Oops...I Forgot I Have A Blog :)

So, I was kindly reminded last night about this blog and how I have not written anything in a very long time (July 30th, I believe was the last entry).

I want to apologize. I have let my habit go and that makes me sad. ;(

BUT I'M BACK! So, let's get this thing started once again.

It is amazing to me that we've been here in Lima, Peru for 7 months! It's a whole new world still to me but I do feel much more settled in. Time does that, doesn't it?

The challenge for me, in addition to the normal desparately needed prayer for learning Spanish well, is beginning to get from the Lord what specifically He wants me to be involved in here. I mean, I have my ideas but as Scripture says, "Proverbs 16:9 'In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps.'"
So, I need much patience but also intentionality to pursue that part of God's Kingdom that he's placed on my heart.

To this end I'll share here the verses that REALLY light a fire in my heart:
Proverbs 31:8-9
8 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy."

I was drawn to come here because I wanted to be a part of the Lord caring for those dear souls who are lost and oppressed and need to surrender their hearts as well as their needs to the Lord.

And Ezekiel 11:19-20
19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. 20 Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

Plus, there is the constant need for people to be shepherded in and encouraged in this reality: God does in fact have the power to change a heart - to change a life. No one is beyond hope and no believe ever needs to dispair for his/her own failures or others. God is in the business of changing the very nature of sinners. I love this story!

All for now. I'll write a little later.
Jim

Where Did July Go?

Hey Guys and Gals,

Sorry. But, for whatever reason I have been completely absent from blogging for this month. I think, partly, it's because for awhile I had very limited use of my computer since Max (our dog) chewed my power cord to shreads and I had to wait until a friend came from the U.S. to bring me my new cord.

Then, over these last few weeks (last and this) the kids have been off school and so we went away to the city of Huancayo for 6 days and then home. But, even being here it's somewhat distracting since life isn't "normal" in its routine.

Ugh. Anyway, hopefully, I can now get back to it.
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We've been taking a language class break, which I guess is good. However, I'm dying to get back at it and learn more and get going on my Spanish. Sara, not so much. Culture shock is hitting her pretty bad right now. You can pray for her. A lot. :)

Some Rooms from our New House

Caroline's Bedroom

Living Room

Some Rooms from our New House

Eli's Bedroom

Chloe's Bedroom

My Kids....Fun Stories

So, Chloe asked me today, "Daddy, why do they call them 'French Fries'?" Then, of course, the follow up question is, "Why do they call it 'French Toast'?"

This, in light of the fact, that we had French Toast today and French Fries, too.

At some point she also asked, "How does hair grow if it's not alive?"

:)

Oh, also, Eli told me that the reason his team won his most recent basketball game at school was because he drank the red gatorade-like drink which, of course, makes you very powerful.

Just thought I'd share those great insights with you all.

Four Months

Can you believe that we've been here in Lima for four months?!?!?!?$?%?%?%?

I just wanted to say that.

Chau (pronounced "chow" and means, bye)

At the Airport Until 2am

So, yesterday was an adventure.

Sara and I had the chance to go out on a date. We enjoyed ourselves for a few hours and then at 8pm we attended a school meeting for Chloe's class. Yes, I'm not kidding, a Friday night meeting for all parents to attend (and it was well attended). Then, after the meeting I dropped Sara off at home and drove to Jeremy's house (Jeremy Ross a team mate on the Lima New City Team).

We took a taxi to the airport to greet and escort (along with several other team members) three church missions teams coming in for the week. One came in at roughly 10:30pm, the next at 11:30pm and the last one we met up with after customs around 1:45am, I think. If I remember correctly. :)

After we all got in the van/taxi and made it to the motel I got in my car and drove home by about 3:15am (again, I think that's right).

It was a fun evening in terms of hang out time with the team folks and meeting the new folks on the missions teams coming in. But, man...this day was a bit of a waste for me. I barely parented today...so....tired...must....go....on.