Colton's B-day

This is really late, but as promised, I'm going to post some pics of Colton-boy's Bday. We had a great time ushering in his 8th birthday as you can tell....





It's hard to believe that we don't have any 7 year olds left in the house. We are so proud of him. He has really grown and matured a lot in this year.

Heather, who has been blogging circles around me, has entries here and here for his bday (in case you haven't seen her blog).

Justin boy is 12 years old....

Well, since today is Colton's birthday, I was reminded that I hadn't posted anything from Justin's bday party a few weeks ago so I better do it before I get in (more) trouble. Justin is 12 years old, and as they say here, No puedo creerlo--I can't believe it!. So here goes (I'll post pics of Colton's party after we have it!):

Here is a picture of Justin vanquishing his 16 year old foe at Twister.


Here is the female contingent and Abby sporting her prize for winning a game.


Here's Justin with his buds opening a present.


Here are some participants getting their game-face on.


And this was a crowd favorite: Ninja, Warrior, & Indian (Kinda like Rock, Paper, & Scissors, but more fun).

Happy Birthday Justin! We love you!!!

Our One Year Anniversary in Peru

It's hard to believe, but we've made it to our first anniversary in Peru. Has it really been a year? That's what the calendar says! In some ways, it seems like a lifetime--we have learned so much (my wife calls it "fast-track sanctification").

I've put together a little slide show video of the sights, sounds, and faces of our university ministry here in Trujillo (~04:55). Thanks to all for your prayers and support.

My wife also did one that is more family-centered. Check it out....


Sorry about the quality. We had to reduce the quality to fit it onto the allowable MB upload. Perhaps future posts will be better.

Celebrating Peru's Independence Day at the Orphanage

On Friday, we went out to the orphanage, Hogar de Esperanza, where Heather leads a weekly Bible study for the house mothers. On this day, the kids had a program and a parade to celebrate Peru's Independence Day.

One great memory: A local Peruvian pastor gave a devotional. He asked the kid's, "Who liberated Peru?" And they answered in unison: "Jesus!" (That was simply awesome.)

The kids made typical foods from the coast, jungle, and mountains of Peru. They took pride in their creations.


One of my favorite outfits was this cute little kid dressed as a chef.


Our kids enjoyed getting to see where Heather has her study and where the kids lived as well as meeting and playing with many of them. I think Heather is going to start taking them out there every Wednesday to play with the kids while she is in her study.

And our kids received an unexpected lesson about true heroism: We are thankful for the Millers, members of a PCA church, who saw a great need here and founded this orphanage and, as your run-of-the-mill average Christians, are engaged in the battle to push back the darkness with the Light of the Gospel.

Kevin Turns 10!!!

I can't believe it. My second son, Kevin (aka "K-pac") turned 10 this past week. I am so thankful that God has given him to our family. He is a sensitive, caring, and fun covenant child.

Kevin received some cool gifts for his bday, including a sword and a big-boy 10-year old gift that he has been waiting for some time to receive: his very own pocket-knife.


After his birthday party in the afternoon with his friends, we celebrated by eating some great pizza at our favorite Italian restaurant, Lil' Tescana's.


Kevin, may the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make His face shine upon you and always be gracious to you, may the Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon you and give you His peace. And may you keep your eyes focused upon Him and grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The 4th of July...Peruvian Style

Well, our day started off when my friend, Brian, and I went to UNT for our Holiness of God study only to find that the faculty had barred the gates of the university closed with banners and a planned protest march. (I'm told that the best university profs get paid $500 per month--I think I'd protest too.)


Pretty exciting. The national police were out and everything. Then one of the protesters started speaking over the loud speakers about how all the North Americans are cheating Peru because their businesses are not paying taxes or their fair share of taxes, and if they would, then the government could pay the professors more. My eyes started darting back and forth as I realized I was the only obvious North American around (Bryan doesn't count since he could pass himself off for any number of nationalities!). We then headed over to SALI for our study, and Pablo invited a friend of his off the street who wasn't a Christian. Interesting discussion. We also had a new young lady join us so that made 8 or 9 students in our study!

Janelle accompanied Heather to the local orphanage, Hogar de Esperanza, for their weekly Bible study on the Fruit of the Spirit.


In the afternoon, Justin finished his first Spanish cycle/ book with our teacher, Noemi. He's been working on this for about eight months and scored a perfect 100 on his final exam (thus shaming his parents!!!).


In the evening, we had some of the other missionary families over for some homemade chili and fun. Here's some of the kids playing around.


Janelle also gave her presentation for her Master's thesis in Architecture on Peru Mission.

Afterwards folks enjoyed some trivial pursuit, a movie (Eight Below), cookies, laughter and and lots of fun jumping on the trampoline [Did you know the spanish word for trampoline literaly means "elastic bed"?].

Oh yeah...we did have some fireworks.


Well, sort of. They were on the TV from one of those CDs that plays various types of scenes on a loop. But hey, they were fireworks, kinda-sorta, nevertheless.


And that's our July 4th celebration...peruvian-gringo style.

Our Friends the Franklins

Some of our good friends from our home church and former students in our RUF ministy at Texas A&M are visiting us for a month. Actually, Brian & Janelle Franklin are on an extended short-term missions trip.

Brian is a Ph.D student in US history at Texas A&M, and Janelle just completed her Master's in Architecture from the same great university (though she is more likely to say "War Eagle" than "Gig'em Aggies," but we're working on her. Thankfully, our kids are oblivious to all things Auburn!--Don't tell Janelle I said that!)

Brian is working on various projects with our SALI language school, and Janelle is working on a church design for our Arevalo parish. They are both working on their Spanish, though Brian already knows a lot. He's practicing with my friend, Pablo, and Janelle is taking lessons from our Spanish tutor, Noemi. Probably their toughest task, though, is living with the Fergie's for a month. We're a loud bunch, but our kids are loving having them here.


Check out Brian's life and Janelle's too as they chronicle their experiences here. Also, check out Janelle's thesis project which was to design a church /clinic /school for Peru Mission.) They are a breath of fresh air to us and we are grateful for thier willingness to come alongside us and the mission for this month.