Final Destination - Cajamarca, Peru 01.20.12

We arrived in Cajamarca this morning at 8am. It was so great to be back and see so many familiar faces. After breakfast, we went to see the house we are renting. The house was such a blessing when we first saw arrived. It was bigger than what we thought it would be from seeing it from pictures that were sent to us prior to arriving. There were so many items we thought we were going to have to purchase but we found out once we walked in that the owner left many items in the house for us to use. Most of the furniture has been provided (except for beds). There are two bedrooms and a large living room. We prayed about a place to have small bible studies and the large living area will be a perfect place for worship and fellowship. There is a well on the property and we have a filter so we will be able to drink from our home and carry filtered water to the bathrooms to brush our teeth. Villa Milagro is letting us borrow 2 sets of bunk beds for the kids - and the kids are very excited about sleeping in the same room. The yard is perfect for the future soccer field and the outside of the house has a patio area where we will hopefully be able to have bible studies to teach them about Jesus and after practice serve the youth fresh fruit. The house does not have heat or air...but with lots of blankets we should be fine.

Thank you God for this blessing - please use our lives everyday that we may glorify you and abide in your will. Keep us humble so we may bring HONOR to your NAME. "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19

The kids were very excited about having two new dogs that came from the house (Luna and Tenoche). They are old dogs but the kids fell in love right from the beginning. After figuring out the few items that were needed for the house, Sean and Celso (a friend from Villa Milagro) set up beds and then soon afterwards Celso took me to the city area to find groceries and house items. This was quiet a journey because there is no one stop Wal-mart. One of the biggest differences I saw was having less choices (which may be a good thing) in the stores compared to what is in the States. Also items are packaged smaller. I realized how spoiled our family has been in America by having the extra large cereal boxes. I can see River and Sailor now in the morning finishing one box in a setting with the smaller boxes here:) Riding through town reminds me of a roller-coaster with cars honking, swerving from lane to lane, and people walking everywhere as if they are care-free about a car coming head on right towards them. My heart was racing the whole time but everyone in the car seemed like this was normal. (Just going to take some getting used to). We are going to clean the house tomorrow and unpack the luggage (very thankful it ALL arrived). We also wanted to thank you all for your prayers for safe arrival to Peru. (By the way, Autumn is so cute...she keeps calling Peru - "Pu" and it makes everyone smile).

Our House (Villa Milagro Minstry Farm is in walking distance right behind our house)

Tenoche (the dog) - the kids are now calling him "Papa"because of his gray bearded face!

The yard where the soccer field will be...the kids are practicing (the boys are leaving Autumn out)!