Tuesday, February 24, 2009

We made it to Peru!


It is time to start updating this blog!

We had a wonderful week in Louisiana visiting with family there!  It was a fun week visiting with Steve, Jackie, Brooke and Brayden.  Tyler seemed to know that they were family and laughed and played to his heart's content.  Brad's brother Blake surprised us and drove from Omaha to spend a few days!  I enjoyed the time with only a few tasks to complete and we were able to soak up family before leaving.

We also had the opportunity to share our testimony and call to Peru with three churches. We both were amazed at the reception we received by all three churches.  It was such an exciting realization that it felt like "home" to be in the presence of other Christians.  We were able to leave the United States with a much larger support team.  God is meeting our needs and allowing us to build relationships along the way.  We both feel very
 humbled and very blessed.

Tyler and his Aunt Brooke   

After a relaxing week of enjoying Brad's family in Louisiana we headed for our new "home" in Peru.  We flew out of Houston, Texas which was a three hour car ride from Robeline, Louisiana. We made it through baggage check-in and security without any problems which is exciting for us!  The flight from Houston to Lima was uneventful and Tyler did really well considering that he only slept for one hour and was awake until 2:30 in the morning!  The check-in process for our flight from Lima to Arequipa took almost two hours as we had too many bags and my hairspray was a security threat.  But after giving my hairspray to the girls behind counter and $100 for our excess luggage we were off the next line to pay more taxes for who knows what and were finally ushered downstairs to wait for our 4:00 am flight.




Daddy and Tyler finally asleep at 2:30 in the morning!

One more flight to go and we arrived in Arequipa at 5:30 am where we were met by Ryan Foster.  He drove us to their home where we had the pleasure to meet the family we had been working with over the phone and email.  We enjoyed breakfast in their home before stopping by the office to meet the Extreme Staff.  It is so nice to see and meet all these people that we have been praying for and following their calls through stories and pictures.  We look forward to serving with them!

Around 9 am we arrived to the home of Patricia, Maria, and Santiago.  This is the family that we will be staying with while we attend language school.  God has truly blessed us with this family.  They are full of love and energy...Santiago (age 5) and are already teaching us how to speak Spanish words.  Patricia is teaching us how to get around the city and shop.  She prepares three meals a day for us and is a wonderful cook.  Maria is 13 and learning English so we have fun laughing with her over our blunders!  Santiago is so excited to have Tyler living here and plays with him as often as he can.

We thank you all for your prayers and support.  We already miss home but remain excited for what is to come in this new opportunity.


12 comments:

Robin said...

I'm so glad you are already working on the blog - it's good to keep up with what's going on in your lives.
Give Tyler a great big kiss and tell him that I miss him so much. He is already looking older in his pictures.

Judy said...

Yahoo, I'm glad you have this blog! Can't wait to hear all about your adventures along the way. Miss you and love you! xoxoxo

Brent and Chris said...

I am so glad you have a blog. I have been trying to keep up with mine too. Mostly so I can keep everyone up with Brent's location and status.

I am looking forward to hearing about your mission.

Love you all. Give Ty kisses from us!

Anonymous said...

Wow! I am so excited for you guys! May God bless you and keep you and supply your every need! I love you guys!! Jeff

SMHart said...

Thanks for posting a blog - it will help us keep up on your whereabouts and exciting adventures!

M&M_Mama said...

It's crazy to think you are on a whole different continent! Wow! Sorry we didn't get to go to your party at church, Matt's parents were here and we were "busy" with them. I felt so sad---good think I hugged you all goodbye at church! I am excited to keep up with your adventurous walk with Him through your blog. Praying for your adjustment in a new culture! Love ya!
Kelsey

Jackie said...

We're so thankful for every word that reaches us from you, just to hear that you're okay and settling in. Thanks so much for posting your news! We love you all.

Nancy said...

Thanks for using your blog to help all of us feel like we're part of your exciting adventure! We (here at Friendship) will be praying that God will bless each part of your journey.

Lisa B. said...

I am glad to hear that you are there! Email me your address or post it or something. I got things to send to you! :) Be safe you guys! I hope you have much fun!

Aunt Lisa

Dawn said...

It is good to hear that your flights went well and that you're settling in. It will be fun to follow your adventure.

Glenda said...

Hello, Michelle, Brad, and Tyler! We love keeping up with you through your blog and Facebook! We enjoyed having you at Friendship and getting to know you a little better. You are an inspiration to us, and we will be praying for you!

SheilaDy said...

Hi Brad and Michelle!
I am Lisa Patrick's niece, and follow your mom's blog. We also know Jackie and Steve.

We are friends to Ryan and Sarah Foster. Please tell them we said "hi".

We have been praying for you! God bless!