tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8059946492669701282024-03-19T06:03:25.971-07:00St. Nick's Peru Mission Team BlogJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-12929536175348863462011-08-24T08:16:00.000-07:002011-08-24T08:18:49.083-07:00Reflections after our returnI sometimes think that we are supposed to know all the answers and comprehend the fullness of events as they happen, but it doesn't work that way for me. After several weeks with the help of some very timely bible passages and a word from God I am beginning to have some understanding of what being part of this team was all about for me.<br />
<br />
Actually it wasn't about me at all and I'm not sure how much was about the team or about the work we did with the children in Arequipa, Peru. A reading in Hebrews (Chapter 10 & 11) really helped to provide some clarity. The 10th chapter speaks about sacrifice and Christ's perfect sacrifice in giving his life for us. The 11th chapter is Paul's discourse on faith. I never had seen any relationship between the two concepts of 'sacrifice' and 'faith' until this reading. Maybe the reason for that was I had never explored the idea of sacrificial acts in my life. <br />
<br />
In connection with our trip to Peru, we did sacrifice some of our money and our time to make the trip. We definitely sacrificed a little of our creature comforts to the inconvenience of being taken completely out of our comfort zone. Finally, we sacrificed our physical well being as most of us experienced the discomfort of illness. Admittedly these sacrifices pale in comparison to what long-term missionaries experience on a routine basis and can not even compare to the suffering of Christ on the cross. What I did come to understand through this experience, however, was that anytime we make sacrifices of any kind for the sake of Christ, we are building our faith and the faith of those around us.<br />
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I know that my faith was increased through working with the team and the children in Arequipa. I was touched repeatedly by the simple acts of giving and receiving hugs, playing children's games, watching the way in which the children inter-related with each other and the adults in their lives, trying to communicate without a common language, sharing meals together, praying together, listening to the voices and sounds around me and experiencing the sights and sounds of the city and surrounding country side. The miracles were sometimes small but overall to have accomplished the work we had been given, as we overcame the daily challenges and obstacles, was a major miracle and faith builder. <br />
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Another aspect of our sacrifice is that we become one with Christians all over the world, both living and past who have sacrificed for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When I realized this fact, my respect and appreciation for all who seek to follow Christ was increased enormously. Also a real exercise in humility. <br />
<br />
Although we do not have to travel great distances or go to extremes to make sacrifices in our lives, for me this trip has highlighted the role that sacrifice for others has made in my own spiritual journey. I now know that when I sacrifice my agenda for that of Jesus Christ I am taken to higher ground in my faith.<br />
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<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-TNIV-14821a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"></sup><sup class="versenum" id="en-TNIV-14821"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span></strong></sup> Hear my cry, O God; <br />
listen to my prayer. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-TNIV-14822"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span></strong></sup> From the ends of the earth I call to you, <br />
I call as my heart grows faint; <br />
lead me to the rock that is higher than I. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-TNIV-14823"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span></strong></sup> For you have been my refuge, <br />
a strong tower against the foe. Psalm 61:1-3<br />
<br />
Pat Mc<br />
<br />
<br />
Jack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-50146825403784358442011-07-29T12:01:00.000-07:002011-07-29T12:01:48.296-07:00Got a bug!Hello Everyone,<br />
<br />
Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. Several of us, including me, caught a bug that includes fever and GI issues. I was down for the count yesterday. I slept most of the day yesterday and today. Can't wait to get better. Talk to you in later.<br />
<br />
MelissaJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-70621559170618582132011-07-27T05:51:00.000-07:002011-07-27T05:51:12.489-07:00A good night's sleepWhat a regenerative power there is in a good night's sleep. Unfortunately that doesn't allways happen for me. Often I wake up early in the morning with thoughts of work chasing through my head and then spend 2 or 3 hours tossing about trying to solve tomorrow's problems. When I finally get back to sleep the alarm goes off and its time to face the real problems of the day.<br />
<br />
Here in Arequipa, Peru I have not had those problems. We wake up with morning prayer, a devotion, a time of worship and the love of God and our team-mates wrapped around us. The day is filled with activity, sights and sounds (lots of sounds, this is a very noisy city), laughter, some tears, but most of all the lyrical language of spanish all around and the beutiful children and adults of the Casa Hogares orphanage. I hate to use the word "orphanage" as we all know there are no orphans of God. <br />
