife and children about why we were in Peru and the work we were doing.  We ended up buying 300 kilos of rice, 200 kilos of sugar, 100 kilos of oats, 200 cans of tuna, 200 cans of milk, 100 bottles of oil, 50 kilos of lentils, 400 rolls of toilet paper, and a few other items to put in the baskets!  There are 2.2 pounds per kilo, so that is over 600 pounds of rice.  Rice, beans, and oats are all things that expand when cooked, so they will help fill a belly of someone in need and last a while!  Since we had such a large order, we were asked to come back to the shop around 4 pm to pick it up.

While the girls were out shopping, the boys played games of UNO with Abuelito and went for a ride around town in the truck.  Once we came back, we ate a lunch of spaghetti and fried plantains.  We rested for a while, then prepared to go back to pick up the items.  

One aspect of life here in Peru (and in many Latin American countries) that people from the United States often have trouble with is the sense of time.  For me, I feel like i am late if I don't arrive somewhere at least 5 minutes early.  I will often even leave too early and have to drive around or circle the block.  That is not a thing here in Peru.  The time you tell someone to come is just a suggestion, not an expectation.  For example, at our Peruvian wedding, it was to begin at 7:00 pm.  When I arrived at the church at that time, there was almost no one there.  I ended up riding round in a car for about an hour by myself with a driver I didn't even know!  Needless to say, when we arrived at about 4:00 pm, the guy who was going to help us load the truck with the heavy items was not there.  So we waited........and waited......and waited.....and WAITED!  For the kids, this was not easy.  One, we were in a very crowded area with people walking around, and two, they were bored!  After looking at all the things around, there wasn't much to do but sit and wait. (and wait and wait).   Again, I had to remind the children (and myself) that we were doing the Lord's work and that we needed to just go with the flow.

All of us were in need of showers after the labor, so we showered, ate dinner, and are now preparing for an early night.  Tomorrow we will visit the PRITA school in town to and learn more about the Special Needs services they provide.

~ Una madre cansada (A tired Mother) Angie

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16

We woke up early this morning, ate a quick breakfast, and prepared to head to another Special Needs School.  This school is called PRITE, Programa de Intervencion Temprana en Educacion Especial.  The school is very similar to CEBE which we visited last week.  Here, however, they work with at risk children and special needs children ages 0 - 3.  This program would be similar to First Steps in the United States.  The children may have Downs Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, or they may just have delayed development.  Here 3 teachers have scheduled the children for 45 minutes sessions two times a week, and then on Friday they hold an open session for all the students to come and play together and socialize.  They also work with the parents to help them best continue the therapies and next steps at home for their children.  While we were there, we were able to meet 3 children and their mothers and watch the work the teachers did with the students.  Some of the skills they work on are speaking, following directions, large muscle skills (walking, running, crawling), and fine motor skills.  In one of the rooms today the girls were making a project for Father's Day.  They were ripping up pieces of paper and using glue to stick it to a card.  Another younger girl was in a different room playing and stacking rings and blocks.  As we watched the parents and teachers work together to help the children, it was evident that the relationship between them was strong.  The teachers truly are a light to these families in need.

The director told us that one of the main reasons why parents don't bring their children twice a week for their appointments has to do with money for transportation.  Even for the families that live in Moyobamba, it costs 3 soles to take a Motocar one way and another 3 soles to return home.  That's 12 soles a week in transportation, which is only $4.00, but for many of these families, that is too expensive.  Through our online fundraiser, we were able to raise enough money to pay for the transportation costs for each of these families for the rest of the year.  We also learned that they wanted to buy some more sensory objects for the students but did not have the money to do so. While they do receive funds from the government, it is often restricted for specific things, and if what they want to purchase doesn't fall under that category, they are unable to purchase it.  Below you can see pictures of the building, the therapy sessions, and a picture of the children they serve.  I couldn't help but smile as the 3 little girls came in smiling and waving at each other and the teachers (as well as us).  This school is a very special place and is providing a unique resource for families in Moyobamba and surrounding cities.  If you feel that you would be interested in learning more about this school or its sister school CEBE, please let me know.  PRITE has a Facebook page where you can see more pictures and learn more about school and services provided.

When we had arrived at the school, it was pouring rain.  The rain had passed by the time we finished, so the kids and I walked home while Elizabeth went quickly to the market.  It wasn't as hot due to the rain, and as we walked I shared stories about the places we passed along the way.  So many things have changed since I lived here for a summer 21 years ago.  When I was here we used to walk to a place to rent access to the internet.  Now everyone has cell phones and many have wifi at home.  So many new restaurants and shops have opened up, but many of my favorite places are still there.  I showed them where Hans went to high school, the store where I would stop to buy things on the way home from school, and the plaza where Hans and I decided that we would date.  

Ian and Kira were super excited for lunch today, as Abuelita fried up whole tilapias for them.  The kids devoured their fish, sucking as much meat off the bones as they could.  They even ate the eyeballs!  Caleb and I were happy to stick with chicken!  We rested for a while after lunch, as it was pouring rain again.  The kids were busy doing word searches and Sudoku puzzles.  We also played many rounds of UNO, and the kids held jump roping contests.

Our evening was much cooler since the rain, and there was a nice breeze.  We walked a couple blocks to a pizza restaurant.  Previous experiences with pizza in Peru have not been the best, but tonight our pizza was delicious.  Kira and Caleb ate cheese, Ian had Hawaiian, and I share an  extravaganza (deluxe) pizza with Victor and Elizabeth.  We were all pleased with our choices and left with full tummies.

