Overwhelming Excitement

In less than 24 hours, my mom and I will be boarding a plane ultimately bound for Pucallpa, Peru. We will fly from Detroit to Atlanta, Atlanta to Lima. After spending a night at the Hostal Happy in Lima, we will fly on Star Peru Airline to Pucallpa.

Last year, everything was so new, so unfamiliar. I felt culture-shocked and stunned as I stepped out of customs in Lima, into the room FULL of people. I stood by shyly in Pucallpa while Doug and Marilyn hugged the many people who had come to greet us.

By the end of the week, though, I was less than shy. These people were my dear friends. The strings of my heart had been tied to Pucallpa, and I wept as I hugged them goodbye.
"I'll see you in Heaven someday," I repeated over and over through my tears. "When Jesus comes back, we will be reunited."

Now, a year later, I'm preparing to see my dear friends again. Ben will join us in Lima, and be a part of our team for the duration of the trip. In Pucallpa, we will be greeted by Ruth, Pastor Carlos, Daniel, and Zaida. Last year, I had only read these names in emails. This year, I can picture each person as I write about them. I can hear their voices, see their smiles.

I told Kelly, "I have to go back to Peru. I left a piece of my heart there, I have to go get it." He laughed and told me that he didn't think I'd be bringing it back with me. He figures I'll leave some more there, and have to go back again and again.

For now, though, I'm going back this year. I didn't think I would see my dear friends until Heaven, and I'll see them in just a couple of days.

Thank you for your prayers. We will keep you updated throughout the trip!