Two Adoption Stories

My last blog post How My View of Adoption Has Changed was a little heavy, and I didn't want to leave it there or leave things on a discouraging note.

Before the month of December I decided I would read through Matthew, if not also Mark, Luke and John, as well as the "Mary" story by Francine Rivers. This season I have started thinking about a different side of the "Christmas" story- one I'd never though of before. An adoption story.

Maybe, like me, you have never given this much thought, but have you ever thought of how Jesus had an adoptive father?

God could have chosen a virgin not engaged-to-be-married as Jesus' mother. But, He didn't.  He wanted a complete family for his Son born into the world. And while I'm not a biblical scholar and there are likely other reasons that fit with those times and laws, He also wanted His Son to be raised by a Mother and a Father figure (a Mother and a Father). And, although God is Jesus' actual Father, He chose for Joseph to be the appointed earthly father. 

What a task, what a responsibility- for both Joseph and Mary!

Mary was chosen as a servant who had "found favor" with God. Joseph was chosen because he was obedient.
Like all things God-orchestrated, they were destined to be married one day, just as they were destined to be the earthly parents of God's Son.  To birth him, to raise him, to look after him and meet his most basic needs. What a charge Joseph was given, and all because God saw something in him that He didn't see in others. God didn't choose the smartest man in town, the wealthiest or the most religious from the synagogue. He chose Joseph, a humble carpenter, as one who would teach Jesus not only the basic living skills to take care of his family after he died, but also the humility and obedience of one who worshiped the Lord daily and with reverence. From the little we know of his character, the verses suggest that he was a compassionate man and had a heart for the good as God intended. I think there's something commendable in this adoption story of Joseph. Without hesitation or question, he took care of the son entailed to him.  Not of his own flesh, his own seed.  It was his first son, and should have been his right to have a son birthed by he and his wife as they started their life out together. But, ungrudging and with love, he fathered the earthly, yet heavenly child brought into his life.

There's so many things not written. So much room for our own speculation and questions, though we can catch glimpses into Joseph's care and love. I would love to know more about this adoption story. Did Jesus resemble his parents? When Jesus was born, did Joseph look at him like his own, or was he filled with awe at being the parent of this Savior-come-down? Did Joseph treat him the same as his other children?  Did they have deep conversations, or simply work side-by-side with a silent unspoken knowing? Did they go fishing together? Go on walks? Did they celebrate Jesus' birthday as a family every year?


Today there are millions of children around the world without a mother and a father. What devastation. Imagine that you were a child without parents. Without someone to cuddle you, to take care of you when you were sick, to put the Band-aid on the wound, the kiss on the forehead before bed, to teach you your ABC's...
There are so many children across the world living in both third-world, dirty and deprived situations but also parent-less and /or abandoned.

In the heart of every child is the desire to be loved, to be cherished and to be wanted.

This Christmas would you think of even one of these children?  Have you ever thought of adoption? Maybe adoption isn't for your family, but you could sponsor a child or contribute to the financial needs of an orphanage, or send clothing or food to an institution or home.

My title suggests two adoption stories.

The second is that of God's adoption of us.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.  -Ephesians 1:3-10

 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus... -1 Timothy 2:5

 "For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” -Jesus

It's the adoption into God's family, an eternally lasting and living family, and there's an invite for all, and a choice to be made by each.



Here's a sweet and touching video of a family predestined to adopt these three siblings from west Africa and the moment of their at-last being joined together. Enjoy!

Inspiring Adoption Story, Rachel Ray

How My View of Adoption Has Changed

I have always thought of adoption as beautiful and really admire those who have.  I do sometimes wonder why more people don’t have that tugging on their heart.  If every healthy family adopted an abandoned or orphaned child; how many children could be alleviated world-wide from the heartaches and injustice of not having a Mom and a Dad?  I think it's common for potential adoptive parents to think of it as a privilege, as the opportunity to 'save' a child, like that of a ministry.  After moving to Peru, and having more experience in an orphanage, I started to see the challenges first-hand.

Adoptions are not easy.  They are a long process, cost a lot of money, and are filled with mounds of paperwork  (...although always worth the trouble, according to all our good friends who have been through the process).

From first appearances, it seems that the Peruvian system does not favor International adoptions, nor make it easy to adopt, and at times outright unjust towards international placement / adoption cases,  like only allowing special-needs children to be adopted out-of-country (I have heard this, but learned that it’s not always the case). Or, not allowing potential adoptive parents to visit an orphanage, get to know the kids, and choose a child they have already bonded with (also not always the case).  Cases are determined based on the will of the Judge, who can turn down an application for no apparent reason. 