Tomorrow morning we will load up the truck with all of our food supplies and take it to the church.  There we will begin the process of measuring out the ingredients into smaller bags for each Hope Basket.  There will be people from the church there to help us, and then on Friday, we will finish the process of putting together the baskets.

The kids and I are excited that Hans will be coming in a few days.  He will fly out Friday afternoon, and hopefully, he will arrive here on Saturday afternoon.  We all have missed him.

~Angie

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  Hebrews 13:16

I apologize now if this entry is shorter than normal.  We are very tired after a long day of working!  After breakfast this morning, we all loaded up the supplies for the Hope Baskets and took them to the church.  It took two trips with the back of the truck full to get everything there.  After organizing the items, we left to go and purchase the last of things we needed.  We then dropped those off at the church and came home for lunch.

We rested for a bit after lunch, and then at 3:00 we returned and met up with some brothers and sisters from the church.  Then the work began!  All 300 kilos of rice had to be weighed out on a scale and placed into 3 kilo bags.  We also made 1 kilo bags of the oats and beans.  Two kilos of sugar was measured out for each bag as well.  As you can imagine, this process took a while.  All in all, over 600 kilos (1322.77 pounds) were weighed out and packaged in smaller bags.  

While the adults were handling the measuring, Ian, Kira, and Caleb were setting up the bags and placing items into them.  The kids were true champions today.  They hard the whole time we were there without complaint! (or fighting, a true miracle!). The other church members commented multiple times about how amazingly they were working.  I was so very proud of them.  

Inside each Hope Basket were the following items:

• 3 kilos of rice - 2 kilos of sugar - 1 kilo of beans/peas

• 1 kilo of oats - 1 bottle of cooking oil - 2 cans of milk

• 2 cans of tuna - 2 packages of noodles - 1 package of detergent

• 1 container of dish soap - 1 bag of cocoa powder - 1 package of crackers

• 2 rolls of toilet paper - 1 kilo of salt

Thank you to all of you who helped raise money for this project!  The kids were excited to put these baskets together, and they can't wait until we can go deliver some of them!  We will be going with one of the pastors at the church and some other church members.  As we deliver the baskets, we will also ask for prayer requests and pray with the recipients.  Their names and prayer concerns will be recorded, and the pastors and deacons of the church will check back in with the people.  Many of the recipients are people in their 80's and 90's who can no longer work to provide for themselves.  Some have been abandoned by their families, others have families who are struggling to provide for themselves.  Please pray that as we reach out to these people they will see the love of Jesus and the other brothers and sisters in Christ. 

After 4 hours of work, all the baskets were put together, and the church was cleaned up.  We had a quick dinner and then headed to the showers.  Now we are winding down and ready for bed.

One last prayer request.  Kira has what we think is a bug bite on her knee that is swollen and painful.  Her leg was hurting her while we were working, but she pushed through and was a huge help.  Elizabeth's brother is a doctor, so we sent him pictures and talked with him, and he was able to prescribe a cream and tell us how to treat it.  Please pray that the swelling goes down and the pain stops, and that if it is infected, it heals quickly.  

~ God Bless!  A very sore Angie (Mission work was easier when I was younger!)

 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  Galatians 6:9

Dear friends, this verse is speaking to me today.  For anyone who has done mission work for an extended period of time (more than just a week or two), there comes a time when the newness of everything wears off.  When you start to miss the familiarity of home, when you get tired of having to translate everything in your head before you say it, when you miss the conveniences of the life you left behind.  You start to question your purpose and plan.  Let me tell you, I am in no way comparing myself to someone truly living a life of service on the field far away from all they knew.  However, I felt weary today.  Sore from the work yesterday, mentally exhausted from constantly translating back and forth, tired of making decision after decision, and very tired of parenting alone the past 2 weeks.  BUT, this verse popped into my head (thanks, God) this morning while praying.  It has been hard for me at times to see the good when the kids are fighting because they have been on top of each other 24/7 for 12 days.  It's hard to see the good when you are constantly hot and sweaty, especially when it makes it hard to sleep at night.  It's even been hard as we visit places without Hans, making memories he will only know in pictures and stories.

BUT...God opens my eyes in tiny ways each day, especially today, to see the good we are doing.  My children are experiencing and falling in love with their culture.  They are building lasting memories with their Abuelitos that are priceless.  Their eyes have been opened to people who not only have an extreme physical need but also a deep spiritual need.  We have talked about how these Hope Baskets are a tool for us to evangelize.  The food and supplies last only a little while, but while we visit the people, we can share with them the Bread of Life and Living Water.  And in each of these tiny glimpses, I grow less weary.  I feel energized and strengthened to continue the work He has for us, both here and in our own family. I also know that at some point, there will be a harvest.  I don't know what that harvest may be, but I know that if I continue on doing good, it will be to His glory.

After all the hard work yesterday, we were all glad for a later wake up call this morning.  I let the kids sleep in for the first time since we arrived.  While Victor was off preparing things for the Farming God's Way seminars that will be held next week, Elizabeth and I went to have a conversation with the pastors of the Moyobamba Church.  We sat down and started compiling a list of the most needy people, both within the church and unbelievers.  The pastors were especially wanting to help out several of the widowed and ill in the church.  On Monday we will begin going to houses and delivering the baskets, talking with the people, and then praying for them.  Would you be in prayer for the hearts of the people to be as receptive to the message of Life as they are to the baskets of necessities?

