Hey everyone! We are back in Huanuco and for longer than a few days this time!

We just got back from a trip to Huaraz for a pastors conference. We left early early early Monday morning and made the 7 hour trip with no hiccups! We drove through a National Reserve which was amazing! Huaraz is a beautiful city- with amazing views of snow capped peaks, including the highest mountain in Peru at over 20,000 ft. We spent the rest of Monday settling in and gearing up for the following day. David and I, along with 2 members of Ingleside Church from the US, 2 fabulous translators (what would we do without them) and Reap teammates: Amber, Mindy and Sandi were on day care duty. With over 250 pastors and their wives, we had a boatload of kids! most days we averaged around 85-100. Fortunately, we had a huge yard to keep them in - most importantly with a very high wall and gate to keep them in:) It also had a swing set, jungle gym, basketball court and most popularly a trampoline! The kids were a bit over enthusiastic about the trampoline so that became David's domain- he ran it like a pro carnival ride keeper! Somehow- I got talked into getting up myself (twice) and bounced myself back about 10 years:) We put the trampoline up after the second day to give it a rest- not to mention David. The majority of the kids were so sweet and very well behaved but as always there were a few trouble makers who couldn't stay out of trouble for very long. There is one kid I will never forget- a chubby 3 year old with a Batman t-shirt. Yeah- he got spanked a few times. Don't freak out- we are in Peru, you can spank other peoples kids.

We played a lot of volleyball, soccer, memory card game, colored and tried gamely to keep the peace. I think we did pretty darn good considering our lack of child experience. We all got badly sunburned as we were at 10,000 ft. playing in the sunshine for about 8 hours a day. But it was a good week of hard work and sweet rewards. The kids are so cute and most are so sweet. When you've got a 6 year old kissing your cheek in the cultural greeting of Peru calling you "hermana" (sister) it just melts your heart a little. We enjoyed it- but it is good to be home and have a little rest. We have a church arrive next Thursday- College Street Baptist- who has worked in a town about 20 minutes from us. We will catch up with them as time and opportunity allows- and are looking forward to tagging along. This church is a pro and doesn't need any help from us- but we are glad to ride around with them and are grateful they let us:)

After that David's folks will be coming out to visit and we are looking forward to that. I hope you are all well and know that we miss you! Thanks for praying for us- we need it:)

Prayer Requests:

As always, Language learning (we are getting better!)

Pray for decisions about our future ministry and timing

Pray for Lottie Moon offerings to be sufficient for His work

Pray for our team leaders as they plan the upcoming year's schedule and face the challenges of the diminishing short termers on our team.

Thanks so much!

Nose to the Grindstone...

Hey there! Well we are back at it! On the road more than not, but thankfully the police stops have been much much fewer and we've been safe.

This past week we were able to go back to San Jose de Quero- still probably our favorite place here. Cambridge Baptist Church- partner with Grace Community, arrived Wednesday night and we hit the road Thursday morning. We arrived in Huancayo that afternoon and after being appalled at hotel prices in El Presidente, we settled into Los Balcones. We had dinner and then a few of us braved Plaza Vea (grocery store) which rivals a super Wal-Mart and is ALWAYS packed with people. The next morning we drove the 1.5 hours to San Jose de Quero. We spent the rest of that day setting up meetings and touring the market in Chaquicocha a neighboring town. We took it easy that night- as the first night in that altitude usually has its effect of making everyone sleepy. The next morning, we did some prayer walking around San Jose and ran into all sorts of people that we know there, Elizabeth and her 3 kids, Norma & Alexander, Gomerciendo, and a few others. I always love getting out and walking around out there. Its the closest to feeling at home that I've felt here, pastures and the smell of cows...

We spent the afternoon in Usibamba, meeting with Godofredo and Armenda. The rainy season makes things more challenging. The back roads are slippery to get from town to town, people don't come out as much, and some even leave town to go to Huancayo. This made things more difficult, but I am proud of the team for making the most of every opportunity! After we met with this couple, I was able to call Mama to wish her a happy birthday- which I was glad I could do. Godo. & Armen. have a tienda with a phone and they wouldn't let me pay for the call! They are sometimes difficult to talk with, but they are so welcoming and sweet to us.

