I have come to a desert in my spiritual journey - a dry, hot and lonely desert. I would rate my recent spiritual health as poor, but my worldly health as average to climbing. When I read the Bible - NOTHING! When I pray - FORCED! When I try to worship - JUST SINGING! When I try to teach God's word - it's not from the heart.
Tonight John and I started a series called Seeking Him by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. It is a study on personal revival. The only people who can be revived are followers of Christ. You can't revive something that's dead. You just can't because it's dead and has no life. But as followers of Christ, we have life and we CAN be revived. We don't have to stay in this death-like state.
I have felt the Holy Spirit stirring in my heart for the past few weeks reminding me that I was called for more than this; reminding me I was called to live in abundance; reminding me I was called to experience His Glorious presence everyday.
The Holy Spirit also has been tugging at my heart that the first place to start is on my face in deep confession over the sins in my life. And yes, even missionaries have a laundry list full of sins. This morning I got up and confessed. I have been confessing all day, everyday. It hasn't been this weeping and moaning type of confession, but an acknowledgment, confession and then quick repentance. It feels good.
Today I shared with John how so much of my spiritual food in the States came from 1. The Pastor (don't have that here). 2. Christian radio - Don't have that here (in the car). 3. Being surrounded my like-minded believers and moms (we're working on this) 4. Our time with the Lord as a couple (doesn't exist).
So John decided that we are going to start the series Seeking Him by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Tim Grissom TOGETHER!. I must confess that we have not had "couples" devotions together in almost two years. Anyway, we just happened to have the book here from when I ordered it years ago. We went through Day 1 and our memory verse for the week is:
"Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and raises righteousness on you." Hosea 10:12
This verse just shouted out to me: WAKE UP! IT'S TIME! SEEK HIM!
And the result: He will raise His righteousness on us.
We then prayed through Psalm 85:6-9 out loud.
It was so refreshing to have this time of intimacy with the Lord and my husband. With this missing from my life, no wonder I have been a body of dry bones.
During the time of prayer I became overwhelmed with God's steadfast love - something I haven't thought much of lately. It never changes. It's complete! It's unbreakable! It's just STEADFAST! And I can cling to it no matter what trials come my way or what desert I am walking (or literally living) in today.
Our prayer became that we would once again fear him and that His glory would dwell in our home and in this land.
O'Lord, Revive us again!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Patience Revisited
Last week I wrote a post about my children and how God uses them to increase my patience.
In case it came across the wire that I was saying "I FINALLY HAVE PATIENCE," I wanted to revisit this.
I wrote:
"And today I heard, "You must have a lot of patience." And this was from a random woman who quickly breezed by me on the side walk.
I must say, that last quote made me wonder if my patience has indeed increased over the past 8 years. I would say that I have A LOT more now that I have 4 kids and I do love how God uses my family to grow me in areas that I am weakest - such as patience."
This means:
This means....I am weak in the area of patience and I believe that God is giving me many kids to help grow me in my weakest area. My patience has increased, but only because God is refining me in that area because of my kids. In no way was I saying I am patient. But I am MORE patient than I was 8 years ago. It is interesting to me that people think just because I have 4 children that I am automatically a patient person. It is BECAUSE OF THEM that I am being stretched daily. There is no other option but to develop in patience when raising four children (or 1 child for that matter).
I still struggle daily, but can see the growth that God is allowing through this sharp refining. And I praise Him for BLESSING ME while REFINING ME!
IN NO WAY HAVE I ARRIVED!
In case it came across the wire that I was saying "I FINALLY HAVE PATIENCE," I wanted to revisit this.
I wrote:
"And today I heard, "You must have a lot of patience." And this was from a random woman who quickly breezed by me on the side walk.
I must say, that last quote made me wonder if my patience has indeed increased over the past 8 years. I would say that I have A LOT more now that I have 4 kids and I do love how God uses my family to grow me in areas that I am weakest - such as patience."
This means:
This means....I am weak in the area of patience and I believe that God is giving me many kids to help grow me in my weakest area. My patience has increased, but only because God is refining me in that area because of my kids. In no way was I saying I am patient. But I am MORE patient than I was 8 years ago. It is interesting to me that people think just because I have 4 children that I am automatically a patient person. It is BECAUSE OF THEM that I am being stretched daily. There is no other option but to develop in patience when raising four children (or 1 child for that matter).
I still struggle daily, but can see the growth that God is allowing through this sharp refining. And I praise Him for BLESSING ME while REFINING ME!
IN NO WAY HAVE I ARRIVED!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Baptisms
Here are pictures from the Baptism service we held in Lurin 3 weeks ago. The group picture is everyone that was being baptized. You will also see a sweet lady named Judith in the picture. She will be going to the states in the next year for a hip reconstruction surgery. She is one of the sweetest ladies I know and yet she was born with 2 dislocated hips and is constantly in pain. You would never know it by the smile that is always on her face. They live in such poverty that sometimes she and her baby do not eat for a few days at a time.
Anyway, the Baptism was wonderful. Our own children, Parker and Ally were able to be baptized in the river by their dad. What an amazing spiritual, cultural and childhood experience.
For more baptism photos you can check out my facebook account at Jessica Greer Pham.
Random family shots
We went to a really cool zoo last week. It cost a $1.50 per person to enter. We had a fabulous time. Also, here are 3 random home shots. Avery loves to dress up as a Princess and prance around the house. These days with them are priceless.
