Welcome to the Peruvian Amazon Jungle! Just a few weeks ago I was on the Caribbean coast of Colombia; now I’m in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by a very different kind of water. No longer is it the beautiful blue ocean, but it has a unique beauty of its own. You know, God always speaks to me through nature. Seeing the drastic changes in scenery speaks to me about a colorful, creative God. And to think that He paints all the beautiful sunsets we have ever seen just because He enjoys romancing us! THAT amazes me. Quote from my mom: “We ALWAYS have beautiful sunsets here!"
I arrived here on July 15th. Sometime in the first few days when I was at the grocery store something hit me. I realized that I was finally here, and I started wondering if I had made the right decision. I know that I made the right decision, but when you start letting your emotions get in the way, you start doubting things that God has already made really clear. I was moping around the grocery store, not wanting really to buy anything. Does that make sense? I guess it is just a big change, and because the first few days I was not really busy, it gave me time to think, and that is not always a good idea in times like these. = ) I had thoughts like "What did I get myself into? Do I really want to be here?" I feel a lot better now. I prayed and cried a night through and woke up feeling a lot better. Changes are good, but not easy.
For the next few weeks I will be visiting different churches in Iquitos to "test" the services. I want to find a place I can call home. I am NOT going to my parents’ church. Besides the fact that it is just not my style, I just don't want to go down that road. I don't want to be known as the "daughter of" anyone! I have about 5-6 churches to visit.
This past Saturday we had a meeting with the people that are going to China. Exciting times… The ratio is about half girls, half guys. Back in December, it looked as though I was going to be one of the only girls. I am really glad to see a good number of girls stepping up to the plate. I am looking forward to getting to know them better.
The building we now have is roughly 12,000 sq. ft. We are contemplating buying 5,000 more sq. ft. from the neighbor next door. My dad mentioned some of his ideas for the space, and asked me to come up with a rough draft of a design including his specifications. I am having a fun time designing the space. I never studied architecture or construction, but I always have had a fascination to create something out of nothing in empty spaces.
I have been putting together the initial stuff for the arts academy that will be starting in March 2009, and let me tell you, it is a lot of work! Well, enough about all this. This e-mail is getting really long. I gotta get back to doing some more real work! Next month I promise to tell you more about the arts academy planning.
Thank you so much for all your love and support through the se initial 6 months. You all have meant the world to me. For all you facebook maniacs, feel free to contact me that way too.
*Prayer requests:
1. That God would continue to lead and comfort me in this new season of my life. New place... New friends… Having to leave friends behind in Cartagena...
2. My monthly financial support. The costs for my trip to China is cutting into some of my safety cushion. Also the costs of getting myself set up here add up. Please pray to see if this is an area where God might want you to participate with me.
3. Please pray for China and the team going there. Tender hearts on both sides of the spectrum.
BLESS YOU GUYS!!! Your sister, daughter, granddaughter, friend… am I leaving anything out?
Sylvia
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