Showers of Blessings

"I will bless my people and their homes around my holy hill. And in the proper season I will send the showers they need. There will be showers of blessing." 

- Ezekiel 34:26

Day 1: It has been raining for days here in Cajamarca. Early each morning we look out the window and see more dark clouds creeping over the mountain into the valley. When we arrived for the first day of Bible School, we were wondering if any children would show up because the streets were flooded in front of the church and more cold rain was falling from above. Within minutes, we realized that God is always in control. He sends the rain in the proper season...and reminds us daily of His many blessings. One by one, children began to enter the iron gates of Monte Sion, with smiles on their faces - never once complaining of the rain. 

The street in front of Monte Sion Church!

Volunteers waiting for children to arrive!

One by one...each child arrived!

The church filled up with 144 children on the first day. We were so excited to see so many children full of energy and joy...and coming to learn more about Jesus Christ. Sean and I are in charge of games for the week and helping out where needed. We thought we had it all planned out as game time began...and within minutes we had 144 children rushing to the center of the church room screaming and asking us in Spanish what we were going to play. As we tried to communicate with our little Spanish...things began to turn into MASS chaos. Being inside due to the rain, made it difficult for all the kids to hardly stand (much less play a game). Little three year olds were being pushed around by the older children. Sean and I were praying inside for strength and help. Other adult volunteers quickly jumped in to help and somehow or another we made it through with some sort of organized play. We realized at that moment that we could not do it alone and were so thankful for our new church friends who helped us communicate and organize the crowd. Thank you God for reminding us to depend on You in all we do...thank you God for helping to make each child smile as they played with others and learned about You.

What a beautiful sight...the Pastor leading the crowd with praise and worship!

So many SMILES!

"But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” - Matthew 19:14

Day 2: You would not believe how quickly we crashed last night when we made it home from VBS. All our energy was completely drained from our bodies from spending the day preparing and helping for the first day of Bible School. As day two began, we all prayed for children to come back and for additional children to come and join us. All the volunteers worked together to figure out how to handle the crowds better with each section of Bible School. When the doors opened, 170 children arrived on another cold, rainy day. Thank you Lord for Your showers of blessings. 

Sean and I planned to have groups participate one at a time (depending on age) during the games. During this time, smaller crowds participated and all the children had an opportunity to play with others their age. We decided to bring candy today to pass out to the winners of each game and to pass out to the little ones who were just happy to be there. Once I opened the candy and pulled it out of the bag...(two words happened) MASS chaos! All the kids covered me as I tried to hand out candy one by one. The crowd never got smaller...I just saw the same faces coming back begging for more with sweet little smiles on their faces. It was so hard to say no, but I knew the candy was running out fast. 

Meet Nicolle...immediate connection to this beautiful girl. Thank you God for bringing her into my life. Nicolle walked by on Day 1 in front of the church and she kept walking past with her family. I asked her to come in and join us for VBS. After talking to her parents about how fun VBS would be, she entered the church. We love to talk (she tries to use English and I try my Spanish)...and we both try to get to know each other better. Looking forward to our time tomorrow!

Very proud of Sailor...standing and holding the Christian Flag in front of all the kids!

Lots of hugs and kisses from all the sweet children!

Singing Jesus Loves Me (Cristo Me Ama)!

Please Pray for Vacation Bible School This Week!

On Sunday, church members from Monte Sion all gathered together on a cold, rainy day to walk from house to house inviting many children to this week's upcoming Vacation Bible School. No mass emails, no mass mailings...just one by one traveling by foot...to share this exciting time for children to gather together and come to hear about Jesus Christ. Please pray everyday this week that many children will safely arrive and fellowship together in the God's House. Pray for resources to be provided for the games, crafts, bible studies, and snacks for the children. Many thanks to all the workers that have been preparing for this special time! Pray especially for hearts to be open and that this will be the week that many will come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior! 

"I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents..." 

- Luke 15:7a

Meeting at Monte Sion...ready to walk to invite many to VBS!

Going Door to Door!

