Countdown To Home

Hey everybody! And Happy Thanksgiving this week!

Now, we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in Peru, but we are still managing 2 meals:) We'll have a large mission-wide lunch on Thursday and then Mindy and I are planning a meal on Saturday for some of our Peruvian friends. So my freezer is filled up with a huge turkey and my meal plan for the week is impressive to say the least!

I hope you all enjoy your time with family, celebrating and giving thanks to the Father for all of His blessings to us!

What's going on here in Peru? Well, we are staying awfully busy even though its the slow season. We are still helping keep things going here in Lima and working towards our ever-approaching official merge with REAPSouth. We were able to travel with our home church back to San Jose de Quero a few weeks ago. Though it was challenging with Pete (who experienced his first cold while on the trip). It was great to be back and see some familiar faces. This was a medical and discipleship trip and we enjoyed getting to go around and meet new folks who needed some medical attention, while visiting those we've had a relationship with for a while.

Pete is doing well, he has grown quite a bit and is mobil! Though in reverse:) He hasn't figured out how to crawl forward, though he can go backwards at an alarming rate!

He's teething which is a challenge, but still so much fun!

What's coming up...

We will be here in Lima for the next three weeks, helping out the teams that are coming down. But our main task continues to be looking towards the future and how to hand over our work to nationals and to make the merge as seamless as possible. Mid-December we travel to the US to be with our family at Christmas time. We are so thankful that we are able to do this and can't wait!

Please be praying for us!

Thanks to all of you

I am writing this from sunny and HOT Iquitos, Peru. David, Pete and I are here in the jungle city visiting teammates, Jeremy and Crystal Nelson (with karis and Adalyn) and Jake and Dodie Glover (with Hannah and Abigail). We are so enjoying our time with them and have a new respect for them living in this heat! Its wonderful in a way- compared to dreary Lima, but its hard to get used to! Pete has adjusted well and loves tooling around in just his diaper. He's a free spirit, what can I say?
The Nelsons and Glovers have generously shared their lives and ministries with us this week. We've met a lot of their national friends and had some great time reflecting on their ministries and life here.
They've also shown us some of the hot spots (no pun intended) of the town. We visited a great zoo where we saw real live jungle animals, including jaguars, wild boars, tapers, parrots, and yes, a monster snake. At least David and Pete saw the snake, I was shuddering as I rushed past! Ha! We also got to see the infamous Paiche, aka the river monster. Its a HUGE fish, unreal, that has an enormous velocity in grabbing a piece of food off a stick. Wow!!
We've had some great food, jungle pig and fish, a large fried plantain ball and camu camu juice.
Its been a fun trip and we are so pleased to have been able to be here.

We are continuing to seek the Lord's guidance in our role as team leaders. It is a hard change in our ministry focus. But we desire to be obedient. Please be praying for these things...

Unity among our REAP team- pray that we will work with a common purpose and develop an environment of encouragement.

Pray for the joining of REAP North and South into one team. Pray for the work and transition time and that we will do a good job merging the two teams.

Pray for an upcoming meeting with our supervisor, Marty Childers. Pray that it will be a great time of vision casting, brainstorming, and putting some legs on our ideas. Pray also that we will have some good time just being with Marty.

Please pray for Pete's continued growth and development and wisdom on how to be good parents.

Please pray for opportunities for David and I to do more ministry with nationals. This has been a struggle as our team leader responsibilities have taken more of our time.

Thank you all so much for your prayers- please feel free to send us an update and prayer requests for you and your family.

So when a new mom can't sleep, and the baby is actually asleep...what do I DO???

I've mentally redecorated both this apartment and our house back in Rockville and planned all sorts of crafts and projects that I'll probably never get to. So on to something I've been meaning to do and ought to do. Productivity. That is the key at midnight on Thursday August 11.

Our trip to the USA was wonderful, warm, fun, and as always too short. Pete was a trooper on the flight. He barely made a peep, sleeping in the air and enjoying the whirling activity and chaos of Miami International Customs...

I made the second leg of the trip solo as David went from Miami to Atlanta for a REAP partners training conference. Pete and I went straight to VA. We did just fine and were glad to see Mama and Daddy on the other end.

We spent the 10 short days visiting as many as possible, both family and friends and enjoying summertime in Virginia. We were there during a heat wave and while most were complaining, I was letting out a big Ahhhhhh of relief! Pete enjoyed "swimming" in the pool with Grandaddy and with Papa.

He was also intrigued by the boisterous doings of his cousins- who showed him how to have a good time on the farm. (He filed it away for future reference.)

All too soon we headed back to Lima, sad to say good bye to all.

