One week down...
I have now been in the country of Peru for one week. Even though it seems like much longer than that. Its hard to believe that a week ago at this time I was getting ready to meet up with the team and go to dinner before starting a week of work. It's hard to believe that 8 days ago I left the country and spent almost 24 hours in various airports. It's hard to believe that 8 days ago I left all that is comfortable and familiar to come to a country where I don't speak the language, I don't know the people, and I stick out like a sore thumb because I am white. It's hard to believe that I left everything 8 days ago to come to a country I had never been to before, to love and serve a people I had never met before. But I suppose, that's just a part of following in the footsteps of the Jesus that I know, love and serve. He left His home to love and serve a people He had never met before. And it ended up costing Him His life.
This first week in Peru has been a good one. I have talked to a couple of people already from home and they were surprised to hear me sound not 100% excited about it all. It is wonderful here. It is an adventure. But one that is tough for me right now being so homesick. I know that once things really settle down in a few weeks I should be better and I will fall in love with it here. But nonetheless. It has been a good first week. Having the team here was fun. They were a great team and we got a lot done. We worked on 5 or 6 different construction projects. Went to 3 jardins (kindergardens) and had birthday celebrations. Had various ginkanas (kid's activities) and crafts/projects for women and kids alike. It was a busy and full week. One where God definitely was at work. He opened up doors through the team of gringos for Project New Hope and our various volunteers and staff members to go in and minister and spread the Gospel. That's why we do the outreach events with the gringos -- to let God open doors for us to go and shine His light.
One thing that has been amazing is getting to meet various staff members, volunteers and house church members. They all have a passion and a joy that is just contagious. It's amazing to say the least. I met 2 couples that are part of the paid staff here at Project New Hope and they are so loving. In just watching them interact and talk, their energy and passion for planting churches and sharing the Gospel could be seen in an instant. It was amazing. And it reminded me of why I am here. To share the Gospel. To love the people of Peru in the only way I know how. To share the love of Jesus and open their eyes to Him and His plan for their lives.
Today, I've spent the day at my mentor's house (she and her husband are the team/staff leaders and the only Americans on the team). We have been doing laundry, watching movies and resting. I've gotten to talk to my family and my love back home. And gotten to get to know my mentor and her family better. It was funny because her husband grilled me on matters of faith. I passed the test and then had my whole life/ministry planned out by him afterwards. It was fun. But it was nice to see how important those questions and my answers were to him and how it gave us a foundation on which I know I can begin planting my feet in the world of missions and with the team here in Peru.
I may not love it here yet. And I may not until it's time for me to return home. But I like it here. And I am here for a reason. I am here to serve and to learn. But most of all to fulfill to the calling God gave me 7 years ago in a small 2nd floor room in El Recreo, Ecuador while holding hands with my best friend and listening to a Spanish worship service. I am here to help Him save the world.
This face is why I am here
This first week in Peru has been a good one. I have talked to a couple of people already from home and they were surprised to hear me sound not 100% excited about it all. It is wonderful here. It is an adventure. But one that is tough for me right now being so homesick. I know that once things really settle down in a few weeks I should be better and I will fall in love with it here. But nonetheless. It has been a good first week. Having the team here was fun. They were a great team and we got a lot done. We worked on 5 or 6 different construction projects. Went to 3 jardins (kindergardens) and had birthday celebrations. Had various ginkanas (kid's activities) and crafts/projects for women and kids alike. It was a busy and full week. One where God definitely was at work. He opened up doors through the team of gringos for Project New Hope and our various volunteers and staff members to go in and minister and spread the Gospel. That's why we do the outreach events with the gringos -- to let God open doors for us to go and shine His light.
One thing that has been amazing is getting to meet various staff members, volunteers and house church members. They all have a passion and a joy that is just contagious. It's amazing to say the least. I met 2 couples that are part of the paid staff here at Project New Hope and they are so loving. In just watching them interact and talk, their energy and passion for planting churches and sharing the Gospel could be seen in an instant. It was amazing. And it reminded me of why I am here. To share the Gospel. To love the people of Peru in the only way I know how. To share the love of Jesus and open their eyes to Him and His plan for their lives.
Today, I've spent the day at my mentor's house (she and her husband are the team/staff leaders and the only Americans on the team). We have been doing laundry, watching movies and resting. I've gotten to talk to my family and my love back home. And gotten to get to know my mentor and her family better. It was funny because her husband grilled me on matters of faith. I passed the test and then had my whole life/ministry planned out by him afterwards. It was fun. But it was nice to see how important those questions and my answers were to him and how it gave us a foundation on which I know I can begin planting my feet in the world of missions and with the team here in Peru.
I may not love it here yet. And I may not until it's time for me to return home. But I like it here. And I am here for a reason. I am here to serve and to learn. But most of all to fulfill to the calling God gave me 7 years ago in a small 2nd floor room in El Recreo, Ecuador while holding hands with my best friend and listening to a Spanish worship service. I am here to help Him save the world.
This face is why I am here 
Hey Kiersten! So excited to read about your adventures and your passion. I KNOW it's rough being overseas...saying a prayer that this time will be full of blessings for you as well as for the people you're serving. Todo lo puedes en Cristo!
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