come, all who are weary

how ironic that the last thing I posted was about God being all-knowing and my need to accept my human limitations and then here I was promising to update the blog last night and plans changed once again.  We got to spend yesterday evening having a quick worship service with our group plus the vargas family and having communion all together. we have had a few people under the weather (nothing a little cipro and gatorade cant fix) and so some of the group went to the thermal baths last night and some of the people stayed and rested at la casona. sorry I didnt get to update.

DAY 7

yesterday (thursday) was our last day of medical clinics. Jay (med student) was going to come guest post for yall today but he is actually under the weather. He had the opportunity to shadown Dr. Pringle yesterday with the children and he just kept telling me how grateful all the mothers were that their children could get treated. Watching Karen and Eileen and Rhonda play london bridge with the children was so refreshing. it takes so little to make these kids smile and they love nothing more than adults to get on the floor and play with them. There were also several small babies that I got to rock and hold and I was happy that the mothers trusted me to hold and cuddle their little ones. Because most of the people we treat at the clinic have so little, family means that much more to them. They really do make their children the priority.


Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14


After a week of traveling and working hard in Peru, I feel like I should be feeling tired right now. I keep waiting for the feelings of "when am I going home?" "how many hours until I can take a hot shower?" but it hasnt happened yet. Part of me thinks I would give up those things (yes it would be hard!!!) if it meant I could stay here and keep living in community with these lovely people!!

After eating at Arizona Chicken last night (which in my book is a staple when visiting moyobamba) I went with the group to the thermal baths and it was amazing, the water was about 105 degrees and felt soooo good!! after the baths, ken, doris, and I stayed up and hung out with the vargas family. I really am not blowing smoke when I tell you that victor is the most geunine and loving man I have ever had the honor of knowing. I came to moyobamba two years ago and hung out with his two children (leslie and robinson) and spent a lot of time at his house. He treated me like part of the family. Then I got to spend time with him and elizabeth when they came to the states this past spring. I was at the burlington wal-mart with my dad when I look at the car next to me and see victor and elizabeth in the back seat of a car. he jumps out and says "hola ms. moyobamba!!" and was so excited to see me. He was so excited to see my dad and my did didnt even come to Peru 2 years ago. He gave me the biggest hug. After 2 years, he was STILL so excited to see me.  I got to see him that night at dinner and he was just so excited to catch up with me. I am so blessed that our work down here has in turn be able to foster a mutual relationship between his family and our church families. I like to think of this as a partnership and not a "mission". I guarantee Victor will be so excited to see each of his new friends he met on this trip when he sees them in the States.

Last night, I experienced a little bit of homsickness toppled with feeling tired and really just needed a hug from a mom (a couple of nights ago Stephanie and April played mom to me when I was feeling puny). Rhonda gave me a big hug, followed by Doris, and then Elizabeth loved on me for 10 minutes in my room at her house rubbing my head (how do moms know that soothes us?!) and speaking in spanish and although I could not understand exactly what she was saying, she spoke right to my heart! It was amazing to feel that love that broke any language barriers. I was listening to Victor talk about the important things in life last night and Leslie was translating for him and he became so moved as he was explaining to Ken and I about 1) giving all your worries to God 2) loving your friends and family and 3) being grateful.

I am not ready to leave Peru, it would be easy for me to stay and live here as "Miss Moyobamba" with this family which I have come to love as my own. I think the challenge will be me coming home to the states and not letting what I have seen and learned in Peru fade away after a week. I head back to college a week after I get back home and really want to hold onto this sense of renewal. I want to remember what I have learned here EACH AND EVERY DAY not just when I am telling my family and friends stories from my trip. And believe me I have hundreds of stories that didnt make it onto the blog. Although I like to think God appreciates a good sense of humor, each time I remember a silly story or moment, I want to remember this verse:

(I know at First Pres we are big fans of the NRSV but for this verse, I really like "the Message" translation)
"Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that!"  
Ephesians 5:1-2


Obviously, God has not forgotten these people and they have not forgotten him. I feel so fortunate to have spent this past week having fun AND serving God here in Moyobamba. I am so happy that our church families have Heard the call and agree that we need to Embrace the suffering and do our part.

You have kept record
of my days of wandering.
You have stored my tears
in your bottle
and counted each of them. Psalm 56:8


On a lighter note, the Vargas family received a live rooster as a present from a family member. They have agreed not to kill it until I leave because I got to upset on Tuesday when the elderly lady killed the chicken I was playing with in order to fix our lunch. Although I fully respect and appreciate the culture difference, I sure am glad they are being sensititve and taking care of dinner AFTER I leave.

We will load up and head to Tarapota around 2:30. It takes about 3 hours to get there and then we will head to Lima on a 8:30 flight. Tomorrow we plan to explore Lima and check out the markets.

Keep us in your prayers for the long car ride, the flight, and that our whole team will recover quickly from any illnesses.

We can´t wait to see you guys!!

Blessings

Morgan