However, one thing to keep in mind is that the majority of children in Peruvian orphanages are not orphans, but abandoned children, or those who have been removed by authorities from their biological families because of abuse or neglect, which can make cases of abandonment more complicated.

After some time here, I have learned that the apparent predominant unease over prospective non-Peruvian adoptions is because of the belief in an illegal organ harvest trade which I've been told took place in the 80’s and 90’s. Whether some of it is legend or an actual fact, not long ago a judge made a comment to that end in relation to one of the homes I am involved with.  It made me cringe.  They get uneasy when too many gringos are involved, trying to designate their children to the homes of other gringo families.  Honestly, I have a hard time believing that this concern of theirs is legit, but I am also aware that the big wide world out there isn't fit for naivety and closed-eyes.

So I started to do a little research.   And what I found was actually quite disturbing.

Child abductions have certainly taken place in Peru in the past , however I did find it really hard to come up with concrete evidence of illegal adoptions related to black market for organs, although this 1992 ChicagoTribune article clearly cites why the Peruvian government first started making International adoptions more of a challenge:, cases involving reports of improper treatment of the adopted child, illegal adoptions and issues of bribing judges to manipulate foreign adoptions.

Pound Pup Legacy, an organization so-called created to promote the safety and well being of children in care, documents cases of malpractice and corruption and offers support to the victims of the "dark side of child placement" and provide a few articles on their .org website in regards to child trafficking and illegal adoptions in Peru.  They dispel the legend of a black market for body parts, but do cite some of the biggest issues around adoption cases included in the following:

"The arrest of a U.S. citizen here on charges of trafficking in babies last week has sparked a heated debate over adoption ethics, procedures, and how best to protect the interests of the children within a system highly vulnerable to abuse. 

Most Peruvian adoptions appear to be carried out properly, but the local press has focused on several reported instances of what amounts to baby-selling. A few mothers have complained that their children were kidnapped or that they were duped into giving up their babies. Judges have been implicated in schemes to extort bribes in exchange for moving adoption paperwork along. 

More bizarre are the fantastic and wholly unsubstantiated rumors that periodically arise about Peruvian infants being taken to the United States or Europe to be killed as a source of body parts for transplants. That grisly idea assumed such currency last year [1992] that U.S. officials arranged a teleconference to try to dispel it.

Despite my lack of finding substantial evidence toward a black market in the harvesting of organs in Peru related to corrupt adoptions, it is a world-wide truth that does take place still today, and is usually fueled by poverty and false promises.

This CNN article entitled “International Adoptions: Saving Orphans or Child Trafficking?” is an informative article on corrupt  international adoption problems in places including Cambodia, Haiti and Vietnam. 

This led to my information about international adoption scandals, lists of which can actually be found detailed on Wikipedia (I don't know why, but found that surprising to find on Wikipedia). And then I randomly came across this Reuter’s investigation website which fully details investigated cases of “failed adoptions”, mostly a result of the lowered expectations of adoptive parents after receiving a child that they end up basically “not happy with”.  

It’s outrageous to me that this happens, that children who have been adopted into families across the U.S. have later been rejected again and left in the hands of another caregiver, often child predators and pedophiles lurking on false internet sites for these so-named failed adoptions. It makes me sick.

And when did adoption become a business?  “Adoption is a business, there is no question, sadly”. -Susan Soonkeum Cox, Holt International. “…[W]hen a large amount of cash comes to developing countries with weak governments, "it reproduces systematic problems over and over again." – Smolin, Stanford University (http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/16/world/international-adoption-saving-orphans-child-trafficking/).  Things like child trafficking grow out of impoverished places and corrupt people wanting to capitalize on currency available in the adoption “market”.

So, how has my view of adoption changed?

I would still like to adopt one day, though I am a lot more informed, and thus more ready for the challenges that may come, should we as a couple ever be led together in that privilege of enlarging our family.  It used to drive me crazy that Peru’s laws make international adoptions so difficult: now I know that they have a right to protect their children, and should, just like every other country.  I used to think that adoptions should be quicker so as to place the child in a stable home and to avoid so much time in institutions.   I now believe that the system of adoption in other countries, especially third-world ones, should be more formal and have better screening procedures.  I sympathize and grieve along with friends waiting months turned to years for a child to finally be welcomed into their family, and know that it would also be agonizing if I were in their shoes, but I now think that the long wait times on finalized adoptions are okay because it’s more likely to mean that proper and preventative procedures are being followed.

