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!!

Got Masato?

Masato is the drink of choice here in the jungle. They intake more masato than water daily. I was once even told to drink more because it stays with you longer than water!

So, you may be asking yourself - ¨What is this masato you speak of?¨ It is a drink made from the yucca root. It is a plant that grows in abundance out here. It could be compared to a potato, but still it is different. Let me share with you the whole masato making process!

Masato day begins a little before 6:00 AM. All the women grab their baskets and machetes and head for one of the many surrounding yucca fields. Once there, everyong begins to dig . . . even the gringas! The Yaminahua women can somehow dig up 20 or so yucca in about 5 minutes, whereas it still takes me 20 minutes to dig up 5 pieces of yucca!!!! We work with the pros. After 2 hour of digging, the peeling process begins, to which I´ve nearly lost fingers. By 9:00 AM we are back at the house and washing all the yucca. We put it to boil and then the fun part begins.

They take a large paddle and mash it up to the consistency of mashed taters. At this time, they shred some sweet potato and begin chewing it. Once the sweet tater is sufficiently chewed, it is spit into the big vat of mashed yucca. For the next 2 hours or so, spoonfuls of yucca are chewed and spit, chewed and spit, chewed and spit. You how have the masato concentrate. This sits overnight to begin the fermentation process. The following morning, they take some of the mush, add water . . . and WHALA - masato!! A 16 liter bucket is made each time. One pot of concentrated masato lasts for about a week and at least twice a day the bucket is refilled.

This jungle beverage is most definitely an acquired taste. When drinking, I just try not to think of the whole process. In the beginning, I grimaced while drinking my bowl . . . but after two months in Yaminahua-ville, I finish my bowl and with my masato mustache can smile and say ¨¡Mama sharakoi!¨ (Masato is great!)

Hello friends! After much prodding . . . I am updating.

I am still in Pucallpa, awaiting a flight out to San Pablo to spend two months with the Yaminahua. Nadia and I have been working on learning some phrases in the language, which has proved to be a little difficult. The pronunciation is quite different and very nasaly (sp?). We have learned to count! They technically don´t have a number higher than 3. They count in pairs. For example: if you wanted to say 4, you would say ¨rafe na nafea, rafe na nafea¨. This means ¨this one with this one, and this one with this one¨, but mind you . . . it isn´t pronounced like it looks! The pronunciation is: lawe da dawea, lawe da dawea¨. It is fun! We usually just end up laughing at each other.

During our non-study time, we knock around town and find places to visit. This pictures is from one trip to a local zoo. Who just wants to look at animals through cages?? Why not just yank that over-sized snake out of it´s cage so we can get a closer look at it!?!?! Linzi wanted a picture of one animal and couldn´t get a good shot, so the guide just opened the not so secure cage door and told her to go on in and get a better shot. Gotta love Perú!! All about customer service. One of the small blessings found in town is . . . DR. PEPPER!!!!!! God is good!!

We are all ready to take off to our communities. City life is getting dull. All four of us will be gone until August. And I´m sure, upon return there will be quite a few stories to post! Please be praying as we all work on learning a new language. Pray for lots of patience for the people we will be living with!

I have an assignment!!!

This past week, I have been in Arequipa with the entire Extreme Team. It has been a time of encouragement and sharing what God has done this last year. This is the one time each year that we are all together. It has been great. Today, we all disperse. It has been a blessing and I count each member of this team as family.

I finally have an assignment!!! I will be going with Nadia to the Yaminahua. Once training ends, April 1, we will begin intensive language study and then hope to head to San Pablo at the beginning of June for a 2 month trip. I am so excited that there aren´t really words to describe. The language is so important. While there, we will not be speaking much, if any, Spanish at all. The women speak the dialect. So, please pray with Nadia and I that language comes quickly, so we are able to effectively disciple the women of San Pablo. Also, be praying for Katie, Linzi and Christy as they study the Spanish language and head out of trips.

Here is a picture of our team:

Back row: Christy and me

Front row: Nadia, Linzi and Katie

For pictures from training and XGM, follow these links:

Training:
http://uta.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2076696&l=7e704&id=25300658

XGM:

http://uta.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2078815&l=d5f13&id=25300658

Quick update . . .

I am at the Lima airport, waiting to board the plane that will take me to my new home. I am excited.

Today started at 5:15 AM, with me trying to finish packing. Somehow over the last 8 months, I have acquired more stuff . . . so it was a challenge getting everything stuffed into my trunk and duffle bags. And then loading all that junk on a motocarro . . . it was a sight! But I made it with plenty of time to spare.

I was blessed today with the company of 2 new friends, who met me for lunch and hung out with me during my layover. We got to talk about our ministries here in Perù and all God is teaching us. My heart is refreshed and ready to go!