We spent part of the afternoon preparing for the arrival of Hans and Brian tomorrow.  Brian will be leading the trainings at the seminars.   I had a bit of a migraine, and it meant that we did not do much.  Later in the evening, we went to visit a place called Encanto, which had a pool, and more to the kids liking, a giant Gorilla statue.  We didn't swim since it was later in the day, but we did get some good pictures, and perhaps we will go back before we leave.

Hans and Brian are currently on their way to Peru.  They should arrive to Lima sometime in the early morning.  Then they have a flight from Lima to Tarapoto (hopefully) at 1:00 in the afternoon.  We will be expecting them (God willing) for dinner in the evening.  Please pray for them as they travel, may God bring them safely to us.  I don't know who is more excited for Hans to arrive, me, the kids, or his parents!  It's safe to say we all are looking forward to him coming!

Also, thank you all for praying for Kira's knee.  It is feeling much better, and the swelling has gone down.  She is not in anymore pain either!  Thank you for praying!

~ Maybe tomorrow it will be Hans telling his story!  

Angie

"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;  I will tell of all your wonderful deeds."  Psalm 9:1

Most of today was spent in anticipation and preparation of the arrival of Hans and Brian.  We spent the morning cleaning the rooms, organizing our things to make space for Hans, changing the sheets, and just in general waiting for them.  Hans called around 8:30 this morning to let us know that he had arrived to Lima safely and that their flight to Tarapoto was on time.  

After doing some work this morning, we went to the Annie Soper school for a fundraiser lunch they were having.  Many of the families had prepared different native dishes and were selling them there.  One of the favorite dishes is Pachamanca, which is a traditional way of making food by cooking it over preheated stones in the ground.  It comes from the Quechu words "pacha" meaning land and "manka" meaning pot.  Most of the time it is made now in a pot, but it is super yummy.  It has meat, potatoes,   bean pods, and corn mixed with a delicious array of spices native to Peru.  We also were able to sample Arroz chaufa (fried rice with Bacon and sausage), Maduro asado con queso (Grilled plantains with cheese), and Chicharron (fried pork).  They also had many types of fruit drinks, including Maracuya, which has a similiar flavor to passion fruit.  The kids enjoyed seeing parts of the school and playing on the playground.

After lunch, we went back to rest up and continue cleaning until the guys arrived.  Finally, around 5:15 in the afternoon, they knocked on the door.  They had smooth travels all the way to Moyobamba, and we were all glad to be together again.  We went to dinner pretty quickly after they arrived.  The restaurant was a "polleria" or Chicken restaurant called Selva Alegre (Happy Jungle).  There we introduced Brian to Inka Cola and Chicha Morrada (purple corn drink).  We spent time getting to know more about Brian and his work while chowing down on rotisserie chicken, french fries, salad, and ensalada rusa (Russian potato salad with beets).  Then we headed home so they guys could shower and get rest after their long travels. 

Thank you to all of our prayer warriors!  We appreciate you praying along with us for safe travels.  Tomorrow we will attend church, and the guys will head to the market for Brian to learn more about the crops and vegetables here.  

~ A United Family! :)

"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."   Proverbs 22:6

Today is a very bittersweet day for me.  What a wonderful day to be in Moyobamba with the kids to see the heritage and town where Hans grew up.  What a joy to be able to worship our Heavenly Father with His church here in Moyobamba.  And yet, there is sadness inside me today as I think about my own father, who would have been thrilled to be on this adventure with his grandkids.  Being here in Moyobamba brings the memories of my dad flooding back.  Without my father answering the call to His Father, none of this would have ever happened.  

Many of you may know the story of how Hans and I met, but I know there are many who are reading this that do not.  My dad first came to Peru in 1998 with another man from our church to learn about the unreached people group called the Aguaruna.  The Moyobamba Church was wanting to do more outreach to the native people, and so my dad came to explore the possibility our of church in Frankfort, Indiana "adopting" them.  At that time he traveled through the jungle to the farthest native community with a family from the church, the husband (Victor) was their leader/guide, the wife (Elizabeth) would do the cooking and food preparation, and the two teenage siblings (Hans & Leslie) would be their translators.  This turned out to be the beginning of my family's relationship with the Vargas family.  For the next few years, my dad brought teams of people down from many different churches to experience the Peru jungle and Moyobamba and to help with the Aguaruna people.  

By the time 2001 came around, I had been to Mexico 6 times on our church's mission trip to Nohchakan and fallen in love with the Latin culture and people.  Through both of my parents leading and being on the mission team, I had been exposed to numerous other missionaries and also had a heart for missions.  I went to Peru the first time that summer and fell in love with Peru.  During this trip I met Victor and his daughter Leslie, as well as learned about the Annie Soper Christian school.  

The next summer, after my sophomore year of college, I returned to Peru for 2 months in the summer.  I went only with the knowledge that I would be working with the English teacher at Annie Soper.  I did not know where I would be staying or who would be picking me up from the airport.  At the end of the two months, my dad would lead a team down, and I would return home with them.  Those two months were life changing.  I became fluent in Spanish, more confident in myself, and more reliant on God.  It was a complete change in my life and perspective.  And wouldn't you know, I ended up living with Victor and Elizabeth.  At then end of the two months, their son Hans came home from college for a break, and we hit it off immediately.  He was assigned to come along with my mom and I as I finished up my classes and help with the little parties that I had for my students.  When then end of that week came, we said goodbye as friends, not thinking anything more would happen.