<br />
We work hard and play hard (yesterday I played to hard and pulled my hamstring). We taste food with aromas and flavors different than we are accustomed to, we pray (after the team prayed over me last night my hamstrings appears to be completely healed this morning) and we have endless conversations of coffee and card games. The day is full.<br />
<br />
WE end with evening prayer and devotionals and discuss our moments closest to God (there are many). This daily routine seems to be the perfect Rx for a sound and peaceful sleep in which our energies are renewed and we awake with a new appreciation of life in every sense of the word. We are grateful and humbled by the infinite extent of God's love and grace and mercy. Here in Peru we are especially in touch with the fact that God is present everywhere and His love and grace and mercy is available to all people of all colors in all parts of the earth. <br />
<br />
Pat McJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-87797099228221349962011-07-26T20:22:00.000-07:002011-07-26T20:22:11.095-07:00What a gift!I can not begin to let you all know how grateful I am for this opportunity to be hear in Arequipa. I am enjoying my time here with the kids. I am learning a lot about myself and aprreciate what I have at home so much more now. The workers at our hostel and at the orphanages have been so welcoming. God is here among us here and He is with the kids! I am looking forward to the rest of the week.<br />
<br />
MelissaJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-67353792573078686302011-07-26T17:14:00.000-07:002011-07-26T18:07:12.432-07:00The ParkHi Everyone!<br />
<br />
We spent the day at a beautiful park with both groups of children. We played duck duck goose, jump rope,frisbee, and soccer. I failed miserably at duck duck goose. The weather was gorgeous. The mountains were beautiful. Must run. Will blog later.<br />
--MelissaJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-67307532811987552412011-07-26T06:25:00.000-07:002011-07-26T06:25:56.214-07:00I'm aliveWow....I came all the way to Peru to get a free "colonoscopy." Not a fun night last night. However, God has restored my health this morning. Praise God. We are headed to the park this morning to play with the kiddos. Our plans have changed significantly...day to day and minute to minute. We were reminded in our daily devotional this morning that we need to focus on the presence of God in all things rather than focusing on our plans that have fallen apart. We have no control over what will happen....only God does.<br />
<br />
HollyJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-74135865655234410232011-07-25T20:40:00.000-07:002011-07-25T20:40:58.411-07:00What a great day<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Whew, what an amazing day our team has had. As we move forward, God is revealing more to each of us about why we are here. For me, I have been reminded of the parable of the sower that Fr. Mark preached on a few Sundays ago...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">From Mark 4 (NIV) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24327" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">3</sup> “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24328" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">4</sup> As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24329" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">5</sup> Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24330" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">6</sup> But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24331" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">7</sup> Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24332" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">8</sup> Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.”</span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The children we are seeing already have a pretty good understanding of Christ's love; so they are "good soil". I see a big part of our mission as a responsibility to make certain those seeds that have been planted by those before us receive water and fertilizer. I can't wait to see what else God has in store for us.</span><br />
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John MartinJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-91059337232085810282011-07-25T19:11:00.000-07:002011-07-25T19:11:46.219-07:00Pics from the little kids team<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUwMlPUj_Bl8gBuH2sjjMa-WaQ7AzlI-qv6DbAfWI6TVd2aNr8l4zJV-a6h0TAL0KxcUOzD1qP4olE-7Xq8tH8-pJjqcqRIOevxnCtqO_gJaCP4G-jTSZ4YdKEK5EWkAFZRa3C3ZoL8QH/s1600/James+Peru+1+230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUwMlPUj_Bl8gBuH2sjjMa-WaQ7AzlI-qv6DbAfWI6TVd2aNr8l4zJV-a6h0TAL0KxcUOzD1qP4olE-7Xq8tH8-pJjqcqRIOevxnCtqO_gJaCP4G-jTSZ4YdKEK5EWkAFZRa3C3ZoL8QH/s320/James+Peru+1+230.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Making crafts with the young kids.Jack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-50723476694001781592011-07-25T18:03:00.000-07:002011-07-25T18:03:54.187-07:00Day with the younger kids!Were greeted by songs in English and Spanish. We then made some beautiful jewelry. We played games with the kids. I really enjoyed my day! Buenos noches!<br />
