Ok, I've been meaning to get to this story for a while. It's about wood and huts.

And, for any of you pastors out there (especially two of you who know who you are) who might be reading this, I would like to ask you to not use any of this story during any of your building campaigns, etc. It's just too dangerous to us vulnerable layfolks.

You'll need to look at the two pictures above to better appreciate the following. Recently, we attended the Wichenzao church. In the top picture, you'll see some very nice wooden benches. I noticed that the benches seemed a bit "out of place" and somehow struck up a conversation about them after the service. I assumed that Peru Mission had funded them but was surprised to find that the members of the church paid for them- at a cost of about $2,000. And, it's worth noting that $2,000 goes a long way here (for example a movie ticket costs $2).

This might not seem like much to you and me, but now take another look at the second picture. This picture contains 5 huts made mostly of straw, lacking a roof, with nothing but a dirt floor. Yes, 5 homes- I would guess about ten feet by ten feet in size. We drove and walked through this area after the service. The people were very welcoming, and as many as 8 people came out of one home to greet us.

These are some of the people who attend this church, located a long "stone's throw" away (the others live in a slightly "move up" block adjoining the church). And, this is what makes the $2,000 so interesting to me. Over a period of time, these believers saved their very precious and scarce money to buy benches to worship the living God.

This story isn't meant to be put a guilt trip on "us Americans". I just found it very encouraging to find a people across the world who so passionately worship the same risen Savior we worship at home. The circumstances couldn't be more different, but our God is the same.

Loveyoubye,

Jeff

we're still here!!!!

Yes, we are still in Peru but on our 4-day excursion to the city of Arequipa. This is our last day, and we leave on a plane @ 6:30 this evening for Trujillo. Wow, this has been a big adventure filled w/ long, bumpy bus rides, car sickness w/ subsequent throw-ups(by Ellie and Hall-outside of the bus-YEA!!!!), hanging out w/ a famous Peruvian actor/director, some Montezuma's revenge for lucky Jeff, freezing cold weather @ night and gorgeous,sunny days(sorry all you family and friends in the sweltering south), European breakfasts, very charming and homey accomodations in both locations, petting llamas and alpacas, Ellie getting knocked over by an overzealous alpaca, seeing the deepest canyon in the world, conder-watching, being @ 16,000+ ft. and Kate getting a bad case of altitude sickness, and more I am sure. We are just hanging out @ our great hotel this am and the peeps are playing each other in ping-pong and maybe swimming. The names of our 2 hotels are La Casa de mi Abuela in Arequipa and Mamayachi in Colca Canyon if you'd like to see where we have been staying. I highly recommend both places to any who are planning trips to Peru. It is amazing to meet all the many people from around the globe who are traveling in South America/Peru for multiple weeks. Most are w/o small children. But we've loved having them w/ us-most of the time!!!! I can not emphasize enough the response Ellie receives from locals here-they LOVE her- and she loves the attention, too! Much Love dear ones, Amy

Ok, sorry it's been so long since I've (Jeff) touched base. It's amazing we've been here almost a month now. If I had to very briefly and generally summarize our trip so far it would be this: the first 10 days were a blissful, idealistic blur; the next 2 weeks were very difficult (mainly because of my poor health and accompanying attitude); and the past few days have been "normal" for the first time. We're settled into our apartment, healthy for the time being, and into somewhat of a routine.

The English classes have been a real blessing. I've enjoyed building relationships with and teaching the students. The telling of stories seems to be a very effective means of teaching them English and sharing the Bible/Gospel. Of course that's not a new concept. Jesus did it almost continually, and most preachers do as well. But, it's been a joy to be able to spend hours each day with a group of people who are very open and eager to hear these stories, usually for the first time. They really do seem to be receptive to hearing the Gospel, and a few in particular particularly so. So, please be praying that God would use this time.

I've got a few stories I hope to tell, but first I'd like to go over a few "basics". First, what is Peru like? From my still very novice viewpoint, I would say it's a very beautiful but broken place. The mountains (foothills of the Andes) are visible from our apartment rooftop, as is the Pacific Ocean- a pretty combination to say the least. The Centro (downtown) area is very historic and lively. The food is very rich and good (lots of fish, chicken, potatoes, fresh fruits and vegetables).

Our city of Trujillo is one on the 2 most economically thriving cities of Peru. Yet, while some of the city shows these signs of growth, much of the city reminds me of post WWII pictures of Europe I've seen. It literally looks like the place has been heavily bombed (some pictures of earlier blogs show this a little).

Peruvians seem to be very pleasant and hard-working. I had frankly expected to find somewhat of a scratching culture down here, but they basically work 10-12 hours a week, 6-7 days a week. Though they work hard and are very industrious, they don't seem to have the hurried, stressful sense of angst we Americans seem to frequently master. Peruvians are also very family-oriented, kind of in an "Italian" sense. About 85-90% of the population is considered Catholic, with the vast majority being very nominal.

