Ever felt overflowed? Ever been swept away in goodness? Ever been caught up in the wave of bounty? Ever known the overwhelming blessing of Jesus?


That is kinda how it has been lately. These days have been filled to more than max capacity. There is no denying that Jesus is good. It is not in the material sense that you see this happening, but in something far greater and more important. 


"I have been blessed, God's so good to me, precious are His thoughts of you and me.  No way I could count them there's not enough time, so I'll just thank Him for being so kind.  God has been good, so good.  I have been blessed."

No matter how many things get tossed your way, in the end do they really matter? Life is hard, life is rough, life isn't fair. Yes, we could dwell on those things. We could look at the hardness and darkness around us and let it consume us. We could have a cynical attitude and be justified in it. But why would you want to live your life that way? Why would you choose to look at life with that perspective? There may be some that will tell me that I am trying to ignore the fact of the reality of life. No, I understand it all very well. I am not ignorant of the evil around me and the dismal state of the nations. But I know what is coming, I know that there is life. I know that If you choose to find the beauty that you will find it. I choose to see the good triumph over evil. I choose to see the dawn after the darkness. I choose to see the beauty in the ashes. I choose life.

So, put yourself there on a street, passing out tracks to every single person that passes you-watch them as they stop in their tracks to read it. Open up your arms to hold a young child and listen to the mother ask for you to just please take the child because you can offer a better life. Be there for a young teenage mother, pray for her and listen to her story and allow her to shed her tears. Shake the hand of a gang leader, see the arms covered in marks from his past, look up into eyes and find them searching yours for hope. Allow yourself to be tugged at by a young child wanting to bestow a kiss on your cheek. Be pulled into the crowd of music and dance and song, join in with them as they throw their heads back to laugh. Watch the dark and lonely streets from the window of your bus, see the people searching for fulfillment. Laugh and sing along with the people, who have known sorrow and joy. This is Peru.

Hola! ¿Cómo estás? Mi nombre es Libby, mucho gusto!

We have arrived!  Chicago to San Salvador to Peru in one day can take your breath away. We left head quarters at about midnight (Sunday morning) and flew out around 3 am!!! I have to say that nothing can beat the birds eye view of the sunrise. I was struck speechless as the captivating beauty arose right in front of me.

Once we arrived in Peru we were greeted by old friends and taken to our hotel. We had some time to wash our sleep depraved faces and breath for a bit before we headed out. Meeting in the lobby is a hilarious sight, I know that it must be. All of us being coralled together as Mr. Maddix shouts out our directions above the chaotic clamor. The hustle and bustle of it all is enough to engergize you for a week straight. The rate my adreneline has been pumping, I think I should be good for the rest of the month!

We went to the Missionary Alliance church and were welcomed by the beat of little feet on the pavement. The children perfomed a traditional dance for us and decorated our suits with hand made pins. We were embraced and welcomed like the best of long lost friends. The service began and the air was thick with anticipation of what was going to happen. We were all called up to the front as Mr. Gothard proceeded to share his heart with the people of the church. It was an amazing sight to see-the entire building looked as if stuffed any more it surely would burst at its seams. A few of us shared our testimony and the entire group sang a couple of the old favorites :) After the service ended (two hours later) we were once again emersed in a sea of arms hugging us and faces lit up with smiles. Dinner was provided for us there in a tent set up outside the church. We laughed and talked, each action filled with uncontainable emotions of joy and excitement.


This morning we woke up and enjoyed a fresh cup of Peruvian coffee before we headed out the door to the Presidential school. Ont he way we prepared for what was fast approaching-teaching character. By preparing I guess you could actually say, praying. It was something we could only 'prepare' for so much and the rest was up to God. We usually fly by the seat our pants and that is exactely what we did today. We met in a large assembly with kids ranging in age from 13-16. The first lesson of the day was about attentiveness. we taught the definition along with a song and other attention grabbing pointers. We broke for lunch and met back around 2 something. (I don't even remember the hours that flew by today) The kids grouped back up after eating and we introduced the quality of forgiveness. We reviewed the first part of the day and then we gave a chalk talk about how bad things in our life can be ment and used for good. From there we were seperated into small groups that had about 45 min to teach more in depth and personalize it as well. It was INCREDIBLE! Being able to spend that time with the kids up close and personal was absolutley priceless! It was hard when it was time to go, even though we had spent literally the entire day there, it just didn't seem like enough time. But we have an open door to come back when ever we are able to! Is that not amazing?!