More Blessings
Since we are expecting our 5th baby, yes, our 5th baby....God is blessing us yet again. In September, a few weeks before the baby is due (can we say moving at 38 weeks pregnant) we will be moving into this HUGE house. It is so big I couldn't even get the entire house in one Picture. It has 4 bathrooms, 4-5 bedrooms, a huge kitchen, living room, 2 dining rooms, a play loft area a maids quarters and 2 great patios. This house is in a "normal" neighborhood with free standing houses. I don't know if their are many neighborhoods like this in Lima. And the yard is HUGE. Our kids will be able to ride their bikes around the circle, play b-ball on the patio, soccer in the yard and can hide anywhere is this GRAND house. I will be able to have a nursery for the baby, a homeschooling room, a playroom and a workout room. Can you say "beyond my wildest dreams" and BLESSED beyond words. The mission owns this home so they will actually be saving a lot of money by putting us here. We are all so excited for the blessings that are coming our way - a new baby and a huge home for our huge family. And when we go back to stateside assignment, we can leave all of our stuff there and we don't have to pack up and move. We forsee MANY wonderful years there. Oh yeh, did I mention our kids will have kids from the neighborhood to play with as well. WOW!
The Cutest Biggest Losers!
These pictures are TOO cute not to share. My kids LOVE doing workout videos. Here they are getting healthy to The Biggest Loser Workout Video with Bob. They all love to get in on the action and usually complete at least 30-45 minutes. Good times!! They are definitely taking after their mommy. Unfortunately, they have my sweet tooth too. :) 
Christina's House
Christina, in case you are wondering who she is, is a woman who who has 4 children and is single. The good news is that all 4 of her children have the same father. Unfortunatley, they split up and now she is left to take care of them all alone. I think he left. Anyway, her housing condition is one of the worst we have seen and we have seen A LOT of bad things. All 5 of them sleep in one bunk bed. The house is filled with bugs. They have no toilet, running water and, most days, no electricity.
These pictures show what her house use to look like and the new house they were building for her. She had a big lot that was not being used. Her walls, before were made of tarps and anything she could find to keep out the elements. Now she has wood walls, and a metal roof, a completely closing door (John is working on the locks). She still has dirt floors because the sand was too thick to put down a floor. She has to live in it for a few months and then hopefully the Lord will provide the funds for us to give her a new, concrete floor. John is going to go back and put in 2windows and a locking door. He went yesterday, but she didn't have power. She said she is so happy and this has changed her life. She still lives in extreme poverty, but this is MUCH, MUCH better! :) More pictures to come of her house NOW. I will take some on Sunday when I go out there.
Oh yeh, this group of guys helped John out the first day. They were able to get a lot done.
Also, the church is sending money to give her $100 for groceries and a $100 for a new bed. We are still waiting for the funds to be transferred from the IMB.
These pictures show what her house use to look like and the new house they were building for her. She had a big lot that was not being used. Her walls, before were made of tarps and anything she could find to keep out the elements. Now she has wood walls, and a metal roof, a completely closing door (John is working on the locks). She still has dirt floors because the sand was too thick to put down a floor. She has to live in it for a few months and then hopefully the Lord will provide the funds for us to give her a new, concrete floor. John is going to go back and put in 2windows and a locking door. He went yesterday, but she didn't have power. She said she is so happy and this has changed her life. She still lives in extreme poverty, but this is MUCH, MUCH better! :) More pictures to come of her house NOW. I will take some on Sunday when I go out there.
Oh yeh, this group of guys helped John out the first day. They were able to get a lot done.
Also, the church is sending money to give her $100 for groceries and a $100 for a new bed. We are still waiting for the funds to be transferred from the IMB.
A hurricane in Oasis
If you wonder why I haven't posted about Oasis lately, it's because we haven't been able to have services out there. The government ordered for all of the houses to be "shifted" to spread out in more land. Even the multi-purpose building where we held church in had to be dismantled and moved.
In short, everyone in Oasis had to tear down there shack and relocate it and rebuild it. John went out there and it literally looked like a hurricane blew through. These pictures are incredible. Can you imagine having to do this in a few days in the sand? The good news is that many of them now how bigger lots, but there living conditions are still very, very impoverished.
We are so blessed - ALL OF US!!!!!
Hopefully the hurricane will be cleaned up and we can have church again this week. John went out last Sunday and tried to help people fix up their homes. He met a new family in Oasis while he was helping them and he was able to invite them to church.
God uses all situations to open doors. Or should I say he uses torn down doors to open doors! :)
In short, everyone in Oasis had to tear down there shack and relocate it and rebuild it. John went out there and it literally looked like a hurricane blew through. These pictures are incredible. Can you imagine having to do this in a few days in the sand? The good news is that many of them now how bigger lots, but there living conditions are still very, very impoverished.
We are so blessed - ALL OF US!!!!!
Hopefully the hurricane will be cleaned up and we can have church again this week. John went out last Sunday and tried to help people fix up their homes. He met a new family in Oasis while he was helping them and he was able to invite them to church.
God uses all situations to open doors. Or should I say he uses torn down doors to open doors! :)
Leprosy
Please pray for this man! His name is Rafael and he leaves out in Oasis.
John was called to pray for him. He has been to the doctor's many times and they do not know what is wrong with him. We truly believe he has leprosy. He is extremely ill and many days cannot even get up and out of bed. Beware of these photos. They might make you ill.