I can't go any further without mentioning the taxis. Basically, the taxis somewhat dominate the city life here. Very few people have cars, so everyone takes buses and taxis. Any adult (without a bad back) or a group of 2-3 adolescent children could easily topple one over. They are all very old, creaky, and dented yet somehow still running. We all still fit loads of unbuckled (there are no seatbelts, much less carseats) children and adults into each one.

But, without exception, every taxi has a very well-functioning horn. The honking culture here just blows me away. The streets are basically one continuous, loud "symphony" of tiny but very loudly honking taxis. In America, when we honk at someone, it "means business". We're seriously p-d off, and something (a bullet, knife, fist, verbal insult, finger, or at least an angry glance) is going to be exchanged.

Here, I've probably been in 100 taxi rides. There are very few traffic lights or signs so each driver roars into an intersection, bluffs his way as far as possible (it's basically the game of "chicken"), then firmly hits the brakes and starts honking. He honks his way through the entire gridlock and then floors the poor vehicle to the next intersection when it all happens again. You basically don't want to be looking anywhere except straight ahead, because each intersection gives the impression of a certain high-impact collision. But, here's the crazy thing, I've yet to see a single driver appear angry, rushed, or stressed in any way. I just don't get it.

Ok, I still very much want to tell you a story about "huts and pews" but I've got to go.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers and we love and miss you.

Jeff

waiting for inspiration

Yes, that is MY excuse for waiting a whole week to make a journal entry-not sure a/b Jeff's deal. I do believe that he promised one a while back and never delivered. So, I do hope to write every day in order to avoid this situation- feeling overwhelmed with what to type about.

First of all, thank you for prayers and concern for my fever virus and Jeff's back. I have been well for while and Jeff's back is doing much better. The mattress was crucial, along with daily P.T. and a hot tub all last week. He is actually getting a massage right now.

Kate, Hall, and Ellie seem to be enjoying themselves. Though they would choose to never return to their school here, they seem to have fun while there. They are somewhat famous -being the only white, blonde-hair and blue- eyed children there. Ellie is the star of the town. Everywhere we go women and children look @ her and smile @ her and just reach out and hug her. Others enjoy Kate and Hall a lot, too!

Jeff is enjoying his job as English Professor. His classes were so fond of him that they requested him for next semester(this first semester ends Wed. and the 2nd one begins next Monday). He uses stories from the Bible as a tool to teach English and to teach the Gospel. He has had a very captive audience in one class in particular. I attend SALI for tutoring on M-W-F and the little peeps start tutoring together T-TH this week.

We have continued getting to know and enjoy the different families living here. They have been so supportive and helpful and kind toward us. There are 3 churches we can choose from each Sun. a.m. It is difficult for me and the children b/c the whole service is in Spanish. Jeff can comprehend quite a bit during the liturgy and songs, but the sermon is tricky. We sang Is. 43 and Create in Me a Clean Heart and I was able to engage some in the worship. I really enjoyed last night @ the Eby's house. They have the interns over every Sun. pm for a great dinner and Bible study. Josh taught on Jonah ch. 1 and I learned new lessons from a story we've all heard hundreds of times-I love when that happens.

Because Jeff is done on Wed. until Mon. we planned our summer excursion to visit a city called Arequipa. We had to purchase plane tickets on Sat. but we still have yet to book hotels. The highlight of the trip should be our 2-night stay in Colca canyon-near Arequipa. It is the deepest canyon in the world, I believe, and has a lot of greenery(which we don't see much of here)

We were supposed to visit the orphanage on Sun. w/ 2 other families, but were not allowed to b/c someone had to be there to supervise us-the visitors-and they weren't there. Hopefully we can go the next weekend, though.

Do you mind praying for us on our big trip w/ no other support people traveling w/ us. It's just the Barry family setting out on a big adventure. That we would be healthy and safe and take in the experience and worship God in each vista, each meal, each person we see and talk w/.......

Much Love and appreciation from each of us, Amy

my cover-up blog

No longer do I want to see this picture of me whenever our blog comes up-therefore the COVER-UP-this entry will now be the latest and most visible. By the way, those last pix were taken in huan chaco last Sat. It is a neat little beach village w/ a lot of personality. We did very little this weekend due to health issues. I've had some kind of fever virus since Sat. and hope and pray that it has run its course. Jeff is improving though not 100% quite yet. We have made plans w/ a family,  who've been here since Dec., to visit the orphanage on Sunday-this will be our first time to go.o.k., so I think that this will be long enough to serve its original purpose. We have really been missing you all a lot!!!!!!!  Amy

Pictures

these are some pictures from kate

Health update

   Hello, dear ones. I just saw that our last post was Tues. That is pretty lame, I must say. Jeff's back has generally improved but his spirits are down and he hardly slept last night b/c his back was aching a lot. So, today we all went to the mall and bought a decent mattress. It is supposed to be delivered this evening. I have been feeling pretty well since arriving and am so thankful for this but started felling achy and sickish and chilled this afternoon. So, we are asking for health prayers again today. 