So, of course dinners here are never just dinners, they are more like an event. 'Chino' was the food of choice this evening. It may surprise you that there is an abundance of chinese food here in Peru. It's amazing in every single way you could ever imagine!

Well, seeing as it is incredibly not the earliest bed time hour, I should probably go. It has awesome sharing with you just a glimpse into the first day of our time here in Peru. Sorry that there are no pictures yet, that will have to be for another time. Don't worry, I have taken plenty just today :)

Be blessed and continue praying!!!!

Specifics-
Alisa Price is very sick
Meetings tomorrow with Minister of Women
Health conference

Today is the day. in twelve hours we will be packing up and heading to O'Hare airport. People are every where here doing last minute practices, collating the ever important business cards, and catching up on final work projects. I bet if I were to take a poll of the people here, the majority would not yet even be packed. God is pretty amazing pulling us all together and even when it seems impossible, He accomplishes it all for us. I know that He will provide the exact amount of time that is needed to complete everything necessary.

Alright, so here is little preview of Peru. It is located in western South America. It is surrounded by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and the Pacific Ocean is on its coast. If you know anything about the Incas then you know a bit about Peru. This is where the Inca Empire was located, the Incas ruled there until they were conquered by the Spanish Empire. However, they did gain independence in 1821 from Spain.

Peru is divided into three distinct regions- coast, mountains, and jungle. Lima, the capital, is the fifth largest city in Latin America. This is where we will be staying while we are there. We also will be visiting Callao, Lima's seaport.

Okay, so there is just a very brief overview of Peru. Really it didn't even scratch the surface, but at least you know where it is!

Continue praying. May He be glorified.

The months turned to weeks, the weeks to days, and soon the day will be hours. The count down for Peru is soon coming to an end! It seems like just last week we were in Peru. Time has now come for us to head back to the people there that we had so quickly become attached to.

What am I most excited about?! Seeing the faces of those we had embraced as we left to come back. Hearing the unfamiliar, yet wonderful sounds of those in a different tongue. Smelling the air filled with ocean mist and mountain haze. Feeling the beat of the hearts as you hold them in your lap.

This time we are taking a group of about 50. Mostly it will be those that are head quarters, some will be joining us from Texas, Canada, and Mexico. Our last trip to Peru was a group of about 21 young people and Mr. Gothard. You can here a report of that last trip here- Peru Report.There is a place to sign up to be part of a prayer team that receives updates.

Our goal this time, as a group, is to be involved in many schools and teach character. Mr. Gothard is also going to be meeting with many groups of people. We will be staying in the same place as last time and will be there for a week.

I am nervous and excited at the same time. Thrilled with what lays ahead. I know it is a tough battle and it's been going on for a long time. Pray hard and fight for His people. Pray for boldness, pray for the enemy to be bound, pray for ears to be opened, pray for fear to vanish, pray for glory to be made known.

Anyways, God is just too cool in His red t shirt and faded jeans wouldn’t you agree?

Words escape me. None come to mind. I had in my mind to type, to release, to let the words fall out. But as I sit here nothing comes out. Is it too terrible to write? No. Is it a secret? No. It is something far greater, something beyond what words can capture. I fear typing to put it into words because I may take away from the glory of it all.

Let me just ask this-have you ever witnessed a miracle? Have you ever tasted the bitter sweetness of Him? Have you ever heard a cry of victory ring out clear through the Heavens? Have you ever wept so hard you thought that you would collapse? Have you ever been so wasted and empty yet filled to overflowing at the same time? These are just a few things that I can put into words taht have happened just over the past couple days.

What is it? Why so many dramatic things all thrown together? I don't have an explanation for you, I can't even tell you the reason. I know that what I have been in is His glory. It is a thing that I fear and am in awe of. Some thing I never want to pass me by. It is too awesome for words and too wonderful to paint you a picture.

Jesus is powerful. He is faithful. My Savior takes interest and delights in us. I know He is Sovereign. May He be praised and lifted high.