John was called to pray for him. He has been to the doctor's many times and they do not know what is wrong with him. We truly believe he has leprosy. He is extremely ill and many days cannot even get up and out of bed. Beware of these photos. They might make you ill.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Wednesday's Playdate Revisited
I am thrilled to say that Jenny and her granddaughter, Dixie, came over to play on Wednesday. This made Ally, and me, so very happy. Jenny decided she wanted to teach me how to cook a Peruvian dish so we made Lomo Saltado right then and there. Bonding in the kitchen is great for women. She is wonderful and we had a nice time together. Ally and Dixie get along swimmingly! :) After we cooked, we went to the park for about an hour for the kids to play.
Seriously, the experience couldn't have gone any better. I am going to invite them over again this week.
Ally seems to be doing much better! Thank you for your prayers.
Seriously, the experience couldn't have gone any better. I am going to invite them over again this week.
Ally seems to be doing much better! Thank you for your prayers.
Friday, January 23, 2009
:)
Okay, so we were going to wait a few weeks. But here goes!
We are pregnant! I am so not the type to keep a secret this awesome even though I was planning on it. I just can't do it. :)
Such a blessing is hard to contain. We are thrilled!
We're pregnant! We're Pregnant! YAHOOOOO, we're pregnant!!!!
We are pregnant! I am so not the type to keep a secret this awesome even though I was planning on it. I just can't do it. :)
Such a blessing is hard to contain. We are thrilled!
We're pregnant! We're Pregnant! YAHOOOOO, we're pregnant!!!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Christina's House
I can't wait for you to see the before and after pix of Christina's house. John finished up the hardest part today, but has a few loose ends to tie up around her house.
Anyway, as he was putting the roof on today, the president of this neighborhood came to tell her that many of the neighbors had been complaining about her house being in such disarray (not because of the construction), but because of the state of her house pre-construction. He was very pleased to see that John was fixing it, because he was coming to bring her notice TODAY that she had to do something about it. WOW! Isn't that just like God to provide for a need before we even knew we had the need?
I just praise Him for His provision for her in advance. He is good - ALL the time.
Anyway, as he was putting the roof on today, the president of this neighborhood came to tell her that many of the neighbors had been complaining about her house being in such disarray (not because of the construction), but because of the state of her house pre-construction. He was very pleased to see that John was fixing it, because he was coming to bring her notice TODAY that she had to do something about it. WOW! Isn't that just like God to provide for a need before we even knew we had the need?
I just praise Him for His provision for her in advance. He is good - ALL the time.
So tomorrow we are starting over with dates. We have a 10:45 a.m. with my missionary friend that has 4 children! Can't wait!
At 2 p.m. tomorrow Jeny and Dixie are scheduled to come over for a playdate.
6 p.m. my friend Stephanie and her friend are coming over (Peruvians).
Please pray it all goes well simply for little Ally.
And today we received 4 awesome packages from the States. It was truly like Christmas as we opened 4 big boxes. There was lots of squealing and excitement. It was incredible.
Thank you Kitchin Small Group! Thank you a ton!
Thank you First Baptist Church of Yucca Valley! THanks a million!
Thank you cousin Theresa! Thanks a bunch!
Parker received some binoculars and unbeknownst to the person who purchased them, he has been wanting them for a LONG time. He even almost bought a junky pair yesterday for like .50 cents. What a blessing for him.
At 2 p.m. tomorrow Jeny and Dixie are scheduled to come over for a playdate.
6 p.m. my friend Stephanie and her friend are coming over (Peruvians).
Please pray it all goes well simply for little Ally.
And today we received 4 awesome packages from the States. It was truly like Christmas as we opened 4 big boxes. There was lots of squealing and excitement. It was incredible.
Thank you Kitchin Small Group! Thank you a ton!
Thank you First Baptist Church of Yucca Valley! THanks a million!
Thank you cousin Theresa! Thanks a bunch!
Parker received some binoculars and unbeknownst to the person who purchased them, he has been wanting them for a LONG time. He even almost bought a junky pair yesterday for like .50 cents. What a blessing for him.
Bummer
Even after I called to confirm at 8 a.m. this morning they called to cancel at 9 a.m. because she forgot she had something else. ???? We will try again on Thursday.
Ally started crying because this is now the 4th time this has happened to her. She is losing trust in people and quite frankly SO am I.
Ally started crying because this is now the 4th time this has happened to her. She is losing trust in people and quite frankly SO am I.
Today is the big friend coming over day!
So far it looks like Jenny and Dixie are coming over. Dixie is the little girl. Her name sounds like she is 40, but she's only 8. Jaxson and Ally are bouncing off the walls with anticipation. They are set to come here at 10 a.m. and I told Ally that really means 11 a.m. and she shouldn't expect them at until 11ish. :)
Parker went with John today to help build Christina's house. I feel like this is the best kind of homeschooling a boy can get; hands on with daddy. He is going to write a paper about what he learned and experienced. He was so excited and promised to be a big help. I just love that he is getting this opportunity to serve the poor, learn how to construct and work side-by-side with his daddy.
Your continued prayers for Ally are seriously needed. Yesterday was not a good day for her - despite a trip to the zoo. I am wondering if maybe she needs to talk to someone. I am at a loss as to what to do to help her get over the sadness she feels from missing Florida. I continue to pray with you all!
Homeschooling is calling our name. Chao!
Parker went with John today to help build Christina's house. I feel like this is the best kind of homeschooling a boy can get; hands on with daddy. He is going to write a paper about what he learned and experienced. He was so excited and promised to be a big help. I just love that he is getting this opportunity to serve the poor, learn how to construct and work side-by-side with his daddy.