I also think that adoptive parents should be able to choose their child, spend some time with them before in bonding and knowing if that child would fit well into their family.  More bonding time and at-face contact could also prevent child trafficking, like Lemma’s story told in this CNN article.  Potential adoptive parents should be more informed of the corruption out there, so as to carefully choose recognized and legitimate agencies and be aware of  protective measures such as the Hague convention, which may make the process longer, but ensures that procedures are done correctly and for the best interests of the child.  (Peru has been part of the Hague Convention since November 2009).  And, there should be more formal follow-up to adoptions, with the offer of counseling and support to both the family and child, to ensure that they are growing together in a healthy situation.

Another thing that makes me sad is in relation to the many older children removed from foreign countries and placed with families in a country where they don't know the language, customs and culture, cannot communicate for months effectively with their new families, and receive no required follow-up, counseling or interviews.  I still think it's a blessed thing to offer an older child a stable and loving home, with statistics of older children being adopted very low, but there should be more pre and post support for the child. I also think that preference to adopting a child over 8 should be considered first within one's own country or culture.

On the other side of things, I also think that more efforts should be made by governments, NGO’s and churches to meet the first need: the problems with family values, poverty and education that contribute to children being abandoned or orphaned in the first place: strengthening families to keep children with their birth families or natural communities as a priority.

...but that is a potential topic perhaps for another time...

Thank you for reading!

You can find more information on adopting from Peru and other countries here: Info on adopting from Peru:

http://adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=peru

My absolute favorite read so far this year: Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal, so worth the read!

17 

O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;

    you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear

 to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, 

    so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more. 

                                      ~Psalm 10:17 & 18

November Events

It's been a while since I've just written a normal ol' update-type post.  So, here we are.  We've had a lot of rain for September/October and things have gotten pretty and green fast!

A hot, sunny, green morning

Down-pour in the afternoon

Ruth & Keith, directors to the Casa J, left a few weeks ago for a hiatus in the States and may be gone up until March.  That has left me with new responsibilities in the home which came at a good time, giving me a new focus and renewed sense of purpose in being here, though it doesn't always come easy. I am thankful to a few other people who help in different aspects, so it's really not just on my shoulders. The biggest challenges for me continue to be cultural.  Different ways of looking at things, different views on child-rearing and especially behavior-management: a topic which has become #1 on my my mind in the last few months. As the children get older it is so evident how important the need for consistency is, which is largely lacking in the Casa with rotating staff doing things as they feel best. Thanks to the help from this wonderful lady Cecelia, a missionary from Ecuador, together we are revising the staff manual I wrote a few months ago, and working around this subject with the older kids especially, and with the staff.  She is doing great things with the spiritual side of things, too.

This friendly neighbor comes to help us every Monday afternoon looking after the kids, while Cecilia and I lead our staff meeting.

I took this photo only a few minutes before the staff intercepted a half-sized tarantula-looking spider crawling up the sofa beside my leg!  

The following morning, after I was back to my normal calm self, LuzMa told me that that type isn't a tarantula, but that there are tarantulas in the countryside nearby. They don't bite, though, but you do have to look out for a large black, hairless spider that does. Thankfully in just over two years, I have only seen these crazy creatures a couple of times!

On to more happy thoughts, here's a few of the staff-involved fun photos taken for Christmas recently (I think we'll find a clown to entertain the kids for next year):

I don't really enjoy parties, so it's ironic (or not?) that I am involved in planning a few at the moment.  This month is the Casa J's 5th year anniversary, so I am planning a fun to-do in less than two weeks.
Then there's the Staff Christmas party and kid's Christmas coming up and, this very Friday, Walter's birthday!  Preparations for birthdays in his family mean having homemade hot chocolate ready by 6 AM for those family and friends who will be arriving with birthday cakes in tow for breakfast- yes that's right- cake, cookies and popcorn for..... BREAKFAST... at...... 6 A.M............ in the MORNING. Walter's niece has already informed me that they will be here before 6 AM because they have to go to school after.
Feel free to pop by- we'll be up! or send an early-morning message.  (Later in the day is just fine, too).

Peruvian Birthday Breakfast

The Hard Things of Working in an Orphanage

The Hard Things

When I first thought of working in a children’s home, I have to admit that my thoughts were somewhat romanticized.  Rosy.  Thoughts of holding babies and hugging toddlers, playing with older kids who are so thankful and appreciative for your care of them.  And, at the beginning it was rosy-colored.  It still is.  Loving and helping these children offers a rewarding feeling of sharing love in a darkened world, even if only for a small few.

The other day, Keith (Ruth’s husband) and I were talking about the new baby, Brighit, in my arms.  She recently turned one and has been at the Josephine House for two weeks.  Keith commented on how one of his favorite things about being involved in overseeing a children’s home is witnessing the process of growth that happens between when a new child arrives often bedraggled, dirty and anxious to that time when they have adjusted to being in a new place, all cleaned up,  in new clothes, smiling and laughing and minus the creases of worry or pain on their little foreheads.  The process is not long.  It doesn't take long for these kids, ever so resilient, to relax and thrive in the arms of love.

