To Lima and Home Again

Last week we took a trip to Lima.  The kids enjoyed flying again and a break from routine and school.  We were blessed to have some wonderful time together as a family.

Well, it's official.  Josh and I have been approved by the government to stay and minister in Peru.  We can now also get cell phones (and other services) in our names and obtain driver's licenses (I do not desire to drive here unless I have to!).  We have also started the process for the kids.  We will have to return to Lima at some point to pick up their carnets - then we will be finished with the process except for annual renewals which we understand are easier.

After our 6 hours at the migration office in Lima (I should have taken a picture there) during which we did homework, read books, played UNO, and ate snacks, Josh and I were able to pick up our carnets and apply for the kids.  Lucy said, "Oh good, now we can stay."  

 
To reward the children (and, let's be honest, ourselves!) we went to Parque de Aguas in the evening.  The park doesn't open until close to dark because it is a lighted fountain park.  We took towels and changes of clothes because you're allowed to play in some of them.  It's fall here and after dark it is quite chilly but the kids had a blast and it was really beautiful!

The following day we visited Parque de Leyendas, a zoo.  Throughout the park you can also see pre Inca ruins.  We enjoyed seeing animals from different regions of South America and specifically looking for animals that live in the jungle.  

There are several mission houses in Lima which are a blessing as they offer much more affordable accommodations for families and have kitchenettes so you can prepare your own meals.  Just a few blocks from the mission house we stayed in is the coast.  Our last day we spent walking to the coast and enjoying the playground.  I love to see my kids interacting with Peruvian kids and using the Spanish they've learned so far.  They had a blast - I think it was their favorite day!
 

 

 

Friday evening we were blessed to meet a young family who has just begun serving in Yurimaguas but who were also in Lima as they're awaiting the birth of their daughter.  One of my greatest prayers and desires was to have a good friend (and mom of young kids) in Yuri and when we decided to go, there were no other families with children there.  We're so thankful that God has provided in their family friends for our family!  They have 2 young boys and Henry and Judah became instant friends and can't wait to see each other again!  We really enjoyed the evening getting to know one another, sharing how God led us here, and encouraging one another.  

We were all glad to return to Arequipa.  Although it is a large city, it is quite peaceful.  Lucy still struggles with missing home and when we returned she was commenting that she wanted to go home.  Henry said, "Lucy, we are home".  This was music to my ears as he is adjusting well (although he still doesn't love school).  Maggie was ecstatic to be home and sleep in her own bed!  Lucy is learning at a young age that following God has a cost, but we remember fondly times with friends and family in Indiana and look forward to reuniting someday.  Lucy was excited to go back to school and wore a bracelet that a dear friend in Indiana made for her to "take a piece of home with her".  We're still praying for God to provide a girl her age in Yurimaguas.  He has proven so faithful to us along the way, we know He will in this too and are excited to see how He does it!

~ Jennifer