School Days!

Avril started First Grade this week at Norfolk Christian. I can't believe how big my first baby is. She is definitely not a little girl anymore. Her features have really matured and the way she speaks is noticeably mature. She is so excited to be back in school and has loved it. She has a new teacher, and I hope that she will be able to challenge Avril.

Maia also started school this week as NCS. We decided to put her back into Pre-K this year mostly to allow her to be older as she moves through school instead of always being the youngest in her class. She really wanted to go into Kindergarten (because that's what Avril did last year), but I think she will enjoy this year. There are nine girls in her class and that is very exciting. I hope that her teacher will also provide her extra work to challenge her. The difference for her this year is that she is going to school the full week. She LOVED IT. She gets to ride the bus both ways and everything. I am happy for her. I asked her yesterday if she fell asleep at rest time (on a red and blue mat!). She said, "Well, I did yawn three times." :) I love it! So whether she actually slept remains a mystery.

Eowyn is home with me this year. I don't really have a memory of just having one child at home. It's been different (by that I mean much quieter) already. I am looking forward to spending special time with her this year.

I also am going to school this fall. I am teaching two Spanish classes at our church's Home School Enrichment Program. At the moment I am very overwhelmed trying to learn how to make lesson plans. But I am really excited about the year, and I think this will be something I really enjoy (and become my hobby) as the years progress. It's only two days a week which makes it possible to do and still manage our home. So I start this coming Tuesday and can't believe how much I still have to do. But "Grace enough for the day" is my battle cry. It'll get there.

Below are pictures from the girls' first days of school. Maia actually started the day after Avril. If you notice, there is a photo of Avril in the background when she's one day old--still at the hospital. Could she really have been so tiny? And, no, I do not intend to take a picture of myself next Tuesday for my first day of school.

Happy Birthday, Maia!!

Maia turned five years old on Friday. This astounds me because I always think of her as so tiny with a little mousy voice. But she is growing quickly. This summer Maia decided that she wanted to wear dresses almost exclusively. Fortunately, we have a lot of dresses for her to wear. We have seen this very girly side of her for a while now and I think it's here to stay. Maia loves shoes, to do her nails, and bows in her hair. It is not hard for me to imagine that she will be the girl who is a killer on the field (because she actually is quite athletic) and comes out of the locker room dressed to the nines. Maia can be very determined to get what she wants, but she is very gracious and quick to share her things with her sisters. On several occasions, Eowyn has messed up, broken or in someway ruined something of Maia's (even brand new) and she has responded in love and without complaint. What an evidence of grace!! Maia will be in school full days this year--a clear sign that she's growing up. We are quickly moving into a new season of life. Our family is so blessed to have Maia. Thank you Lord for giving her to us.

This year was special because Maia got to have her first "friends party." Our plan (at least for now) is beginning at 5 the girls can have a "friends party" every other year. So about a week prior we planned out her party. Maia knew exactly what she wanted and didn't hesitate to lay out the menu and guest list. We invited five friends--four of whom were able to attend. The party was on Friday. For breakfast we had chocolate glazed donuts. Our friends came over at 11am. We played some games, ate chicken nuggets, fries, ridge chips, grapes and soda for lunch. We had a pink heart cake and rainbow sherbet. She was blessed to receive some fun gifts from her friends--very fancy hair bows, new art supplies, and a fun bouncing ball that you sit on. The girls left about 1:30, and we were able to relax before dinner. Maia's birthday dinner was barbecued pork chops, mashed potatoes, plums and biscuits. Everyone loved it.

Saturday our family came over again at 11. It was a wonderful time visiting with everyone. Even her cousins were able to come. We had some heavy hors d'oeuvers for lunch. This time we had an aquarium cake and raspberry sherbet. Then Maia opened her gifts. She got more nail polish and make up, some art supplies, a wooden box that comprised several games (very cool), money (very exciting!) and the big finale was to get her ears pierced--which didn't actually happen until today (Monday). This little outing was very exciting actually. Maia has been asking to do this for a while. So we went to the mall this morning with my mom and got haircuts-- something everyone was eager to do, then got Maia's ears pierced after lunch. She has a really high pain tolerance and didn't even flinch or take in a breath. I didn't even realize it was over. So she is very happy and we had another wonderful day celebrating Maia's birthday.