Your continued prayers for Ally are seriously needed. Yesterday was not a good day for her - despite a trip to the zoo. I am wondering if maybe she needs to talk to someone. I am at a loss as to what to do to help her get over the sadness she feels from missing Florida. I continue to pray with you all!
Homeschooling is calling our name. Chao!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Making Plans
So far the plans that I have made with nationals over the months have only left me frustrated when the person doesn't show up at all. This has happened numerous times even though we have made solid plans. Kind of a bummer, but you know me...I still keep trying! :)
Soooo.....this week I have made plans with my friend Stephanie whom I met at a local church. We get along so well and I totally dig her. She is coming over on Wednesday with her friend and we are going to have coffee and bread. Please pray they show up! PLEASE!!!
On Tuesday, the new little girl, Dixie, that Ally met, is coming over to play. I am assuming that her grandmother, Jenny, will stay the two hours. YEAH!!! I am so excited. Please pray they show up as well!
These aren't MAJOR prayer requests, but I'm sure they would help ALL of our cultural transitions and building confidence with nationals!
Soooo.....this week I have made plans with my friend Stephanie whom I met at a local church. We get along so well and I totally dig her. She is coming over on Wednesday with her friend and we are going to have coffee and bread. Please pray they show up! PLEASE!!!
On Tuesday, the new little girl, Dixie, that Ally met, is coming over to play. I am assuming that her grandmother, Jenny, will stay the two hours. YEAH!!! I am so excited. Please pray they show up as well!
These aren't MAJOR prayer requests, but I'm sure they would help ALL of our cultural transitions and building confidence with nationals!
I am blessed no matter what they say.
It's so funny how when we first got here all of the stares and comments use to bother me. And I wouldn't say we get stared at any less, but now I enjoy it!:) I have heard some funny things. I must hear at least 6 times a day while we are being stared at, "Are they all yours?"
"Wow - you have a ton of kids."
"Are they Peruvian?"
"Do they speak English."
"Wow!"
"Usted tiene un monton de ninos."
And today I heard, "You must have a lot of patience." And this was from a random woman who quickly breezed by me on the side walk.
I must say, that last quote made me wonder if my patience has indeed increased over the past 8 years. I would say that I have A LOT more now that I have 4 kids and I do love how God uses my family to grow me in areas that I am weakest - such as patience.
Last night John and I were talking about all the comments and stares and how my life seems SOOOO hard to others. And I told him, to me...it's just my life. I love my children. They are not burdens to me. I love being around them and doing things with them. Do things get stressful at times? Yes! Do I feel overwhelmed some days? Well, of course. But day in and day out, I don't look at my life and feel like it is messed up and over with because I have "un monton" of children. I look at it that God has abundantly blessed us in ways I never imagined by giving us these precious gifts. I would never give ANY of them back! EVER! :) I just feel so thankful and grateful for each one of these children that bring many stares and comments my way. And John replied to my response, "It must just be cause your their mom." :)
And there is nothing else I'd rather be than their mom.
"Wow - you have a ton of kids."
"Are they Peruvian?"
"Do they speak English."
"Wow!"
"Usted tiene un monton de ninos."
And today I heard, "You must have a lot of patience." And this was from a random woman who quickly breezed by me on the side walk.
I must say, that last quote made me wonder if my patience has indeed increased over the past 8 years. I would say that I have A LOT more now that I have 4 kids and I do love how God uses my family to grow me in areas that I am weakest - such as patience.
Last night John and I were talking about all the comments and stares and how my life seems SOOOO hard to others. And I told him, to me...it's just my life. I love my children. They are not burdens to me. I love being around them and doing things with them. Do things get stressful at times? Yes! Do I feel overwhelmed some days? Well, of course. But day in and day out, I don't look at my life and feel like it is messed up and over with because I have "un monton" of children. I look at it that God has abundantly blessed us in ways I never imagined by giving us these precious gifts. I would never give ANY of them back! EVER! :) I just feel so thankful and grateful for each one of these children that bring many stares and comments my way. And John replied to my response, "It must just be cause your their mom." :)
And there is nothing else I'd rather be than their mom.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Our day and your prayers
The kids started Art classes today and there were a lot of little Spanish speaking kids in the class. YEAH! My kids learned a lot and had a great time. The class is set to last for 8 weeks.
I took little Avery on a date while they were in class and let me tell you what we bought for $3.50 for lunch.
1 bottle of water.
1 salad with avocado, olives, cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes
1 plate of rice and Lomo Salatado (beef with onions and tomatoes) and french fries
1 small cup of jello
1 ice-cold fresh, homemade lemonade
Incredible, right? I thought you would agree.
And tonight I bought, for myself, 7 new shirts. Overindulgent am I? Nope - not when each shirt, Old Navy, Express and Guess, cost $2.50 a shirt. They are simple cotton tank tops (the ones you guys pay $12 a piece for) - hehehe. You can buy Nautica, Polo, and lots of name brands from this great store called La Quinta (but the Q is a 5). All of the clothes are made in Peru and it is there leftovers that were not exported. YIPPEEE!!! So I spent $17.50 on 7 shirts. I LOVE PERU!
While we were in the store, Ally made a friend! Because you guys have been praying, God has been listening and working on Ally's behalf. The sweetest little girl (8 years old) came up to Avery and they talked for 20 minutes while I was digging through a pile of shirts. We exchanged numbers, I met her grandmother, and they are coming over to play on Tuesday. Yes TUESDAY! Her name is Dixie and she is 8 years old and an only child and in need of friends. The grandmother's name is Jenny and she was wonderful as well. I was just jumping out of my skin when I saw what the Lord was working out for Ally. I haven't seen Ally connect with a Peruvian like this AT ALL!!!! God is so faithful! Let's keep praying they come and everything works out smoothly.