In the midst of glory how can you not be in awe? When you come face to face with the reality of the awesome power and majesty of the Holy One, how can you not praise Him?!




Today as we stepped into the Garden of the Gods my breath was taken away. But then it hit me, even though these rocks were amazing I would not allow them to cry out first. I can imagine that they could echo their cry across the universe, but today was not their day. It was ours to proclaim His majesty.



Coming back after the portrait session we were once again filled to max capacity with a tons of information. Learning about how powerful an image can be was incredible. It's like music, you can control a persons emotions by a few lines of a melody. And with just a mixture of color and a subject you can captivate a person through photography. Realizing that you hold so much sway over a person's emotions was something that blew me away. Going from that aspect and then to learning about landscape photography was, to me, fitting. Being able to portray the glory of Jesus in and through His creation was powerful to learn about.



On the way to the final shooting location I was completely struck by His goodness. It was been prominent in every aspect of the week so far. He has shown Himself in so many ways that normally you wouldn't even take the time to notice. We arrived at our destination to the golden glow of the sun about to set. It stole your breath as you were enveloped in the fading light. His goodness was there among us, and tomorrow is another day!
 

The next event that was to happen was going to visit the jail for women. Mr. Gothard had a conflicting schedule with ours so he had to leave and head to his meeting. I don't know if you have ever visited a prison before. I never had before this. I can not forget it. In order to even enter the prison you had to make sure to have a valid photo identification. Our passports were collected and we stretched out our arms to receive a black visitor stamp to stain our skin. We were warned not to rub it off, it was our only pass out of the prison once we entered. Next we were lead to the security screening room. We were going to be handing out blankets and gloves, the boxes had to be opened. I won't forget the sight of the prison guard waving around a butcher knife and slicing into the boxes. This wasn't a place to mess around in. We were lead through the metal detector and one by one we entered a small hall with doors on either side to be patted down by a guard. As soon as we were clear we were allowed out to head to the women. A large courtyard was soon in view and filled with many women, we passed by them and came to the mothers section. A small room was lined with chairs along the walls. Each chair seated a mother with her child. One by one we embraced and shared love with them. Soon our arms were filled with bundles of babies. The weight of the child is not even an issue, your arms my grow weak but you hold on tighter. The mothers watch you hold their child, their eyes never leave you as you walk around the room. We sang and shared testimonies along with handing out soft blankets and gloves. One thing you must be aware of in this prison. If you have a baby or toddler, they are kept along with you in the prison so that you may take care of them. However, once the child reaches the age of three, the child is then turned over to the orphanage. You are only permitted to see your child once a year there after. We saw the raw reality of that as we sang to a little girl and she tried to run out of the room. We couldn't understand why she was trying to run out, until they explained to us that it was her third birthday. Today would be the last day that she got to spend with her mother. It was unbelievable to see these children and know that soon they would be considered an orphan and sent away. That knowledge haunted us as we had to leave the room and head out to the courtyard. The masses of women were not your typical women-these women were hard, bitter, angry, sad, desperate, cold and withdrawn. This was to be a 'celebration' day. Music had been playing as singers were on the stage singing words foreign to my ears. We were lead up to the stage and as we turned and faced them a wave of faces hit you. A lady introduced us and we sang for them twice and I was allowed to share with them. As I spoke I looked into eyes, a few looked away but more held my gaze and some filled with tears. Our time was now up and we filed off the stage and hurriedly passed out tracks to the women and embraced them. Many gathered and asked for prayer, David was able to bless them and pray for them and speak love and truth into their lives. As we left the jail and the door slammed shut we were left without words. We were shaken by the lives of women who were locked away. The women we had just been with where drug dealers, addicts, thieves, and murderers. Only words uttered in prayer could come out as we rode along in the bus to our next stop.


