Well it's been a while....

Lucy woosy.

So. It's been pretty eventful these past couple of days, I'm not going to lie. Thus the reason for not writing. But Lucy darling, it's absolutely grand here. Where shall we begin with the adventures? We'll do a weekend recap - you ready for this?


Well - got to help out with an English class and practice speaking English (something I'm not too bad at) with students of advanced level of English. I loved talking to them about why I was there and what God had called me to do in Cajamarca. I also got to compare the United States to Peru and it was super fun. I couldn't tell you what we talked about, but I can tell you talked for literally 2.5 hours about who knows what. Wooooo. We even made friends and went out for desserts the next night, but this time, we practiced our Spanish. It was a pretty interesting night since all of Peru was watching the soccer game (which thankfully, that time, they won - apparently it's a complete obsession here. Perhaps I should actually learn the rules and maybe actually get into this World Cup stuff next year. We can get matching jerseys.)

Cascanunez - practically where we ate out all the time. It's where we had our hamburgers and this time, pecan pie!
Fancy, huh? 

                                   
Shall we continue with Friday? I got to help out with the soccer ministry (but let's be real, it's called futbol around these parts) and it was quite fun. Like I said, kids are always down to play and hang out and don't really judge you, thus the reason I love working with them and am kind of excited to be at summer camp next week. Only kind of though. We played in an open field next to a turkey farm and in fact had to break up a turkey showdown. Only in Peru....

The girls I was playing with - we look alike now don't we?

And then we shall continue to Saturday! We walked up to a place called Cruces - basically it was a hike up rocky terrain with crosses following us every step. We had a lot of fun and even got to pray literally at the foot of the cross. How interesting that we revere and honor something that was a form of murder, torture and humiliation because of the One who has saved us. 

" But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. " Isaiah 53:5 

Anyway, here are the beautiful pictures with beautiful friends - my Perumie Claire and our lovely friend from Lima, Mariel. 

Finally made it up here (the smaller stick like this is where the old cross was, this  big white one is relatively new) 

You can see all of Banos/Cajamarca from up here! 

My lovely friend Mariel who acted as our tour guide during this time 

Finally made it - seems like we're next to the clouds doesn't it? 

Sitting/praying at the foot of the cross!

View from the top - our friend Mariel said it best. God created eyes, but he didn't make cameras and therefore a picture cannot even begin to describe the beauty I beheld (sure, that's English) while I was up there. But it's still pretty cool - we don't have mountains like that in NC now do we Lucy?

 AFTER SATURDAY IT WAS SUNDAY THAT IT WAS THE BEST DAY EVER BECAUSE IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY. I didn't even do a countdown this year Lucy because I'm more mature (okay maybe the last 2 hours. But what's a girl to do?) It was super fun in Peru and I truly enjoyed getting sung to, trying CEVICHE for the first time (will explain later) and shopping around Santa Apollina. Also got me some tres leches, which is about the dankest desserts you can get around these parts. Just all around good times and even more reason to love my birthday and love being 22. I hope this excitement never gets old (*cue pun).

Gahhh I'm gonna miss this downtown view Lucy 

Us in the Plaza! - Claire, Cynthia, Mariel and me of course 

Us + Gerson! 

Us + abuelito, Masod 

Viva Peru! And Cajamarca! 

Santa Apollonia - what I didn't get is the bazillion steps that it took to get there Lucy. I don't think I'll ever get use to  the altitude here Lucy. I also got presents from the shops around there - but you only get something if you've been good. Which I'm sure you haven't.... 

Cynthia y Mariel in the kambi (the buses that we ride around here). They sang happy birthday to me  in English, Spanish and Christian, if that's even a language. 

Ceviche mixto - raw fish fried and drenched in a acidic lemon taste. It was actually pretty delicious Lucy, belivei it or not. The mixto part meant they we pretty much ate the whole entire ocean with it - octopus, squid, crab and some other stuff. I think it's a feast meant for a cat, but I'm sure you'd scrounge it down anyway, knowing you. 

Chi-chi morada - they love this stuff here. It's made from corn  and uh. Other stuff. Wasn't too bad, but I wouldn't buy a liter of it.

 Believe it or not Lucy, the week got better. I'll keep you in suspense about it though so this letter isn't HUGE (I know your attention span is about 3 seconds, probably less than that), but it's definitely worthwhile. I'll probably update later tonight - I have 5 more hours in the lovely Lima airport. It'll be me and Buffy for a while.

Ciao, ciao.

Marian

P.S. You should dance to this song, it's great - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpYoL-rEjis . Literally obsessed.

A LI LI!

I have no idea why I love this song. But I do and it's been stuck in my head constantly Lucy: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcm55lU9knw

I think I'm a year behind on it, but ya know. I don't even know what's he's saying. Oh well- Ai Se Eu Te Pego. 