On our return we resumed work. Many have asked us what work is like for us now that we are the team leaders. I can't honestly say. It varies day to day and in a lot of ways, our role is not so cut and dried. Its more whatever is leftover, or whatever no one else wants to do, or whatever needs doing. Its very vague and challenging thus far.

Within a week we had a team come in from South Carolina. 5 gentlemen plus 2 excellent translators and ourselves, travelled to Huanuco for the dedication of the Bible in Huallaga Quechua. We are so blessed to have been able to be there for the culmination of 30 years of translation work. We have now been to 2 of these historic events! It is so exciting to see the joy and satisfaction of the Quechua people receiving a Bible in the heart language. We had a time of reunion at the dedication with many friends. Pete was a hit! We had strangers coming up and asking to have their picture taken with him. They don't see many gringo babies out there...

The next 2 days were spent in "vision trip" with the team from SC. We took some bouncy dirt roads to visit several towns in the Santa Maria de Valle (valley). It was great to get out and see some mountains again and some "real" Peruvians. We spoke with several people along the way. I found out the way to talk to Quechua women...bring a baby with you!!! In times past, we have found it very challenging to bridge the cultural gap and have women even interested in talking to us. They flocked to me and Pete and were very open and outgoing. It was a neat difference. Thanks Pete.

Pete did very well in the travel and the altitude. His mother did not. I have never had so many difficulties in a trip. I blame nursing. Gotta be. I can't have gotten that wimpy. Surely not.

Now we are back in Lima, sorting out emails and getting organized (a never ending task). Please pray for us as we continue to transition and learn and listen to the Father.

Lima in the winter...

Its not so pretty. We've seen the sun for about 4-5 hours since we returned from Ica. Over 2 weeks ago. Vit. D deprivation is a killer! But the silver lining on our horizon takes place Monday! We will escape the gloom and head to the US! David is heading to Atlanta for a training conference for our Strategy Coordinator Churches and then flying up to VA when it is over for a few days. Pete and I are going straight to VA! And thus we embark on the adventure of international travel with a 3 month old. Pete is all set- he's got his passports (yes, he needs both of them to travel- his US to enter the US and his Peruvain to enter Peru-dual citizenship is complex). We are so looking forward to introducing him to everyone back home and letting his family get some time with him! I just want to lay by the pool. Is that bad?

Pete is growing growing growing!! It amazes me how much he changes every single day. This week he has learned how to really grab toys and has even found a few favorites. David and I were saying that he really seems to be engaging with us more now. This morning he was playing in his crib and I sneezed and he laughed really hard about that. Which is good because he used to burst into tears whenever I sneezed. Who knew a sneeze could elicit such emotion.

David and I have been especially busy these past few weeks. Of course this is the busy time of year, so there is the usual hullabuloo, but we have also been doing "team leader stuff". We've got a lot to learn and we need your prayers more than ever.

After our foray to the US, we will be back in Lima for a week and THEN! we go to Huanuco! It will be 11 months since I was in our old hometown and I can't wait to go! So we've got a lot of travel ahead, but we are looking forward to all of it.

Please keep us in your prayers! Thanks so much to all of you!

I am writing this from lovely Ica, Peru. Which is south of Lima (which is not so lovely this time of year) in the desert. We are in a beautiful place called Las Dunas and the best part is ...is that there is SUN!!! Oh- we are so glad to see that lucky ol' sun rolling round heaven all day!

Ok- we are here for more than just the sunshine! We are here for “OGM” which in real people lingo means Occasional General Meeting. All the missionaries from Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela & Columbia have gathered here with our leadership team to re-group, talk, learn, pray and fellowship together. This has been a very encouraging time for us. We've learned a lot, met a lot of people that we've heard about but never seen, and enjoyed the sun. Have I mentioned the sun?? Anyway...
This past month has been a transitional time for us and our team. Our Team Leaders, Jeff and Liesa Holeman have returned to the US for their Stateside Assignment, which was a sad day for all of us. We will miss having them around, their guidance and leadership, their hard work, and their good sense of humor.

Since their departure, David and I have stepped into the role of team leaders. Yikes! I love it when we tell people that and they ask “why did they pick ya'll?” Good question! We aren't sure either! But we prayed through the decision and felt a peace about accepting this role for now. Please please pray for us and we seek to serve our team and handle the new responsibility. We are excited after this week about potential changes that our team can make to involve our Peruvian brothers and sisters in our ministry. Please pray for the implamentation of these changes and ideas. All in all we have really come away from this time refreshed and ready to face the grueling summer months ahead.

Personally, we are doing well. Pete is 3 months old and just the cutest baby ever. Everyone says so:) He is smiling and laughing and enjoying learning everyday. He likes to play with that cute little boy in the mirror of his crib. David and I are ever learning to take care of him the best we can. So far so good.