Pulling into Lima there was still no set schedule. We had no idea what we were headed into. Teofilo told us that we must not take anything that we couldn't hold on tight to. So, many of us left out cameras in the bus and piled out. Walking was now the choice of transportation. It was such an amazing change to actually be able to walk the streets! All of us were to have a 'buddy' as we paraded around in our suits and high heels. We turned corners and passed shops until we suddenly opened a door and were stepping into the Presidential Palace! This, ladies and gentlemen, was a complete shock. Well, at least to me, cause if they had announced it to us I completely missed out on the memo. We were lead into a room where Mr. Gothard a few other from our team were already gathered around. From the hall we stepped into El Salon Dorado, the place where many guests are received and where the President was going to be doing an event later on in the day. The Salon opened up to el Salon Tupac Amaru, a large room with had a fireplace and a gigantic table lined with chairs. In here were huge windows, as we looked out the windows our attention was captivated by the motocross display out in the streets. Bikers were racing on the track, taking the jump and doing magnificent tricks in the air before they landed. It was told that the President was going to be hosting this event the next day. Come to find out he used to race too! Finally we were pealed away and came into El Gran Hall. This halls doors were the front doors to the palace. The doors were opened and we snapped a picture of us all lined up on the front steps. As we walked inside one of the racers was headed in. His name, we came to soon find out, was Martin. he originally came from the Czech Republic. We talked for a while and got a picture with him. Mr. Gothard shared Jesus with him and Martin prayed and acknowledged Him as his Savior! By this time the rest of the group was in Elgran Comedor. This was a ornate dining room that had even hosted our President Bush when he had visited Peru! It was absolutely amazing to walk in the beauty of it all.

By this time we really hadn't eaten at all and were pretty hungry by now. A quick stop at a local burger place held us over as we raced to the bus yet again. This time we would be taken to a local Christian television show. Mr. Gothard was to be interviewed and we were to be recorded as we sang. Hop out of the bus and walk down a hall, enter the building and follow the way to the recording room. All of us were lined up and told NOT to look at the camera, "Pretend there is an audience out there" is what they told us. They had us do two takes of it and then we were lead upstairs to where Mr. G. was interviewing. A few of the girls recorded their testimony before we all had to go stand in the back of Mr. G as he finished interviewing. There was a short amount of time that we had, so as soon as we were finished we had to go into the bus once again and go to dinner!

Another day, this one starting out with a school. Not really knowing what to expect we piled out of the bus and headed straight to the kids. They were lined up in rows according to their grades. Each grade had their own uniform to distinguish them apart. We were introduced and then the music began, classical, and the mimes appeared on stage. The children had prepared a mime for us, not just one but two!

They were absolutely brillant and kept us bent in half from laughing so much. We gave a standing ovation for them as they exited the stage. Mr. Gothard was given the rest of the program and began at once to captivate their attention. David was called to give a story....he began with electric energy and intruige. The children leaned in as the suspense mounted. It was acted out by a few of our team members.

It ended all to soon. as we were whisked away to lunch. The lunch was held at a yach club and we were right out on the water as we ate more fish and Peruvian potatoes :) The place that we ate on was a deck that extended out into the water. THe view was breath taking. For a moment the sun actually peaked out and kissed us with its warmth. It only lasted for a brief moment, but it was thouroghly enjoyed non the less. Meals in Peru last for what seems like eternity. You sit and talk, then appetizers are brought. You eat the appetizers and talk and drink. First course follows and you talk and drink more as you are trying to consume the food before you. Then MORE food is brought (come to find out that this is the main dish) you take a deep breath and dive in, coming up for air only to do more talking and drinking. You can barely move by now and yet you are still expected to talk and drink more! The plates are cleared and then dessert! Usually not just one, but two or three!

"This morning was a riot" (Mr G. quote) It is a bit clearer why Jesus preached from a boat. You may not know the powerful force that people can become. Did you know that you can be forced not to move because of the pressure of bodies pressing against you? Now, you may be thinking adult size mob-no, I am here to say that the mob made up of children is the most powerful. To know beforehand what wouldhappen=lets just say that nothing could've prepared us for what happened. We arrived at a school-as we got out of the bus tromones and cheers danced in the air. A pathway was made out of eager hands waiting to be shook and bodies to embrace. Everything was like crazy chaos=I went down the line and was almost to the end when the assault began. First only a few small bodies reshed out of line to embrace my legs(for that is only what their height would lallow) But then the avalanch hit-I was being pulled, tugged, grasped at-there was literally no way out and that was okay. But finally the gaurd reached through and literally yanked me through as she shouted order back to the children. We were lined up on the front row of chairs. So much beautiful noise rang out that it didn't matter that you couldn't even think straight. We sang the national anthemn while te school band banged out along with us. The presentations began-dance after dance after dance. Colors swirling together in harmony. More arms reaching! This time puliing me out along with other to the dancing coutyard. We were the accesories to these twirling skirts and tapping feet...The rush of it all as we are seated again. Another dance-and another hand pulling out out-this time to actually dance with the one who choose me. There are no words to describe it=none at all. None do justice to what that moment was like.




