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