School is back in session! This school year finds us with two kiddos in high school, and one in middle school at South America Mission Academy. I think that I blinked somewhere along the way, and all of my babies are grown! Ethan and Clara have grown so tall since Christmas. Ethan is very proud of having passed Corynn up, and keeps reminding me that he’s almost taller than me!
Just before school started we had the opportunity to go on a road trip with some of our dearest friends to a high jungle town called Pozuzo tucked in the foothills of the Andes. It was a quick, weekend trip, but it worked wonders for us to get out of our little world here in the basin, and see, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful places in Peru!
We were honored to be able to host a bridal shower brunch here for the daughter of a dear missionary friend. We’ve known her since she was a little girl, and have had the privilege of watching her grow into a beautiful, Godly young woman! She was a part of my etiquette class years ago, and she allowed me to do her hair for her wedding! What a blessing it is to have young people to whom our children can look to and hopefully follow their example!
We are so excited to be making progress on construction for the Petra Camp! Starting out small, but mighty, Vann is building the first bathhouse. This will be for the girl’s side of the camp eventually, but will have to serve everyone for now. You’d think that it wouldn’t be much of a deal to build a bathhouse, but in order for it be functional, we also need a well for a water supply, and a septic system, so that is what he is currently working on. Trying to take advantage of the dry weather, he’s pushing himself a bit too much in my humble opinion. He’s still not 100% back from his bout with pneumonia, although much better, digging out septic systems and pouring concrete is hard labor in this scorching sun. It’s hard on his health, and hard on his shoulder. Just telling you how it is, but he’d be sure to tell you that he’s doing great! I am so grateful to be on this mission with my man who is so able with his hands, and faithful to use his gifts for God’s glory. He is trusting that our limitless God will work through him to build this mission base and camp, and give us the grace to host and serve the many people that come to be refreshed and loved.
Every weekend, and so many of the days in between have been full of people; singles, couples, families and church groups coming for the pool, fellowship over a meal, or just needing a safe haven to unburden and talk in a loving environment. Vann has been on call for internet and computer repairs, other mission’s supply buying, running new electrical circuits in old houses, and is so pleased to help when people call with construction questions, planning, or figuring. It is such a joy to serve the saints that work beside us, and an honor to minister to our Peruvian friends, brothers and sisters!
We often feel like the physical, emotional and financial cost to do this mission work is just so much, but our God is faithful to continue His work in us and through us on a daily basis, and He always provides everything we need! His grace is limitless! We are massively grateful to all of you dear ones for your faithful support and prayers for us, without which we could not do this work that God has called us to do. Many, many thanks, and much love!
“How completely satisfying to turn from our limitations to a God who has none.”-A.W. Tozer