2 times today I was asked if I was a Jehovah's witness. UGH!!!!!
And one taxi driver said he picked up his phone to call his friend because he really believed I was Cameron Diaz when I was standing on the side of the street. He said he was even looking for the Paparazzi. I really don't think he was joking, but it was super-duper flattering. I told him I didn't think she would be in Peru with 4 children alone and taking a taxi! :)
John spent the day with a team of guys re-constructing Christina's house. Before and After pictures to come. :) They still have a lot of work to do. It's just neat how ministry isn't all Bible Study and Prayer - sometimes it's just getting dirty and loving people through serving them. This is our favorite part!
I took little Avery on a date while they were in class and let me tell you what we bought for $3.50 for lunch.
1 bottle of water.
1 salad with avocado, olives, cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes
1 plate of rice and Lomo Salatado (beef with onions and tomatoes) and french fries
1 small cup of jello
1 ice-cold fresh, homemade lemonade
Incredible, right? I thought you would agree.
And tonight I bought, for myself, 7 new shirts. Overindulgent am I? Nope - not when each shirt, Old Navy, Express and Guess, cost $2.50 a shirt. They are simple cotton tank tops (the ones you guys pay $12 a piece for) - hehehe. You can buy Nautica, Polo, and lots of name brands from this great store called La Quinta (but the Q is a 5). All of the clothes are made in Peru and it is there leftovers that were not exported. YIPPEEE!!! So I spent $17.50 on 7 shirts. I LOVE PERU!
While we were in the store, Ally made a friend! Because you guys have been praying, God has been listening and working on Ally's behalf. The sweetest little girl (8 years old) came up to Avery and they talked for 20 minutes while I was digging through a pile of shirts. We exchanged numbers, I met her grandmother, and they are coming over to play on Tuesday. Yes TUESDAY! Her name is Dixie and she is 8 years old and an only child and in need of friends. The grandmother's name is Jenny and she was wonderful as well. I was just jumping out of my skin when I saw what the Lord was working out for Ally. I haven't seen Ally connect with a Peruvian like this AT ALL!!!! God is so faithful! Let's keep praying they come and everything works out smoothly.
2 times today I was asked if I was a Jehovah's witness. UGH!!!!!
And one taxi driver said he picked up his phone to call his friend because he really believed I was Cameron Diaz when I was standing on the side of the street. He said he was even looking for the Paparazzi. I really don't think he was joking, but it was super-duper flattering. I told him I didn't think she would be in Peru with 4 children alone and taking a taxi! :)
John spent the day with a team of guys re-constructing Christina's house. Before and After pictures to come. :) They still have a lot of work to do. It's just neat how ministry isn't all Bible Study and Prayer - sometimes it's just getting dirty and loving people through serving them. This is our favorite part!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
our IRS woes are solved
In case our tax situation has been a HUGE burden to you, I thought I would send you some relief by informing you that we owe $346 dollars the IRS instead of $14K from 2007. PTL!!!! WOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO!
And p.s. we should be collecting some money from our damaged furniture as well. Another PTL!!!
And p.s. we should be collecting some money from our damaged furniture as well. Another PTL!!!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
An overdue Update
Updates:
Baptism - 5 people were baptized including 2 of my children. You can check out the photos at my facebook at Jessica Greer Pham. The event was fun, but mosquito and rock infested. It was a little hard to fully enjoy as we were almost carried away by bugs! We praise Jesus that these 5 made public decisions to follow Christ.
Ally: Ally's friend did not spend the night on Sunday and the people we went to meet at the park (with 3 girls) did not show up. This did NOTHING to help Ally except to make her cry and want to go back to Florida even more. I'd be lying if I said it didn't frustrate me a bit as I was trying to help her and it only did more harm because no one was reliable. She cried herself to sleep for 3 nights and then came down sick. She has 103ish fever today and is not feeling well. Please keep praying for her as she is still down in the dumps.
Let's hope she is not sick from the fiesta that was in a squatter's village that we went to on Saturday. We ate chicken, potatoes and salad with our very dirty hands and no napkins. We played in the dirt, went potty, held a dog and THEN ate! We had NOTHING to wash our hands with and culturally you cannot turn away food. So, I think she might be sick from that day. I was so sure, as we were eating, that someone was going to come down with something. I am going to buy a big bag of baby wipes and anti-bacterial soap in the car so that does not happen again.
Income Tax: the situation is now in the IMB's hands and the accountant is reviewing the letter from the IRS as well as last year's taxes. We are awaiting a response (on pins and needles of course).
Christina: We are going to start rebuilding Christina's house next week. We were short some money and I told John he could have my birthday money and allowance to make up for what we are short. It means the world to me that she gets a concrete floor and a door that locks. I can't wait to show you the before and after pictures.
US: Things here really are going well. Ministry has taken off, we are settled in and loving the city, swim lessons, the people. It really feels like home. The only thing missing is YOU!!!
Baptism - 5 people were baptized including 2 of my children. You can check out the photos at my facebook at Jessica Greer Pham. The event was fun, but mosquito and rock infested. It was a little hard to fully enjoy as we were almost carried away by bugs! We praise Jesus that these 5 made public decisions to follow Christ.