Concerning the pictures L-R: Little party girls; Maia and Kaleigh; Maia and Lily; Maia and Lydia; Maia and Natalie; blowing out the candles; all the cousins; more hairbows!

To the village and back again

On Sunday, the Americans gathered together for a time of worship. There was an opportunity for people to share. I shared about how thankful I was to even be in attendance and highlighted God's sovereignty that orchestrates every detail of life. I recalled that it was in Peru that the Lord saved me. It was humbling to remember where I had been and that He should save one such as I. It was really coming full circle to be back.
But really I want to share another's story from that time. Al Shannon (who has worked in Peru with his wife, Barb, for more than 30 years and was in Huaraz when I lived there) spoke of a memory of Pushpi. Pushpi is one of Mike's co-translators. He is an extraordinary man who loves that Lord and works tirelessly in His service. Al spoke of a day when Pushpi came into the center(where offices, etc. were located) for a conference. He noticed that Pushpi's feet and pants were covered in mud. While speaking with him, Pushpi told Al that he'd just gotten back from one of the villages where he'd been reading a passage of the Gospel to a group of Quechuas for a comprehension check. Comprehension checks are obviously one of the most critical parts of translation work. He read of the woman who'd been hemorrhaging for 12 years and Jesus' response to her. After Pushpi finished reading a woman began groaning and said, "If only Jesus were here, He could heal me." Pushpi responded that Jesus was with them right then and could heal her if she believed. Al didn't know the outcome of that woman, but he said as Pushpi shared all of this he looked back again at his mud-stained feet and pants and thought "How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who bring good news." I love that story and I still cry when I think of it. What a beautiful example of the Lord using the lowly to further His Kingdom.



After our worship service was done a large group of us travelled out to see the village where Mike and Cheryl lived the first 5 years in Peru. It's called Shellia (but I never did find out the correct spelling) and actually is not far from Huaraz. It's at the base of Huascaran and just beautiful. We saw the Miller's old house. Ben was only 2 at the time and they were there until he was 7. Kaitlyn was only a baby and was three by the time they left and moved into Huaraz. I had never gone to Shellia during my entire year in Huaraz. I did spend one night in a village called Wino ("we know"), but that's fantastic story for another time. So it was great to see where they had orginally lived. In the pictures below there is a small, very old Quechua woman that Mike knew--Senora Victoria. He spoke with her for a few minutes and it was sweet to watch them interact. You can see how small she is next to Mike (who's not overly tall). She reminded me of a hobbit, actually. Mike introduced her to his brother David--who is significantly taller than Mike. She looked at him and said, "what a giant man!" Mike translated from Quechua for the rest of us of course. Then he pointed out Benjamin to her. In one picture, he's describing Ben being a small boy and then look at him now. She did remember him. There are not many white-haired, white-skinned boys in a Quechua village as you might guess. She was amazed at how tall he is now. It was for dear souls such as she that God sent the Millers to put His word into Huaylas Quechua. We walked around a bit more and then headed back home.

Regarding the pictures: #1 Walking down the path to the Miller's old house in Shellia. #2 The Millers in front of the old house--Heather, Ben, Kaitlyn, Mike, Carly, Jon #3 Senora Victoria #4 & 5 Talking about Ben as a toddler and then looking to him now as a grown man. #6 Shellia countryside #7 Leaving the village #8 Meat hanging in someone's courtyard, mmm...pig #9 Nothing says clean laundry like free-roaming chickens


