When we started organizing the mission trip for the next year, we added a trip to Cusco on to the beginning of the trip.  I asked my dad if he would be willing to invite Hans to come and be our interpreter during this time.  My sweet dad (who was also clueless) was more than happy to have him come and help out.  During the trip that summer, we decided that this relationship was really something we wanted to pursue, but we knew it would be difficult.  After many trips back and forth on my part, and one trip to the U.S. on his part, we were married four years later.  And now, more than 20 years after my first time in Peru, and after almost 17 years of marriage, we are here spending this time with our children.  This was a plan that my dad could never have imagined, but our Heavenly Father knew.  All that was needed was faith and obedience to His call by many people.  What a blessing indeed!

Today we attended the service at the Moyobamba Church and then returned back to the house for lunch.  Hans, Victor, and Brian had gone earlier in the morning to the market to check out the local produce and farming stores.  After lunch they went to check out the land and arrange more things for the seminar in the church tomorrow.  

We had a calm and quiet dinner.  Hans and his dad returned for the evening service at church.  Brian stayed at the house to prepare for the classes, and the kids showered and prepared for bed.  Tomorrow will start early for the guys going to the church for the classes, so we are heading to be early!

Would you please be in prayer for the training tomorrow?  Pray that it would be well attended and that all the logistics would fall in place.  Things do not always go the way we plan, and we know that, so please also pray that we may be flexible and patient.

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers reading this.

~Angie

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."  Philippians 2: 3-4

Today was the first day for the Farming God's Way classes in Moyobamba.  Hans, Victor, Brian, and Ian left early to go to the church to set up.  As is very common in Latin American culture, people did not arrive on time.  Even though it was listed to start at 8:00 am, not many people were there on time.  Some people arrived throughout the next hour, with a total of 18 total for the day.  The curriculum is based on three principles: spiritual, management, and technology.  Throughout the day Brian taught the basics of farming in a classroom setting, using many different experiments and demonstrations to illustrate his points.  Hans was busy interpreting everything Brian into Spanish.  The people in attendance were very interested and asking many questions, since many of the techniques are foreign to them or are different from what they have always done.  An elder's wife provided a home-cooked lunch for all in attendance, and there was an eagerness for the participants to return tomorrow.  

Kira, Caleb, Elizabeth, and I were busy working with the Hope Baskets and arranging for delivery.  We are working alongside the elders and pastors of the church to make sure that the baskets go to the neediest in the church and other nonbelievers who are in desperate need.  One of the difficulties in delivering these baskets is figuring out where people live.  Many of the locations do not have a numbered street address.  We spent a lot of time asking where people lived and received answers like, "Oh, you know, by the Tienda Milagros in Zaragosa, but all the way at the end of the street and down to the left."  We were able to come up with the majority of the addresses, and some of those we do not have will receive their baskets at church.

While we were at church, there was a ladies' prayer meeting being held, and six of our basket recipients were there.  After the meeting, we called them over to receive their baskets, and then offered them a ride home as the baskets were heavy.  Many of the women are older widows and all were very grateful to receive the little help we could give.  We then went to deliver four more baskets.  Two baskets we left at David and Martha McPherson's house to deliver to 2 people they minister.  David is a Scottish man who was pastor of the Presbyterian church in Moyobamba when my dad was first bringing mission trips down to Peru.  He was the pastor who married Hans and I here in Peru, and I stayed at their house for a week the first year I came down.  His wife, Martha, is a Peruvian woman, and she was one of the first Peruvians I met.  It was wonderful to see both them again after so many years.

Another basket went to a very poor older woman who lives across the street from them.  She is very hard of hearing and lives all alone in a small house with an outdoor kitchen.  Caleb and Kira went with us to deliver the basket, and Caleb asked quietly, "Mom, is she very poor?"  I told him that she was but that we were there to help her some.  She was so very grateful for her basket and tearfully hugged all of us.  She kept saying, "Thank you, God." and "God bless you."  Then as we were preparing to leave, she wouldn't let us leave empty handed.  She gave us six eggs from her chickens.  Here we were bringing her food to help her, and yet she gave us something that she could use to sustain herself.  Caleb again asked as we left, "Mom, why did she give us these eggs?  She could sell them or even eat them?"  I told him that she was showing us her gratitude by giving us the little she could.  He said, "That makes me feel very special.  She is very nice."  Kira added in, "It was very nice.  We went there to help her, and we ending up receiving something too."  I explained to them that often when we go to help other people, we often feel like we receive more in return, maybe not physically, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

After delivering the baskets, we returned to the house to prepare for dinner.  Elizabeth and Victor took the kids to eat salchipapas, while Hans, Brian, and I went to dinner at a restaurant called El Matador.  We enjoyed a meal of grilled meat with various types of potatoes and vegetables while talking about the day and learning more about Brian's experiences abroad.  Then it was back to the house to get showers and head to bed.  Tomorrow will be another busy day of the seminar and delivering baskets.

Thank you again to all who have been praying for us and who helped with the Hope Baskets.  I wish you could be here to see the shine of the tears in the eyes of those receiving the baskets and feel the love in their hugs.  Thank you for sending the hope of Christ all the way to Moyobamba, Peru.

~Angie

"Share with the Lord's people who are in need.  Practice hospitality."  Romans 12:13

This morning started off early for all of us.  The guys were off to the second seminar day at the church, while the rest of us were beginning to pass out the Hope Baskets.  Victor and Ian were at the church, so they came to help us out.  Using the church's truck and our muscles, we loaded up the back! In two separate trips, we delivered 41 bags to La Clinica San Lucas. (The Luke Clinic). This organization will be delivering these bags to the elderly people they have been working with for a while.  We had met earlier last week with Laura, a Danish member of the church, who is working at the clinic with social programs for the elderly.  Many of these people are bedridden and in desperate situations.  She explained that it is hard for them to get enough medication for them, especially high blood pressure medicine or diabetes medicine.  

