Well, another year has passed and it has been quite a year. A lot of changes for me and lots of blessings. I need to write more about that, but at a later time. For now, we are off and running in 2010. But not until after we bid farewell to 2009 and welcome to 2010 in grand Peruvian style. We had an amazing New Year's Eve Party at the Smith's home. Allen did a great job of reforming some secular traditions and making it fun for us all. Then we danced for hours. The Peruvian culture is a very late night culture. So, when I got home at 3 am, my doorman was quick to inform me that I was, indeed, the first person home in the entire building. Thank you very much for that information. So much for me thinking I had a "Peruvian" New Year's Eve. . . Apparently to be truly Peruvian, you do not come in until the sun is up! My friend Sandi has some great photos from our night and a good description of our celebrations. Check it out here: http://allenandsandi.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-years-in-peru.html.
Now, we are off and running with our first of over a dozen teams that will come and visit this year to Peru. Twin Lakes from First Presbyterian Church is here and we are preparing to start camp on Monday. We've had a great trip so far and it has gone especially smoothly. They have a blog they are keeping and you can follow along here:
www.twinlakesinperu.blogspot.com. We will host 165 tomorrow for camp. I'll try to do another post later this week or update after they go home with photos and more details. Please be in prayer for this camp-- January 4 to January 7.
Final bit of news is that we had the first earthquake I have ever felt in Trujillo. This afternoon the team leaders and I were meeting to go over schedules and other details when it hit. We all 4 immediately were quiet with mouths agape.
"Was that an earthquake?"
"Why I think it was!"
Oh my, it was really strong. And then another aftershock after the quake. But no damage or injuries. We later found out that it was a 5.7 in Northern Peru about 100 miles from Trujillo, but it shows the magnitude for us to feel it so far away.
All for now. . .it is 1:15 and I need to be leaving my house in 5 1/2 hours for camp! :) Maybe a little sleep first.
