Volunteer Profile

Though I am Weak; You are Strong
I have been struggling here. I feel myself alone most of the time. I can be in crowded room and feel by myself. This has been very hard for me. I have been crying out but no one hears my tears. I have been trying to open up to the people around me, but my heart will not let them in. No matter how hard I try I have discovered it is God alone that can pull me through this storm and bring me up on the other side.
In 1 Peter 4:12-19 is stated:

“Dear Friends, do not be surprised at the painful trail you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, or the Spirit of Glory and of God rest on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer of thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, if it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”

As hard as this place may be sometimes…or as much as I hate this place…..and as much as I miss my friends and family ….I am reminded constantly that I am here for the work of the Lord. And through him anything is possible. Please continue to pray for me and the struggles I am dealing with. I can truly feel the devil grabbing hold to the weak edges. I am tired, weak, lonely, and scared….but I know through the power of prayer and me constantly seeking God I can do this day by day.

You Know You Have Been In The Jungle Way To Long When...
-You forget what language you're supposed to be speaking in.

-You know it's time to go to bed because Spanish just doesn't come anymore.

-You can't walk down the street without hearing "Todo Javier Prado, Todo Arequipa, or Todo Universitaria"

-"Sí pues, ya pues, pucha, bacan, and chevere" are part of your daily vocabulary.

-You can no longer speak or write in English or Spanish, but you're fluent in Spanglish.

-Indoor heating is a luxury, a thing of the past.

-You've learned to ignore whistles, catcalls, honking, and other random gestures of interest from the majority of males walking down the street.

-PDA is rampant!

-Plain white rice and potatoes have become a staple in your diet.

-It's normal to eat supper at 9 at night.

-Social events starting at midnight are the norm rather than the exception.

-It's okay to live with your parents until you're 30 or married.

-It's not uncommon to pull out your dictionary in the middle of the class to understand the professor.

-You've been told by your professor that you can use a dictionary on the test.

-You've been asked at least once to speak in English because they can't understand your Spanish.

-Every taxi driver apparently thinks they are fluent in English.

-Everyone is shocked when they figure out you actually speak Spanish.

-You've been complimented on your Spanish by a vendor hoping to make a sale.

-You actually pay attention to the exchange rate.

-Every stranger assumes you're rich because you're a gringo/a.

-You've learned from personal experience not to eat or drink anything unpurified.

-You develop a dislike for all things Chilean and you know that Pisco is Peruvian, not Chilean.

-You have to buy cards to recharge your cell phone on a weekly basis.

-You've learned that International mail is unreliable.

-When you're talking about your family, you have to clarify between your Peruvian family and your family back home. And when you say home, you have to clarify which home.

-You start craving foods that you can't buy in Peru or that are insanely overpriced because they're imported from the states.

-You find frogs in your bed and snakes in the toilet

-Its normal to having flooding in your yard about once a week

-People walk around with their shirts off and you don’t find it stange anymore

23rd Birthday Bash



I have one amazing family here in Peru. To start out my birthday day my lovely roomies allowed me to sleep in until 8am. It was amazing!!! Then my beautiful chicas woke me up by singing to me “Happy Birthday” in Spanish and in English. And to top off my morning my amazing partner Nancy made me breakfast in bed. She made blueberry pancakes and had yogurt. And let me tell you blueberries are not easy to find in Peru. They are not even in Iquitos. Nancy called me friend from Arequipa to bring her a can of blueberries to fulfill my birthday wishes.



The rest of the morning and afternoon was spent as alone time with God and me. I received one big present…and that was to skip class for the day to have a day of alone time. God is teaching me so much. I am amazed everyday with his grace and his love!! It is sufficient enough for me always…I have been feeling it a lot lately, with loneliness creeping in, I have been leaning on God more and more each day!

The hardest part of my Birthday was receiving birthday wishes from my mommy and daddy. When they called me it was too hard to hold back my tears. I have been trying to keep up a front (especially for my family) but I just broke down. I miss you all so much. But I am very grateful for all your love and support. It helps me get through the day to know you are all there right by my side.

For lunch my awesome host mom Heather made a Peruvian style confetti cake. She made a white cake (from scratch) and added sprinkles in it and on top of it!! But, much to our surprise the sprinkles melted inside and turned it to globs of sugar. It was really really tasty!!

The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent with my Extreme Family from Arequipa (they are all here for the Iquitos Project this week). I have missed them so much. They always put a smile on my face and now how to make me laugh. We went to the Yellow Rose for dinner. I ate chicken nuggets and french fries. Then they all surprised me with cake and a barber candle!! And bought me ice-cream after, when we walked around downtown for a few hours.

Thank you all for making my birthday wonderful and for always making me feel special!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Christmas and New Years was really different here. Between Chocolatadas, lots of hugs, and burning up dolls. …I think I can finally call myself Peruvian. About a week before Christmas the church I am working with in Modelo had their Christmas program. My partner and I were in charge of the children’s program. We sang songs, played games, acted out the drama of Jesus birth. And topped it off with drinking hot chocolate and eating fruit cake. Now I didn’t like this part very much because for one, I hate fruit cake and second it was 95 degrees out and we were sipping hot liquids. I could of done with out this but all in all it went well. We had over 80 children and 30 parents (non-church goers) come to the service.

