The Harvest is Ready! (July mission trip)

Where do I even begin?.....so much was experienced on this trip, it is hard to keep it condensed.   Once Chris and I knew we were going to live in Peru, our love began to spread beyond what is American.  A love for two different homes ,different places, smells and scenery. A love for all that is familiar and American and yet for fried eggs, papas fritas, nescafe, spanish language and all that is Peruvian! Our hearts were divided.

As we landed into our country of Peru-Chris and I were seeing it through a much different view this go around.  Taking in and considering the reality that this would soon be our home in a few months, was becoming very real and exciting!  Once we arrived to the village of Ayaviri, a huge smile spread across our face and a sense of peace and contentment set in.  We were ready!  Our team immediately began to unpack, set up dinner and move out to develop relationships.  Below are the key moments from our trip. 

Some highlights of the team trip:

1) The men on our team were able to work in the field of a man named Innoscent and share bible stories with him.  This was our first experience with a native inviting us to come alongside him and work.  He was becoming more open to hearing bible stories...the door was beginning to open!

2) Mila (our translator) and I were able to cook in Victoria's kitchen (wife of Innoscent) and deepen our friendship with her.  She has been sharing the bible stories with her friends and family.  

3) We were able to share to a crowd of parents at the high school about how God views marriage and family and the importance of seeking Him in all things.

4) We met with a pastor in the village, discussing why people are not attending his church, about loving others and not condeming them in their sin. We shared many bible stories with him concerning how Jesus came to eat with tax collectors and prostitutes-about how Jesus loved them and taught them. We shared the story of Jesus saying 'ye without sin cast the first stone'.  For the first time, the pastor seemed open to this way of reaching out to the lost in the village.  

There were so many doors open for us on this trip...people were sharing..wanting to learn and know more. The Harvest is Ready! and the Laborers are coming......

Pray: for Victoria and Innoscent to be bold in sharing the bible stories that they have learned, for the pastor we spoke with to study his bible specifically concerning how Jesus reached out to the lost, loving them and teaching them and for Chris and I as we continue to prepare to move to the village, following God's lead.