Called yesterday and heard you were causing trouble at the house. Stealing Mom's blanket Lucy? While she's trying to relax? Come on! I don't know if you remember this at all, but I talked to you on the phone and you heard me apparently. I assume you'll be a hot mess when I get home, won't you? Grace had a house party the other day with a bunch of random street dogs. She also tried to eat a dead bird. Whatdya do. 

Anyway. Update since Sunday? Oh my. Well we got a new perumie that's living up here on the third floor with us. Her name is Hannah and she's super cool and I can't wait to get to know her this upcoming week. Which we don't talk about the fact that I only have a week left.

Hannah and I with the kids we hung out with in town! 

This week has mainly been a lot of walking around and asking people about their beliefs and sharing the Gospel with students on the two campuses, UNC and UPN. It's been an interesting conversation compared to when I did Soularium at UNC. Most people here grew up in a Catholic/Christian home and therefore know who Jesus Christ is, but still don't know that He promised us eternal life just by accepting us. The Gospel is such a simple message, but for whatever reason, we as humans have to make it so complicated: 

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast." Eph. 2:8-9

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 

Anyway Lucy. Time is slowly slipping by as we go along and slowly but surely, I'll be home in less than a week. I guess I miss the weather - it's raining miserably here and it's so cold (A LI LI as they say here). I can't wait to get some solar power again and wear shorts. But I honestly would trade that for another month here. Sadly I believe Mom and Dad would not allow it and would probably come down here themselves to take me home, a la Bollywood movie style. 

Recap of the week? Well yesterday we got to get into the UNC (yeah there's one here!) university down the street while there was a strike. It was probably one of the most peaceful strikes I've ever seen, but the students had locked up the school and were going to stay there until their corrupt principals/directors were going to build a new building for the students. How they were able to lock the gates and how the professors don't have the keys to the place I don't quite understand. Some really nice girls convinced the gatekeeper to let us in and actually wanted to talk to us! We had an interesting conversation comparing the States and Peru and of course, about their beliefs about God and Jesus. 

But I'll have to remember to take pictures of the universities before I head out (yes. I know. I stink with this  whole picture thing. I wish I could just download everything off my photographic memory.)

We also got to hold a conversation hour at the English Institute last night. It was fun getting to know the students, and the advanced learners had great English. They were all so friendly (as everyone usually is) and we chatted for about 2.5 hours about who knows what. They like Harry Potter, so it was pretty easy to get into the flow of things. Two of the girls invited us out tonight for ice cream downtown, so that should be quite interesting. Sadly, I won't be here next week for another class, but again, we don't talk about such things. 

That's been the week thus far. I've also got to hang out and play with a bunch of kids here in Banos and also at the school Claire taught at last year, Monte Sion. We're actually going there this weekend to celebrate the school's anniversary by playing some volley - they're OBSESSED with that  game here. Almost as much as futbol, but nothing can quite replace that now can it. 

Me with the kindergartners. We sang a song about playing in the woods while the wolf was there and  then they would randomly run around and tag me for whatever reason. I think I got the hang of it by the end Lucy.

Asking that silly lobo what's he's doing! One thing's for sure, kindergartners are cute in every country.

Anyways, I shall update you further about the days to come which shall be filled with medical clinics, random sight seeing and also life group part 2! Ahh Life Group, how could I forget! The first one went pretty well (we had 8 people come in total. It's the little things!). It was very good and I think something different for everyone who came. Hopefully our numbers will grow next week and the Lord will change lives through the group. 

Prayer prayer prayer - that's really all I need Lucy. And some socks. 

Loveeee you Lucy-goose. 

Marian 

P.S I tried cow heart (antichullo) for the first time. Delicioso! I shall update you on the all the foods I try within the next week - I figured it would best to get sick on the plane if anything else. 

Walking Around when the Night is Young....

I wish I knew more of the words to the song Lucy, but sadly I don't. As per usual. 

LUCY. I LITERALLY KNEW EVERYONE IN ALL OF CAJAMARCA TODAY. It felt super cool. 

Shall we start from the beginning? Well, apparently, there was supposed to be some type of parade occurring in the morning sometime but with my lovely Spanish skills - we missed it. So we just came upon an empty street in downtown, but that didn't stop the adventure (as always). We just walked around the town and ended up at some fancy smancy hotel while discussing our testimonies and our current walk with God. Here are some interesting sights I happened upon while walking - the place kind of smelled like sulfur because they get their hot water from the hot springs underground. Yummy! 

This Lucy is a peacock. First time I've ever seen one too. It wasn't even in a cage! 

Thank you Alpacas for your warm wool that keeps up warm at night. 

Horses? Ponies? Who knows. 

Cactus? What? 