For Christmas Eve we went to service and then around 10pm we all headed over to our cluster support family’s house. Where we ate cookies, fruit cake, drank hot chocolate and apple cider, played games, exchanged gifts, had a white elephant gift exchange. Then at midnight we all went around and wished each other a Merry Christmas (hugs and kisses all around). Christmas day we slept in until around 10. And then we prepared a grand American fest for lunch. We had turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, apple pie, pumpkin pie, and lemon pie.

For New Years Eve traditionally the Nazarene church here in Peru has a 5 hour long service to bring in the New Year. However, we decided to compromise—because Americans aren’t used to that much church and the Peruvians wanted to go even longer. So instead we spent about 2 hours in the service and then headed over to Heather’s house where we played games and ate junk food (thanks for the cheese, crackers, and summer sausage Mom and Dad everyone loved it). Then at midnight we spent the time prayers for the upcoming years and how God may use us individually and as a team. Then once again hugs and kisses for all—to bring in the New Year (trust me I think I am set on the hugs and kisses for the rest of the year). We then all gathered around my computer to watch the ball drop in time square and to watch celebrations all over the world. Unfortunately, it was not this year’s ball dropping. I recorded last years and we just pretended it was for 2010. Lastly, to bring in the New Year we shot off fireworks and burned dolls. This is a tradition here. Every New Years each family gathers their old clothing and make a huge doll and burns it after midnight. It symbolizes getting ride of the old and preparing for better things this year. All in all I would have to say this holiday season is one that I will never forget.

God has truly blessed me with this experience. And I find myself praising him through the joyful times and through miserable times. I have learned that each moment is a new opportunity to make an impact in someone’s life. God calls us to be servants to all…who are you serving. My prayers, thoughts, and heart is always with you. May God bless you in 2010 and may you have many wonderful memories with your family and friends.

All my love and so much more,
Kristy Andrews

My first devotion in Spanish
-Galatians 5:13-15 it sates, “You, my brothers, where called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” Here we are once again enforced to serve each other.
-Over the last months I have observed the many differences we have with each other. These differences are not just between the Peruvians and the Americans. But also with in the same Nationality. It hurts me to see us not help other. How can we sit by and let our brother or sister suffer alone. I am at fault as well in this area. God calls us to get out of our own problems and to serve others. We are here to serve our church and the community where it is located. But I think in order to accomplish this we need to first serve each other.
Request:
1) Take sometime (right now) in prayer and silence to see if God brings anyone to your mind that needs your service.
2) Once you have someone in mind please come get a card and write and encouragement to this person
3) Later please sit down with this person and truly listen to their problems
4) Ask how you may help them or how you may pray for them
5) Lastly, I hope that we all may continue to support each other as we continue to understand and grow with each other.
-Durante este mes yo observo mucho diferencias que nostoros tenemos el uno del otro. Estas diferencias no solo entre los Peruanos y Norte Americanos. Tambien con el mismo Nacionalidad. Yo me siento triste cuando nosotros no aydamos a otros y cuando las diferencias nosotros y no hablamos con amor. Como no podemos ayudar a otros cuando nuestros hermanos y hermanas estamos sufriendo. Es mi culpa tambien. Dios nos llama a salir de nuestros propios problemas y servir a otros. Nostros estamos aqui para servir a la iglesias y a las comunidades. Pero yo pienso que para eso primero nosotros nesecitamos servirnos unos a ortos.
Pedido:
1)Toma un tiempo para orar en silencio y Dios puede traer a tu mente a alguien a quien tu puedas ayudar.
2)Cuando tu tienes el nombre de una persona en en tu mente, por favor, puedes dar una carta y escribe plabras de aliento para el o ella.
3)Luego, sientate con esta persona y sinceramente escucha su problemas.
4)Preguntale “como puedo yo ayudarte” y orar por esta persona
5)Finalmente, yo espero que nosotros continuemos apoyandonos unos a otros, comprendiendonos y creciendo en nuestras relaciones.

Im getting there..slowly but surely!!

Breakin down....
Psalm 37:4 Take delight in Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

First off I want to wish you all a Happy late Thanksgiving. I hope you all where able to spend the time with family. I also hope that you took some time to reflect on your life and took sometime to thank God for the blessings in your life.

I celebrated Thanksgiving in Arequipa before we left for Iquitos. It was lovely…we had chicken, potatoes, stuffing, apple pie, and pumpkin pie. After dinner we played games, sang songs, and went around the table and said what we are thankful for… “I know that I really grateful for my family and friends at home. I think about you often. I pray that through this experience God may touch you life. And that you may start each day in his presence.” Below is a picture of our grand fest.




It’s hard to believe that I just finished my first course in Spanish (Cultural Anthropology). I’m not going to lie it has not been easy at all. I struggle each day….understanding the language, being away from family and friends. But I try to deal with each situation as it comes along. I am, for the first time in my life, living for the moment. There is no way I could get through the day if I was worrying about tomorrow. I know that God will provide for me needs when he sees fit.

