Surrounded

Surround (v). be all around someone or something

As I shared in the last post, we have been blessed by being surrounded by an amazing landscape from our home, as a constant reminder of the Lord's faithfulness and majesty.  This has been such an encouragement as we have encountered frustrations and trials of learning a new culture and people.

We have been surrounded by the prayers of many, and are very thankful for those prayers on our behalf.  Transition has not been easy, but yet confirming of God's call on our lives here in Cusco.  Please continue to surround us with those prayers.

The angel of the Lord surrounded and delivered us (Psalm 34:7) as we were poisoned by carbon monoxide in our apartment by our hot water heater.  (I'll post more details later) Although it was initially a frightful experience, the peace of God surrounded and comforted us and has resulted in greater joy and praise to him who protects, provides, and loves us deeply.

We've enjoyed and are thankful for being surrounded by our MCO Cusco family and MTW Cusco team.  How sweet it is to be seeking God together and asking him to make himself famous here in Cusco.

Finally, we have been lavishly surrounded by the grace and love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  We have often felt his presence and strong arms holding us, while we were weak, frustrated or tired.

And now we pray that we will continue to be surrounded by his presence and favor as we begin ministering the Gospel through faith, word and deed.

We're in Cusco!

We've arrived in Cusco and are in the process of unpacking and settling into our apartment.  We live in a neighborhood of Cusco called Larapa.  It is located about 20 minutes from the center of Cusco.   We are living in a 3 bedroom apartment on the 3rd story, which gives us these amazing views from our living room.  These views remind of us the glorious hope and promise found in Jesus Christ and spur us on as we desire to make His name known here in Cusco.  God has been faithful to us in many ways over the past week and we look forward to seeing how he provides in the months and years ahead.

Thank you for your prayers, and please continue as we make a home here in Cusco.

The Perpetual Bog-Like Mud Puddle

So, our girls love to play princess (like most 2 and 3 year olds!)  And we remind them frequently that we think they are so beautiful, not only on the outside, but more importantly on the inside.

One afternoon the other week, the girls took the time to get all "dolled-up" in their princess outfits (with shoes, jewelry and accessories) and then wanted to visit their friends as princesses.  We loaded everyone up into the strollers and then hiked down the road to a nearby park, where common fixtures include the Daniel & Wilson children.

In the park, other fixtures include slides, swings, see-saws, grass, trees, and a perpetual, bog-like mud puddle. (I think you can see where this is going!)

Fun was had by all, until we looked over and saw Eliza running across the park, toward the perpetual, bog-like mud puddle.  By perpetual, I mean the mud has been there since we arrived in August, and rainy season has been over for 2 months!

I-n s-l-o-w m-o-t-i-o-n, Eliza runs through and then falls into that perpetual, bog-like mud puddle.
In the next moment, poor Princess Eliza was screaming for help and deliverance!

Daddy came rushing to the rescue, gathering her in his arms and returning her to safety.  He brought her home, washed the mud off and restored her to a beautiful princess once again.

Yes, it was hilarious, and I thought we'd never get the sticky, stinky mud out of her hair, ears and clothes! More importantly, it reminded me of how I can come to God with whatever struggle I am having, no matter its size because He DELIGHTS in me and wants to be my Rescuer time and time again.

Likewise, I am often like Eliza, stuck in a perpetual, bog-like mud puddle of pain, struggle or sin.  Thank goodness I know God as my Father and Rescuer! All I have to do is call out to Him, and He gathers me into his arms, washes me with Living Water (Jesus) and restores me as His dearly loved daughter because he DELIGHTS in me.

Psalm 18

vs. 6 "In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help.

From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him into his ears."

vs. 16 "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters."

vs. 19 "He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he DELIGHTED in me."

Our "Clean" Princesses

Change of Scenery

At the first of the year, we moved into a new house.... apartment actually.

After much time praying, seeking the counsel of others, and a long "pros vs. cons" list, we decided the move would be good for our family.

We now live on a 2nd floor (which means we can leave curtains and doors open for sunlight and fresh air and we also have great views of the surrounding mountains)

A great park (which the girls love) is also right across the street.
Best of all, we are closer to the rest of the MCO Cusco team members, and Ike & Joanne Holton just moved into the same building this past week!

The new place has really been a blessing and we are thankful for God's faithfulness in our lives once again!