   We then went back to the church and loaded up a few more bags to be dropped off at the CEBE school for some of the families whose students attend.  These six families live too far away for us to deliver the bags in person, but they will be delivered by a member of the church who works at the school when the parents pick up their child.  When visiting the school, we learned that many of these families with special needs students struggle to support their families and the needs of their child.  We worked with the director to make a list of the neediest to supply with Hope Baskets.  They will also be prayed over and given the Gospel message when receiving the basket.  After delivering these, it was time for Kira, Caleb, Elizabeth, and I to head back to the house for lunch, while the guys were fed at the church with the rest of the class attendees.

In the afternoon, the guys went with the seminar class to a farm/plot of land owned by a member of the church.  There Brian instructed on proper planting techniques and gave the class members a chance to practice what they had learned.  They worked the land, measuring and planting several rows of various crops including corn, tomatoes, beans, lettuce, and beets.  Many of the people left saying they couldn't wait to try out the new techniques with their own crops.  Several also commented that they hadn't ever heard the connection between God, man, and the land presented in such a way.

The kids, Elizabeth, and I all went to the Luke Clinic to go help pass out a few baskets to the elderly people they help.  We were quite a crew, as it was the 5 of us, 2 teenage musicians, one Peruvian lady from the Clinic, and 1 Scottish lady.  Laura also teaches music to children, especially the flute to children who have had cleft lip surgery.  (The flute helps them to strengthen the muscles.) Two of her students went with us and played music for the people at each house.  The conditions in which we found the elderly were heart breaking.  One man was living all alone, abandoned by all his family.  His tiny mud and stick house was falling apart.  Another couple we visited is in a difficult time as the wife has Parkinson's and fell and broke her hip.  She has been bedridden for a long time, and her husband has been taking care of her night and day.  She stopped eating real food a few days ago and is only taking some nutritional drinks.  We know she is a believer, and she and her husband are remaining strong in their faith even during these tough times.

The third lady we went to visit is also a believer but is bedridden because she is completely blind from cataracts.  She lives with her daughter and son-in-law, who are taking good care of her.  She was fully aware of all that was going on, even raising her hand in praise during the song "Amazing Grace" played by the students.  She was very happy to have us come and visit and was repeating parts of Psalm 23 with Elizabeth.

When we had returned home and showered, we talked with the kids about their reactions to what we had experienced and seen.  Kira said that she was very sad about their situations but glad that we were able to bring something to help.  Caleb was again shocked and surprised at the level of poverty we were seeing, but he said that even if they looked poor, the ones who know Jesus are not poor in Spirit.  Ian also was happy that we were bring the Gospel message and praying over each of the recipients.  My heart was saddened by each of the scenarios, and honestly, it's overwhelming to know that these are only a few out of the many, many similar instances.  I want to be able to help them all, but I know that is impossible.  But we are committed to do as much as we can, and we appreciate all the help and prayers you have been sending.

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” Acts 20:35

We've had a few very pleasant and cooler weather days, until today!  The normal heat was definitely back.  Whew! 

This morning Hans, Brian, Victor, and I went to the Luke Clinic to meet up again with Laura and the musicians to continue passing out a few more baskets to the elderly.  The kids stayed home and spent the morning with Abuelita.  A few of the homes we  visited were pretty far away from the center of town, places that I didn't even know existed.  This morning, some of the visits were just as difficult as the ones yesterday.  The first lady we visited had been abandoned by her children and suffered a few minor strokes.  Her living conditions were very poor, and the clinic has been checking in on her frequently due to high blood pressure. Her eyes filled with tears as we talked with her and prayed for her, and when the musicians began playing "Amazing Grace" she raised her hands up in the air in praise.  It was the most beautiful sight to see.  Despite all the struggles in her current life, she was still holding strong to her Hope.

The next visit was to an elderly woman who is also a believer.  She is being well taken care of by her children but has a faulty wheelchair, which makes it hard for them to move her around.  She too cried as the music played about the amazing grace we have in Jesus, and her responses of "Dios Santo" during the prayer were heart warming.  At the next house, we visited an elderly couple being cared for by their daughter.  The mother has had several strokes, and the father is suffering from high blood pressure and rheumatoid arthritis.  The daughter was very grateful for the visit and told us that it is only with the blessings of God and other people who have helped that she is able to care for her parents.  She said that He is her strength when she feels weak in the daily struggle of caring for them.  We prayed over the family, offering prayers for each one, but especially for the daughter.

After these four houses, we had to move on to accomplish some other tasks, so we said goodbye to the team.  While they continued on delivering baskets, we moved on to visiting the CEBE school.  I had previously visited this school with the kids, but now it was time for Hans to see and talk with the director.  We were able to give the director the money that was donated by you all to help support some projects for the kids at the school.  She was very appreciative and wanted us to thank you from the bottom of her heart and let you know that she will be sending updates and pictures of how the money is being used for the school!