Later that night many people (including all the Miller clan who were heading north to a beach house for a few days) loaded onto buses bound for Lima and then home. I spent Monday in Huaraz and was able to visit with some Peruvian friends that I lived with for a few weeks back in1995. Their daughter is a few years younger than me and we were close friends. Paola lives in Switzerland now with her Swiss husband. I was very sad not to see her, but it was a delight to visit with her parents. Being alone a good portion of the day was very good for me though. Without so many dear friends to visit with and so many activities to be running off to, I felt a great desire to go home. I really missed Adrian and my daughters. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to remember that my life is with my family. I love Peru--especially Huaraz, but without the people I love there, I cannot stay. It was a good time of closure. I don't know if I will ever return to Peru. I hope that one day I can return with my whole family, but if not, I am content. God has given me so much and I am so thankful. On Monday night I rode the bus down to Lima for my flight on Tuesday afternoon. Everything was smooth and painless. As an added gift, it was clear as we flew up the coastline of Peru. I got to see the whole Cordillera Blanca as I left. I arrived in D.C. at 2:30am and was met by my cousin, Elaine. What a woman to pick me up at such an inconvenient time! We went back to her home for about two hours before I left for the train station. I didn't actually get out of the airport until closer to 4 with customs, etc. I got on the train and left at 7:30. Adrian picked me up at noon in Newport News and I was home. How sweet to see him again. What an amazing husband to let me go so far for so long while he stayed home with the girls! I cannot tell you how many people said to me, "You're husband is staying home with the girls for a ten days!" They were beyond amazed and told me how great he is. I agree 100%. I left again at 7pm and headed to Nags Head where the girls were with my mom's family at a cottage. It was a joy to see them too. I am glad to be home.



Me with Marco and Marlene Monday evening

So ends my ramblings of my trip to Peru. Thank you to so many of you that helped me get there. Every prayer was answered with abundant blessing. There were no problems of any kind. It was a opportunity of a lifetime for me.

New Testament Dedication!

Saturday, August 4, finally arrived. It was the culmination of decades of labor from many, many people. The first ladies to enter the Huaylas valley came in the 1960s. Trial after trial prevented much from being accomplished. Mike and Cheryl Miller arrived in the early 80s with one child, Benjamin (2 yrs. old at the time). Mike and Cheryl laid down their lives for the Huaylas Quechuas. They endured the terrorism of the Shining Path (personally directed at them a few times), raising a family (that eventually grew to four children), and countless obstacles that come just from being in a foreign country and working with a foreign government. Far and away the deepest valley for the Miller family was Cheryl's battle with cancer and being called home to the Lord in August 1998. We all loved Cheryl and it was so painful to say good-bye. But God is ever faithful and brought Heather to be Mike's new wife. After a brief time, Mike and Heather were able to return to Huaraz and the translation picked up speed again.
It was for this very event that coming back to Peru was so meaningful for me. I, of course, did not participate in the translation at all. But I love Peru, I love Huaraz and I love the Quechuas. They are a precious people. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to return to celebrate this huge testimony of God's faithfulness to this group of people.
The dedication began with a parade that led down the main street of Huaraz until it came to the area where the festivities were held. So we dressed up and all walked together. Many Quechuas came from surrounding villages. They were dressed in their best traditional clothing and were singing and playing music. As an aside, there were several men (who I am sure helped to plan the parade) that we labeled "The Parade Nazis." They cracked me up. We--Miller group and associated missionaries and friends--were at the tail end of a long parade and the Parade Nazis kept yelling at us, "Fila, Fila!" meaning walk in a straight line (of which there were three). We laughed and didn't do a good job staying in a straight line. Anyway, the ceremony was long and wonderful and very emotional. Many people spoke, musical groups performed and the New Testament was officially given out to key people. After the formal portion was over, the Americans were able to serve lunch to all the Quechuas in attendance. That was wonderful. Approximately 3,000 people were there. There were massive cauldrons of potatoes, various meats and a sauce to go on top. It was a long day but what an honor to celebrate God's word in the heart language of these people.
I left eventually, but the Quechuas (and none of the Americans--it wasn't our party truly) stayed and sang and danced until 3am. They may be the poor of the Earth, but they know how to throw down. :)


I am so proud of and excited for the entire translation team that have finished this huge task. I truly hope they feel God's, "Well done, good and faithful servant." What a blessing to be a part of such a special event.



Regarding the pictures: #1 The parade--note the lines. #2 Kaitlyn, me and Carly--Miller girls in the parade. #3 Mike and Heather in Quechua finery. #4 Mike speaking at the Dedication. #5 & 6 Quechuas purchasing their own copies of the New Testament. The most precious thing I witnessed. They only cost 10 soles (about $3) but it is a tremendous sacrifice for them, especially since most are illiterate. #7 The translation team: bottom row--Ade and Rachel Yanac and their baby Danny, Carly, Ben, Mike and Heather Miller; top row--Yepo, Jon Miller, Tim, Pushpi and Kaitlyn Miller.

