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.