We then went to lunch and headed back to the house, where the afternoon heat was really picking up!  Hans and Elizabeth went to run some errands in preparation for the Farming God's Way seminar that will be taking place in one of the native Aguaruna communities tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday.  Many things will need to be taken each day to the community, as there is no jungle supermarket available! 🤪 About 35 natives will be coming to Bajo Naranjillo (the village) for the training.  Many will be traveling long distances by boat or foot to attend, some may be walking for hours just to be at this training.  The training will be translated from English to Spanish to Aguaruna, which takes a lot of time and patience.  The guys will be traveling over an hour to the village each day and returning in the evening.  This is one of the most accessible villages, as it is not far off of a main road.  Many of the other villages are deep in the jungle and much harder to reach.  The attendees will be fed breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the first 2 day, and breakfast and lunch on the 3rd day.  All of this food will need to be transported to the village each day, where several of the village ladies will prepare the food.  

Please be in prayer for this training.  All of these villagers are farmers, so this training could really be helpful in increasing their yields, and it is also a great way to spread the Gospel to people who may not be interested in "church" things.  Please pray that the hearts and minds of the villagers would be open not to just the farming techniques, but also to the Sovereign God who loves them.  Would you also cover the guys in prayer as they travel back and forth from the village to Moyobamba?  The roads are not always easy, many with treacherous potholes and often rocks in the middle.  A flat tire or broken axle, especially in an area with not much cellphone service, could truly hinder the project.  

This afternoon we took a bit of a break to spend as a family.  Even though Hans has been here for days, things have been go, go, go the whole time.  We've been going in different directions everyday, often too exhausted at the end of the night to talk much.  (Interpreting and translating all day long really takes it out of you!  There isn't really ever a time for just sitting and listening.) We took the kids to Colibri, which is a tourist location with a restaurant, volleyball courts, and of course, a pool!  This is what the kids really wanted! (We didn't mind either, as it was incredibly hot this afternoon!). Victor and Elizabeth joined us, and we spent a few hours just enjoying time together.  Brian opted to stay at the house and take some time to rest up before the next set of trainings begins tomorrow.

We had dinner when we returned home, and more preparations were made for the trip to the community tomorrow.  Hans took the kids to the main plaza tonight just for a chance to spend some more time with them (and give me a breather!).  They had ice cream and just sat and talked.  Once home, it was quick to bed as there is an early wake up call tomorrow.  Brian, Victor, and Hans will leave the house before 7:00 am to get to the village on time.

~ Angie (a bit sun kissed.....or maybe burnt)

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10

Farming God's Way - 

We woke up at 6:00 am this morning and went to the church to load up the truck for the 1 1/2 drive to the native community of Bajo Naranjillo.  Once at the community, the natives coming from the other villages around had not yet arrived.  They did not arrive until about 10:00 in true Peruvian style.  After a quick breakfast and coffee, the class started with the natives singing a hymn in Aguaruna.  Then Brian began teaching in English, which then I interpreted into Spanish.  Because this village is the closest to other cities, everyone was able to understand Spanish, so it did not have to be interpreted into Aguaruna.  This time around we used name tags made from duct tape! 🤣 One of the highlights of the day was the demonstration of soil erosion and water absorption.  We showed them the difference between their normal farming technique and the Farming God's Way technique.  They were all very surprised and were able to understand the importance of this new technique.   One shocking advice we give them is to not plow and not to burn their fields, which is a very common practice here.  They did not understand the damage that they can cause to their soil, as it depletes the nutrients and kills the microbial life.  

During a lunch of chicken, rice, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, which was prepared by three native women from the community, we had a fellowship and a time to get to know them better and more about their farms.  They were also able to ask questions individually during this time.  We went back to the classroom for more instruction and were able to make the measuring ropes for the planting practice tomorrow.  We took them to see the field where we will be using a 6 meter x 6 meter plot for the planting practical and also where we will having the compost demonstration.  Around 4:00 we finished up the class for the day, and we headed back to Moyobamba.  The attendees of the class who traveled will be staying the night with members of the church in Bajo Naranjillo.   We stopped in Rioja for some quick straw hat shopping and returned home to SHOWER and have dinner.  

** Fun fact, as people were arriving to the training, they had a running joke of asking the people who they thought was the "Gringo".  Every one of them thought that Brian was Peruvian and that Hans was the "Gringo".  

~Hans

Hope Baskets - 

The kids and I stayed in town today to continue working with the Hope Baskets.  We went over our list again, adding more names of people who were in need, and then we set out to deliver more baskets.  Today we were delivering to members of the church who were identified as needing help.  It was a funny sight to see, as Elizabeth was on her motorbike with Ian and a basket, while another member of the church had a basket and Kira on her motorbike.  Following them came Caleb and I in a motocar with many other baskets.  We were a basket caravan heading off to the houses.  Most of the people we visited today were elderly, and all were incredibly grateful for the help and also for our visit.  Many hugs and kisses were given, as well as "God Bless Yous".  After talking and praying with the people, we drove our caravan off to the next house.  One particular woman who received a basket is the mother of a child with Downs Syndrome named Benji.  He was excited to see us and even posed for a picture with our sunglasses!  They also had a parrot that the kids liked.  It whistled and talked to us!  

Once our deliveries for the day were done, we headed back to the house to make dinner for the guys who would be coming back.  At dinner we shared stories of the day.  Hans and I took the kids to the plaza for ice cream and also to buy chicken for the guys to take tomorrow for lunch.  Now we are all listening to the neighborhood band play LOUDLY as we are getting ready for bed.  Hopefully their practice won't last much longer!

Please pray for continued safety for all of us as we travel around the city delivering baskets and to and from the training.  Also continue to pray for open hearts and minds during the trainings.  Thank you for all your prayers along the way.   We appreciate them!