Norman and his family!

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." 

- Proverbs 22:6

Many Thanks To Samaritan's Purse

Thank you for ALL the many prayers on the shoeboxes that were expected to arrive from Samaritan's Purse. Receiving them this week in Cajamarca was truly was an answered prayer! We know there has been lots of hard work and prayers in the hands that packaged and in setting up the delivery coming all the way from Boone, North Carolina. THANK YOU SAMARITAN'S PURSE for this special gift! Please pray that each box will be given to children in need and pray that their hearts will be open to hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Many boxes will be delivered to numerous pastors outside of the Cajamarca area this week, please pray for safe delivery. 

"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under the heaven..." - Ecclesiastes 2:11

So great to see something from our home area of North Carolina!

Saving Wilbur

Well, I finally made it to the Market here in Cajamarca to purchase food. My friend, Gleny, and I traveled by bus to the center of the city so she could teach me how to buy items and places to stay away from. My first thought was where are the shopping carts? I noticed Gleny had a long list to get and she only had one bag in her hand. As I looked around, I quickly realized what you buy...needs to fit in your bag. No buying in bulk here! I saw ladies with huge bags strapped over their backs and shoulders...and then maybe a toddler or baby as well. One elderly lady even approached us and asked us if we could help her lift her bag over her shoulder to her back. Gleny smiled, lifted it for her, and sent her on her way. The women continued to show her appreciation numerous times by telling us "gracias" as she walked to the next area to shop. Within ten minutes, sweat was pouring off my forehead. The temperature was high and we had to strategically walk between carts, animals, and people wandering from place to place. Lots of laughter and sounds of joy filled the air as many of the locals greeted one another, embracing each other with hugs and kisses.

And then, I saw him...WILBUR. Although, it was not all of Wilbur- it was only his HEAD. I am not a meat loving person when it comes to meals. In fact, many of you have probably seen the photo taken last year while I was here in January (and I realized that our group was "roasting a pig"). I pleaded with them to Save Wilbur, but I realized that I was not going to win this battle. I know, God has provided us with lots of good food to eat and enjoy, including animals. But his face, it was like he was starring at me and calling out to me for HELP...(Rest In Peace Little One).

As I walked along the Market, Gleny just laughed at me as I continued to point to all the heads of numerous pigs, sheep, and cows. Meat hanging in rows, flies surrounding the area, ready to be sliced. I even saw chopped off chicken heads...and people were buying them. All I could think of was, what could they be used for?

I thought I would share some photos so you could capture the scene just as if you were here. I really enjoyed this time with Gleny and for all the help she is giving me. I am sure soon going to the Market will be second nature to me and seeing and smelling the meat as I walk by...will be the norm. Gleny tried to get me to purchase "Cue" (guinea pig)- and I just could not stomach the thought today of seeing that little "pet" on my plate.

Well, this is all for now. We miss you all dearly! Thank you again for following the journey!

January 2011 at the Peruvian Pig Roast

Imagine...walking up and seeing this!

Numerous parts being sold!

New Address in Peru

Hello Everyone- 

Some of you have asked for our address in Peru...we have posted it below. We are not sure how long it will take a letter to get here. We think US regular mail will work, but we are not sure on the number of stamps.

Address in Peru:

Asociacion Civil Villa Milagro

Atencion: Sr. Sean Heath

Apartado 219

Cajamarca, Peru

*We have also included our address in the CONTACT US tab located at the top of our blog!

Sunday Walk to Church

As we walked to church today...we were reminded again of how fortunate we are to be here and to serve along our brothers and sisters here in this beautiful city. Step by step we looked around and felt His Presence and stood in awe of the magnificent beauty that sat below the heavens and the sky. Just days ago, we remember the easiness of our days as we prepared for Sunday mornings for church back in the States. Rushing to our vehicle and never really taking the time to notice the new day God had given us. This very moment we cherish every step and the time it takes to meet and fellowship with other believers. So thankful for the church and to have a place to worship and praise our Heavenly Father. Everyday we are reminded of God's promise - that I will be with you always...every step of the way.