Ally: Ally's friend did not spend the night on Sunday and the people we went to meet at the park (with 3 girls) did not show up. This did NOTHING to help Ally except to make her cry and want to go back to Florida even more. I'd be lying if I said it didn't frustrate me a bit as I was trying to help her and it only did more harm because no one was reliable. She cried herself to sleep for 3 nights and then came down sick. She has 103ish fever today and is not feeling well. Please keep praying for her as she is still down in the dumps.
Let's hope she is not sick from the fiesta that was in a squatter's village that we went to on Saturday. We ate chicken, potatoes and salad with our very dirty hands and no napkins. We played in the dirt, went potty, held a dog and THEN ate! We had NOTHING to wash our hands with and culturally you cannot turn away food. So, I think she might be sick from that day. I was so sure, as we were eating, that someone was going to come down with something. I am going to buy a big bag of baby wipes and anti-bacterial soap in the car so that does not happen again.
Income Tax: the situation is now in the IMB's hands and the accountant is reviewing the letter from the IRS as well as last year's taxes. We are awaiting a response (on pins and needles of course).
Christina: We are going to start rebuilding Christina's house next week. We were short some money and I told John he could have my birthday money and allowance to make up for what we are short. It means the world to me that she gets a concrete floor and a door that locks. I can't wait to show you the before and after pictures.
US: Things here really are going well. Ministry has taken off, we are settled in and loving the city, swim lessons, the people. It really feels like home. The only thing missing is YOU!!!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Baptism's tomorrow
Tomorrow is the big Baptism today for the people at the church of Oasis. We won't actually know who is going to be baptized until we get there. We are expecting 5-7 plus 2 of our children (Parker and Ally). We are going to a river about 1 hour from here. We are super excited.
Everyone who is getting baptized will receive a Bible. We will also have bread and drinks.
Lots of pictures to come.
Today we went to a new area that has an established Baptist church. They had a celebration party for their 1 year anniversary and we had a blast and got to know the people there. They were precious and I wish we could work there, but there is already a church. :) I could definitely tell a difference in the spiritual level of "servanthood" that I saw at this church compared to the one we are planting. I'm sure it wasn't like that a year ago.
We praise God for the work He is doing in Peru. Only He can do it!
Everyone who is getting baptized will receive a Bible. We will also have bread and drinks.
Lots of pictures to come.
Today we went to a new area that has an established Baptist church. They had a celebration party for their 1 year anniversary and we had a blast and got to know the people there. They were precious and I wish we could work there, but there is already a church. :) I could definitely tell a difference in the spiritual level of "servanthood" that I saw at this church compared to the one we are planting. I'm sure it wasn't like that a year ago.
We praise God for the work He is doing in Peru. Only He can do it!
IRS (3 scary letters that no one wants to see written on a piece of mail unless it has a check in it).
Good grief! What's next?
Today my father in Florida received a letter from the IRS. They say we owe $14,000.00 in taxes from 2007. The IMB did our taxes last year so we don't have access to the papers and my dad is having problems getting the 23 pages to us via e-mail so we can't look and see what the discrepancy is. The IRS wants us to start making payments by Feb. 4. John is SURE there is some mistake, but my dad doesn't think the IRS is usually wrong. HAAAAA!!! Anyway, just one more BIG issue to deal with. It will have to wait until Monday until we can start digging to the bottom of the problem. But still....it's a burden in my mind to say the least. It probably shouldn't be and I am continually going back to the fact that I just need to trust God with this situation.
John is also dealing with the insurance company on trying to get compensated for our furniture that was damaged in the crate that was shipped from Florida to here. 4 or 5pieces have significant damage and the furniture was only a few months old.
I have some other stuff to write about things God is working on in my heart, but I just wanted to ask you to pray about our $14k IRS problem - kind of a BIGGY!
Today my father in Florida received a letter from the IRS. They say we owe $14,000.00 in taxes from 2007. The IMB did our taxes last year so we don't have access to the papers and my dad is having problems getting the 23 pages to us via e-mail so we can't look and see what the discrepancy is. The IRS wants us to start making payments by Feb. 4. John is SURE there is some mistake, but my dad doesn't think the IRS is usually wrong. HAAAAA!!! Anyway, just one more BIG issue to deal with. It will have to wait until Monday until we can start digging to the bottom of the problem. But still....it's a burden in my mind to say the least. It probably shouldn't be and I am continually going back to the fact that I just need to trust God with this situation.
John is also dealing with the insurance company on trying to get compensated for our furniture that was damaged in the crate that was shipped from Florida to here. 4 or 5pieces have significant damage and the furniture was only a few months old.
I have some other stuff to write about things God is working on in my heart, but I just wanted to ask you to pray about our $14k IRS problem - kind of a BIGGY!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
2 minute update
Ally had a better day today. She slept with us last night and woke up this a.m. to tell me that she loved me more than anyone else in the entire world. AAWWWW! She seemed less sad and tried to be best-friends with her brothers and sisters. We also did a mini-makeover and that was fun. God blessed her with 2 wonderful letters from blog reader's children and I can't tell you how much that made her smile and giggle and feel very special. It's the little things in life that mean so much. I had a bright idea to invite a girl to spend the night with us (from the S. Cone) and her mom said yes. Ally is really, really excited, but she reminded me that we need to "clean her up first." LOL! Ally is so funny that way.
Ministry:
John started a new Bible study today and 2 women showed up.
He got pulled over by a cop who wanted a bribe. He wouldn't budge and got away clean. Anytime you use the word "attorney" they tend to back way off.