Tuesday, I will be leaving for my first trip. Please pray for safety and an opportunity to share a story. I am both excited and a tad nervous. I look forward to learning a lot. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.

Here is the link to the newest facebook photo album: Training & Graduation Pictures

Things I Have Learned

1. Money does not grow on trees, but toilet paper does
2. Camping so overrated
3. Coffee in the jungle with new friends, who speak a different language is just as good as coffee in the States with old friends, who speak my language
4. Snail mail is so much better than email
5. There is more than one way to eat a banana
6. You should not talk about all the foods you miss from the States . . . it is like a slow death
7. Always make sure there are no holes in your mosquito net
8. Always learn your Bible stories on time to avoid the wrath of Jeremy!
9. Never forget to hide your machete . . . or it disappears!!
10. Always have a sufficient amount of firewood cut, or you end up having to keep a fire going for 24 hours
11. Never forget to check your pants before putting them on . . . ants tend to find their way in easily
12. My hands were not made tough enough for a machete
13. Going to bed at 7:00 PM makes for a really, really long night!
14. After the first week, you quit swatting at the bugs swarming around your head (it is useless)
15. That having my time alone with Jesus is the only that that has kept me sane
16. Bug repellent has no effect on jungle bugs
17. Santa Rosa Hospital is a joke!
18. Indoor plumbing is a gift from God
19. That in the midst of 3 1/2 months of solid Spanish, the occassional English conversation is priceless!
20. My hammock has been my best purchase
21. Spanish 1 and 2 in high school and college is really useless
22. A wasp in your pants NEVER ends well
23. A machete is a multi-function tool . . . you can: clear paths, dig holes, cut food, cut grass and fight fires with it! Simply amazing.
24. Just how much I miss everything that goes along with being Volleyball Operations Manager (believe me, it is a lot of things!)
25. That when you hammock breaks, it is a day of mourning
26. So much about how the Body of Christ should/does function
27. God hears the prayers of His people
28. His grace is enough . . . he is oh so faithful, and He supplies all of my needs!!!!

Added some pictures . . . here's the link: http://uta.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053671&l=5240d&id=25300658

Cuzco

I am in Cuzco right now, about to take a bus to Tacna to begin working on visa and residency stuff. Here are a couple pictures. I will post more when I have more patience to upload them. It is cold and my fingers are numb!

This was my lunch yesterday. Cuy al horno. Baked guinea pig. It does not taste like chicken, no matter what you might hear. It was different. But good.

Me and Graham in Cuzco. He didn't really want to take this picture, but I made him!!

The Latest Rat Update

It has been a while since I wrote about the rat in my kitchen . . . so I figured I would give you the latest. If you have already looked at my Facebook pictures, you will know how it ends.

(The rodent will only be referred to as “rat” . . . he deserved no personalization!)

Since I first discovered the rat, he only got more and more annoying. My Dad sent me this device; I believe it is called . . . The Pestinator 2000! Sounds like it should do the job. The magnetic wave it sends out is supposed to discourage the rodents from coming around. Peruvian rats are obviously not discouraged very easily. He began making more and more noise. I would wake up in the morning to stuff all over my kitchen. Despite all the noise, I was beginning to deal with it. My food was now safe in a drawer.

One night things took an ugly turn. It was the night of July 2nd and I had returned home to see my loaf of bread half-eaten, sitting on my bed. What did that mean? The rat had made it into my bedroom. Not good. He can mess in the kitchen, because I don’t live in the kitchen. Now he was in my territory . . . on my turf!! He was causing quite a ruckus that night and I had about had it. However, I was able to fall asleep around 11:30 pm. At 2:00 AM, I awoke to the subconscious act of flinging something off the top of my sheets. Yes, it was the rat. Slightly disgusted, I grabbed my machete and went looking for the creature, only to see it crawl through an opening in the corner of my ceiling. There was no going back to sleep. I read from 2:00-4:00 AM. I drifted off to sleep and at 4:30 AM, I awoke to the feeling of a critter under my sheets, at my feet. Needless to say, I flew out of bed, instantaneously had my machete in hand, and turned on the lights. Now, if my roommate had woken up, the sight of me wielding a machete at 4:30 in the morning could very well have given her a heart attack . . . luckily, she remained asleep through the whole fiasco. The rat got away and succeeded in pushing me closer to culture shock.

Morning of July 4th. Again I was woken up early . . . but this time to the scream of my roommate, Maria. I crawled out of bed and lazily walked to the kitchen to see what the fuss was. At the entrance to the kitchen was none other than the rat. He had breathed his last. My face lit up. I ran and grabbed my camera (this was most definitely getting captured on film!). It was going to be a good day.

The death of the rat did not occur at the end of my machete. Did the Pestinator 2000 work and fry his brains? I do not know. Or did the sight of me, in the wee hours of the morning holding a machete, send him to an early grave? I have no clue. Nevertheless, his time on earth was done. A prayer was answered. And on the day that we celebrate the independence of our country, God smiled on me.

