February 28th: Time for Fall

Hello there!!!  Friday marked a darker day in Lima. The sun starts playing hide-n-seek until about November.  ?????  Ok...so maybe those aren't the EXACT dates, but we won't be seeing the sun and all it's heated glory as often as we did in early February. I know my freezing family members and friends in the US have been a bit envious of the sun's rays I have experienced while they are playing freeze out, but I am a bit ready for cooler (NOT cold) temperatures. I am sure I have no pity. :)  Life in Lima has been pretty good!  Here are some of the highlights of the last couple of weeks:

• Hello, My name is Dohyeok.  Dohyeok is my new student. He is from Korea.  He knows little English and is learning school manners.  He makes constant noise and has smile that can melt this teacher's heart.  I think it is safe to say he is making progress with the routine.  I hope he absorbs so much - so much GOOD.  At first I was having "oh no he did not" moments, but I am praying for an understanding and nurturing heart as Dohyeok and I try to figure one another out.  The class is extending an olive branch of help and friendship. The boys are stoked to have another one of them.  If you are keeping track, that makes 15. We make it work. :)
• Church Update.  I attended La Ciudad Lima this morning. It is a church plant that was started by my student's family.  The service is in English and translated to Spanish. However, the worship (singing) is done as a mix of English and Spanish within one song. It was pretty cool! Right now they are meeting once a month, but plan on going weekly starting April 6th.  The church meets in a hotel building (El Polo) which is across from the large and in charge US Embassy.  (Side note - I thought the hotel was El Pollo which would be the chicken. I can confirm it is not El Pollo). La Ciudad has solid Bible-believing teaching and friendly people. It would be easy to get plugged in. I am still seeking the Lord on where I should attend. No church will ever be like the ones I was lucky to attend in the States, but new isn't always bad. It is just sometimes not enjoyable to be stretched.
• Happy Hands Club.  Tressa (our high school science and math teacher) and I teach Sign Language to K-2 students on Monday afternoons. Teachers are required to do one club a year - either first or second semester. Tressa and I are tackling this project together. I have been super impressed at how sponge-like these kids have been. They are picking stuff up pretty fast! Coolest part: we taught them John 3:16 last week. Not only are they repeatedly speaking/translating the verse, but they are sharing the Word with their family members and friends. Praying God's Word soaks in everyone's minds and hearts. :)
• Oh Kids. While teaching some of God’s commands from Exodus 20 (the 10 commandments) why is that the children always get stuck on the number 7 – being faithful to your mate? It is kinda awkward to try to explain to delicate ears, in a way that they would understand, without raising more questions than needed. I need to start writing on down all the cute/awkward/funny things they say. I am sure I could write a book!
• Tour Guide. I am having my first visitors to Peru.  They bought their tickets! I get to be tour guide to Nikki (and her friend) in May.  It will be exciting to show off my city/world to them. Not to mention the American treasures they can pack in their suitcases for me!

Prayer Requests:
*Pray for Dohyeok as he transitions to a new school/language/friendships. I can only imagine how overwhelming it would be!
*Pray for me as I continue to seek after where the Lord would have me attend church. Give me a desire to keep pursuing that community even when I am tired from the work of a "missionary."  I don't want to forget the reason I am here. I want to be fed the Word in order to minister to others.

Until we "meet" again - Happy trails to you!
Later gator,
Megan