But, this whole experience is not always easy and lovely.  Although I am usually a positive and thankful person, aware of the  many privileges in my life, there are still times when the hard things become overwhelming.

The Hard Things

Working with special needs children brings challenges of its own.  Long periods of time with little or very (very) slow progress and growth.  Behavior management issues that are challenging and not easy to change. 

A couple of months ago little Veronica died.  No one could have guessed that this non-verbal Down’s child had appendicitis.  We've been told that at least three of our other special needs children won’t have a long life expectancy.  

Brisayda’s health has suddenly taken a turn for the worse, losing her sensory ability, she’s not eating well like she had been a few weeks ago... she could go at any time.

The true stories of our children neglected and abandoned.  Heart wrenching stories of abuse that make you wonder how mankind could fall so low. 

The Hard Things

A loving family that developed bonds and love for two of the home’s older siblings.  Wanting  to adopt them as their own and the judge who’s said no twice, with no real reason.

A boy I would take home in an instant, but can't: born with fetal alcohol syndrome and just turned two, is nowhere close to walking or talking, and whose alcoholic mother unexpectedly obtained permission to visit him for the very first time.  A brief visit, no physical contact or perceivable interest, but she claims that she plans to get her son back one day.

The recent realization of the uncertainties of the Home’s future because of lack of substantial monthly, long-term support.  (We have about 8-10 months based on what's in the account now).

The Hard Things

I had been feeling stressed lately.  Not just for all the things beyond my control in the Casa J, but also for the cultural stresses and challenges that sometimes just feel overwhelming.  I miss home.  I miss family.  The culture that's familiar to me.

I found myself often repeating inside, and sometimes to Walter in conversation, “that’s not fair”.

Not fair that a child is born with significant challenges because his mother drank heavily throughout her pregnancy.

Not fair that another child was abandoned because of a cleft palate lip.  Not fair that another was born without a brain.

Not fair that I have had so many health issues since I've lived here.  (It gets more personal, and sometimes much more petty.)

Or, on the other side of the spectrum, how about  not fair that I just passed this lady sitting on the street without shoes, who likely has no place to call home, carrying my new fancy orthopedic pillow I bought from the chiropractor I recently started seeing.

Not Fair.  It occurred to me in one moment that this is a very dangerous thing to be repeating to myself.  A person can become depressed and bitter pretty quickly.  And I was.  That’s when the words to an old children’s song came into my head:  
“Count your blessings, name them one by one...”  I don’t remember the rest of the lyrics, but those are probably all I really needed!

And isn't that true?  When we focus on the things to be thankful for, the positive things, the God-given blessings, our outlook changes. 

Peace In the Storms

Walter and I took a week at the beginning of this month to help my parents-in-law on their farm by picking pinto beans: a break to get away from the city, to help out his parents and, for me, a short break from everything.  We were standing on the mountainside, working alongside each-other, Walter playing some of my favorite music on his phone when this song by Hillsong played.  I've listened to it lots of times before, and it’s one that’s become a favorite to both of us, but this is the first time these lyrics really stuck out and spoke to me:  

...Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong, in the Savior's love
Through the storm
He is Lord, Lord of All


When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil...

I borrowed this quote from a friend’s Facebook page a few months ago.  It speaks to me more now than it did then:

  "Peace doesn't come from finding a lake with no storms. It comes from having Jesus in the boat."  (John Ortberg)

I just want to thank friends and family for your prayers.  I really believe that prayers hold us up above the hard, and the seemingly “unfair”, things of life.  Though the storms will stir up and the darkness cover the light, it’s only for a brief time.  The sun will rise again. The Son has risen, and for that I have hope for a better tomorrow.

And Hope in the Promises

And, so, I look at the hope around me.  The differences being made right now.  And to the One who orchestrates them and has plans for a different world- a marvelous one.

Beautiful Changes

Adriano in September 2011 when he first arrived, and Adriano these days, just turned 3.

Sweet little Angelito, when he arrived a few months ago, malnourished and underweight, and Angel today!

Angelito, Sept. 2013, with chubby cheeks!

Our newest little one, named Brighit, arrival day with Keith a couple of weeks ago, and now:

 

This girl I'm going to miss a lot.  Fabiola will be travelling to Lima soon to stay in another Home where she will have better health and longevity at sea-level.