"...and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:20b

How quickly life will pass us all by...for no one knows the hour that they will take their last breath here on this earth.


"Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming--in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning-" - Mark 13:35

Unfortunately, we quickly let our day to day struggles, worries, and little (unimportant) things get in our way of spending time with Him and sharing His love and grace with others. Sean and I continue to look back on most of our lives...missed opportunities...and living day by day for us. God, please open our eyes and help us to follow You...wherever You may lead. Lord, help us to take one day at a time to do Your will. Please God, help hearts around us to be open to loving and following You. Lord, help us to not hold any prejudices or pride as You teach us to love our new brothers and sisters. In Your Name we pray, Amen.

Lookout...LEgAci PERU

I am thinking now...there may be a new stylist in town (and she does not work at LEgAci Salon in Statesville)...lookout LEgAci PERU! After an hour of tears, scissor cuts on the my fingers, and jumping into a cold shower (we have solar heating and it has rained for the last 2 days), we made it through our first home away from home haircuts. I had to hear numerous times that "Nana" and Aunt Casie do not cut it this way or lots of complaints that hair was in their mouth. I will have to say that the boys look better and- don't worry- River's hair still sticks straight up with gel. (Photos taken by the kids!)

Sean was the brave one to go first!

I can feel the LOVE!

Sailor

River...extra caution to keep his style!

Lake


ALSO

Not sure why my cooking is not working out...crunchy rice, hard beans...HELP! (this is even a packaged deal)
I wonder if this is why I always get stuck with only bringing the drinks or told "just show up" at the
family gatherings back in North Carolina?

Sean to the RESCUE...sorry Autumn - you are going to have to learn this from Aunt Cheryl when she comes to visit!
(Autumn's apron made with love made by her Nana)

Snapshots of Living in Peru

Teaching Autumn how to wash clothes!

I am not going to lie...it takes the whole family to get all of our laundry done. So much for lifting weights. We have discovered that towels weigh A LOT when wet. Sean and the boys are the "spin mode" on my new washer!

Kids were amazed at the little girl leading the donkey!

We found a soccer field on one of our walks...overtaken today by a herd of sheep!

A friend of ours on staff at Villa Milagro painted Autumn's nails...she loved her little flowers!

Photo at church Wednesday night with Gleny (far left) and Vivian (far right). Most mornings, Gleny, Anita (not pictured), and I  meet at 5AM to run/walk as they teach me Spanish and show me around Cajamarca. We usually have to cross over small creeks, early morning cow milkings, and they protect me from all the dogs. Gleny and Anita are also teaching me how to cook and where to buy food. Vivian is amazing with kids and our kids love playing with her. She helps and lives with the other missionary family (The Kervin's). They all have been very helpful as we continue to learn about the culture and live in this new area!


Not pictured (for a reason) by Crissy
*Got my first possible bug (or spider) bite on my eye while I was sleeping. I woke up with a swollen eye (not camera worthy...trust me) and all I could think about was something crawling on my face while I slept. My nephew, Stone, told me the day before on Skype about how many spiders an average person will eat over their life time. We joked and said that we probably need to double that for Peru after seeing so many around the house. (Then I woke up the next morning with the bite...thanks Stone for "jinxing" me!)

TRIALS by Sarah Young 01.25.12

This morning I woke up and I read a devotion by Sarah Young from her Jesus Calling Devotional Bible. As I read each line, I felt God speaking to me as I sat there and thought about all my mini "trials" that have crossed my path since being here. After really reflecting on her writing, I realized that my trials really were not even trials at all. I have become so accustomed to daily "stress" and over the years have found myself dwelling on the negatives of every situation. I am not sure why this is...but as I looked closer at God's Word in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, and the writings of Paul NKJ version with added (New Living Translation), which says, "For our light affliction (present troubles are small), which is but for a moment (won't last very long), is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (last forever), while we do not look at the things which are seen (so don't look at the troubles we can see now), but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary (will soon be gone), but the things which are not seen are eternal (last forever)."

