Thanksgiving in Peru

Every year we (all the N. Americans working at FH) like to celebrate Thanksgiving together inviting some of our Peruvian friends to share in the very N. American holiday. This year we decided that we really wanted to share this day and our traditions with all of the Peruvian FH staff we serve with. So that means cooking a Thanksgiving feast for 50+ people.

Of course we have divided up the work - one making the stuffing, another the pumpkin pie, another the green beans and mashed potatoes, etc. - but it will be no small feat to get all of that food (including two 24 lbs. turkeys) cooked on time and transported from our homes to the office (since there is no real kitchen at the office). While it will probably be a bit crazy and logistically stressful, my prayer is that sharing this meal together with the Peruvian staff will be a blessing for to us all.

I also pray that you have a blessed Thanksgiving - that you have safe travels, enjoy good food and wonderful fellowship with family and friends. I am so thankful to each of you, for your friendships, and the support and prayers you have given and continue to give towards my work with FH here in Peru.

Que el Señor les bendiga,

Lauren

P.S. Just got back from the Thanksgiving feast - the staff loved the food (I think we have all learned now that the way to a Peruvian's heart is definately through food :) and the we all had a great time sharing fellowship and thanksgiving. Hope you all have also had a happy Thanksgiving.

Random Updates

It has been a while since I posted anything....so I thought I might just post some random pictures and share about some events from the last month or so :)

CUTEST BABY EVER - two pictures of my 7 month old niece Ella. She is (at least I think so - and my sister, brother in law and parents agree) one of the cutest babies ever! I just love her and I am so excited that I will get a chance to get to know her better while I am back in the states for a few weeks in Dec. and Jan.

ADVENTURES IN LIMA (or just outside of the city) - my roommate Claire's fiancé, Shannon, came to visit a few weeks ago, and Claire wanted to show him a different side of Lima (he has been out to visit 4 times now). So we decided to take him out to Lomas de Lucomo (the green area I had visited before). It was a great day - the day was beautiful and we did the hike at a good pace (about half the time from the previous visit). Shannon is an avid boulderer, and towards the end of the hike there are some huge rock formations that provided some more fun - Claire and I even put on our climbing shoes :) We finished the day with an enormous feast of some typical Peruvian fare at this old Hacienda (Casa de Don Cuchos) - and before the meal was over there was even a little temblor (little earthquake). Definitely an day of adventure.

LIMA MISSIONARY WOMEN'S RETREAT - a couple of weekends ago I had an opportunity to participate in a retreat with some 30 women missionaries from 15 different organizations. The weekend was such a blessing - the theme was having a new attitude and life in Christ (study on Philippians). It was a message that I feel like the Lord has been speaking to me for the last month or so as I have been taking time to recuperate and regain a bit of balance after a difficult year working on the earthquake reconstruction/rehabilitation projects FH carried out in Chincha. It is truly amazing how good the Lord is and how he can use even the most difficult, sad, frustrating, and challenging experiences in our lives to draw us closer to Him, and grow us more into the person He created us to be. While I still feel like I am taking just baby steps in understanding and trusting the Lord's love and goodness in the midst of tragedy and challenge, my faith has been invigorated by the last couple of months of rest, fellowship with friends, prayer and reflection. Thank you to those of you who have been praying for me during this time.

Hope you all are doing well too......if you want to send any random updates my way - I'd love to hear.

Dios te bendiga,

Lauren