Here is an insert from my daily journal. Culture shock is hitting and it’s hitting hard. But I will not let the devil get the best of me. I must find strength in the Lord and give him praise for the little things in life. Each morning is a new opportunity, a new start…a fresh beginning to live for him. 11/23/09 “I’ve prayed and prayed…you have stripped me bare! You have poured me out! Who is left but you Father? What do I have to cling to now but you”? The next morning I opened my bible to start my devotions and God provided me the support I needed. Psalm 73:25 “whom do I have in heaven but you”? I find my self be broken once again. Brining brought to my knees at the wonder of God. I am told it is a process every missionary goes through while getting settled on the field. God rips off the layers of our hearts and builds us up from the ground. He molds us into the person we need to be for him. God does not call the equipped but rather calls on those who are not equipped so that he may train them himself.

Yesterday, we worked with our first community. We spent the whole day outside of Iquitos in the Jungle. Let me tell you, you have not truly lived until you have taken a boat ride in the Amazon River and travel through Gods creation in 95 degree weather with 100 percent humidity. But I really did enjoy. No matter how tired I was or how hot I was God kept on showing his presence to me. We played games, presented dramas, and preached to over 100 kids and 30 parents. I know this is where I am supposed to be. I know God has given me a gift. And that is to love on the people around me. God has reconfirmed that my heart is with the children. Below is a group of girls that (literally) hung on me all day. I do love them and pray for them and their families that God may touch all their lives. I am glad to say that these little girls accepted Christ and ended up dragging their parents to the next service.



The rain here is amazing. It something I can’t even describe. I am not so keen on how hot it is here. But when it rains I feel as if I am covered by a blanket. I feel at home…I feel at peace. I find it funny though that I come from a state that gets little rain on outside. It just doesn’t make much sense. You think I would like the heat. But it does remind me of the rain in Alaska…oh how much I do miss my other home! I find myself playing in the rain and mud every time it pours. I think the Peruvians find this odd. But when I am touch the cool rain and it surrounds my whole body I can feel Jesus wrapping his arms around me telling me it will be ok! He is telling me….showing me he is right there crying beside me. Its also a sign (I believe) that it is another reassurance that if I can just get through this one storm it will be beautiful on the other side.

And the animals here are so interesting. It’s like I’m in a crocodile hunter movie or on an adventure with Steve Irwin. The other morning I went into the bathroom and there was a snake swimming in the toilet. Also, one evening my friend went to climb into her bed and she found a frog sitting on her pillow. Sadly, no monkeys yet. My partner told me we could go see one in the zoo here. All I could think to myself is that I didn’t travel half way around the world to visit some zoo. One day soon my friend Gary and I are going to travel through the jungle to find when. And when I do I will post my pictures of my new found friend.

Let’s see…food oh yeah food here is ummmm out of the ordinary. I have eaten exotic things in my life. Fish eyes, cow liver, shark fin, chicken feet, guinea pig…ect! But if there is one thing I can not stand its fish. I don’t care for the flavor or the texture. Needless to say for lunch one afternoon we had fish. Not just any fish but the full body of a fish as soup….eyes, bones, teeth, ect. Let me put it this way…I felt as if I was drinking water out of the river. If I wanted to drink river water I would have walked to the river myself. But being the good missionary I ate the whole with out wrinkling my nose once. I did however, get sick later that night. I wouldn’t be surprised if I now have a parasite living in my body (just kidding mom I’m really am taking good care of myself).

Well that’s about it for now. I miss you all very much and really appreciate the prayers and support from you guys! You are always in my thoughts and my prayers. Please keep me updated on life in the States. And if there is anything you need or want let me know what I can do for you.

All my love and so much more
Kristy

The Amazon


First climps into the rainforest. Only a birds eye view...hopefully (someday soon) I can adevnture into the unknow.

I made it to the Jungle...
As I sit here at a interent cafe .... trying to not to think about the sweat dripping down my face ... I find myself once again giving praise to God. Today was my first day of school. And guess what I understood all of it. Which, was a really encouraging thing! My partners name is Nancy. She is really nice. And guess what she speaks Español (she is a teacher). God has blessed me in so many ways ... he keeps on surprising me. Today for lunch we had fish. For those of you who know me well ... You know I hate fish! But this one was not bad. It was not as strong as fish is in the states. However, I still did not like it. But it is rude to not eat the food. Luckly I had a friend next to me that finished it up for me. It is humid here but not terribly hott ... (China is worse) ... I even was able to sleep with a blanket last night! Yesturday a group of us played for gram of football. And it started raining ... majorly! It would be considered a flood in the Northwest. So much fun but very very dirty. Well that is it for now. I will keep you updated as much as possible ... all my love and prayers!

Familia Peru


Here is a photo of my family in Pucallpa. Im so excited to get to know this group! God is going to do amazing things through these young individuals!



Here is the whole group that will be atending school in Iquitos....its just keeps growing

Half of my new family!!

Here is our first family photo together. Its gonna be one amazing adventure with these folks!! I already love them:)