As I look back over the last few months as we were preparing to come to Peru and the last week and a half living here, most of the things that I worried about at the time, ended up not being that big of deal anyway. In fact, some days I find myself overloaded with stress and worry (okay maybe lots of day), but if I look back I cannot even remember those little things. Sarah's devotion shared, "if you shrug them off immediately and return your focus to Me (God), you will walk through your days with lighter steps and a joyful heart. When serious problems come your way, you will have more reserves for dealing with them You will not have squandered your energy on petty problems. You may even reach the point where you can agree with the apostle Paul that all your problems are light and momentary, compared with the eternal glory being achieved by them."

Dear Lord, give me Your eyes and help me see things from Your perspective, not from mine or the world's. Help me to focus on You daily and enjoy the relationships I have with my friends and family (cherish every moment with the kids you have given me for such a short period of time). No matter what circumstances or trials I may face, help me to stop and draw close to You to better understand what You may be teaching me or why You may be putting certain individuals or situations in my path. Dear Lord, help me to see the bigger picture and realize that the very moment that may be overwhelming, may be an open opportunity to share your love with others. Lord, help me to rely on Your strength. "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Visting a New Church in the Mountains 01.24.12

Tonight our friend, Celso, from Villa Milagro, asked us if we would like to visit a new church up in the mountains. We did not realize it at the time, but after talking to him more about this new church we found out that he is also the Pastor of the church. Celso told us that when it rains, it makes it difficult to drive to this church because of the dirt roads curving up steep mountain ledges. So when rain began to fall late in the afternoon, I was not sure I wanted to venture out. Sean and I waited to hear from him and Selso told us "no problem" and off we went driving through the city to get to the mountain road. I was so thankful for the extra body heat in the van which made the windows quickly fog up. This made it very difficult to see (which was a blessing) because I can only imagine as Selso drove around each curve how steep the drop off must have been. At one point the road was so steep that the van couldn't continue, so several of us jumped out, walked up the steep hill and jumped back in when the van could continue. For the kids, they thought that was so cool (for a mom...lots of prayer).

When we made it to the top we had climbed nearly 4000 vertical feet in 9 kilometers. We stepped out to an amazing view overlooking the city of Cajamarca. So many beautiful lights lit up the sky. We stepped into the small church which consisted of four walls, one light, no heat and air, and a dirt floor. There were probably about 18 people all together counting our family (normally we were told there would be more...but the rain makes it very difficult for many to walk and attend).

As the service began, Sean and I were amazed at the overall expression of worship and praise. It was so beautiful...such a small room but all together singing as loud as possible, hands lifted praising our Lord Jesus Christ. Many times in prayer, the families did not care about the dirty floor or getting their clothes messed up, they just knelt down in prayer thanking God for all their many blessings. So much joy and love, fellowshipping together, and so thankful for this small room to come and worship their Lord. I think being there touched our hearts far more than they will ever know. Selso preached out of John 10:7-21 (Jesus the Good Shepherd). My favorite part of this passage was is verse 14 and 15 which says, "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep". For the Peruvian people, they remember their history and being ruled by Incan rulers. They have never met a King that was willing to lay down His life for them... until now. Standing there in that room, nothing else in the world mattered but fellowshipping with other believers and giving Glory and Honor to our Lord Jesus...nothing in this world is more important than knowing and serving Him.

As many of you know, Sean and I have spent most of our lives pursuing the American Dream. In fact, many times we would look for churches over the years to attend or visit based off of what all they had to offer to us. How entertained would our kids be or how comfortable would this or that church make us as we attended the services two times a week. Being here tonight, and seeing many with so little and the danger and sacrifices they made to walk miles to this church, continues to humble us. Thank you God for reminding our family that worshipping You can happen anywhere, even in a cold, wet, poorly lit room with just a few believers. Praise God!

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,  praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." - Acts 2:42-47

Inside the New Church

Beautiful Family

Little Girl in Church

Amigas!

Celso and Sean

Our Family with Celso's Family!