We are connected

Imagine being in a chair that is a 6 inches too short. You are dependent on this chair and must have it to go to school, home and out about town. You feel uncomfortable irritable and unable to sit up and participate in school.  This was Franchesca's experience. And now she has a new chair.

Chairs cannot be bought here- unless you are very wealthy and then they are orders in. We have to bring our chairs, parts and pieces- and pray for the best.

She is now sitting in the chair my son brought to Peru 2 years ago. Jeremiah's mission was to sit in the chair and bring it to Peru. Jeremiah doesn't talk (in the traditional sense). He doesn't like to be touched - he is autistic. But when we explained what he had to do to get to Peru - he did it.  He allowed himself to be patted down, he waited in line, and he allowed strangers to get close to him.
And now Franchesca has a chair!

Franchesca

Home and Thankful

We are all now safely home and thankful for the blessing of serving in Peru.  Our God allowed us to be in ministry with people from different cities, faiths and ages.  All of us together formed what was needed for this trip.  We had clinic in multiple locations, vacation Bible school, a meeting for parents across the different countries (over the Internet), fathers meetings, personal prayer time with moms, music, pizza, fire fighters, tiling, remodeled a room,  etc.  I could go on and on.  Other disciples also shared their little "lunches" and look at HOW MUCH God did..

  Bible story from Matthew 14:

¹³ When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. ¹⁴ When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
¹⁵ As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”
¹⁶ Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
¹⁷ “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
¹⁸ “Bring them here to me,” he said. ¹⁹ And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ²⁰ They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. ²¹ The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

It is amazing what we can do when we trust Christ with what little we have and allow him to use it for his glory.  Dear friend thank you for the ways you have shared your little lunches for Christ and continue to do so. As this mission trip has concluded know that Christ continues to call each of us in new ways to share, love, and be present.
Peace be with you,

Lima Peru at night

Yeah! Dwayne is on the way!

Dwayne's birthday :)

Meet Dwayne...

Gifts- Loving presence, 

Talent- can take a cherry stem and tie it in a knot (with my tongue) 

Favorite song- too many to name

Most looking forward to - sharing this mission trip with Jeremiah and loving my neighbors in Peru!

Yeah Rita!

Hi, folks!  I’m excited to be going back to Peru.  I’m a retired Spanish teacher, so as you can imagine, I feel a real affinity with the Peruvian people.  They are so warm and welcoming. They really know what Christian hospitality is all about.  I have come home feeling humbled; that I received more than I gave. 

                                                                                            --Rita Tinkler

Welcome Beth!

My name is Bethany Bolander. I'm a seventeen year old, high school junior from Michigan, and I am going on my second mission trip to Peru. I've been on a few mission trips, and each one has been special to me: especially my trip to Peru. I experienced a new culture, and got a chance to do God's work and make new friends. That's why I can't wait to go back. I know it will be just as awesome as the first time I went.

I Will Go

I was listening to this You-tube Video song about the decision to go on a mission trip.  In the end it is those 3 words "I"  "WILL"  "GO".  A decision once made by your spirit will not be satisfied until you do indeed go.  My prayers are with all of you as you prepare to go on this trip.

Watch the video and enjoy..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3f_Ot9oBio

Ash Wednesday

Traditionally Ash Wednesday starts us on the journey of Lent where we prepare our hearts mind and bodies to receive Christ.  As you prepare to go to Peru this summer you too must prepare your heart, mind and body to go.  Here is one book we recommend you read  "Adam God's Beloved" by Henri Nouwen.  This book will not only prepare you for Peru but is an excellent book for those who wish to know and love people with different abilities.  It is also a perfect book for Lent as it follows the steps of Christ to the cross.  Peace be with you!

Superhero!

Will you be my super hero?

A welcome notice on one of the blog entries had the name "Shera" instead of Sheila.  Although the name Shera (same as a superhero from the 80s) was entered by mistake.  We do want to point out that all that do go on mission teams are indeed superheroes!  They may not look like "She-ra, wonder woman, batman, or spiderman; but inside they have the making of a modern day super hero:
1) they put others ahead of themselves
2) they travel great lengths to help
3) they apply the love and grace of Jesus Christ to work miracles.

When you have a chance give a hug to a super hero near you.  Thank them and let them know how awesome they are!

