Coming to a Close

As we wrap things up here in Arequipa we are overcome with so many different feelings – sorrow to leave behind great friendships, joy to see others take over and step up in leadership, worry of how things are going to hold up when there aren’t enough leaders to take over the many different meetings that Wendy and I could handle because we had no other work…and the list of feelings and emotions goes on.
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On Good Friday we had a youth retreat with 18 teens - 12 from Huacshapata and 6 from Hunter.  The retreat was held at the International Club in the center of Arequipa. With the help of a friend we got access to the club and permit the teens to have an experience that few can afford. I have many photos from the retreat in my facebook album “parting is such sweet sorrow…” One young lady told Wendy that she was not leaving from the retreat as the same person that left from her house that morning. Glory to God.

We’ve had some great times with our folks in Hunter as time has been winding down.  We’ve finished the classes for membership with Zelmira and Abel.  And recently Pastor Cristobal joined us in their house to administer a “gifts” test, which was particularly neat to discover with them what their spiritual gifts are.  We have a future pastor couple in the making.  We’ve had the privilege to see Zelmira’s sons off on their first day of school back in March, more recently watched Soul Surfer with the extended family and in the middle of lessons we’ve found time to play several rounds of UNO and make animal noises.  It’s been a great time deepening our relationship with them as they deepen their relationship with God.