Fabi, September 2013

Promises, Sanctus Real 

"Sometimes it's hard to keep believing in what you can't see
That everything happens for a reason even the worst life brings
If you're reaching for an answer and you don't know what to pray
Just open up the pages, let His Word be your strength

And hold on to the promises (hold tight)
Hold on to the promises (all right)
Jesus is alive, so hold tightHold on to the promises..."

Cornerstone, Hillsong

Your Love Never Fails, Jesus Culture

"There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning... 

...The wind is strong and the water's deep, But I'm not alone here in these open seas ... Cause Your love never fails..."

Church Team 2013

The Spanish lyrics to Hosanna continue over and over in my head.  We sang that song nearly every morning at the 6 am devotional time with our team and the 43 men attending the conference at ATEK this past week. We also sang two worship songs in Quechua every day, and although at times the tune also later plays over in my head, Walter has assured me that the words I attempt to replicate sound much more like Chinese than the actual Quechua lyrics we had attempted to follow along to in the small hymnal books.

I've just seen the team off at the airport.  The two weeks with the BCEF Church Peru teams each year are always a full time of stretching, but they're also always a blessing.  I mean, living here long-term always has it's times of stretching.  But, my day to day schedule doesn't usually mean service work from 6 am to 10 pm for 7 days in a row.
I've lived in Peru for two years now and been home once in that time.  Facing the reality that we won't be going home to Canada for a while, it is encouraging to have my culture here with me in Peru, even for a short time.

The team have been taking turns blogging their personal, often comical experiences  which are always intriguing to me, to get an idea of how each one responds, reacts or is affected by a culture completely different from their own.

Some of my highlights from these two weeks:

Taking the team to the three orphanages to meet some of my favorite little people

Of course, I loved introducing my little babies and kids from the Casa J, and ensuring that each baby was held for some extended time was a blessing to their little selves, I know.
Our church service with the El Arca family of over 45 was really inspiring, singing together and listening to a message in both English and Spanish.  I know that they also were encouraged by the personal testimonies that a couple of the team members shared. El Arca is a home with little materially, but rich spiritually. I am always blessed to spend time with them, and they generously served us lunch, sharing the little that they have.

It was especially encouraging for me to see how all of the team and the children from the Azul Wasi boys home connected and had fun together.  They are a home with very little, but rich in gratefulness.  And, Alcides, the director, is a man growing in his love for God, just wanting each of his boys to know more of His richness, despite their material lack.  He told us that their biggest need is for food.  They have about 60% of what they need for their monthly food costs.   

A few days later, I took Pastor Bill (he drove) and Reyna to the local market (where we also buy our Casa J groceries each week).  With previously given support just for this home, we bought large sacks of rice, beans, sugar, dehydrated potatoes, salt, noodles, oatmeal, canned milk and cartons of eggs.  

Pastor Bill and I didn't get to take the food to the home, as he was teaching that afternoon, but we were blessed to hear of how thankful and happy Alcides and the boys were to receive the dry goods from the team, which will last for some time in what was previously a nearly empty storage room.

The team gave each of the boys these cool airplane toys which the boys loved

BCEF team and some of the Azul Wasi family

Translating for the Pastor's Conference

Okay, so, I can say that I am fluent in Spanish, but that doesn't mean that I'm not lacking in my personal storage of vocabulary, nor that my Spanish is always good.  When I first heard, a couple of months ago, that Pastor Bill would be teaching a Panoramic Study of the Bible, I was reasonably a little daunted.  That's a lot of lingo that's just not every-day.  However, like last year, feeling much like inadequate Moses, this time I trusted more quickly that God would be my strength and supply my lack.  After-all, the speaking isn't about me, but about transferring God's message through Pastor Bill to the Quechua Pastors and leaders attending the conference.
It's not about me: that is a good reminder, though I will say I have learned a lot in the past week, both biblicaly and in my Spanish.