Churup

On Friday, August 3 we hiked to Lake Churup. It is a spectacular hike and it was my favorite during my time there before. It's not especially easy though. It starts at about 12,000 ft. and climbs to 14,000. There are also several rock faces that require some climbing--nothing significant, but still you have to climb up them. I was really eager to do the hike, but I didn't know if we could manage it having only been in the altitude for 24 hours. It would be a true challenge. We planned to go slow and do our best. So we set out about 10:30. It took us 3 hours to get all the way to the lake. But it was so worth it! The entire hike is one breath-taking view. There were several portions where I had to go just a few steps and then stop for a couple of minutes. But we made it to the top. I love Lake Churup because it's right at the base of Churup (the mountain) and the water is electric blue. It's dazzling and no picture can ever do it justice. It was also FREEZING at the top. We were up there about an hour--ate lunch, took a lot more pics and then headed down. It's so much easier on your lungs but way harder on your knees and thighs to come down. Gravity was pulling much faster than I wanted to go over some of those rocks. We made it to the bottom in 2 hours and were very happy to ride in the van back home. I am not sure I have ever been dirtier. I am still working on getting the black out of my sweatshirt. But it was worth every difficult moment. We had such an excellent time. What an awesome thing to be surrounded by such enormous mountains and remember that our foundation in the Lord is more secure than even they--that He crafted them with His very hands.

OK, there are a lot of pictures so I wil narrate through them. #1 The very beginning of the hike looking into the Quilquay Wanca Valley (next one over from the lake). #2 Me on a big boulder about 10 min. into the hike (we needed a little breather). #3 Me again slightly farther up the hill. #4 Looking up towards the end of the hike with Mt. Churup in the background. #5 Me almost done with the inital hill, but getting closer--the mountains are looking bigger. #6 The only flat part of the hike--what everyone lives for at this point. #7 Looking at the final stage--climbing up the rocks. #8 Me and Kaitlyn. If you notice the background we're almost to the top. There's only one large spot yet to climb. #9 BEAUTIFUL Lake Churup! We made it to the top. #10 All the freezing-cold girls. You can see here how close the lake is to the base of the snow line though. It is really cool. #11 Starting back down. Ben helping Carly in a spot with little hand/foot holds. (what a good big brother). #12 Me climbing down. #13 Finished! Everyone in our group was extremely happy to be here.

Huaraz

Well, actually I am back in the U.S. but since I didn't have time to write during my trip I will update you now. The bus ride up to Huaraz on Wednesday night was fine although I didn't sleep much of the trip. We went over the puna (pass) to get back down into the Huaylas valley where Huaraz is located just as the sun was rising. The valley runs north-south and the snow-capped mountains are to the east. The snow-caps could just be made out. I started crying. It was so special to be home. We got into Huaraz a short time later. The hotel where I stayed with the Miller family was really lovely. The dining room had huge panoramic windows that looked out onto the Cordillera Blanca (snow-caps) specifically Huascaran. Huascaran is the biggest mountain in Peru at 22,205ft. Huaraz is 10,500ft. above sea level. I never suffered from the altitude which was just one of the countless blessings during this trip. The first day was mostly unscheduled and everyone rested and then went to an open-house for the Americans after lunch. The open-house was very enjoyable. I saw many people from Wycliffe that I had not seen in 12 years. What an amazing reunion! The sweetest being with all of the Miller kids. I had not seen Kaitlyn or Benjamin in 7 years. From the first moment it was as if we'd never been separated. We immediately functioned as a unit and our time together was infinitely rich.
Huaraz itself has grown considerably since I left in June 1995. Shortly after I left a mining company came in and opened several mines. The town grew a lot as a result and tourism increased also. So I heard that 90,000 live in Huaraz proper now as compared to the 30,000 when I was there. Mostly this meant a lot more traffic and lights (there used to be just one), an endless stream of taxis, and lots of restaurants (yummy!). In a lot of ways though Huaraz is still the same. It felt good to be back.

Regarding the pictures: (top) all the Millers kids (including me!) together again--me, Kaitlyn, Jon, Ben & Carly; (bottom) Huascaran with a portion of Huaraz below.