David is as smile-y and as patient as ever. He's a great husband and dad to Pete and he continues to be ever hospitable and gracious to our Peruvian friends. Everyone loves David- and with good reason.

I'm plugging along, suffering from sun deprivation in Lima, but enjoying living in Miraflores where I can walk where I want to go. I've made more cake this past month than I have in a long time. And I've cut my hair- love having it so short. I may never go back!

We miss you all and we covet your prayers- we need them!!! Thanks for all of you who faithfully lift us before the Father. Here are some things to pray for that are coming up...

Training conference in July- David will travel to Atlanta mid July to attend a Strategy Coordinator Church training. Pray that churches will attend and hear what our missionaries have to say.

Please pray for an upcoming Bible dedication in the Huallaga valley. Early August we will all travel to Huanuco to attend this amazing event. This is the presentation of the Word of God in their Quechua language. The first written piece in their dialect. How exciting!

Pray also for Watson Chapel Church who are preparing for a vision trip this fall to the Cerro de Pasco area.

Please send us prayer requests and updates for you and your family!

Like newborn babes, crave pure spiritual milk...
This verse has taken on new life to me! I know now what that looks like!
Pete is growing like a weed! He is teaching us a whole lot and we are enjoying him so much! He is a sweet little boy who already is very active, vocal and strong.

We have enjoyed a visit with my folks, who came and spoiled us for 10 days over Easter. We had a great time with them and were sad to see them go!
We are in the middle of a visit with David's mom, and next week his dad will join all of us. So Pete is getting to know his grandparents, which we are extremely grateful for! What a blessing!

We are in the middle of moving across town, closer to the “hub” of our work. Goodbye Lima traffic (sorta). We are moving into an apartment above team member Mindy McCord and are already enjoying the perks of living on this side of town. We can walk most places we need to go! We love that:)

Please be praying for us:
We are stepping into the role of REAP North Coordinators. Pray for this time of transition and change, that we will be servants to our team members.

David will travel in 2 weeks with a vision team from Ohio. Please pray for him as he plans for this time and for the group as they venture to the mountains of Huanuco. Please also pray for me as Pete and I stay here alone for the first time.

Pray that we will continually crave pure spiritual milk. That we will desperately desire God's Word and bring all circumstances before the Throne.

Just a quick note...

In the midst of new parent sleep deprivation- please excuse any serious typos! I'm sure there will be many!

Well we are parents now! Peter Franklin Olson was born Monday March 28 at 5:09 PM. He weighed in at 6 lbs 7 oz and measured just under 19 inches. Not bad for 3 weeks early!

We ended up having a c-section for several reasons and are thankful for the excellent medical care and wise decisions of our doctor.

I'm healing very very well and head back for a check up next week.

Pete is doing great too! He's getting into the swing of life-eating, sleeping and pooping with gusto. He's a sweetheart and while he didn't get my dimples, he did get David's crooked pinkies:)

David is an excellent Papá, doing so much for Pete- especially since I can't pick him up yet. I think they are bonding very well! David's smiling percentage has risen significantly- if that were possible!

Please be praying for us:

1) Obviously as we rejoice and adjust to all this newness! That we will be wise parents that seek the Lord first in all things.

2) For upcoming logistical work associated with several of our SC churches and their trips.

3) Our wonderful tenants back in our house in VA are moving out of state. We are sad to lose such great renters. Please pray that God will provide new renters by August and that we will not doubt but trust in Him.

Thanks to you all ! We love you

Good Morning!

A quick update for all of you to be praying for!

It seems little Pete is anxious to get going on life "outside"! My appointment Thursday was exciting with some fetal monitoring which showed him super healthy- and a lot of contractions I didn't know I was having...

But he's dropped and engaged and I'm at 2 cms already... so it could be any minute now.

My doc has me on meds and bed rest trying to make it to Monday which marks 37 weeks and the safe zone. Thankfully, my "mature" placenta seems to be functioning just fine which is great.

So be praying for us all, that Pete will stay healthy, that I will be patient and calm, and that David will stop staring at me like I might have the baby any second now!

We have a houseguest as well right now- Rolando. Pray that we can still be hospitable in light of the circumstances.

Hopefully my next post will me as a parent:) Love to you all~

Hey!

Things are going just fine here in Lima, Peru! Its a HOT summer here in La Molina- where the sun always shines (and the dust makes you really really wish for rain...).

I'm 34 weeks along - so a month and a half to go (according to Hoyle). Pete is baking nicely and pleasing us with a strong heartbeat. He is not pleasing my doctor who thinks he may be large. But I also learned that to him, anything over 6lbs is large. We are a small people here in Peru.