Ohhhh steamy! 

Oh you fancy huh? 

Water is the essence of life. I wish I knew how to swim. 

 We then proceeded to hang out with friends at the local Quinde - a wonderful mall type area full of fun and excitement (it's about the size of Cary Towne Center Lucy, if you've ever been there). We talked more about life group and what it would look like with some of our local friends and we're actually starting this week. That's something super exciting, and something I would love prayer for - that people would come and truly hear the Gospel into their hearts and lives. I know God is in control of all things and I'm excited to see what He has in store. Here's a picture of one of our best friends - Gerson y Cynthia!

And here is Gerson's cutest little sister! She was really surprised at being held by a gringa! 

 The night ended with dinner with our favorite Perumie, Matus. He has to leave us sadly and go adventure in Peru and will not longer be living with us. He stood us up for 45 minutes at the restaurant, but luckily God has given us grace so that we may give it to others. Ah well. Here are some pictures of the downtown area at night - it was absolutely gorgeous! It's called Plaza de Armas and it looks like the colonial times. It's got nothing on downtown Apex (except for the fact that it lacks a Bojangles. Ahh Bojangles).

So in front of this was a strike against miners. Super dramatic. More to tell about that later, as I learn about it.  

Even though he made fun of us most of the time - we'll always be Perumies for life. Gotta love the color block primary colors. I'll see if I can get you a shirt too Lucy, except you'd probably rip it within minutes. And I believe dressing up animals is a form of animal abuse and I would never do that to you. Just don't tell anyone about the water bottles we feed you... 

Nuestra familia! Gotta love the Heaths. Hopefully I'll get a picture up with the kids soon. All in all Lucy I love it here and am so thankful for everything I've encountered. I'm also thankful for Grace the dog as something to pet. Do all dogs just want to be petted on their bellies? Is that a thing all dogs grow into? Just questions. 

Anyway today is going to be adventure in the kitchen - chicken alfredo Peruvian style (meaning hopefully it won't be kind of burnt). Continue to pray for the life group on Tuesday and also pray for the university students here - they are really seeking after something and I pray that we can talk to more of them this upcoming week about the life-changing Gospel. 

Love ya Lucy. 

Marian

Solo estamos tu y yo bailando asi!

Lucy, 

I heard you were horrible to Mom and Dad and you keep jumping on them. You really need to stop that. The dog here Grace attempted to eat a dead bird yesterday. I can't imagine what you would do with a bird. You do know that Labs are hunting dogs right? Maybe I'll train you to catch frogs, I'm not a huge fan of them. 

It's crazy how time goes by isn't it? I've already almost had you for a year, and I've already been here for 2 weeks - pretty much halfway through. It's just too short of a time honestly. But I realize I have to come back and raise you right - I feel like it's part of my ministry. 

This week has been relaxing to say in the least. On Monday, we did our first English conversation class at the Oxford Institute for English. It was junior high kids and they were nervous at first about using their English, but as we've learned with our Spanish, you gotta try it out with native speakers to get better. We had an interesting conversation that started from covering the basics (where you're from, what you've learned) to what the Gospel is and what they believe about God and ended with musical tastes (which ironically, just like at home, the girls are obsessed with One Direction. They're coming to Lima this year! Woohoo! Not). We ended the hour with a birthday celebration, where I finally got to taste the delightful Inca Cola. Bubblegum pop at it's finest, but honestly I don't see what the craze is about. 

We also got to visit a local school here that my Perumie Claire worked at last year teaching English. We played some form of ring around the rosie (something about a wolf, but I didn't really get it) with the kindergartners and it was quite fun. It's cool how kids can be crazy, but honestly are way more accepting than adults and honestly don't care what you look like/act like, as long as you're up for playing with them. Not that I'm ready to take care of my own though Lucy - you're more than enough and I can barely handle that. But one day I suppose. We also got to go the chapel with the junior high kids and it was interesting - we didn't do that in public schools. I understood more of the Spanish sermon than I thought I would, so I guess I'm learning SOMETHING while I'm here. 

It was neat to see the boys who were leading to worship/prayer - apparently it was a complete 180 from where they were last year. I guess it goes to show that you never really know what people (especially kids) are absorbing about God externally, but you still are making some kind of impact when you share and love on them. And that can be super hard for me at times. Not everyone is super loving like you Lucy, but I guess that kind of shows the love of God though. He sent His Son to die for everyone's sins, with full knowledge that some people wouldn't accept. He keeps pursuing us even when we aren't seeking Him - a love I can't even understand/imagine. But that's what makes Him God right? And I'm thankful to be loved by Him and serve Him in everything. 