Last year Pastor Bill and I were in the department of Livitaca.  While half of this team traveled to the same area to help with a youth conference, we spent the week from Monday to Sunday teaching the group of leaders and Pastors from two departments of Peru who had come to be involved in this heavy two-week conference at ATEK.
One of my highlights was translating for Santos, from the region of Tambobamba, who sat with us over one lunch. He told Pastor Bill of how he had walked one full day to get to a town where he could then take public transport to get to ATEK for the conference.  Another Pastor had walked two days over high Andean hills to get to public transport that then took another half day before reaching the city.  (And I find my minimum one hour of daily walking tiring!)
Santos was so excited as he told us about the first conference ATEK held in February.  The schedule was rigid, and a lot was expected of them.  These new Pastors and church leaders come from impoverished Andean homes.  They are farmers.  Some speak Spanish and Quechua (like Santos), but many only speak and understand Quechua.  Most of them can read and write, but not all.  Many have not had full schooling. They arrived at that conference wanting to understand the Bible more, but were expected to wake up very early for morning devotionals, to sit through various training all day long up until late evening for two weeks. Some days they were given much to eat, and other days little.  (The ATEK staff told us that they did this to see how the men would react in different situations, and to work on different areas with them accordingly). They were given large amounts of reading and homework to complete each day.  Santos told us that it felt really overwhelming for most of them, and that many of them wanted to forget about it: leave and go back home, but they had the thought that they should stick it out.  And he said, that as they did, they started to find that by organizing their time, they really did have enough time in the day to complete the tasks given to them, and that by staying, they started learning more and more, and developed such a hunger for God's Word, that by the end, they didn't want to leave!  He said that although many of the brothers came back for this second conference, there were many who couldn't come. Farming does not supply a regular income, and for some the 100 Sole cost to attend (just to cover a portion of food costs) and transportation costs are just too much. But, they are seeing great changes in their communities as their churches grow and people are changed. They are so excited about the gospel that they have grown multiple new churches in the past couple of years throughout villages in their region.  Santos said that his family life has changed significantly since he found Jesus, as he has learned to align his family-life with how the Bible teaches.  (Spousal and child abuse runs rampant in Peru, as well as infidelity and broken families).  His enthusiasm and love for God was so evident and infectious.

Santos is a Pastor for a small community in Tambobamba

Pastor Bill handed out materials in Spanish relating to the study

On Thursday we ended our Panorama sessions and planned a Friday trip to Huanca Huanca with the 2nd part of the BCEF team.  After being in Huanca Huanca last fall where the team helped put up the rafters, it was really great to see the church now complete.  Bernaldino, ATEK's agriculturalist, and some of the Huanca Huanca church members took us on a tour of their garden plots.  They have all benefited greatly due to the help in agriculture in their community over the past few years.  For me, one of the highlights was watching the young girls with their dads.  I have never before seen family members, but especially fathers, so affectionate and loving to their kids in public.  Due to the family counselling and healthy home-life teaching themes from ATEK, their families are growing and thriving in the way God intended.

Our time at ATEK hadn't ended yet.  Friday, Saturday and Sunday continued with early devotionals and other teaching/ question and answer periods with Pastor Bill.  We wrapped things up on Sunday night with a church service, singing worship songs in English, Spanish and Quechua.  Pastor Bill ended his message with an invitation for prayer, and the room came alive with the most hearty prayer time that I have ever experienced, leaving hardly a dry eye in the room.  It was powerful.  And God was so present.

As it all came to a close after 10 pm, each of the groups wanted to share some departure (despedida) words with our team, and then one Pastor (you can see him in the center of the photo below, holding a book and a bible up) asked if he could please have a photo with our team.  That started a slew of photo sessions as each group wanted their photos with us, and lots of cellphones clicking to capture the moment.

The men hold their Panorama Study Books gifted by the team.

These past two weeks have been challenging and rewarding.  The constant demands to translate, and the lack of sleep were draining mentally and physically.  The unity of the BCEF team and their good spirits in serving even in the most menial and repetitive ways was such a good example to me.  The heart and energy of these Quechua people to know more of God and to spread more of His goodness throughout the Andean mountains is so inspiring.  The constant devotion and giving of the ATEK staff to serving the Lord is so overwhelmingly unselfish.  And the way that we connected with these people in such a short time will leave lasting memories and impressions on my heart forever.

Cultural Differences: Food

The best part about living here is the range of available and economical fresh, tropical and exotic fruit all year round!  But, in relation to Peruvian cooking: as a whole, this country's cuisine doesn't really fit into a box like some international flavors.  After moving out after high school, I loved exploring new foods, especially the vastly different flavors from around the world (think Mexican, Indian and Japanese).  So, it’s funny that Peruvian food didn't immediately hit my palate as something to be exotically enjoyed.  Having a Peruvian family and eating my lunch meals at the children’s home throughout the week, I am exposed to more everyday Peruvian cooking than most expats. It’s taken me a while to warm up to Peruvian food in general, but I’m glad that there have become a few things that I look forward to more regularly. 