Peace!

Blessings Shera

I am a stay at home mom for some 30 years now.  When I transferred membership to Brighton First United Methodist Church I was extremely excited as they are a mission church.  Unfortunately due to a battle with cancer I was unable to go on any of the mission trips. My cancer is now in remission so when my Aunt Earilyn asked me to join her on the Peru trip I jumped at the chance.  I am looking forward to working with the Anne Sullivan Center Students and also at the clinic.

Meet Dr. Darcy

Jeremiah already introduced Dr. Darcy...in the previous blog but here is his picture.

Looking forward to another trip this year.

Welcome Jeremiah

Hi, my name is Jeremiah and I will be going to Peru this year.  This will be my first mission trip outside of the United States.  Here are some things about me you should know:
1.  I love to eat, laugh and sing
2. I don't speak much as I have Tuberous Sclerosis which has caused me to have seizures.  I also have several brain tumors but I don't let that slow me down.
3. I love God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  I try to show that every day by loving all those around me even when they choose to not notice me.
4. My parents are trusting God a lot about this trip.  First my dad I know he will be nervous about me traveling so far even though he will be with me.  Please pray for him.  Second my mom she is trusting God about the finances.  Since we all are going this will cost us quite a bit of money.  Please pray for her.
5. Finally, I give thanks that my Dr....Dr. Darcy is going with us.  Mainly because he is very good doctor and I know there are many moms, dads, and friends of people with seizures that are scared.  He will help them know they are not alone.  I will help them understand God loves them.

Peace!

Meet Rev. Georgia Hale

I am so excited to be in Peru with this team working with children from all over Peru.  I am thankful to share our best and I want to go show the love of Christ to all we meet.

 

My favorite song is "Tu has venido a la orilla". 

 

Paz!

Juana and Georgia Peru 2010

GH

Meet Katie!

Hola! I'm Kaitlin (Katie) and this is my second trip to Peru! I am 16 years old and going to be a senior this next year! I play the alto saxophone and flute in the high school band, and am a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Looking Forward: I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know all of the team members and the people in Peru! I'm also excited to expand my Spanish as I am going on four years of formal Spanish, and attending classes at the college level.

Favorite Song: My favorite song is "Con te Partirò" a duet by Andrea Bocelli and Sara Brightman! Why? I LOVE ITALY! I am obsessed with anything Italian! The male singer in this duet is Italian ♥ but he is blind! Andrea Bocelli is a big inspiration to me because he doesn't let his condition stand in the way, and is an amazing singer. I also love the female singer in this song because she played Christine in the original Phantom of the Opera! (My FAVORITE musical ♥)
Why I am going:

I am going to Peru to serve God and the people of Peru. I want to reflect not only my country but myself in a positive light, while I am away. I am also going to learn their customs, culture and their language.

Meet Alene

My favorite scripture verses are so hard to choose from but guess 1 John 4:19 & John 14: 1-6 would be the pick for the moment.  I don't have a favorite poem, but I always like "The Village Blacksmith" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  As far as a favorite song "Never Alone" and "By and By" in the Broadman Hymnal (We Baptist use that book). I am excited now, getting more so as the time draws nearer, about going with the group to Peru. I still wonder just what I
will be doing but am willing to help where ever I am needed. I will work hard to be an asset to the group and pray that the trip will be fruitful and safe. It is always interesting and exciting to meet new people and see new places.  Love, Alene

Monday, July 12, 2010- "The Missionaries of the Traveling Toilet Seat"

Today has been fun so far. We woke up at about 6:00 and 6:30 this morning. A few of us went on a walk through Lima before breakfast while others stayed behind and either slept or took a cold shower. After breakfast we headed to the school we´re working at. We had to take our cameras and water and also a toilet seat. A few places don´t have toilet seats so we bring one for ourselves. We call ourselves "The Missionaries of the Traveling Toilet Seat". :) Right now, Dale is working on two wheelchairs, Dwayne and Rita are cutting out  rubber shapes for a physical therapy class, and Steve is helping with a canopy to cover a laundry area. There is an eye clinic going on on the top floor and many of us are heading up there to observe. The eye doctor here is from Salina, Kansas. Michelle and I are going to help paint Dwayne´s shapes once we are done at the eye clinic. Carol, Becky, and Georgia got to go to a dance class right before lunch. They had a really great time there. We´re going to head back to the church we´re staying at at 4:00. We´re going to stop by the store on the way there. Then we have dinner at 7:00, and finally we´re going to have a very competitive game of spoons before bed. Then, before we know it, it will be time to wake up for yet another fun day.
Beth Bolander

This is a baby from the nursery.

