Trip out with Sunday school kids

This morning we went on the Sunday School outing to a park by the sea (very cold - my head froze!) and then to KFC (a real treat here!) Here are a few pics...

Mum's and tots group

Today was the first meeting of Mums and babies / tots (up to age 3) and was a really encouraging time. We held the meeting in Pacifico de Villa, the same community where we are holding the Kidz Klub, and over 20 mothers came with their little ones. We discussed things connected with breastfeeding and childcare and I (Anna) shared with them about the importance of developing a heart-to-heart connection with our children so that they will be guided by us and not negative influences as they get older. I also shared about the heart-to-heart connection that God wants to have with each one of us and what He did so that could happen. The women were really enthuasiastic and receptive and we hope to continue with a good group of mothers in the coming weeks!
Joel and some girls play with the toys

Daniel calls his 'amigos' on the community tannoy system!

Lili does some action songs with the kids

I share about the importance of a heart-to-heart connection with our children and with God.

An Englishman 'delayed' In New York

Well after the flying visit to my cousin's wedding I was aiming to return home to Peru on Monday, however when I arrived at Toronto Airport I was told that I might have problems with my connection. I was told several times that I would be fine as the gates were close in New York and I would have 20 minutes. Well circling for 30 minutes meant I missed my connection to Peru!

Therefore I was an Englishman delayed in New York, or Newark to be exact. Well Continental Airlines have a policy that weather is not covered by their insurance policy, and so I had to pay for my hotel. (I did get a 'I am a missionary' meal voucher!) Therefore Anna said to me 'you're in New York go and discover it'.

Madison Square Gardens

Therefore I dropped my bags off and got the train to New York, New York. I arrived at Penn Station and climbed up to find Madison Square Gardens.

Times Square

The Empire State Building

I then saw the building all gorillas love, but 88 dollars to go up it and to see the Statue of Liberty seemed a bit steep. (no pun intended)So I did another New York tradition instead and bought a Hot dog off the street!

Broadway and Yellow taxis

I then decided to see how many sights I could see before it went dark, and walked for about 4 hours and a half round New York. I saw Times Square, Broadway, Central Park, The Waldorf Astoria (big letdown, it's just a hotel) Carneige Hall (still have no idea what it is), the Plaza Hotel, and Grand Central Station. I obviously missed a few important sites, but with time and money limited, I throughly enjoyed my impromptu visit to New York, New York.

How many films have used Grand Central Station. (Answers on a postcard)

Heather´s wedding

Thanks to my lovely mum I had the blessing to go to my cousin Heather´s wedding at the end of July. I flew out from Lima at some unearthly hour and arrived in Newark (New Jersey) the next morning. After a 2 hour delay (on the runway) I arrived in Canada, and spent a lovely night in Toronto and went to the well known Toronto Airport Church and had an amazing night.

The next morning I travelled the 2 hours or so to the beautiful wedding venue. (see below) which due to the long weekend took 4 hours! Anyway I arrived at 3.20 changed, shaved and was out with my sister Liz, Brother in Law Will and new nephew Sam by 3.35 for the wedding at 4.

Sealed with a kiss!

The wedding was very lovely and I´m sure Heather and Geoff will be very happy together. It was great to see my mum´s family again and to meet Heather´s friends. Also it was great to meet Sam as well who is an absolute star, and very cute. (Must run in the family!)

Uncle Mark and nephew Sam

Uncle Jack, Aunt Helen, and Cousin Heather

A family day out and Daniel's new haircut

Saturday we found the sun an hour out of Lima in Cienaguilla. We went to a lovely country park with our church pastors, Eduardo & Ceci and their children David & Michelle and a friend. It felt so lovely to be in the sun again as we have been under the damp Lima winter cloud for the last month! Daniel's hair is now quite a bit shorter (blame Daddy!) - the Peruvian's love it, the English consensus so far has been rather gangster-esque! What do you think? He certainly looks very grown up!