My Dad said I need a shirt that says, “God Loves Me . . . Rats Fear Me!”

pictures: http://uta.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053671&l=5240d&id=25300658

The More the Merrier!!

I believe this is the Peruvian motto . . . when it comes to people and modes of transportation! Why carry only what the van or car can hold when you can cram so many more?

I was riding in the combi (a van slightly smaller than a 15 passenger) the other day and counted 27 people. Yes, that’s right! 27 PEOPLE! My mom said I should have taken a picture . . . but with that many bodies in one vehicle, movement is pretty limited.

Claudia and I caught a taxi to Colorado, along with 6 other people. She showed great kindness by allowing me to ride shotgun and saving me the enjoyment of being crammed in the middle of the Peruvians. Upon arrival in Santa Rosa, we boarded a peki-peki and crossed the river to Puerto Carlos. We spotted the taxi that would take us to Colorado (only trucks go to CO, we would soon find out why), and asked what time it would be heading out – no time was given. Welcome to the culture where they only view watches as an accessory and not something that binds them to a schedule! After an almost 2 hour wait on the playa (beach), we took off. This taxi was the final one of the day, so I believe there were 11 of us. Claudia and I volunteered to ride in the bed. For 3 hours I was sitting with my knees to my chin, as we rocked and rolled and slid through more mud than you can imagine (knee-deep in several places)! At one point, the road got so bad we had to make a detour . . . THROUGH THE JUNGLE! By the time we arrived in Colorado, all my joints were out of whack and my back was bruised from being thrashed against the side of the truck bed. It was an experience. Together, we found a hostal and finally got to just sit still. I received a lot of stares while in town . . . apparently not many gringos frequent the area. As we were walking to Carmen’s house, this one little girl shouted, “Mira! Mira! Gringa! Gringa!” It was the highlight of her day. Another little group of kids followed me a ways and asked what I was doing. Oh kids. Our trip home was just as rough, but I was able to sit in the cab and talk to this one man seated next to me, it was much more enjoyable.

My conversation skills are increasing!! My conversations with my friends in town are getting longer and longer. I always walk away smiling.

Check out the newest pictures (still not a lot . . . I know, sorry).
Link for pictures: http://uta.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053671&l=5240d&id=25300658

To those friends who were hoping for an anaconda story . . . maybe next time!!

Rats in My Kitchen

I awoke early yesterday morning, around 2:00 AM, to the sound of rodents in my kitchen. Yes, rats in my kitchen. Luckily, the odd layout of my house did not permit them to wander into my room, but the way the ceiling of the kitchen is built they can come and go as they please. Great. Just what I want to deal with. If they had done their business quietly, I might not have been so peeved. They attacked my bread, so that meant no peanut butter and jelly sandwiches until I can get back to the store. That may have been the cause of the anger! I think there is a whole family living in the ceiling above my room. They scurry around like nobody’s business. Today’s task: find and buy rat poison.

Things have been pretty slow here. I haven’t updated, because there really hasn’t been much to update you on. I have been learning Spanish and knocking around the exciting town of Puerto Maldonado. My understanding of Spanish is getting much better, I am still awfully slow in responding to questions – but it will come.

My partner should be arriving soon, and soon after that we should head out into a community. I am ready to get out and get going! My training starts August 20th and lasts through November 20th. I think it will be hard going through training after already being out in the communities . . . but the Father is good and His grace will abound – as it has since the day I arrived here.

I have been learning patience and how to love, regardless of how a person may treat me or react to me. That is easier said then done. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. It is a learning process. The Father is faithful. Leaning on Him is a daily thing. It is all I know how to do.

I have a new nickname. And no, it isn’t any form of Brock. Teresa is now calling me: Scrub. Why? Because I was the manager for the volleyball team and did laundry and was a mere scrub (so she says!). So, for once in my life, I will be called by something other than: Brocky, Brockly, Brockster, Brock-a-lock, Brocketteer, etc.

Next time I update will most likely be after I return from being in the communities. Thank you for lifting me up and for your support of my ministry here.

Mac ´n Cheese

It´s the simple things.

Last night I cooked dinner for the first time in my new house. All we have is a stove top with 2 burners, so that narrows down what can be prepared. I made macarroni and cheese. It was pretty much amazing. It almost didn´t happen, because I couldn´t get the burner to stay lit. I was sure I was going to blow up our incredibly small kitchen. The smell of gas was overwhelming at one point, so I held of on lighting another match. Finally, it happened, and I enjoyed one of the greatest foods ever created. Made my night.