<br />
MelissaJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-45334937873244932312011-07-25T14:58:00.000-07:002011-07-25T14:58:06.595-07:00First DayWe got back about thirty minutes ago from the different orphanages that we visited today. I tagged along with the older kids team today and took a ton of pictures. We had a lot of fun and taught the kids lessons about family and how we are all one big family in Christ. We also taught them about trust and how even though we can all trust in our church family, we can trust in God even more. We played games and had several activities with the kids. It was very cool.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhSEfOwmBccGxljNQMsY1Dmyrg8YQqx47vonS60ur-AJg9c6nSs8N5jIv9OyFBMKVPkp8kk_AeO06-ggOoHKZTDdhpFkVpZnWTfqSofew8qFaiQy7n87Im8CYjs49nB2algQdqoDevJwK/s1600/Peru+Upload+2+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhSEfOwmBccGxljNQMsY1Dmyrg8YQqx47vonS60ur-AJg9c6nSs8N5jIv9OyFBMKVPkp8kk_AeO06-ggOoHKZTDdhpFkVpZnWTfqSofew8qFaiQy7n87Im8CYjs49nB2algQdqoDevJwK/s320/Peru+Upload+2+028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Our team in front of our hotel.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksuG_VK5I1el1aeb0n4ZDwt9B-ECnkDkTWd2U2q-7equiMXTE3lly9dndP26XgnCf_G1XkBlqjh9kQESNqQn4BiGhoQGD3k6IIb-bRhCV84NmpbFLu19_Hx4SlVVnrsVk8KI7bLoDVOnU/s1600/Peru+Upload+2+172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksuG_VK5I1el1aeb0n4ZDwt9B-ECnkDkTWd2U2q-7equiMXTE3lly9dndP26XgnCf_G1XkBlqjh9kQESNqQn4BiGhoQGD3k6IIb-bRhCV84NmpbFLu19_Hx4SlVVnrsVk8KI7bLoDVOnU/s320/Peru+Upload+2+172.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>San Lucas Orphanage<br />
<br />
If someone from the other team blogs tonight, I will post one or two pics that Melissa took from that orphanage.<br />
--JackJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-32555815953442392712011-07-25T07:02:00.000-07:002011-07-25T07:02:34.470-07:00God is hereWhy do I constantly need to be reminded of God's presence. We started with morning prayer this a.m. This is a wonderful way to start our mission adventure and actually a great way to start any day - remembering how God left us the day before and how he's still there again today. Its like being reminded of the sun rise. Its always there but we forget to look for it each day. Today I remembered. Got to go, but for all of you, take God along with you today.<br />
<br />
Pat McJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-22388571930027492912011-07-25T06:59:00.000-07:002011-07-25T06:59:23.710-07:00Buenas Dias!Hola from Peru!<br />
<br />
We made it! I slept well last night and just finished breakfast! We are have sweatshirt weather this morning!.<br />
<br />
We are about to go out and meet the kids! I am so excited! I will blog again later and fill everyone in.<br />
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The people here are so nice! The area is a desert, so the mountains are brown. I will post pix as the week goes on!<br />
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Thank you all for this opportunity. <br />
<br />
Peace,<br />
MelissaJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-5613354600853535302011-07-25T05:47:00.000-07:002011-07-25T05:47:55.349-07:00Rise and Shine ...and give God the gloryMy wonderful roommates (Melissa and Debby) and I had a great night sleep. I woke everyone up at 5:15 instead of 6:15 because my iphone had not reset to the correct time. So sorry roomies. Anywho....after we got dressed I pulled out my daily devotional given to me by Ann Breitler...Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. The devotional today was so appropriate for us today especially after our gospel lesson last night. <br />
"As you listen to birds calling to one another, hear also My Love-call to you. I speak to you continually: through sights , sounds, thoughts, impressions, scriptures. There is no limit to the vaiety of ways I can communicate with you. Your part is to be attentive to My messages, in whatever form they come. When you set out to find Me in a day, you discover that the world is vibrantly alive with My Presence. You can find Me not only in beauty and birdcalls, but also in tragedy and faces filled with grief. I can take the deepest sorrow and weave it into a pattern for good. Search for Me and My messages, as you go through this day. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with your whole being. John 10:27; Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:13.<br />
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Blessings,<br />
<br />
Holly FoxJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-3201649815150447202011-07-24T18:55:00.000-07:002011-07-24T18:55:42.282-07:00Yea! Peru at Last!!!As you know by now, we have arrived in Arequipa...safe and sound. We are all excited and anxious to see the children tomorrow. We sorted all the items and have had Eucharist. We've already met many wonderful folks that are here to help us navigate through the week. What a blessing these folks are!!! God is good and providing us with everything we need to do His work.<br />
<br />
Oh and the temps here are in the 60's...We're all wearing our sweaters and sweatshirts.<br />
<br />
OK, time for Dominoes Pizza for dinner.<br />
<br />
Keep those prayers coming.<br />
<br />
RobinJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-38363995690041552282011-07-24T18:41:00.000-07:002011-07-24T18:41:14.684-07:00Pic!! Finally!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFm1N4R3d1JnkiY8RHoZbIj_zhDB5XcuEBeilEIxtVSzabcraYPlgEB9kvON_AeH6-tUGRpfIH8MAXCJRFipdZQQ8njDjW2uJqNHewiQgGmJrI32eaTIsPsgIU90lEHHOoRFF6mDUMvLco/s1600/Peru+Upload+1+158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFm1N4R3d1JnkiY8RHoZbIj_zhDB5XcuEBeilEIxtVSzabcraYPlgEB9kvON_AeH6-tUGRpfIH8MAXCJRFipdZQQ8njDjW2uJqNHewiQgGmJrI32eaTIsPsgIU90lEHHOoRFF6mDUMvLco/s320/Peru+Upload+1+158.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>Sign outside our hotel. I don't have the bandwidth to upload some of the ten megapixel photos (or 90% of the shots I took today). Tomorrow's photo(s) will be better.Jack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-18756901206834804692011-07-24T18:16:00.000-07:002011-07-24T18:16:29.633-07:00We miss youHi mommy we miss you. We just came back from getting snow cones and thought about you the whole time. We are glad you arrived safe and are praying you have a great mission trip. We are doing great and we love you.<br />
<br />
Love<br />
The Fox FamilyJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-83940970824375818282011-07-24T15:29:00.000-07:002011-07-24T15:29:10.878-07:00Introductory meetingMet Susan Park this afternoon. we were briefed on the "do"s and "don't"s of Arequipa. It was very much a crash course in Latin American culture and customs. Among the highlights of the briefing for me was the "what to do in an earthquake" section; definitely not something we have to prepare for back home.<br />
<br />
If I can get it working, I'll try to post a picture or two on here later.<br />
--JackJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-15777508672303816632011-07-24T14:14:00.000-07:002011-07-24T14:14:01.791-07:00We have finally made it to Arequipa and just had lunch at 3:30. I wanted to say hello to my precious family. I love and miss you guys.<br />
The drive from the airport to the Hostal reminded me a lot of Mexico...a very poor and undeveloped country. We are looking forward to meeting the children tomorrow. <br />
P.S. John: our red suitcase has been damaged from Lima to Arequipa. I guess it was time for some new luggage.:). Love you all.<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
Holly FoxJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-25905158113874245062011-07-24T14:12:00.000-07:002011-07-24T18:45:56.644-07:00We made it!! At almost exactly 24 hours after i left the house we were picking up luggage at the Arequipa airport. We all arrived safely with all the luggage. Peru is very different than I expected. It is very arid and very brown. Winter is mild. We are in short sleeves and quite happy! The city is surrounded by mountains one with snow on top. As we flew over the Andes I was struck by the lack of trees--none. Saw one area in a valley that had agriculture from irrigation. We are at the hotel and getting settled now and are looking forward to sleeping tonight! <br />
Halleluiah! We have arrived. Pray that as we begin our work we are led by the Lord!<br />
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--DebJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-75853888297130960462011-07-23T10:17:00.001-07:002011-07-23T11:25:02.859-07:00My darling family<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5b2Qy3GMCqctRy_zlBAReV7Yl0wMlIBuL-Jsuwd8o1dk449ZLmggw3zf-v2jZYv8zxqkL_ukAyjPjK5FcE9KA-aEYdIQf8QzbxdWJN0f6aRK3dlDKtz0DaTWwxFpWDnhjI-nOCk-yyP1R/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5b2Qy3GMCqctRy_zlBAReV7Yl0wMlIBuL-Jsuwd8o1dk449ZLmggw3zf-v2jZYv8zxqkL_ukAyjPjK5FcE9KA-aEYdIQf8QzbxdWJN0f6aRK3dlDKtz0DaTWwxFpWDnhjI-nOCk-yyP1R/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear Daddy, Elle <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Annabelle,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love each of you very much and can’t wait to see you in 9 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will have so many stories to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please continue to pray for our safety and for the transformation of hearts and lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never forget how much God loves and delights over you and that He desires to have a deep and intimate relationship with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all about the heart….the place where God resides and speaks to each of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you Nani and Happy for spending this precious time with the girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Desperate for Him…always,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Holly Fox <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>aka Mommy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>Jack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-53061376601286570742011-07-23T10:07:00.001-07:002011-07-23T10:07:32.286-07:00Truth: God's view of us<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Truth:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s View</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I choose to believe that God loves me</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I choose to believe that God likes me</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am a beloved daughter / son and God delights over me</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is no comparison or competition in the Kingdom of God</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am right with God through Christ’s work on the cross</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Holly Fox (compliments of my dear friend Karri Dutton)</span></div>Jack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-45589792280332877662011-07-23T10:06:00.000-07:002011-07-23T10:09:19.595-07:00Truth: God's view in Spanish<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">Verdad:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vista de Dios<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elijo creer que Dios me ama<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 4.