He has also caused me to graduate to wearing David's t-shirts because I don't have anything comfortable that fits. Hope I don't stretch em out too far!

David is out this week with a vision/medical/vbs/evangelism trip. Sound complicated? Good thats what I was shooting for! He has taken this team from Columbia, SC to the Huallaga Quechua of Huanuco, seeking the potential of a new Strategy Coordinator Church Partner.

They headed out yesterday and return Friday. Teammate Tommy Smith drove over from his digs in Huaraz to help out. They've got 5 great translators with them. And several members of JAWCA (a Christian quechua group who promotes literacy and Biblical training in the quechua language). There will most likely be a lot of 3 way translating going on this week- English to Spanish to Quechua.

Please pray for them this week:

Safety in travel to and from the villages each day. Protection from mudslides.

Organized and efficient ministry- this is a large team of about 21 total- thats a lot of coordinating to do...

Open hearts and honest responses to the gospel

Mutual encouragement through the medical and vbs opportunities

Guidance and leadership for the team from SC in a future partnership

Sensitivity to cultural differences (on both sides!)

Energy and clarity for translators

And most importantly- that God will be glorified. That the team will become less and He will become more.

Thank you so much for your prayers! We are as always desperate for them. We'd love to be praying for you - please send us some updates and requests so that we can specifically lift you up before the Father.

cameronanddave905@yahoo.com

Please be praying for David as he travels this week. He is taking a team from Asheville, NC on a vision trip to a segment of the Lauricocha quechua in Huanuco.

Pray for safety in travel, especially from mudslides which are always a threat this time of year. Please also pray for direction and guidance for the team as they pray through several options this week for ministry. Pray that God will show them clearly where He desires that they minister. Jeremy & Crystal Nelson and girls have flown in from the jungle for Jeremy to accompany David on the trip and drive the 2nd truck. Crystal the girls and I are holding down the fort here. Its really great to have some company while David is gone and Crystal is a wealth of knowledge for having babies in Peru- what a great resource!

Last week we had a fun time with our friends Edmin and Maura from Panao. They along with their 5 mo old son Caleb came to visit for about 5 days. They were fun to have here and tired us out in a good way! We took them to the beach (their first time to visit the beach, and Maura's first time seeing the ocean), the zoo, taught them about the washing machine, electric stove, and garage door opener! They are so sweet! They actually came in for Edmin to dub the Jesus film into his dialect of Quechua. He was the narrator and it took 2 days of hard work to get it down! We really enjoyed having them and it also pushed us to use our spanish all week. Whew- quiet a workout!

We had a healthy report from our ultrasound- Pete is growing according to plan and everything is normal. We also had our first lamaze class last week- 1 down 6 more to go ! It was challenging to keep up with such rapid and technical spanish- but all in all I think it went well and they people were very kind and the teacher is very very qualified.

Thank you all so much for praying for us! Please let us know if we can be praying for you specifically!

Hello all! 3 months later...Wow- I've fallen very much behind. Thank you for your patience!

We are doing great! We just got back to Lima after 5 wonderful weeks at home over Christmas. We enjoyed time with our families and friends, traveled to Phoenix, Columbia SC, Asheville NC, and Nashville, hit some of our old haunts, and ate. And ate. And ate. I had a doctor's appointment when the day after we got back to Peru and my doctor called me chubby. You know you live in a foreign country when your doctor is allowed to call you chubby.

Pregnancy-wise things are progressing well. Pete is growing like crazy and consequently so am I! He is kicking and moving a whole lot. We've got about 11 more weeks to go (hopefully). We have another 4D ultrasound coming up hopefully next week so we'll get to see how he's changed. We also are trying to get started on childbirth classes soon. In spanish. Pray for us.

Its summer-time here in Peru- and Lima is a whole new place! Sunny, warm, blooming and dusty. Ok- its always dusty. But its hard to describe Lima without saying dusty. The annual, national gender battle of water balloons is coming soon (though I suspect in Huanuco it has already begun). Kids are out of school and enjoying their freedom.

We've got a lot coming up for you to be praying about! David is taking out 2 vision trips in the next few months. He is traveling with a church from Asheville, NC mid Feb. He will also take a group from Columbia, SC out in early March. Apart from a few other day trips, after that he's grounded! Staying home til the baby comes:) Please be praying as our team continues to adjust to changes in the IMB. Pray that we will be effective and joyful in our work and continue to seek God's guidance and direction. Pray that we will continue to have opportunities to share Christ with those around us.

We love ya'll and we'd like to hear how we can be praying for you!