~Angie

Hey everyone.  Sorry this update didn't happen yesterday.  I have been struggling since yesterday afternoon with a bit of a stomach issue, so I was unable to update.  I am feeling a bit better now, so I thought I would quickly catch you up on what we did yesterday.  This update is going to be pretty short, as I didn't get all the info from Hans yesterday about the day.

Hans, Victor, and Brian headed out early again to Bajo Naranjillo for another day of seminar training.  It was incredibly hot, but the training went well.  The guys were back in town around 4 pm and went to shower. 

The kids, Elizabeth, and I went to the market in the morning, after getting the laundry up on the line.  It's always important here to get the washing done and up on the line in the morning, as then the afternoon sun can dry it before the evening.  We purchased a few things needed to finished up the last of the baskets, and then we went back for lunch.  Later we went out to deliver more of the Hope Baskets to members of the church.  Despite the intense heat (100) we had a great time, and we able to spend some time with each of the brothers and sisters we were visiting.  We were especially blessed to be able to hear the testimony of how great God has been to one elderly lady of the church.  It was beautiful to hear her tell of how God has continually provided for her. 

We also visited the house of a lady of the church whose 16 year old son was just diagnosed with throat cancer.  They were not at the house when we arrived, as they were at the hospital awaiting some tests, but her older son was there and received the basket on their behalf.  We prayed with him for their family.  Would you also please keep this family in your prayers?  This type of diagnosis is very hard, especially on one so young, and they do not have the financial means to seek the best treatment.  I do not know all of their financial situation, but I do know they need our prayers!

When we returned from delivering the baskets, we found the guys at home.  This is when I started feeling poorly, so I went to lay down.  Everyone else went out to have dinner and then to the plaza.  It was the beginning of the San Juan Festival today, so there was plenty of activity in the plaza, from bands, to dancing, to food vendors.  There were also loud fire crackers going off throughout the night, and I am pretty sure that there was dancing and music down the street until about 2 am. 

I will write more later to tell about the escapades of today.  Our time here is quickly running out, so tomorrow and Monday morning we are going to try to finish up the last bits of things we want and need to do. 

~Angie

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."  1 Peter 4:10

This morning Hans, Victor, Brian, and Kira left extra early for Bajo Naranjillo to reach on time.  Today is a holiday in Peru, so there wasn't as much traffic as normal.  Today's training involved watching a video about the appropriate steps and techniques for planting, which they would then practice.  They were also very interested in pest control, so they talked a lot about organic options.  Then it was time for preparing the field and planting.  Brian showed each step, and then the members were encouraged to attempt it on their own, taking turns working with each other.  After planting, the last step is to surround the land and pray over it, asking God to bless it and to stake their claim over the land.  The piece of land chosen was one that was difficult to work.  It had rocks and was very compacted with a first layer of claylike soil.  However, it was near the church, which is very visible to the members of the church and community.  Our hope is that they will continue to care for the plants, and it will be a great witness to all who see it, that good things can come from this difficult soil. 

Kira, Caleb, Ian, and Elizabeth also came along to the native community today.  We wanted our kids to see what jungle life was like, and it was also a chance for them to spend time with the kids of the village.  I was very disappointed that I could not go today due to sickness, but I am glad the kids were still able to do so.  We brought along rocket balloons, soccer balls, and suckers to pass out.  Ian and Caleb played soccer with the kids until they were completely soaked with sweat and dust smeared across their faces.  Kira spent a long time inflating the balloons for the kids, but she also found a friend that she played volleyball.  Elizabeth helped out with the kids and also with preparing the lunch with the village ladies.  After a lunch of chicken stew with rice and lentils, our crew loaded back up and headed back to the house.  The kids arrived completely hot and dirty, so showers were a must!  

After resting for a while, Victor took Brian, Hans, and I to a coffee shop/manufacturer where we purchased some coffee to bring home.  A funny fact about Peru, most of their good coffee gets exported for use elsewhere, while the majority of Peruvians drink instant coffee.  We also stopped by the plaza where a small section held many booths artesian crafts and trinkets.  

Back at home, we had a dinner of fried sweet plantains and the custom "Juane".  The "Juane" is a traditional meal during the Festival of San Juan happening this week.  It is made of herb seasoned rice with a chicken leg in the middle that is wrapped with a special leaf called "bijao".  It is then boiled in a big pot and served.  They call them "juanes" in honor of John the Baptist.  

Hans and I took the kids to the sushi place in town to try it out for a snack.  Kira has been DYING to try it out ever since we first got here.  We ordered 3 different rolls to try.  They were different but good.  Afterwards, we walked to the plaza to look at the little shopping booths and let the kids pick out some souvenirs.  We put to practice our bargaining skills and made a few deals!

Now it is late, and we are getting ready for bed.  Brian will be leaving for Tarapoto tomorrow, so please be praying for safe travels.  We just received notice that our flight on Monday afternoon has been changed (again) to a later time in the evening, which makes it difficult for us to catch our international flight on time.  Please be in prayer for this as we call tomorrow to make new arrangements.  Also, thank you all for praying for me.  I am feeling better now that I have been pumped with Peruvian meds and tea and the caring of my amazing mother-in-law.