He was asked to pray for a man who he believes has SEVERE leprosy all over his body. He annointed him with oil and is believing God for the healing of this man's body.
He met with a group of believers who want to be baptized on Sunday. We are praying this goes through without a hitch.
He had a very full day of ministry and I had a full day with the kiddos. My Spanish is at a stand-still, but I am closer to my kids than I have been in the past year and a half. :)
Ministry:
John started a new Bible study today and 2 women showed up.
He got pulled over by a cop who wanted a bribe. He wouldn't budge and got away clean. Anytime you use the word "attorney" they tend to back way off.
He was asked to pray for a man who he believes has SEVERE leprosy all over his body. He annointed him with oil and is believing God for the healing of this man's body.
He met with a group of believers who want to be baptized on Sunday. We are praying this goes through without a hitch.
He had a very full day of ministry and I had a full day with the kiddos. My Spanish is at a stand-still, but I am closer to my kids than I have been in the past year and a half. :)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Ally
My heart is very heavy for our oldest daughter, Ally, who is 6. She will be 7 in March and is mature way beyond her years. She seems like an 8 or 9 year old so I often forget she is still so little. Anyway, she is having a very hard time recently. It started a few weeks ago when she started crying for Florida. She is talking about how much she misses it every day, many times each day(and no, she is NOT getting this from me as I am very content to be here and seldom talk of missing our old life in their presence). Anyway, she has had several spells of heavy crying over missing her life in Florida. Today she told me she just wants to go over to "Papa Dean's" house and spend time with him and that she misses going to grammies and spending the night. She went to bed crying once again.
On top of that, she is not doing well in her studies at home either. She is extremely distracted, cannot focus and is forgetting stuff that she has already learned. She is not interested in learning right now.
She talks about her "friends" and buying them presents. But the sad reality is that the only friends she has are in the South Cone and they can't even remember her name. She gets so frustrated going out there and the kids constantly asking her her name and if they can have her stuff.
I think she is so desperate for friendship, that she has become buddies with our empleada. She wants to constantly talk Spanish to her and help her around the house. This shows me that kids really do need outside influences besides their parents and brothers and sisters. We are working on this, but unless you live in another country with a different language, you can't fully understand the difficulties of trying to fully integrate.
She is really longing for a true friend! I am doing my best to be what she needs, but I recognize this need and I think it would help a lot. Today during naptime I took a nap with her in her bunk bed and she just held onto me so tightly and didn't let go of my hand the entire time. It was so sweet, but sad at the same time. I can't imagine what she is going through at the tender age of 6.
Anyway, my heart is really burdened for her and if you could pray for her it would mean the world to us:
please pray she would feel settled here in Peru.
That she would make at least one good friend that lives near us. I seriously don't care if it is in Spanish or English - she just needs a friend.
That she would focus in school!
That her attitude towards her brothers and sister would soften.
That God would allow she and I to have special time in the midst of our busy lives.
Thanks for listening and praying!
P.S. The good news, however, is that Ally speaks BEAUTIFUL Spanish! In fact, she speaks better than me and almost better than John. :) What a blessing!
On top of that, she is not doing well in her studies at home either. She is extremely distracted, cannot focus and is forgetting stuff that she has already learned. She is not interested in learning right now.
She talks about her "friends" and buying them presents. But the sad reality is that the only friends she has are in the South Cone and they can't even remember her name. She gets so frustrated going out there and the kids constantly asking her her name and if they can have her stuff.
I think she is so desperate for friendship, that she has become buddies with our empleada. She wants to constantly talk Spanish to her and help her around the house. This shows me that kids really do need outside influences besides their parents and brothers and sisters. We are working on this, but unless you live in another country with a different language, you can't fully understand the difficulties of trying to fully integrate.
She is really longing for a true friend! I am doing my best to be what she needs, but I recognize this need and I think it would help a lot. Today during naptime I took a nap with her in her bunk bed and she just held onto me so tightly and didn't let go of my hand the entire time. It was so sweet, but sad at the same time. I can't imagine what she is going through at the tender age of 6.
Anyway, my heart is really burdened for her and if you could pray for her it would mean the world to us:
please pray she would feel settled here in Peru.
That she would make at least one good friend that lives near us. I seriously don't care if it is in Spanish or English - she just needs a friend.
That she would focus in school!
That her attitude towards her brothers and sister would soften.
That God would allow she and I to have special time in the midst of our busy lives.
Thanks for listening and praying!
P.S. The good news, however, is that Ally speaks BEAUTIFUL Spanish! In fact, she speaks better than me and almost better than John. :) What a blessing!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Who prayed? Was it you?
Someone obviously prayed for John. He got online tonight to start looking for continuing education courses. I don't know what exactly happened, but in 2 hours he completed and passed 3 courses that usually take 4-5 hours a piece. God just TOTALLY blessed and mulitiplied his time in a truly miraculous way. And now he is done with his continuing education courses (now if he learned anything is another story - LOL) for a whole year! So if we get fired we can still go back to the states and find an engineering job. I kid, I kid (about the firing part). Thanks for praying - whoever you are!!!!
Life
I'm already breaking resolutions right and left. I think I forgot to brush my teeth before I went to bed lastnight, I fell asleep during my quiet time yesterday (I was just sooo relaxed in the presence of the Lord, I ate REALLY bad for 2 days (birthday celebration what can I say), and since I ate so bad I didn't input my food, and I trimmed my bangs b/c they were in my eyes. But really...I am trying! I actually think I am doing pretty good, but when you make SOOO many resolutions it makes it harder to stay on track.
