One and a half months down, ten and a half to go! It's amazing how quickly time passes. December was full of new experiences for me, one being the lack of snow, or any coldness at all for that matter! Christmas is a big deal here in Peru, so there was no lack of holiday spirit. On the 19th I attended my first Chocolatada at PEPE's school, which is basically a party for the students involving games, hot chocolate, pannettone (the traditional Christmas treat) and presents. It was nice to see the students and teachers let loose and have fun together :) The next day was the Clasura, which is like a graduation ceremony. The students with the highest grades in their class are given their diplomas up front, and the rest of them go to their classrooms to receive their report cards. At the beginning of the event, the students presented a dramatization of the Nativity story, along with a chorus of Christmas songs. I led two age groups in the presentation of the songs/dances I taught them in English, and let's just say that their cuteness made up for any lack of accuracy. I am looking forward to teaching regular English classes at the school when the new school year starts in March.
On the 22nd, we had a Christmas service at the church. We were expecting about 70 people to come at the most, but more than 100 people came! The children sang the songs we had been practicing for the past few Saturdays, and the older children recited a Christmas poem. There were baby dedications, gifts, prizes and of course pannettone!! It was a great time of fellowship and joy.
Jon Edwards and I also traveled to the city of Chiclayo to meet Bob and Karin McClure, a missionary couple who have a semi-new ministry to orphans and widows, called El Padre de Esperanza. While Jon and Bob talked about the ministry, Karin and I got to know each other and we got along quite well. She is native to Peru so we spoke in Castellano (a dialect of Spanish that the people in this region speak). Jon hopes to connect with them more in the future to see if our ministries can work together.
For anyone wondering how Pastor Julio is doing, he still needs your prayers. He has had a few appointments at a medical clinic to take care of some pain in his leg, and is on medication and a diet. Please pray for complete healing and peace for his family.
In January, we at the church are participating in a fast and study of the book of Romans. Each week has different guidelines, finishing with 1 1/2 hours of prayer each day. Please pray for me in regards to this as fasting is not one of my stronger points :) Above all, I desire to be a blessing and grow more intimate in my relationship with God.
Blessings to you and your families, may you keep God at the center of your everyday living.
Much love, Laura Beth
Wonderful update Laura. We are so pleased with your servant heart and willingness to leave the known for the unknown. May God grant you fruit, favor & fun!
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