As our trip is coming to an end, we are looking back on all we have done, and really, we have all used our own God-given gifts in different ways to glorify Him.  This is what mission work is truly about.  Many people do not take part in missions because they do not believe they have the skill or talent or whatever to help.  The kids and I are aware of our limitations in doing building work or even preaching, but we were still able to be witnesses for him by even our little actions, like visiting, praying, and encouraging our brothers and sisters in Christ.  You all were also part of this mission trip by supporting us through prayer.  Thank you so much for coming alongside us on this journey.  God Bless You!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."  Proverbs 3:5-6

Rule number one on a mission trip:  Expect the unexpected and never assume you are in control!    Late last night, we received ANOTHER email from our national airline in Peru letting us know that they had changed our Monday flight from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.  This meant that we would be too late to make our international flight to the U.S.  So this morning, we began scrambling to figure out what we could do.  Hans was on the phone with the airlines as soon as they were open this morning at 8:00, while I was busy getting the kids ready for church.  Our airline wasn't able to do anything for us.  They had cancelled the other flight, and they had no space on any other flight leaving either Sunday or Monday. (This time is especially difficult, as it is a holiday so many people travel.).  Instead, they just offered to refund our money and would not help us try to book with another airline.  And so the scramble began!!!

We immediately started looking online for other flights around the same time as our previously booked flight, however, it seems that everyone else was doing the same!  The only seats left on several planes were the exit row seats, which we couldn't purchase because our kids can't sit there.  Eventually, we ended up booking a flight from Tarapoto to Lima for Monday morning at 11:00 am.  However, this meant that we needed to leave Moyobamba TODAY instead of tomorrow, to ensure we would arrive in time for the flight.  The drive from Moyobamba to Tarapoto is about 2 1/2 hours, but lately it has been taking almost 3 1/2, as they are working on parts of the road that were destroyed in an earthquake last year.   And so the scramble began!!!

I can tell you, I was panicking at this point, and I did not remember the above verse.  I thought that we had everything under control.  I had already even started packing the clothes the kids weren't going to wear again!  But this.......this lack of control and change in plans threw me for a loop.  Instead of praying and trusting in the Sovereign God, I began to get flustered.  My emotions began to get the better of me, and I was losing my patience and temper quickly.  Hans pulled me aside, and we prayed.  Together, we took a moment to recognize God for who He is, the Creator, the Sovereign Lord, the Way-Maker.  And while my mind was still whirring with a billion things that still needed to be grabbed from under beds and in drawers, my heart was at peace.  It knew, and I knew, that God was in charge.

Needless to say, it was a hectic day.  We still had things to follow up with and finish before we were able to leave for Tarapoto.  We had to organize and pack all of our things.  Hans and I met with the director of PRITE to give her the donations for the transportation of her students that you all lovingly helped provide.  Victor, Elizabeth, and the kids went to pay a quick visit to family to drop off gifts for the kids, while Hans and I had a lunch with the pastors and some elders of the church.  The kids did get to enjoy the long awaited CUY or GUINEA PIG for lunch.  They LOVED it!  We had to book a hotel room on short notice (and during the holiday) so we would have a place to stay in Tarapoto.  Then the guys went off to find a car that could transport all 7 of us and our luggage to Tarapoto, as Victor's car would not fit us all.  PHEW!

We arrived in Tarapoto around 6:00 pm, all luggage and people safe and sound. (With the exception of Ian.  He was pretty carsick.  Those winding mountain roads got the best of him.  It also didn't help that the taxi driver took them at speeds I would rather not say!!!) We were able to relax (finally for me) and enjoy the rest of the evening together before we say goodbye to Hans' parents tomorrow morning.

Would you please be in prayer for us as we travel back to the States?  Please pray that there aren't any other delays or cancellations, or if there are, we all handle them with grace and that they get solved quickly.  We are now ready to be home, and this leg of the journey, when people are tired, sad, and just ready to get home becomes very difficult.  May we all also have grace with one another!  We should be landing in the U.S. around 9:00 am Tuesday morning, but we won't reach Findlay until about 9:00 pm.  It is going to be a long, grueling trip home!

~ Angie

Just a quick update today while we are in the airport awaiting our flight back to the States.  We awoke this morning and had in incredible breakfast at our hotel.  We loaded up all the luggage and got a taxi to the Tarapoto airport.  By 9:45, our bags were checked, and we were saying goodbye to Elizabeth and Victor.  In the past (like 20 years ago), when I was saying goodbye to people in Peru, it was always so sad because there was a chance you weren't going to see them again for at least a year or even more.  This time, there were no tears as we said goodbye.  Victor and Elizabeth will be coming up for an extended visit in late August when Hans' sister, Leslie ,and her husband, Robert, welcome their first child.  So we gave lots of hugs and kisses and thank yous and the jumped in line for security.  Once we got past security, we reached air conditioning! That made us all happy!

Our plane left for Lima at 11:40, and we had an uneventful flight, landing and receiving our baggage by 1:00 pm.  We then were stuck with 11 hours until our flight for the U.S. at midnight.  We grabbed a spot to hangout in the food court and got some lunch.  The kids picked KFC (of all the places) and were happy with their choice.  They still said that the 4FC restaurant in Moyobamba was better!   I will post on Facebook when we have arrived home, which won't be until at least 8 pm Tuesday evening.

Here is a note from Brian, our friend who led the training for Farming God's Way.  

Peru is the 21st country I have had the opportunity to teach Farming God's Way in.  I thank Hans for the invitation.  His mom is the most hospitable person I have ever met, I was well cared for.

We had the opportunity to teach in two different communities.  We met many plantain, cocoa, and coffee farmers.  We did our best to teach them how to improve their yields in corn and beans.  We teach farmers that God was the first farmer, He planted the Garden of Eden.  Since he is the Creator who better to learn from?  We try to imitate Him in all we do.  We planted many seeds both physically and spiritually, please pray with us that they will take root and produce and abundant harvest. 

 Brian