Final Night

This is our last night in Peru. These last few days have been completely exhausting, saying goodbye to everyone, taking care of details, doing last-minute paperwork, etc. I have wanted to write with our feelings every night, but have ended up just too tired. Tonight more than ever. But it has been good. We had a very tearful and sweet despedida (farewell) to our church family on Sunday, and have made a point to say farewell to other good friends and neighbors in the last couple days. It is hard and emotionally draining, but very good at the same time. We are feeling a real sense of closure, and recognizing that this sad departure means we have truly connected in a beautiful way with brothers and sisters here, and seen fruit from our ministry. We have loved and been loved. We have taught Christ and learned about Christ. We will miss people dearly, and are already trying to imagine when we can come back to visit.

Tomorrow we board the plane and close this chapter, with much unknown on the other side.
One important thing - we would appreciate your prayers for Laura's mother, who is in the hospital recovering from an operation. It is providential timing that we can come home now to help care for and encourage her.

There will be more posts to come, this blog will continue, but we do want to thank you for following along with us on this journey, and for your prayers and encouragement along the way.

Sunrise, Sunset

We aren't saying goodbyes yet, but we are well on our way to leaving. And I'm trying to slow down and reflect and let it hit me. These last few weeks came so fast; even though weeks ago we warned ourselves, knowing how quickly the time would pass, we were helpless to stop it. And now here we are, back at the Berrys' home. Really, one day we were planning how to fit in all the people to spend time with and things to do in our last month, and all of a sudden I'm breathlessly running through all our "last _____". Our final trip to the market, last piano lessons, the last time singing to Noah in the bed he's slept in for half of his young life. With our Peruvian brothers and sisters, it feels like there are so many moments and memories still to create. Why can't there be more? Could two years really be so short?

Amidst Chaos

I'm sure I won't be able to put into adequate words the roller-coaster of emotions we are experiencing here as we prepare to leave in just over a week. But we'll do our best. Tomorrow we are actually moving out of our apartment and into the Berrys' house. We are trying to get everything packed into the luggage we will actually take (relatively little), while organizing all that we are leaving behind (the majority of the apt), to give away or sell. Last night Amanda gave us some great advice for Noah. We have been concerned about how he would take the move, especially leaving beloved items behind, since in the past he has been quite possessive. They said that in talking to other missionaries, they learned that kids living overseas often looked more fondly on their mobile childhood if they really understood what was going to happen, and were able to say proper goodbyes and even cry over it. We were tending towards trying to protect him from that and not fully see all he was leaving, but they reminded us that having true closure, though sad for a time, is better in the long run - even for a 3-year-old. Very good advice for us. So today we have been very open with him (as much as he can understand), and he is doing so well! He's even suggesting things to give away to his friends. We are thankful for such a sweet, generous little boy.

Arlington

I know this video has gone far and wide in just a few days, so you may have already seen it, but I can't watch it enough. A moving tribute to our tough hometown: Arlington, the Rap.

Church Anniversary

Yesterday we celebrated Luz de Vida's second anniversary. We worshiped together and followed the service with a tasty lunch and talent show. We also showed a little movie, reviewing the pervious year, for everyone to enjoy. Thought we would share that with you all too, if you're interested...

Día nacional de la papa

How could we be so negligent? Last Saturday, Peru celebrated National Potato Day. Peruvians are very proud of the potato - it was supposedly cultivated here first (though the Chileans try to claim it too). They have thousands of varieties, and you will rarely be served a Peruvian dish without some kind of papa. (note - articles do matter: "la papa" is potato, "EL Papa" is the Pope. I'm sure I've made some blunders with that one). Anyway, they love their potatoes, and in part because it's something they have given to the world. Because of a strong cultural underdog mentality, living in the shadow of wealthier and more influential countries, Peruvians are thrilled for anything they can bring to the international table or do at a worldwide level. Food is right at the top in this regard. Visitors are most likely to be asked what dishes they have tried, even before what cities they have visited.
So it's a little late, but Happy Potato Day! Eat a spud and think of Peru.

Noah's Eyes

Today we visited Noah's eye doctor again. He has been wearing a patch over his right eye for the last seven weeks to strengthen his left. The visit today showed a vast improvement! Thank you for your prayers! The doctor said we should continue with the patch since it's working so well for him. He surely isn't affected in the least by wearing it. This picture was taken yesterday at church. We left the patch off for the day to help let a little scrape on his nose heal where he always wears the patch.