Meet Michelle Wheels team mate!

I am going on this mission trip because I am passionate about helping people. I know that I will change many people’s lives while they are changing mine. My life is going to change significantly as I strengthen my relationship with God. This is the first time I have been out of the country and I am excited to experience another culture. I am also very excited to share this experience with Becky. She is a very important person in my life and seeing how she interacts with people from another culture will be very uplifting.

Max a team member in Spirit - Gives a great gift to the people of Peru

Max was interested in the success of the Peru trip from the time it was first mentioned and started giving a little extra to the church to help towards the expense of the trip.

When he passed away, I felt it was not only important to keep with the giving plan he had established, but to also speak to the family about possibly using his memorial for the same cause, and they all agreed.  Since he had suffered through some serious health problems before his death, I feel he would be very pleased to know his memorial is going to ease the suffering of others or possible even save their lives.

Max was a really fun guy, he absolutely loved funny jokes and stories and could barely retell them without laughing hysterically again.  He was very quiet, but loved being with friends and family.  He liked to read and travel and being on the computer, also playing computer games with Grayson, his grandson.  He liked volunteering and felt it was important to pass on the blessing he had received, and enjoyed working on projects at church with his friends on the trustees.

Packing Packing Packing

Now the suitcases are all lined up and items are beginning to go in.  

While you are packing don't forget to add three key items for your journey otherwise when you arrive in Peru you will find you needed these items the most.


Love- Pack an extra helping of love in your suitcase.  A willingness to love whomever is in your path.  And in the words of Pastor Rudy pratice saying.  "Te Quiero y no hay nada que puedes hacer"
(Translation "I love you and there is nothing you can do about it)


Servanthood- An additude of servant hood that will do whatever you are asked to do.  Does not matter how silly or odd, or weird you will do the work you are asked.


Grace- Extend grace to everyone you meet...even if it is not extended to you.


If you go with these three items in your suitcase you will have it made!  Peace to you!  Pastor Georgia

Say hello to missionary Katie!

Hello! My name is Katie Vaughan and I will be traveling this year to Peru along 

with my mom, as apart of the medical team (I want to be a Doctor when I grow up…).  

 I am 15 years old and LOVE to travel. I have traveled to South Korea three times 

and have also visited Australia! I am excited to travel for the first time to South 

America!!!! :)   I love learning new languages and experiencing different cultures. 

In fact, I am going on my third year of Spanish at the high school level, so I am super 

excited to test out my 

Spanish skills. Throughout my life I have watched my mom on many accounts travel to these 

South American countries on mission trips, and have admired her greatly for it. She’d always tell 

me “When you’re older.” I was always sad, but I now realize experiences like this are life 

changing, and sometimes you just need to wait until God calls you.  And finally my time has 

come to experience this amazing opportunity, and I couldn’t be more thankful for it. If you know 

me I am a kind hearted person who loves to help people. I would love nothing more than to know 

that I could make such a big impact on a person’s life…   

It makes me get that warm and fuzzy feeling inside when I know that I 

did something not for myself, but for God and those who really do need it.  I want to be not 

only a role model for them but I want to set a good example for my country and the people 

who live in it as well. I am so excited! I am counting down the days!!! See you then!

Peace & ♥ 

-Katie 

My name is Beth Bolander and I am 15 years old. There are many reasons that I want to go on this mission trip. The first reason is to experience something new. I'm looking forward to experiencing a new culture and improving my spanish.This will be my first visit to South America and I'm very excited. Another reason is that I love to help people. One of my greatest joys is helping people and seeing their happiness. I hope to reach out and help as many people as I can in any way possible. I am very fortunate to have all of the things that I have. I want to help those who do not have the luxuries that I have like having a nice house and having access to food all of the time. Hopefully, this mission trip will allow me to help many people and to learn more about them and their culture. This will definitely be an eye-opening experience for me and for everyone else going to Peru.