Sunday, we headed back to Usibamba to meet with them again in the morning. This time Godofredo invited a young man who had a lot of questions about salvation and the Christian life. We were able to share with him for over two hours and he seemed encouraged and thoughtful about what was shared. We are glad to have made a new contact there and will hopefully be able to follow up with him in March. The afternoon the girls had planned a kids event in de Quero, but rain made attendance a little low. However, the 5 kids that did come seemed to enjoy themselves, singing, playing and listening to the story of Jonah and the whale. David was Jonah in the dramatization:) That evening we had a Bible study with the believers in San Jose and again there weren't many who would come out in the rain but we still had about 8 or so. Don't be quick to judge them for letting rain deter them. They usually only have 1 set of clothing and when they get wet- they stay wet for a long time and its cold up there. Miserable. The time with the group is always a highlight for me- they are a sweet group!

We met the owner of the town's restaurant and he expressed some interest in joining the group and potential leadership. I am still unsure how to take this, given that he's never attended the Bible study but is willing to lead it. However, we encouraged him to meet with the group and pray for the Lord's leading.

Monday we spent the morning walking down to the river- always one of my favorite things to do. It was muddy and the river is way up- overflowing in the canals. There are tons of little flowers blooming now that the rain has started and you wouldn't believe how green it all is! Its like someone plugged it in and now instead of brown its electric green.

That afternoon we visited Santa Rosa- a potential ministry town that has been in the backs of all our minds for a while now. We also made a trip out to San Pedro de Sulcan- a place we've been a few times but have not done anything past showing the Hope film. we just went to look around and ended up talking with the owner of a tienda there named Lydia (no coincidence in the name). Uncle Guy and Aunt Gay and translator Hector had visited there and had lunch one day last March. Hector was with us on this trip and remembered eating there. We came into her shop and began talking. Aunt Gay had enjoyed a green soup that she served there and had told me about it. I mentioned to Lydia that Gay was still talking about what a wonderful soup she had served there and Lydia remembered that it was a green soup. What small impressions can do!! This opened some doors and before long Hector was sharing with her and praying with her to receive Christ. She had the quote of the week saying "no one has come to teach us, we would change if we knew, but no on has taught us." Wow, talk about your open doors huh? We are praying for her and that town and hoping that maybe our churches can do some teaching there.

The next day we departed for Lima, taking a chance on that back way through Yauyos again. The other two times we've taken it, we've encountered serious delays. But promises of completed paving and beautiful views made us take the bait. And third times a charm- because we made record time and it was indeed beautiful! Herds of llama, lakes, racing rivers, flowers blooming everywhere, and less trucks on the road. It was a great trip!

We spent a day in Lima resting and running some errands and then retreated to Huanuco the next day. We are glad to be home at least for a few days. Monday we head to Huaraz for a pastors conference that one of the SC churches is hosting. We are expecting several hundred peruvian pastors and their families.

I think we will be on child care along with several teammates. We are looking forward to seeing the "Alps" of Peru and the city of Huaraz. After that we have some down time here in Huanuco- I'll keep you posted. Here are some things you can be praying for !

• Pray for the believers in San Jose and Usibamba for encouragement and growth and development of leadership.
• Pray for Lydia and her town Sulcan
• Pray for Michel and his mother Berta in Usibamba (the young man we shared with)
• Pray for the Pastor's conference in Huaraz
• Pray for safety in travel
• Pray for guidance and wisdom for us in reference to extending and the future of REAP North as short term missionaries' terms end.
• Pray for continued language learning!

Thanks so much to all of you!

2010 Bienvenidos! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

I hope you all had a great time the end of 2009!

David and I are back in Peru-we came back about a week ago. We had a great time being back home and visiting folks. It was hard trying to see everyone and fit it all in- and frankly we needed a vacation from vacation! But we are very glad we got to spend Christmas at home and are grateful that we were able to do so.

I have not missed winter though! We were excited to have about a foot of snow the night we landed in D.C. and enjoyed that rarity- but I admit its nice to be back in warmer lands now!

We leave tomorrow with a team from Cambridge Baptist Church. We will spend tomorrow night in Huancayo and from there spend about 4 days in San Jose de Quero.