Although I enjoy baking, cooking is not one of my favorite past-times, though I don’t mind too much when I have more time.  So, before marriage I was admittedly a little daunted and nervous about the having to cook for another and to figure out Peruvian cooking.  There was no need to fret.  It didn't take long to realize that as long as The Man has some meat, potatoes and/or rice all in good size portion, he is more than satisfied (sounds a lot like those farm boys back home).  Though I have learnt to cook a few specific Peruvian dishes (like Lomo Saltado), I can’t say that most of my cooking is “Peruvian”.  It’s also taken me over a year to get white rice down to near-perfection (fluffy and the just-the-right dryness), and so far that’s only for two (the family-sized potful just never turns out right).  I have been learning to distinguish between which of the hundreds of here-available potato varieties are best for baking and which are best for frying.  I have picked up some neat little tricks for high-altitude cooking like this one: just add a slice of fresh ginger to the pot to speed up cooking time for vegetables.  Learning to use a pressure-cooker was initially daunting but vital for cooking at over 11,000 ft.  I have also learned to adjust my schedule to fit in more time for shopping, washing, prepping, and cooking: because there are few ready-made, quick-to-make, pre-packaged food items to be found in Cusco! (Potatoes do not come pre-washed - that is a luxury, Canada!)

For years before coming here I rarely ate potatoes, white rice, pasta or white bread, but here  the diet is mainly (have you guessed it?) white starches- and pretty much every typical lunch or dinner meal is accompanied by white rice and/or potato.  Marriage is good for mingling favorite meals from both sides and for encouraging healthy-eating (more vegetables for him and less easy-out “non-meals” for me- like chocolate cake or corn chips and salsa).   Some days are Peruvian, some days are Canadian, some are International, and some are a mix of the in-between.  I will admit that my monthly grocery bills are higher than they could be.  In my almost two years here I have delightedly discovered where to find a variety of imported things that bring tastes from home, though it means trips to different grocery stores all around the city.  Some exciting discoveries that are often but not always in stock: cheddar and Swiss cheese (imported from New Zealand), small jars of pickles, and Chex Mix from Gatos Market; raspberry jam, small bottles of ranch dressing, Mexi-salsa and cranberry juice (made in Lima) from La Canasta; brown rice (also from Lima, but only found in this one Cusco store), dill, 5-blend Asian spice and other spices and sauces, and even Canola cooking spray from Oríon Market. 

I often find conversations with other expatriates and missionaries veer in the direction of food.  I like asking after people's favorite restaurants here.  Food’s just such a factor of home culture and what’s familiar.  We often miss those things that testify of convenience, those distinct flavors and favorites you can’t find here.  (It's kind of funny for me to realize how many of my blog posts have involved food).  Some of you may never know how appreciated are those care-packages sent from home!  I know a family that uses certain sugary treats sent from the U.S. for special occasions and rewarding especially good behavior (of their children, of course).  There's more than a few of us ladies with stashes of special tea-boxes in the cupboard.  I used to get my (somewhat coveted) cheddar cheese from a missionary who special-orders it by the block and brings it from Lima for a long list of missionaries.  (He deserves some tips).  A few of us were recently reminiscing about the convenience of boxed instant pudding.  Frankly, anything pre-cut, washed and cooked would be a great welcome to this city (perhaps that's also under category: luxury).

Truthfully, Peruvian food is quite healthy and to be vouched for: it’s all cooked from scratch- and that's not a bad habit to divulge in. And, Peruvian dishes have even been gaining International recognition. I know my friends and family from back home enjoyed most of the dishes in our wedding buffet last year (like Lomo Saltado).   For me it’s all the starch, and some of the strong meat flavors.  But, over time, I have warmed to the food in general and even have a few things I now call favorites.  

Dried toasted corn, salted and served with cubed cheese! Great for breakfast or snack.

Haba Soltero  (Broad-bean salad)

Arroz a la Cubana: Usually with rice, but in this case with potato cakes, fried banana, egg & avocado salad

Nabo with boiled corn and haba beans:  like eating spinach or brussel sprouts, this vegetable dish just makes you feel immediately healthier .  It's got a strong flavor though- a couple times a year is just enough!

Interested in trying a Peruvian recipe?

Lomo Saltado is a common tourist favorite.  It's a loin-strip beef stir-fry served with fried potatoes and rice and can be adjusted to your level of spicy based on the type of pepper you use.  My Mom and sister have long-ago inquired over this one, and make it back home.

Lomo Saltado:  beef stir-fry

Perhaps of interest:

If you are interested in trying some other great recipes, this is a great website with Peruvian recipes in English.

And this girl from church back home has an entertaining foody blog if you're the kind with time and passion for cooking.

An intriguing ABC News slideshow of What the World Eats- sure makes you think about all the packaged foods the First-World invests in, though it may spark other "food for thought".

And, the verse of the day (to keep it all in perspective):

It is written, "‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’"  -Matthew 4:4

Privileges

 

Often when I am walking to the Casa J large passenger planes take off, heading North, high in the sky, overhead of the dusty dirt road.  It is one of those stark contrast moments that happen often for me here in Peru:  the technology of First World meets Third World setting.  And every time, I am reminded of how privileged my life is and has been.  How thankful I am.  For life, situations, opportunities and experiences.  For a husband, family, friends, church and support.  For things that make life easier!  That I can even take a plane from one continent to another.

