26 de Septiembre (Last day of school!)

Last day of class . . . that’s what today was! We had the second part of our exam, the oral part, and then it was over! Elizabeth and I managed to both pass our classes with flying colors and will move on to the next levels starting on Monday. I really love learning Spanish here and am so thankful for such an unexpected opportunity. I mean, how many people have the opportunity to study Spanish in Peru while serving the Lord? :)

After class was over, Liz and I stopped in at a restaurant near Parque Kennedy called Shehadi. We learned that Mr. Shehadi is from New York but move here to open a little restaurant/café. It was really nice inside and we enjoyed watching people on the street. A little boy approached us as we sat there asking for food. We don’t normally hand out money to people, but we sometimes are able to share food with them. Liz had some crackers and I had some granola bars that we gave the little boy. I just can’t stand to see hungry people. Another time, when we were walking in downtown Lima, a woman approached us holding a baby and asked us for money. We had leftovers from Solari with us that we offered her and she gladly accepted. It’s hard to watch so many people suffering here and to be able to do so little for them.

Anyway, as we were sitting there, a gentleman who was at another table struck up a conversation with us. We learned that he works in both Peru and Washington, D.C. promoting tourism to Peru. He also informed us that he knows the president of Peru, Alan Garcia. Interesting. . . Although at first we were a bit uneasy with talking to him, he seemed to be very nice and gave us his phone number in case we ever need anything while we’re here. He also asked us where we go to church and we were able to give him a flyer from Flamingo Road Church. Maybe we’ll see him there!

Later, Jeff and Judy invited us to go to a prayer meeting at their church where another one of the missionaries, Terri, was going to be speaking. Terri works with the Chinese community in Lima. It was interesting to learn at the prayer meeting that there are approximately 400,000 Chinese people living here! Prayer is certainly needed for Terri and her ministry.

I’ve still been having a personal struggle. I feel like I want to hear what God is trying to tell me right now, but sometimes it’s so hard to hear him.

Jerusalem will be told:
"Don't be afraid.
Dear Zion,
don't despair.
Your God is present among you,
a strong Warrior there to save you.
Happy to have you back, he'll calm you with his love
and delight you with his songs. Zephaniah 3:16-17

Teach me, Lord, The meaning of your laws, and I will obey them at all times. Explain your law to me, and I will obey it; I will keep it with all my heart. Keep me obedient to your commandments, because in them I find happiness. Give me the desire to obey your laws rather than to get rich. Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless; be good to me, as you have promised. Keep your promise to me, your servant—the promise you make to those who obey you. Save me from the insults I fear; how wonderful are your judgments! I want to obey your commands; give me new life, for you are righteous. Psalm 119:33-40

Also, I read this today and had to share.

"I'm a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast.

I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made.

I'm a disciple of His and I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure.

I'm done and finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.

I don't have to be right, or first, or tops, or recognized, or praised, or rewarded.

I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power.

My face is set. My gait is fast. My goal is heaven.

My road may be narrow, my way rough, my companions few, but my guide is reliable and my mission is clear.

I will not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice or hesitate in the presence of the adversary.

I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus!
I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes.

And when He does come for His own, He'll have no problems recognizing me. My colors will be clear!"

-Author Unknown

Katrina

new pictures on page three of this album!