We are looking forward to getting back up into the mountains and seeing all the sweet brothers and sisters up there!

Please be praying for David and I in the following ways:

• Our big decision lately has been whether or not to extend our term to a third year. We have decided to apply for the extension though the odds are not good that we will get it due to budget cuts. Pray for wisdom as we seek God's will on what's next for us.
• Please pray for Lottie Moon Offerings this year. This is the money that keeps us missionaries on the field- pray that God will provide and those in leadership will be sensitive to where the money should best be spent.
• Pray for continued language learning ( I just copy and paste this one every time).
• Please pray for peace for our families as we change when we are coming home often.

Thanks so much to all of you- thanks for your prayers for us! We love you and I will update again after our trip!

Whew! I know many of you have seen the You-Tube video of the "world's most dangerous road in Bolivia". Haha- you ain't seen nothing!!!! These past few days we have been on a research trip that would have scared Evil Canivel! We had plans to head out at 4 AM Thursday morning. Teammate Amber Smith arrived the previous morning from Lima for her first trip in the mountains. Also with us was a Peruvian couple who live here in Huanuco, Lindor and Zoila along with their 1 yr old Samuel. They are from an area near where we wanted to research and speak Quechua and Spanish. We all gathered together at 4AM- trying to beat the road construction that would have kept us waiting from 6 AM - 6 PM. But unfortunately- the lock on the gate had been changed and we didn't know- and our key didn't work. So we waited until 5 and then asked our landlord to let us out! Thank goodness for their dog who needed to go outside! So we hit the road at 5 and made it through the construction areas with no problems. We traveled 14 hours that day and still didn't make our destination. The rainy season began 15 days ago according to locals and I can't imagine what it will look like in a few months! The roads were really some of the scariest I've seen yet. Roads. Haha- thats a joke! They are usually wide enough for the truck- though completely mud- and some of these switchbacks were not designed for mud. About 1 out of those 14 hours was on pavement. We didn't have many options on where to stop and eat lunch- or to stop at all really. But we found one tiny town that had a restauarant that still had some soup left. So we sat in the kitchen with cats, rabbits and guinea pigs running around on the floor under our feet and ate our soup. We stopped the first place that had a hostel after it got dark and the six of us shared a room. Thankfully there were three single beds in it- but still... a little awkward. Anyway- the next day was easier- we only drove about 4-5 hours and spent most of the time in the town we had set out for- trying to find churches, believers, "campos blancos" as we say down here. It was a lot of walking around town, asking questions and at one point chasing a bus. Yes we chased after a bus trying to catch a pastor before he left town for the week. We didn't catch him.

Anyway- we ended up spending the night in the town which is "Huaycaybamba" and got rooms to ourselves! The next morning we set out hoping to return to Huanuco if all went well. All did not go well. We drove about 4 hours and our road was closed because of a mud/rock slide that closed the road at least until morning. So we turned around and found another route. We drove through part of the neighboring department of Ancash- and saw some incredibly beautiful areas. Everytime you turn a corner here it's different! Because its rainy season- we've seen tons of waterfalls! So beautiful- though you really have to work to get there to see them.

After another 12 hour day on the road- we made it to a town we've been to before "La Union" and were able to get supper and rooms for the night. Today- we drove the last 4 hours into Huanuco- thankfully most of which was on pavement. Quite a trip.

We were able to find out some of the information we needed to know about this area- though another trip may be necessary in the dry season for follow up. We saw areas that were so amazing- you could only look at them and say "wow, God!! Wow!" Places like this leave no doubt of a Creator! The intricacies, depth and power are unbelievable.

We also got to know Lindor and Zoila. Such sweet friends! They were a HUGE help to us! The questions coming from them rather than us made this trip a lot quicker than it would have been. They helped in everyway they could and it made a difference. Their Quechua came in handy a few times and the times the police stopped us went a lot quicker too. And Samuelito! Ahh- my new love:) He is a sweet little guy who wrinkles his whole nose when he smiles (which is often) and proudly displays his 6 teeth. Can you imagine taking a 1 year old in a truck for that many hours? They made it look easy. A great family to know and hopefully we will be able to work together often.

