Some things that hit hard...

Yesterday was a great day of rehearsal and break outs for the kids. I love my class and how social they are, even if it is difficult to teach. It has been somewhat frustrating to not feel well because my personality is to not miss out on anything. So I want to keep going, even when I need to rest and settle down-and that is hard. The Lord was good though, and I made it through the day and night last night. I loaded up with TamiFlu, IBU, and a sleeping pill and hit the hay. Everyone is shocked at the medicine I can ingest, but that is what happens when you grew up with a parent that was a pharmacist!

I had to take this time at lunch to blog and tell you of two things that have really hit me hard since yesterday. Ellen and I helped the Chef was dishes after lunch yesterday, and he was so grateful. We talked about his family and how his daughter needs clothes. When we asked him what kind, he emphasized her need for t-shirts. How convicted I felt about my tupperware container of t-shirts under my bed. (I know Anna will really tell me to get rid of them now.)

A few moments later, David walked by to tell the Chef what a great job he did

with lunch and how wonderful it was. The dialogue went something like this:

David: Muchos Gracias! That was muy delicioso!

Chef: Ahhh, Gracias, really?! Well, I find your worthy of such food.

David: No, no, we are not.

Chef: Well, you are not, but you are in Christ, and because of Him you certainly are!

I have been so broken this week as I compare the difference of dependence upon the Lord between Americans and Peruvians. The more I hear them pray, engage in conversations, and see how selflessly they

serve - the more I am faced with the fact that they understand and live out the Gospel in a way that I do not. Several members of our team wear the Mocha Club Shirt that says, "I need Africa more than Africa needs me." That phrase has become my motto for Peru.

I NEED PERU MORE THAN PERU NEEDS ME.

When we arrived to the Guzman's, where we are staying, around 9:00 last night, we were greated by a stranger telling us to come in quietly. When we walked in, I was in

complete shock at the sight I saw. We entered a room of about 20 men on their faces crying out to God. I dont think I have ever seen such fervent prayer. As we got ready for bed we noticed the men stayed on their knees. We dont know how long they had been praying before we arrived, but it carried on for at least 2+ hours. As I drifted to sleep, I was encompassed by the sound of these men praying, then singing, then praying, then singing. Later, their wives came up to meet them and they all joined in together. I could not help but try and think of the last time I got on my face before the Lord and what it would be like to happen upon the men of Fellowship in such a prolonged posture. It moved me beyond belief.

Today is the “e-camp” worship service with the kids. We have been preparing all morning for this service tonight. Please pray for our last breakouts with the kids this afternoon, and the service tonight. Many of the children's parents are not believers. It is our desire that the Lord uses these children to lead them to Christ as they worship tonight. The service is at 7pm – so please pray during that time.

*sick update: I am making it. The ladies on our team prayed for me this morning, and since then I have felt better. I still have a fever, chills, and am weak - and I also still have some digestional issues, but the Lord is sustaining me. I am taking TamiFlu and IBU and napping when I can to keep things at bay. Your prayers are much appreciated. I want to participate and serve as much as I can, please pray the Lord would heal me.