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: -4.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elijo creer que Dios me gusta<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 4.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: -4.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;">Soy una amada hija / hijo y Dios se deleita en mí<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 4.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: -4.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No hay comparación ni competencia en el Reino de Dios<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 4.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: -4.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Estoy bien con Dios a través de la obra de Cristo en la Cruz</span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 4.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: -4.5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 4.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: -4.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From my dear friend Karri Dutton</span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 4.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: -4.5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 4.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: -4.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Holly Fox<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>Jack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-85374396873304044582011-07-23T07:54:00.000-07:002011-07-23T07:54:51.722-07:00<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Road Ahead by Thomas Merton</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not see the road ahead of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot know for certain where it will end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost in the shadow of death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils a</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">lone.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In His Mighty grip,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Holly Fox, Beloved daughter of the Most HIgh</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>Jack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-51745522897151235052011-07-22T18:37:00.000-07:002011-07-22T18:37:37.017-07:00Leaving tomorrow!Hi Friends and Family,<br />
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I am leaving tomorrow evening for Peru. I can't believe it! I'm still packing my stuff!! I can't wait to get to Peru to find out what God has planned for us all! I am definitely looking forward to cooler weather for a while. I am going to miss my family while I am gone. Please check in on them for me. Thanks again to everyone for their prayers and donations and kind words of encouragement. They mean a lot to me. Tune in later for more posts. <br />
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Sincerely,<br />
MelissaJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-805994649266970128.post-9649351073415843142011-07-21T20:46:00.000-07:002011-07-21T20:46:56.415-07:00Can you believe it??I am giggly with excitement and only one more day until we leave for Peru. There have been some miracles already and I am sure there will be more! First--It was paid for! I couldn't believe this. $3,000 a head was needed to fund this mission--and it happened 14 times. I was a doubter on this one. But there you have it! If you are one of our very generous friends or famiy members I can only say thank you. You are participating in something much larger than all of us.<br />
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Next--I can't believe all the stuff got packed! I personally toted three big Ikea bags worth of stuff up to the church last night, I have no idea how much other stuff was brought--but the pile was huge. At the beginning we started sorting must go and would be nice to go. We all opened up suitcases and like little squirrels we ran and grabbed stuff off the pile, stuffed it in our bags and ran back for more. In the end it ALL found its way into a suitcase and we had plenty of room for the nice to have pile and ended up with room left over. It was almost like the loaves and fishes. Who could have believed it would all fit! The great news is we still have room to bring clean clothes for ourselves.<br />
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We got all the plans made for the activities for the week, and we have all been warned about the best laid plans... but at least we have a plan to deviate from! <br />
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Keep praying--we still have to get to the airport, get to Lima, get to Arequipa, meet the kids, not get sick......<br />
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Here we go-<br />
DebJack Martin, media coordinatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02456165780743625052noreply@blogger.com0