Amber was a great sport on a very difficult first trip to the Sierra! What a way to break her into the work here!

We are maybe going to remain in Huanuco until we head home for Christmas- but David is already talking about heading out to San Jose de Quero to line up things for the January trip there. Who knows! Here are some prayer requests we have:

• Praise for a safe and successful trip
• Please pray for safe travel to San Jose de Quero (if we go) and to Lima to fly home for Christmas.
• That our time with family and friends over Christmas will be sweet and intentional.
• Please pray for Lindor and Zoila as they minister in their day to day lives.
• Pray for continued language learning (we are getting better!- but please keep praying!)

Thanks so much to all of you! Merry Christmas and we hope to see most of you real soon!

We can't believe its already the last day of November! How can it be winter when we are wearing short sleeves and flip flops? Just doesn't seem right!

We are in Huanuco now- and will be until the 16th of Dec. when we head to Lima and fly out on the 18th for home! We are excited about seeing everyone and ordering in a restaurant in English. I hope I remember how.

David had a good trip to Jauja while I was in Lima- he got to meet some great folks out there. My parents came in November 18th- we had a great time together. We walked around Lima, to the beach, the Inca Market, Harry's, Wongs, all the best spots in Mira Flores! The next day we made the trip out to Huanuco. Saturday we braved the busiest market day and Mama was awed by the produce! That was the most fruit I've bought at the market yet! Then we headed up to Panao for lunch- fried trout at Lao's restaurant with Edmin and Maura. The next day we went to church and walked around town a while. Monday we headed back to Lima- the back way through Ambo- a beautiful drive- but almost all of it is on gravel/mud roads- I think we made Daddy a little nervous. But they got to see more of the countryside and a lot of llamas. The next day in Lima we visited the Inka Market again- Ma's new favorite place! Then we made thanksgiving supper- my first! And it turned out great! They left late that night- we were all grateful for the time together and that Christmas is close!

David and I rested a day in Lima and then drove back to Huanuco. We are preparing for a research trip this Thursday - Sunday. Teammate Amber Smith will be joining us- this will be her first trek out of Lima- pray for her as she deals with the altitude for the first time. Also accompanying us is a couple from Huanuco- Lindor and Zoila- they speak quechua and spanish and are from the general direction of where we are heading- though they have never been to our destination. This will challenge our spanish considerably- as they don't speak english. Please pray for this trip!

For safety on the roads- the cops have gotten more aggressive seeking bribes in time for christmas and have been giving us a hard time.

For clarity in language.

For thoroughness in research.

For health for all of us.

Please also pray that David's permanent license will come in soon- the police have been giving him grief about that too.

Thank you for all of your prayers!! I will try to update once more before we leave for the states! Love to all

Blog Update :

I finally have a little time to update again. I am in Lima for a few days while David is out with another team.
Ironically enough, being a missionary has a slow season! Not really, but church trips from the states do start to taper off this time of year. Because of this, we were blessed to participate in a trip with our home church Grace Community Baptist Church this past week. For about 2 years now our church has committed themselves to church planting in the towns of San Jose de Quero and Usibamba about an hour outside of Huancayo. One of the great things about trips like this is that its like going home, without going home! It was so fun to see familiar faces and enjoy the camaraderie of folks from home. David's great aunt came on the trip and showed us all how to do it!!! 85 years did not slow her down and she was a joy to minister with and an inspiration to watch. Those Jones girls sure are impressive aren't they?
This trip was a dental clinic and over 85 teeth were pulled. On a happier note- over 25 people prayed to receive God's gift of salvation. This was part of the clinic- everyone was shared with while they waited for dental work. I will admit that I had a hard time with this form of evangelization, I always do. I cringe at the lack of relationship and I worry that they will say anything if they think they are getting free dental work. BUT- God really gave me a good reminder. I was able to share with four women and all of them prayed to receive Christ. Even after witnessing that, I was cynical in my heart. But God just reminded me that that is not part of my job. I just need to share His truth. He does the rest. He knows their hearts, He knows their sincerity or lack of and that is not my job to determine. I am still praying for these 4 ladies, that they meant what they prayed and that their lives will be forever changed. But I am resting in His sufficiency and thankfully that none of this rests on my ability or lack thereof. God is so good to teach us isn't He?