I often try to imagine myself having grown up in a simple mud-brick home in the Andes, or a slum in Lima, or to be that child who has never been outside of his rural community, but watches tourists trekking past his land with their strange clothing, language and hair.  Put your feet in other people’s shoes- I highly recommend it!  The street guy sitting on the corner downtown, the struggling single-mom in your church or at work, even that annoying next-door neighbour.  When we put our feet in other people’s shoes we see things from a different perspective.  It gives us a door to understanding.  It helps us to love.

 

The Root

I don’t remember when I first had the thought that I would like to volunteer in an orphanage, but I know it was some years ago.  And I account that desire in my heart to love on the motherless to God’s formation of Him in my life.  Even before I had chosen to follow Jesus (after I turned 25), I look back and can see so many moments of Him at work.  Patient.  Calling.  Beckoning.  Waiting.  Sending different people or experiences to help me to understand over time who He is and the decision to be made.

The truth is, I didn’t give up my good stable job, sell my car, dirt bike and most of my other worldly possessions to come to Peru because I am some really good person.  I felt a higher calling to something that was instilled in me by reading His words.  I had been reading more and more about Jesus’ time on earth in the gospels (Mathew, Mark, Luke & John).  His purpose.  His walk.  His heart.  Those are the things that convicted me to do more than just work to make a living and to have more things.  It was the scriptures talking about upholding justice for the poor and the fatherless that just spoke to me so directly.  After all, it’s through God’s people loving, following and serving that the injustices, oppressions and wrongs in the world will be made right.  Although God could miraculously fix all things, He has given man dominion over the world (Gen 1:26 & 28), and though man's made a big mess of a lot of things, He also allows us the opportunity to work with Him in making a difference, and in that becoming more and more like Jesus.

Experiences of Less

Finally, it was the fears of the unknown, of change, and of finances that I gave over to Him, and He took completely- filling me with peace, paving the way for my path to living in a third-world country and helping orphans.

I have adjusted to a lot of walking and packing into public transport to get around.  I am forced to exercise daily!  And it is so much cheaper and easier paying other people to drive and maintain a vehicle.

I have been given a period of time to wash clothing by hand.  I thank God every time I use our recently bought, second-hand washing machine!

I am getting used to being in an apartment with a few issues.  We have running water, a real toilet, an electric-powered hot-water shower!

Homes in the high-altitudes of the Andes don’t have insulating or heating systems.  But, when it is only 5-15 degree C, we have more than one electric heater, piles of blankets and warm clothing...we have ELECTRICITY!

Meeting Needs

With so many needs around us here, it is hard not to want to get involved in more projects or want to do more.  One of the things I have really admired and respected about my husband since the start is his generosity.  His travel business has been built around the focus of helping people, whether it’s purchasing dozens of plastic chairs for a community’s Cultural-Tours program, rounding up church members to donate used clothing for needy children, or providing work for rural natives thereby supporting their families and communities.  Even when tourism has taken a plunge, he is ready to help with various needs, putting others’ needs first.  I am proud of him for not being money-focused, but people-focused and love-based.

You don’t have to travel to another country or work with orphans to realize the privileges in life or to make a difference in the world.  The needs are all around.  It reminds me of the verses instructing us to "love our neighbour as our self".  It's the people closest to us that we sometimes don't see; the needs closest to us that we neglect.  In a recent conversation with a dear friend from the Yukon, she was talking about how she’s felt this need to do more, to show people their worth, that they are loved.  She is thinking of ways to work with young single mothers through her business, showing them their value and that they are loved.

The Greatest Privilege

At times I just have this overwhelming feeling ... sometimes accompanied by a moment:

• the lyrics of a song (listening to Shine FM online)
• or witnessing some sweet thing in nature (the striking sound of a singing bird fluttering between dry corn stalks)
•  or a unique experience (a Quechua lady reaching across language and cultural barriers to show her interest in and welcome to me in her remote community). 

But it’s more than the privileged moments in life - of having things, experiences or education:  it’s the knowing that I have made so many mistakes, done so many stupid things, am so undeserving and yet God loves me with an everlasting love that is greater than I can imagine.  That He called me and loved me first, just as He is calling or has called you.

It’s a feeling that just fills me with love for my Saviour, with tears in my eyes, and an overwhelming thankfulness in my heart.

No matter where I live or what the circumstances are, I know The Creator is with me, loves me, and goes before me. That is something pretty amazing and my motive for serving Him. 

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.  -1 Peter 2:21

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. -Ephesians 3:17b-19

To me this music video really fits today...