It ended all too soon. as we were whisked away to lunch. The lunch was held at a yach club and we were right out on the water as we ate more fish and Peruvian potatoes :)

Goodmorning! Wow, just when you think nothing else could happen that could be more amazing than what has already happened, it does! This day starts with 300. 300 chairs for 300 pastors. Pastors from various denominations. Men and women from not just Lima but other citys as well. Some traveled hours to come to the meeting! It was incredible to see them all in one place. People that most likely wouldn't be together for any other reason, but brought together for the same purpose-Jesus Christ. We were given the entire time to minister to them. From greeting at the door, passing out handouts, setting up booksales, to just walking around and speaking to them before it began. So get this though-it was being filmed for their national television station. So not were we just reaching these 300 pastors, Jesus allowed us to reach to the unknown numbers! It was amazing to see them take in all the information that Mr. Gothard was sharing with them. They were in rapt attention as they listened to him share truth from the Truth.




We left the meeting and went straight to lunch at Teoflios house. Many people were they to enjoy the food, people, and the sun! Yes!!! The sun was shining fiercely as we sat out in their little courtyard. These meal times are becoming just an amazing time of learning from all these people that are hosting us. They are sharing their lives, stories of love and hurt and transformation. Incredible-only Jesus Christ can be glorified in it all.



After eating the fill that could last for the rest of the day, we split the group. About five went to visit an official with Col. Tanner. The rest of us went to visit the woman who is in charge of the womans department. We listened to her as she shared her passion. The passion of protecting those that are abused, used, left alone after becoming pregnant. She told us that their are 190,000 teen pregnancies in a year here. They are trying to offer programs to help these young woman, even the young children that are abused along with them.



Now imagine this-dimly lit street, traffic sounds blaring, haze hanging in the air and 50 boys off the street all together. We really didn't know what was going to come from this next stop. As you step into the open air courtyard there they are, lined up in rows just waiting and not knowing what to expect. Hands extended, you reach out and pour love upon love on them. It shocks them at first, do they accept this? Is it a show or genuine? Yes, genuine Jesus love that loves the unlovely and beraggled. It's like one of those shock waves that explodes and rushes powerfully over the place. That, my friends is the holy power of God. Singing, laughter bounced off the cold walls and flew out into the air. I know that if we could have really SEEN what was happening we would have been blinded by the pure light of His love that was blazing from within. It was so thick with the sweetness of the Spirit of the Lord. The boys were lead to a cry for Jesus to redeem their lives and set them free from sin and acknowledge Him as their Lord and King. It began as a steady prayer and then burst forth into an all out cry! They raised their voices and I couldn't help but lift my hands to praise Him. I watched them as they were speaking to their new Father-I will never forget the one standing just off center. He was being known by Love for the first time, tears poured out and fell into the hands of His King. It was time to leave and we were blown away to say the least. Speechless-no words could come to us, only those of adoration to Jesus. We have all decided that we will come back and see all our new brothers.



The last event for the day was, well what else would it be? Dinner. I must admit that Peruvians know who to eat!!!!! The choice of cuisine- Chinese-with a Peruvian twist. Duck was one of the main courses. Just when you think that you have recieved all the food they could ever put on the table, you are informed that it was only the appetizers!!! Maybe we will learn are lesson some day...... But along with our food we were entertained by the dancers who presented many differenct dances from the regions of Peru. At the end of the dinner we were each presented with a gift from one of the men that was hosting us. We were shocked at the generosity-wow, that word doesn't even describe it. Who are we to be given so much? The only way is Jesus. We have nothing good in and of ourselves-but these people must recognize Jesus. He is good beyond measure.