His Eye in on the Rabbits

Preparing to make even a temporary move to another country is a stressful, time-consuming process. (Which explains our long absence on “Andes Reflections” – sorry about that.)  Between getting the house ready to be left, wrapping up dangling ministry issues, gathering materials to be used in speaking, and packing up things that will be needed on our trip, there are a lot of details to be taken care of.  And upon arriving in the States there are suitcases and stored items to unpack, presentations to prepare, and a new household to get accustomed to.

We are so thankful that through it all we have seen God’s hand of provision.  He provided a responsible couple to stay in our home in Peru to keep an eye on things and care for our dog.  He provided the second floor of J.R.’s parents’ home on the farm in South Dayton, NY as our home away from home.  He provided a rental car at a good price through the thoughtfulness of one of our supporting churches.  He even provided a home for our girls’ pet rabbits.  Our friend Karina has agreed to care for them and will hopefully supply the girls with baby rabbits upon our return.  Whenever I get stressed about the details I remember (to borrow from the old gospel song) that if “His eye is on the rabbits, then I know He’s watching me.

Walking with God

At the ladies' retreat I had the opportunity to give a talk on Saturday morning.  To conclude our time together I shared some recommendations I'd found for improving how we walk.  Then the ladies worked together in groups to find spiritual applications concerning our walk with God.  Here are the recommendations.  Can you find some spiritual applications? (Add your thoughts in the comments.)

1.  Maintain good posture with your head held high.
2.  Look ahead (not at the ground), looking about 10 feet ahead of you.
3.  Lift your chest and relax your shoulders.
4.  Move your arms more rapidly and your feet will follow.
5.  Walk in a straight line.
6.  Don't take steps that are too large; take more, smaller steps.
7.  Breathe naturally.
8.  Don't carry handweights or any other kind of load.
9.  Walk with a partner.

2011 Ladies' retreat

2011 Ladies' retreat, a set on Flickr.

Despite a last-minute speaker change, the ladies' retreat here in Tarma went well. Almost 50 ladies participated and went home feeling encouraged. Thanks for your prayers.

Bundling Up

Winter has arrived in the Southern Hemisphere.  Even though we don't get any snow where we live, we do experience three months of nightly temperatures in the mid-30's F.  With no heating system in the house, that makes for some chilly days and nights.  We have started to put extra blankets on the beds and extra layers on our bodies.

That makes me wonder if I'm bundling up in anything else.  Luke 24:21, in the Spanish version, says the disciples on the road to Emmaus had bundled up hope that Jesus was the promised messiah. Colossians 3:12 instructs us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  What are you bundling up in today?

Adventurous Times

J.R. left this morning for Agua de Nieve (Coffee country) accompanied by a man from the church.  As you can imagine, he's always glad to have some one to travel with him.  They plan to return tomorrow.  Thanks for your prayers for their safety.

The girls and I continue with home school and preparations for the ladies' retreat this weekend.  The main speaker who was coming from Puerto Rico is sick and can't come.  We decided that it's easier to try to find speakers at the last minute than reschedule lodging, food, and the visiting ladies' transportation.  There are still some gaps in the schedule, but we're finding some willing and qualified local speakers.  Clearly, we don't just encounter adventures when we travel. :-)

Alto Yurinaki trip

Alto Yurinaki trip, a set on Flickr.

Here are some more photos from our recent trip.

Photos from Anibal and Sonia's wedding

Peru Crouses' photostream on Flickr.