    The children seem happy and and content. They are passing their boredom away w/ hide-n-seek in this pretty small apt.-it's pretty cute. Ellie spent the night out last night @ the Smith's house and had a great time-they have 3 adorable girls and Adeline is Ellie's age. Maybe we will get it together tonight or tom. and post some new pix.

     Here is a random list of things that are new, different,better or worse a/b being in Trujillo, Peru: I love walking all around our neighborhood to visit the many families-it is pretty safe in this area called El Golf; you are not to drink the water or even brush your teeth w/ it; the taxi rides are nuts-no road rules and no seatbelts; the Coke is better here b/c it's made w/ sugar cane instead of corn syrup-they say; Inca Cola is more popular than coke and tastes a little like bubble-gum or banana laffy taffy; I could not buy baking soda @ the grocery-there was none; we have to order big water jugs every few days; the ketchup is not good here, but we found that McDonald's has American ketchup; church services are in Spanish; there is really no rain; you can buy narcotics @ the local pharmacy; the dollar is stronger and so we feel like we're getting deals; we have no working T.V's in the apt., and so reading more; lunch is THE meal of the day and dinner is small; most people do not speak english-it can wear you out @ times; no helmet-wearing here; men pee-pee randomly and visibly from the taxi; most of the city looks 3rd world while certain spots(in homes or nice malls or cafe's) look like a nice city; we spend more time together as a family and that's been great!          Much love for now!   amy   (some ideas from this post are from    KATE BARRY)    

                   she also rules on all levels!

Drying Jeff's toes

Yes! that would be my job these past couple of days, unfortunately for me-But really for Jeff. His back has continued to worsen and he was unable to go to his job @ SALI this am. We were in the living room this am around 8:00 trying to figure out what todo for him(meds, massage, hot tub,etc.) and realizing that navigating all this was feeling very overwhelming. We were both missing the amazing convieniences of being in your hometown. But just then the phone rang. It was Sandi Smith(Perumission mom) calling to invite us to lunch on Fri. Jeff told her a/b his back and that he wanted to go to P.T. It just so happens that Sandi broke her knee cap here in Trujillo and had to go to P.T. herself. She highly recommended this clinic which is also very nearby our neighborhood. She called the clinic to get him an appt. and went w/ him in the taxi @ noon today. He has not returned yet, but hopefully that means he is getting lots of attention and care. My sister, Kristin, also helped us via phone and e-mail to suggest certain meds for Jeff. Thank you, Dear Father, for caring for us. Thank you family and friends also! I'll keep you posted. Love, Amy and Kate 

Monday evening

Hello everyone! All 3 children just finished swimming on the roof of our apt. complex-is that strange or what? Apartments w/ pools on the roof in the US are typically quite different than ours here. Yet we are thankful for our rather quirky set-up. Please pray for Jeff's back. He cannot even put on and off his own shoes. It's his lower back and, and it all slowly started yesterday and has worsened w/ each hour. He has gone w/ very gracious, Brad Ball, to get a massage, etc. right now-we'll see!  Thank you everyone!  Love, Amy

good morning! Thankfully, it has been a lazy Saturday am. Jeff has definately not had one of these yet. Kate was invited to spend the night w/ one of the dear families here in our neighborhood who are also veterans in the mission here.  They are the Ball family and have 5 children. Brad and Jennifer both grew up in JXN, MS and so know quite a few of our good friends back home. Our adventurous Kate was happy to go-they have 3 girls all around her age.  We are getting ready to go on our first family outing to the beach called Juan Chaco. We are hoping to eat some good food, go fishing, sight-see, and just take in some more culture. I took my first tutoring lesson yesterday and will continue during the week for one hour each day-boy, do I need to be able to communicate. All 3 children are enjoying their school. Ellie informed us that she brushed her teeth @ school yesterday but reassured us that the teachers had gotten rid of any germs. OH MY GOODNESS!!!! not only did I not send a toothbrush to school w/ Ellie but none of the Americans use tap water to brush their teeth!  Well, any fetish I have had with safety in cars or germs is being tremendously challenged .  Thank you for reading and praying. I really miss seeing you, hugging you, eating with you and talking with you!!!!!!! 

Love from Peru, Amy               

Ok friends, here are a few pictures. Bringing the Barry's to the world of blogdom and then progressing to the point of adding pictures could indeed be the trip's first miracle.