On to important stuff! John is starting 2 new Bible studies this week. 1 starts today at 4:30 p.m. in a new area. Please pray for his safety, openeness to the word and for people to show up! The other study is starting on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.
Next week is our Baptism service at the beach for the church in Oasis. We had a good turnout yesterday! The only problem is that many of the people who committed to be baptized have backed out b/c there are some pentacostal missionaries who are telling them that we don't have the authority to baptize! HUH? So people are nervous now!
On the home front...
we resumed homeschooling today. It went well.
The kids are going to start swimming lessons tomorrow and in 1 week art classes. John will be taking guitar and surf lessons. I am just going to continue running and exercising! :) The IMB pays for ALL group classes for the kids because it is considered part of homeschooling!
I went para-gliding (pictures to come) for my b-day. It was a lot of fun until the guy spun me around 10 times and I about lost my lunch. I was nauseous for 45 minutes after that. YUK! But hey, we have cool pictures and I got to see the city from way up high.
Please continue to pray for John (as I said before). He has sooo much on his plate. He is doing 2 Bible studies (not in his own language), planting a church (with an additional Bible study and all the prep that goes with it), working on his Kaleidescope book (continued language learning activities), seminary (1 -2 courses) at a time and he found he also has to complete continuing education course to keep his Professional Engineering certification. It would be like an attorney or accountant letting their license lapse. It takes soooo much work to acheive it, that if you let it go you might as well of never received it. So, there is that pressure as well. Even if he NEVER uses it again, he doesn't want to let it expire because it represents 10 years of schooling and professional experience. Thanks for your prayers for him.
Okay, the kids are calling me (that means they are screaming). :)
On to important stuff! John is starting 2 new Bible studies this week. 1 starts today at 4:30 p.m. in a new area. Please pray for his safety, openeness to the word and for people to show up! The other study is starting on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.
Next week is our Baptism service at the beach for the church in Oasis. We had a good turnout yesterday! The only problem is that many of the people who committed to be baptized have backed out b/c there are some pentacostal missionaries who are telling them that we don't have the authority to baptize! HUH? So people are nervous now!
On the home front...
we resumed homeschooling today. It went well.
The kids are going to start swimming lessons tomorrow and in 1 week art classes. John will be taking guitar and surf lessons. I am just going to continue running and exercising! :) The IMB pays for ALL group classes for the kids because it is considered part of homeschooling!
I went para-gliding (pictures to come) for my b-day. It was a lot of fun until the guy spun me around 10 times and I about lost my lunch. I was nauseous for 45 minutes after that. YUK! But hey, we have cool pictures and I got to see the city from way up high.
Please continue to pray for John (as I said before). He has sooo much on his plate. He is doing 2 Bible studies (not in his own language), planting a church (with an additional Bible study and all the prep that goes with it), working on his Kaleidescope book (continued language learning activities), seminary (1 -2 courses) at a time and he found he also has to complete continuing education course to keep his Professional Engineering certification. It would be like an attorney or accountant letting their license lapse. It takes soooo much work to acheive it, that if you let it go you might as well of never received it. So, there is that pressure as well. Even if he NEVER uses it again, he doesn't want to let it expire because it represents 10 years of schooling and professional experience. Thanks for your prayers for him.
Okay, the kids are calling me (that means they are screaming). :)
Friday, January 2, 2009
Happy New Year
I got up and had a quiet time which is usually distracted at least 10 times by cute kids. I sometimes get frustrated but realize quickly that they are worth every single distraction and this is just the season of life I am in with 4 little ones. Here are my New Year's Resolutions:
1. Brush my teeth every single night before bedtime. Sometimes I just forget and fall into bed. NOT THIS YEAR!!!
2. Time w/ Jesus EVERY day no matter what!
3. Do not cut my hair ALL year long!
4. Input my daily food intake into the USDA food pyramid to track how many calories I am eating.
5. To see the scale 10 lbs. lighter this year. (Losing the language school weight).
6. I made a workout plan and I am going to stick to to it.
7. Write 1 encouraging e-mail/letter everyday.
8. Have someone for supper once a month.
9. To not become easily irritated and to pray immediately when this happens!
10. Run a Marathon (the NY in Nov or the Buenos Aires in October)!
Okay, so I am putting myself out there in this transparent resolutions. Please don't judge me, just pray I will have the fortitude and obedience to change in these areas. We can do ALL things through Christ who gives us Strength.
What are your resolutions? I would love to hear them - phamilyof6@yahoo.com
1. Brush my teeth every single night before bedtime. Sometimes I just forget and fall into bed. NOT THIS YEAR!!!
2. Time w/ Jesus EVERY day no matter what!
3. Do not cut my hair ALL year long!
4. Input my daily food intake into the USDA food pyramid to track how many calories I am eating.
5. To see the scale 10 lbs. lighter this year. (Losing the language school weight).
6. I made a workout plan and I am going to stick to to it.
7. Write 1 encouraging e-mail/letter everyday.
8. Have someone for supper once a month.
9. To not become easily irritated and to pray immediately when this happens!
10. Run a Marathon (the NY in Nov or the Buenos Aires in October)!
Okay, so I am putting myself out there in this transparent resolutions. Please don't judge me, just pray I will have the fortitude and obedience to change in these areas. We can do ALL things through Christ who gives us Strength.
What are your resolutions? I would love to hear them - phamilyof6@yahoo.com
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