I am all moved in. Finally, no more living out of a trunk. I have a bed. My house is kind of weird. It is 2 rooms, a bathroom and a kitchen. The rooms open up to the outside, so it has a sort of motel look. The bathroom is in my room, so my roommate has to walk outside, unlock my door and then procede to the bathroom. Crazy. Our bathroom is so small, that if you sneeze - you could get hurt. Same for the kitchen. But, it has a roof and a bed . . . so I am happy.

Things are good still. I sent out my update, so check your email. It explains what the future holds.

Well, I must go. I think I may go to the market and attempt to buy some eggs. This could get interesting.

I´m back!

I have spent the last two weeks trying to do this thing called ¨Jungle Living¨. It was hard, but it got better. There were days I wanted to throw in the towel and then there were days I seemed to have a grasp on things. But every day, it was God´s grace that got me through. Probably 90% of my time was full of humbling moments. The Spanish language still is somewhat of a barrier. One night I put the fire out. Yup, Spanish language one-ups Amanda again!!

We ran out of drinking water one day, so me and my tent buddy had to go get some more. On the way back, while carrying a 20 liter bottle of water on my shoulder, my shin connected (with full force) with a fallen tree . . . it felt great. As if that wasn´t exciting enough, we had to cross the log bridge. You may be thinking ¨A log bridge? No big deal¨. This is by no means a smooth, bump free log. Oh and it I had fallen off, it is about a 1 story drop into ankle deep water. That just translates into imminent death. Just picture it. Well, we made it back and my bottle had almost the same amount of water I had put in it, so I was pleased. It´s the little things!! haha

So, now I´m back in Puerto, moving into my ¨house¨, and still learning Creation. The 7 days of Creation have taken us abou 2 weeks to learn . . . and we are still on day 6! It will come together.

I hope to post pictures soon. Just haven´t had the time yet. But it will happen.

To Mr. Larry Michael - Graham is still alive and well. His Spanish is progressing and he hasn´t done anything super crazy yet. Just thought I´d fill you in, since he doesn´t make it to email as often.

Back from the Jungle

Well, I survived my first 3 nights in the jungle. It was a very humbling experience. I know how to do nothing. The whole hygiene thing is something I am still learning. I seem to fall every 10 steps. Me and mud just aren´t friends. My Spanish is getting better day by day. Two of the girls sat down with me for an hour one night and just pointed to thing and said their Spanish name. It was beneficial. I had to get used to the sleeping as well. We go to bed around 7:00 PM. Yes, you read right. So, around midnight, I am wide awake. It is crazy. Tuesday night, I think I was in bed at 6. Never in my life have I gotten this much sleep!! Slowly I am picking up how to do things.

I provide the entertainment for the 3 girls in training. It seems I am always doing something worth a good laugh. The other day we had to cross the log bridge (about 10 ft above the extremely shallow water) and my shoes were carrying an excessive amount of mud. There was no way on earth I was getting across without falling . . . so what did I do? Yup, crawled across on all fours. They thought that was the funniest thing they had seen yet! Man, it is crazy.

I am now back in the city for a few days. I think Graham and I go back to camp on Sunday. Whew. I will never again take for granted indoor plumbing. Things are still good though. Some days are harder than others. But the Father is greater than those ´off´days.

I will be taking my camera with me this time, so hopefully next time I post, I can put up some pictures on my living arrangements!!!

Thanks for the prayers. They are appreciated.

Welcome to the Jungle!!

I am here . . . and have spent my first full day living in the jungle . . . minus the camping out part.

I was dropped off and had to hike to camp. This trek was downhill, muddy, and required crossing a good ol´ log bridge about 10 feet over the water. It was crazy, but I made it. Upon arriving at the camp, I met up with the only Spanish-speaking xtremers and we hiked back over the log bridge to go find food. Yes, my first experience in the jungle and I had to catch my food!! As we got to this piece of land, it began to rain (of course it would!) and we were left to chase a chicken through the mud and the muck. When I use the term ¨we¨ , I use it rather loosely. I watched. They asked me to wring its neck . . . I passed this time. Next, we had to go fetch some water . . . and of course it was down a muddy hill. Needless to say, I wiped out and decided to go down the rest of the way on my right knee. It was a sight to behold. I began to realize that I was the source of entertainment for these 3 girls. If you go down, you have to go back up. I slipped and slided all over, but arrived back at the little house we were cooking in. I was dripping wet (remember it was raining?) and covered in mud. One of the girls looks at me and says, ¨Ah, Xtremo!¨ It was funny. They helped me learn a few new things in Spanish and all was well. Later this afternoon, we chopped down a tree and then cut it into firewood. I tell you, they weren´t joking when they gave this team the name Xtreme. No sir.

My first experience was good. I am tired. I stink. And I think I still have bugs in my pants. But all is well. It is still hard. But His Grace is sufficient (thanks friend, for the reminder).

Until next time . . .