The picture to the right is from our first visit to the church at Wichenzao, which was planted 18 years ago and restored under Peru Mission.

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Here is Ellie and her new playground located next to the Wichenzao church.

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We call this picture "The Girls From Little Rock".  One girl is of course Amy.  The other is the small girl to the right who was wearing a which says, "Little Rock...Peace....Love".  In the background are the homes of some of the squatter community at Wichenzao.

We spent the first night in Lima and then toured a few places before flying into Trujillo.  Here is the Eby family, a few interns, and the Barry family in Lima.

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The Barry's in Lima.

Loveyabye!

Its Thursday and I just started Talentos. Im in computer class and everyone is on their BLOG if they have one. Trujillo (tru - he - oo) is like a desert once you get their. Their are so many stray dogs! Their even on roofs of houses! I miss Memphis,but I will miss Peru once we are back in Memphis. Love, KATE $$

Ok, a second blog from Jeff.  Sorry it's been a while but we've been a bit crazy.  I've got a few minutes until my afternoon class so I'll try to share a few things with you.

There are a few stories to tell you about horns, wood, and bricks (all separate), but first let me say a simple "Thank you".  

I tend to fall into the mindset of self-sufficiency, foolishly forgetting that God repeatedly describes me as a sheep.  Being the dumbest and most helpless animals in the world, they of course need everything from others in order to survive.  Like the poor idiotic little creatures, I very often forget my need.  Maybe that's why I've been "given" so many broken bones and surgeries (at least that's what Dot Dot thinks!).

I think God has used this trip to help open my eyes a little bit to my (and our family's) need and subsequently how so many have provided for us.  We are very much "rookies" at all this.  So, going off to a far country for a couple of months with a young family has made me aware of how much I/we "need".  Amy and I have been blown away by how many of you are praying for and thinking about us.  I frankly don't remember another time when others' prayers have meant so much.

So, Amy and I very much want to say, "Thank you!" to our family, friends, and community at Redeemer. We are fortunate to be allowed to come on this trip.  We're certainly not experienced or "spiritually qualified" in any way except for the gifts God has given us in being able to come.  And a very big part of these gifts has been your love and prayers.  

We are also continually humbled by the missionary team here.  If I were the Eby's, I would have invited my hairy a__ to vacate the premises days ago.  In the past, I've at times enjoyed quoting old Ben's famous words ("fish and guests smell after three days") to MY guests.  But we've ended up tagging along with the Eby's for twice that.  We've been babes with the cord not yet cut.  Yet their hospitality seems to know no bounds.  With the Eby's and others on the team here, I am continually encouraged by their servant attitudes (especially of course when I'm the one being served). 

We do want to share a few prayer requests with you.  Please continue to pray for our basic health and safety.  Please pray God will use us all to be a small part of what he's already doing here with Peru Mission (go to their website www.perumission.org for more information on it).

Also, please pray for my classes at SALI.  SALI (one of the ministries of Peru Mission) is a Christian language institute where Peruvians pay to learn English, which is very important to their opportunities to make a living.   It's a great opportunity to not only teach English but also build relationships and share the Gospel with a very captive audience.  So, please pray that God will use this time.  

Ok, not to put the old "bait and switch" on you, but the "horns, wood, and bricks" will have to wait as I've got to go.

Take care,

Jeffersonian

Hello from Trujillo

Sorry to disappoint.....it's just tired little me sending a quick update from the the Barry family-this may not contain the laugh-factor of Jeff's entries. Neither of us have journaled b/c of busyness these past few days. we keep mentioning funny/interesting bits of Peruvian culture that we hope to blog a/b(preferably Jeff) in the near future. Jeff has begun his semi-full-time job @ the language institute-he teaches 5 hours a day(plus class prep and grading). We almost slept in our place tonight, but our sheets and pillowcases were not ready to put on the bed-@ the laundromat. So the Eby family has taken us in once again-we stayed up talking and laughing w/ Josh and Robin a little too late. In the a.m. @ 8:00, I am going to the spanish private school to hopefully have kate and Hall enrolled and ready to start later this week or next Monday. There is a sweet montessori school very nearby where we might send Ellie-belly. A couple other little ones in the mission also attend.  Thank you for your continued prayers, dear family and friends. I can feel it-REALLY!!!! We will send more photos w/ captions and specific prayer requests in the next couple of days. Thank you for joining w/ us, reading our updates and caring for us. we love reading your comments so much! It is nearly midnight and a/b 4 hrs. past my usual Memphis bedtime. One final thought for us all...... Jeff always converses w/ our cab drivers and the young man we had this evening told us that he works 12 hrs a day 7 days a week-and he said it so matter -of -factly and actually quite contentedly. May we be content in our place today.   Love, Amy