Fall/ Spring in Update

It is fall in Peru, and the summer heat is finally beginning to pass, the days are getting shorter (even just a little) and I remember that I am long overdue in sharing an update with you all.   Here are a few highlights from ministry and life: 

In March, we celebrated Liana's 1st birthday :)  It is amazing how quickly that 1st year goes by, and she brings much joy to life in the Alegre-Woodside house.  

Liana (such a joy)

Liana and Mommy on her birthday

Liana - our birthday princess

In April, along with all FH Peru staff, I participated in a training on applying Biblical Worldview to all aspects of Life. Food for the Hungry serves the poor globally by reflecting the love of Christ in both emergency relief projects and long-term development programs. One way that we reflect God´s love is by sharing God´s truths with children, families and leaders. God´s word contains truths about all aspects of life, so for example when we teach a mother how to care for her infant child, we also explain that it is so important to care for that life because life is sacred, each person is made in the image and likeness of God. During this training we practiced identifying God´s truths as they relate to all that we do where that is training in health, agriculture, violence prevention, parenting, or even working with leaders on reducing disaster risks in their community.  

My colleague, Rita, and I at the Applied Biblical Worldview Training

Lima Coast - view from the place where the training was held

Biblical Worldview Training

Since I have participated in many trainings on Biblical Worldview during my years with FH, I didn't think 
I would learn very much, but I was pleasantly surprised a the training challenged me to examine, and align even further my own life and work in light of the gospel.   

Later in April, I traveled to Washington DC to attend a week of planning meetings with the FH Global Program team.  I was responsible in part for the organization and facilitation of the meetings which were focused on how FH can better integrate disaster risk reduction and building resilience among families and communities throughout all of our work.  After almost six weeks of research and preparation, the meetings went off very well.  It was great to also be physically present (instead of working virtually) to meet and work with the amazing team in the DC office. 

One special bonus to my trip is that I got to bring Caleb and Liana with me.  We stayed with my sister and her family and grandma and grandpa also came out for the week.  While we did miss Daddy a lot (Cristian had to stay home and work), we had lots of fun with cousins, Aunti, uncle and Grammie and grandpa.  I especially enjoyed the beauty of spring in Maryland.

Caleb especially loved waiting with his cousin for me to arrive on the commuter train each evening (Caleb loves trains)

Caleb hugging a goat at the Baltimore Zoo

Cousins looking at the giraffes

Liana with her cousin enjoying a spring swing.

Caleb riding a small train with grandpa

Cousins riding together :)

Since the beginning of March, Caleb and Liana have been attending a pre-preschool class two days a week at our church.  Caleb participates on his own, and Liana attends her class with me.  For Mother´s Day they both participated in short presentations with their classes (Caleb dressed as a chef, serving a basket of bread to a table, and Liana dressed a pink parrot).  What a joy to be called Mommy by these two little monkeys.

Caleb and mommy at his mother's day presentation

Caleb serving bread in his class skit

Liana "the little bird" at the mother's day presentation

Liana dancing with mommy in her class skit

The little bird revealed

Happy Mother´s day to all you ¨moms¨, and blessings to you all.  



Prayer & Praise

• Praise that God has moved in the hearts of many to partner with us in our ministry with FH. We have been working on raising support to meet a deficit we had, and we are now close to meeting our monthly goal.  
• Prayer for those affected by the April and May earthquakes in Nepal, and also for those who are working in on the relief effort
• Prayer for us as we continue to seek God's direction for our family and our desire to serve in ministry together