Daniel & Michelle

Nursery at home and latest pics

Today was the first day of our in-house nursery which we have begun with Lili and the kids of a few families we know. This week it is at our house and so I was helping out. The kids had lots of fun and were worn out by the end (as was I!)

Other photos:

Daniel's latest instrument

Smiles

Daniel gives a tour of Peru

Let Daniel give you a quick tour of the districts of Peru...

From Daniel map of peru

Happy Independence Day!

Today Peru is 188 years old. Today and tomorrow are public holidays to celebrate (I think that they have 2 days off because there are so many other holidays that to make this one special we get an extra day!) It used to be law that every house had to display a flag or else get a fine. Now we are unsure of whether it is law or not (no one seems to know!) We rebelled last year, but now we have 2 Peruvians in our house (Joel and Lili!) we decided it would be fun to participate!!

At church on Sunday we had a traditional musical performance from a lady who sang with a box drum called a cajon. She sang various songs about Peru. I have translated the lyrics of one below. What is lovely is that Peruvians do love their country and they are proud of it. This song represents that (and is in honour of our Peruvian son's first independence day!):

My Peru

I am proud to be Peruvian and I am happy to have been born in this beautiful land of sun
Where the unconquered inca preferring to die,
Bequeathed to my race a great inheritance of worth

Rich mountains, beautiful earth,
Cheerful beaches – that’s my Peru!
Fertile land, snowy peaks,
Rivers, ravines, - that’s my Peru!

You see my race is noble and humble by tradition,
But rebellious when her freedom is inhibited,
So united soul, mind and heart,
Breaking through chains when death approaches.

Rich mountains, beautiful earth,
Cheerful beaches – that’s my Peru!
Fertile land, snowy peaks,
Rivers, ravines, - that’s my Peru!

My cheeky boys...

Whilst I was doing the washing up today, Daniel got distracted from bringing in his bowl into kitchen on finding a purple marker...

Joel is very pleased with himself that he can take his new hat off all by himself...

Ventanilla Update

In the last month the headmistress of 'Discovery High School' has been improving many areas of the school, and making the school function in a more efficient and professional manner.

The 'playground' with banners celebrating the upcoming Independence celebrations on the 28th and 29th of July.

Due to this Anna has stopped teaching the kids every fortnight and we have returned to a more spiritual oversight role as we continue to help Alfredo and also the teachers.

Therefore I went to the school last Tuesday with Chloe and Holly, as well as Chloe and Anna's dad Julian, and we took part in a very special service after the school day had finished. We arrived about 1 o clock and we were greeted by the kids at the school, who performed several songs and recited 3 proverbs from the Bible.This was as you would expect really touching and a great start to our time there.

The kids singing for us and Chloe after with them outside the school building.
Following the children leaving Alfredo preached, and then handed over to myself. I introduced the girls who bravely gave their first 'talks' in spanish, and Julian spoke about the difference what you can see with your 'natural' eyes and what you can see with 'supernatual' eyes. Julian said you could see the school as a wooden hut on sand (or the beach as I badly, but amusingly translated) or a place where faith is really evident and the future seen as a thing where God will provide. Julian also said it was amazing to see the developments in the school since his last visit. I then asked Alfredo what he wanted me to do Alfredo felt I should follow what I felt God was saying. Well I didn't preach my planned sermon but God led me to preach a short(ish) sermon and we then prayed and prophesised over the people there. This was a real blessed time as the presence of God was very strong and people were very touched. We then prayed for many people to be healed, and we saw more than 5 healings, including people who have had some of their illnesses for a long time.

Alfredo spoke to me after and said that he had never experienced a meeting like this, and it was a real blessing.

It is a such a honour to be involved in such a place with so much potential, that continues to grow and thrive, with nothing but faith in God.

Mark speaking before the time of ministry and healing.

Marta, Victoria, Alberto and his wife, Julian and Rosa.