Wednesday night we went to Matarra, a beautiful mountain village area.  The kids are super loving and very sweet and walk for miles to make it to the ministry group. We helped play sports with the kids, watched them during Bible study and helped pass out food/soap at the end. All in all, it's a great way to show God's love through not only words, but action and I pray that these kids are able to understand and accept Jesus through the ministry. There were dogs there too - you would have probably made a ton of friends. But they didn't cause tons of problems and just hung out with the kids instead of running them over like you typically do. Your lungs might have exploded though - this whole running around in high altitude thing is something else Lucy. Hopefully I'll get some more red blood cells though and have so many they'll let me donate blood. Who knows. 

And today is the holiday of Corpus Christi. Not quite sure what it is, but hopefully we'll get to see some excitement downtown for it. And I'll actually take pictures for it so you can see, but we both know that I'm horrible at taking pictures about anything. I think the picture on this blog is the first one we've had together, and you're not even looking. Aye caramba. 

Love you dearly and be good. Please stop scratching Mom and Dad. You can still bother Melissa though if you'd like. Can't wait to see you! 

Love, 

Marian

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds...

Forgive me Lucy? 

 I know it's been a while. Actually almost a whole week. Here's the week in a couple of quick short points. Ohhhh technology. I still miss you, even though we haven't talked. Dad says you've been good and that you guys going riding in Melissa's car because she's gone for the weekend. Shall I give you a rundown? En español? Ahhh not quite there yet, but I'm it's happening. 

- Killing a mouse in the house 

- Watching Jumanji 

- Getting to be on a Christian radio show  

It's LEGIT! 

- Experiencing the town's namesake - Los Baños de Inca! 

- Getting made fun of for saying awkward things in Spanish by our new friends 

- Getting off a broken bus and finding our way around 

- Figuring out this whole bus system thing (P13 ALL THE WAY!) 

- Having our clothes out to dry - during a rainy day 

- Modeling en el campesino (countryside) 

Here are some things that are constant - every single day: 

- Getting lost. Always. But finding our way and having an adventure in the end

- Getting stared at. ALWAYS. We average about 7 whistles per day, and not the kind that Dad calls you with. Ironically, they're called  cat calls. 

- Going to the Castope. It's like the Walgreens around here (you probably don't know what that is, we've never made it that far on a walk because you're crazy). We buy something random EVERY.DAY. Gotta get those soles. 

- Bonding with the PERUMIES! 

Matus, Claire y yo - somos los mejores amigos! Perumies for life! 

- Dancing. At all times. Everywhere. 

- Trusting God in all things - including talking to people about Jesus and sharing our faith. This whole starting a ministry project is kind of hard - it's meeting after meeting after meeting and praying and trusting. And loving and talking and building relationships. But it's good, because that means we can't do anything of our own accord and everything that happens is a God - thing (which is normally what it is, but it's even more magnified because we literally can't do ANYTHING to get the ball rolling on this life group thing. Or so it feels like at times). But God has definitely given me a lot of patience and humility. Hopefully it'll transfer over when I start training you Lucy. 

All in all Lucy, I love it here. I'll take some pictures of some houses for sale that we could possibly live in and move into. It's sad though how fast time moves and how soon I'll be back in NC(although I do get to be reunited with you). It's crazy how short of a time a month is to start a ministry and I'm kind of sad/scared that 4 weeks won't be enough to see "fruit". But in the end, that's not what it's about is it? It's about touching lives and sharing the Gospel, and if I only do that with one person, then all is well. 

Or so I have to remind myself. 

We should start a ministry when I get back Lucy. We can go to the park and hopefully people will come up to you and we can share the Gospel with them that way. Or we could go to the hospital and you could be a therapy dog, but you'd probably chew through everything and probably cause more people to go to the hospital. Anyway, it's something you should pray about. 

Hasta la vista, baby. 

Marian

Da Crib

Just to give you an idea of our living situation - you would love it here Luc because they don't have wood floors like we do back home. I wonder if you would get altitude sickness though. Hm..... 

 The toilet area - no sqauttie potties here! But we do have to throw out our toilet paper instead of flushing... 

This is my side of the room (pre luggage). It's kind of messy though, don't tell Mom. 

The other side of the room - we have the whole floor to ourselves! 

2nd floor - where the family stays

Other side of the 2nd floor - this place is super cute 

1st floor - dining room table 

The kitchen - no worries, we can't burn the place  down because it's concrete...but we can burn the food. Whoops. 

The living room with the makeshift couch 

The bookshelf

Here's some pictures of the town! 

Vacas! Or cows they're black and white here too! 

Mountains everywhere! 

Our favorite tree - and notice the road sign 

Perumies a la "Plaza"

Don't know how beneficial this was for you, seeing as you're colorblind, but hopefully it helps! Love ya! 

Oh - here's Grace, the super cute dog. You'd probably be good friends with her. 

Love ya Lucy!