Back on the Funny Farm

Last week, I journeyed back to the place my crazy journey began.  And after two years, I was able to re-connect with some of my greatest friends.  It was so neat just getting to sit and listen to everyone's stories.  Our God is so amazing.  All of us had totally different experiences . . . good and bad; frustrating and encouraging.  But we all were brought closer to our Creator.  It was a sweet time of fellowship with the Body.  

The FPO 1.07 Crew!

So . . . you may ask, "what's next?"  The short answer: seminary, with the purpose of heading back overseas.  I don't know all the details yet, just trying to have faith for the next step.  I'll be visiting New Orleans Bapt. Theological Seminary at the end of this month.  Please be praying for wisdom in this decision.  I hope to start in the fall, but if the timing is off I'll start in the spring.  I'm excited about what's next.  God is good.

The Xtreme Women's Team

Please pray for the Women's Team during the next 6 weeks.  Tomorrow they will be leaving Lima and boarding a bus to Puerto Maldonado (via Cuzco).  Once in Maldonado, they will head to their respective communities.  Misty & Amy will be working in Boca Inambari and Lori, Elaine & Alessandra will be working in Barraka.  From Lima, this will be a lot of traveling.  

A few prayer requests:

• Travel safety and good rest (sleeping on buses is a hard thing)
• Unity among the whole group, as well as the individual teams
• For their work in the communities (i.e., would be able to share stories, work with women and encourage the church)
• For their families back home, as the girls will be out of contact until the beginning of May

A Mother-mandated Update

Yes, you read the title correctly. Mom said I need to update on what's going on and about my possible plans for the future. So, here goes . . .

Things here in Pucallpa are wrapping up quickly. I pack-up and fly to Lima, February 17th. The new crew is scheduled to arrive that night and we will hit the ground running, quite literally! On the 20th, we fly to Puerto Maldonado (I'm going to end this journey where/how it began . . . in Maldonado AND in training!). There, we will train for about 3 weeks, mas o menos. I am excited to get to spend some quality, jungle time with those joining our team. I know it will be a great time. Please pray for their language, acquisition to jungle living and a sweet time of fellowship with teammates.

March 20th at 12:30 pm, I will arrive back home in Dallas, Texas. I am still working on how to sum up my time here in Perú. But I will . . . don't worry. There is a lot to sort through and think back on. One thing is for sure . . . I won't be returning home the same person. And for that, I am grateful. The Lord has done a lot of work on this heart of mine. It wasn't always fun or enjoyable. Most times it hurt. But it was worth it. God is so faithful. I look forward to sharing more about these two years.

Stay tuned . . .

Yaminahua-land

a weekend with the girls

cafe mochas at starbucks. chili's chips and salsa. movies in an actual theater. high-speed internet. a park of water fountains. taxi rides with more people than should be legal. and quality conversations with some amazing friends.

these girls are a huge blessing in my life.
my heart is full.

Me and the newest, honorary member to
the Xtreme Team - Powers!!

All of us crammed into a taxi. Our driver didn't quite
know what he got himself into!!

Megan, Linzi, Christy, Powers, Me and Nadia
at the Fountain Park

my Peru family

Lessons on a Jungle Trail

One day we set out on what ended up being a long jungle hike. And when I say we were walking a jungle trail, there wasn’t really a trail I could see. The reason for this adventure was to bring back this nut that they called a fruit.

As we walked, my mind got to thinking. I know that I’m supposed to follow wherever the Lord leads. Without question. But being human . . . that’s hard at times. I want to know the plan, especially right now with my future hanging in the balance. What will I be doing after Perú? J3? Seminary? Nursing school? Or something altogether different? Our jungle hike drove a point home.

I was following Maria. I had no idea where I was going. No idea what we were really looking for. But I followed . . . unquestioningly. I had faith that she knew where she was going. There was no trail (well, no gringo trail). I never asked her if she really knew the way. Never really asked why we were even going. And after an hour or so of walking, we arrived. My jungle walk is a lot like following God. I don’t always know where He leads . . . but I’m not guaranteed that knowledge. All I’m called to do is follow. Nothing more. He is my guide. He knows the trail and destination. There may be distractions and hang-ups along the way – but I am to press on. There were times I couldn’t see Maria . . . but I could hear her. So it is with my Father. At times I might not can see Him or His hand, but I know His voice and I continue following. He didn’t promise me a smooth trail or a path free from obstacles. All He has promised is that He will guide me. And never leave me.

So, as my time here in Perú begins to wind down and my future is still up in the air . . . I’m trusting God. He knows my story and He holds my future. I’m following, even though I’m unsure of the where the path is leading. I’m called to follow. And I am excited about the next step in this journey.

Update Coming . . .

I´m getting around to writing some updates for the blog.

So there should be some new reading material soon!! No worries!

And as soon as I get it, I´ll post the link to Facebook pictures!!