Almost one month...

Well, we have been in Peru for almost one month! When we arrived, we hit the ground running, as we helped prepare for a ministry team from Larkspur, CA. This 10-person group from Calvary Baptist Church proved themselves to be true servants! Barb and Tim said this was one of the best ministry groups they have ever had visit, as they truly sought to find ways to help everywhere they were! We were so blessed by the pastor and his family. They were such an encouragement to both of us and encouraged us to visit the church when we start deputation!

When the group was here, we were involved in many ministries. The group had prepared many puppet shows and activities to be done at Arin Elementary School, but they needed help introducing the shows, as well as follow-up questions. Also, two members of the group are ESL teachers in the States, so the kids loved learning words and songs in English!

Bob and a couple of the men in the group took to maintenance projects in the Whatley's house and in the church. They sanded walls, applied "yeso" (a compound put on the homes here in Peru), painted, and completed many electrical projects. It was such a help to have some extra hands!
Overall, the group was an amazing blessing to the school, to the church, to the Whatley family (the missionaries here), and to us! Thanks for making a lasting impression for Jesus~

After the group left, it has been "business as usual." The Whatley kids enjoyed somewhat of a break from homeschooling, but now, they have been going strong. Becky has been helping with homeschooling when possible, and continues to help with cooking, etc. Bob has been preaching and teaching the young people, as well as doing many other construction projects around the house and church.

A major change that has occurred since our arrival is the jungle trip. The Peruvian national elections occurred the first week that we were here. The elections were not definitive and thus, they will have a "Second-Round Elections" that will take place on June 3rd, which is right in the middle of when the jungle trip should have taken place. Because of this, the missionaries need to vote and therefore, does not allow us to take the trip.

Instead, we will be taking a two-week trip to a different area of the jungle that will only take 12 hours to get there. We are praying that the Lord will use us to encourage the believers there.

We really ask your prayers for us and our plans when we return to the States. Our plan is still to drive to Baptist Mid-Missions in Cleveland, OH, where we will complete our doctrinal examination and attend "Candidate Seminar." We need much prayer as we start this crucial step in our ministry.

Thank you so much for being a part of our ministry, whether in prayer or encouragement or giving! May our great God bless you for being a blessing to us!