We had a great Bible study with the believers in San Jose one night and I had a great time sitting on a gas can with Norma and Maruja and seeing their joy in the Word and teaching. So refreshing to see their hunger. David had a neat opportunity to share with a construction worker there and after conversation with Guy and Mijail, he prayed to receive Christ as well. Please be praying for him, his name is Isaac.
We really enjoyed this trip- it was great to see God work and enjoy the fellowship of brothers and sisters. It was fortuitous timing for me. My grandfather went to be with the Lord the night before we went to the village. While it was hard for me to be around so many people right after I found out, I was encouraged by their gentle sensitivity to me and was encouraged by the ability to stay busy with good things- while having some time alone to grieve. The balance was good and healing for me. Please keep my family and I in your prayers as we continue to miss him tremendously.
David is on a trip now in Jauja, Junin, not too far from where we were last week on a semi-vision trip. Pray for him, he's such an amazing guy and can go go go without a dimming in that smile of his, but it is a lot of driving and it ain't over yet! So please pray that his heart will be encouraged by this trip- that the Lord will keep him healthy and strong to continue. He really is a great guy isn't he?

2 very exciting things that I have to share is that my parents will be here in about 2 days now and I'm so excited I'm not sure what to do with myself! I can't wait to see them and show them everything! Pray for safe travel for them and health while they are here! I am also excited that we will be cooking a Thanksgiving supper while they are here on Sunday- And I'm excited about stuffing and chocolate meringue pie. The other exciting bit of news is that my sister just found out today that her pregnancy is going very well and healthy and that she is having a boy this go round! I am excited after 5 sweet beautiful nieces that we'll now have a nephew to shake things up!
Please keep us lifted up before the Father as we seek His will and share His love with the people of Peru! Love you all!

Hey! I know its been awhile and I will try to briefly summarize the past several weeks!

After our first vision conference we drove up to an area in Pasco called Santa Ana de Tusi to do a little research. We found the large town deserted for the day and just about the only person we found was a 7 year old boy who was running the local hostal. He reminded me of Short Round in Indiana Jones' "Hey lady, you call him Dr. Jones!" Anyway- he gave us the lowdown on the accommodations in town. We searched for several more towns and found most deserted as well. We think there may have been a festival in a neighboring town that we didn't know about.

We decided that it would be just as easy to spend the night in Huanuco so we bounced our way home for the night. The next day we drove down to Huancayo to visit with the baby churches that our home church is working with. We were about 10 minutes away when road construction stopped us and we were informed that all of the construction workers were staying in the hostal where we were hoping to. So we turned around and spent the night in the city and headed out the next morning. We spent a great day visiting with friends in the two towns, chatting and trying to encourage and pray with them. This day stretched our spanish considerably but it was really fun.

The next day we headed back to Lima and picked up the incoming vision team up from the airport that night. The next day was spent in orientation with the 3 men from Salem, VA. Through some unforseen circumstances I ended up staying in Lima while David took the team out to Santa Ana de Tusi.

It was a very challenging trip for the guys. Because of a political rally the hostal in Santa Ana was full so they ended up having to stay in another town that was considerably higher elevation. They all suffered effects of the altitude which was very an extreme change after the sea level of Lima. As a precaution they ended up going to Huanuco for the night. David-trooper that he is- drove basically 20 out of 24 hours. Whew. After a day of rest- they tried looking into another village to minister in, however they found one of the biggest healthiest churches we've seen! They worshipped with them, and then headed back to Huanuco for the night. Their last day they returned to Santa Ana de Tusi and had a great day talking to people and praying in the town. After a potentially very frustrating trip, it ended up very well and they are going to make a recommendation to the church to minister there! Please keep praying for this church as they make this decision.

After that - we returned to Huanuco for a few days rest. Then the team from Crossroads church flew in and we went with them up to Panoa for a day or so. Then we came home and promptly got sick. David escaped with only 1 day - I was more ambitious and was sick for about a week.

So here we are - in town until the end of the week and then back to Lima for a trip with our home church next week! Thanks so much for your prayers! We miss you all!