Jan
26
1. We had an tremor yesterday-- 5.8 on the Richter scale, with the epicenter 10 miles from here but 25 miles underground. It was definitely the strongest I've felt, despite the very frequent ones in Arequipa and even in Puerto Supe. Still mild-- nothing fell. It was the first one we've experienced since being in Pucallpa.2. Much more dramatic is the situation in Cusco and Machu Picchu. Here's the update I got from the Embassy the other day.
- The airport in Cusco is closed;
- The train to/from Cusco and Machu Picchu has been cancelled since January 23 due to landslides;
- The roads into and out of Machu Picchu are currently closed;
- The Pisac bridge has collapsed;
- The Huallabamba bridge is under water; and
- There was a landslide in Oropesa en route to Puno, travel is limited.
This week last year my dad was in Machu Picchu and this week two years ago Tim, my mom, and I were there. Sure glad we had different weather! Apparently people are stuck all over the place and the Embassy is actually trying to get helicopters into the area around Machu Picchu to evacuate people. It looks like rainy season has arrived.
3. In response to a general plea from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for Spanish (and certain other disciplines) teachers, I wrote my resume and first cover letter this weekend. Super excited about that. First, I love writing. Second, this is the first time I've ever applied for a job that I'm qualified for! It made it about ten million times easier, and I'm feeling great about my upcoming job search. At the same time, I know that my future depends on God and not on my own qualifications. Pray that I would trust Him in everything and joyfully accept what He has for me next.
4. The SAM Pucallpa women are having a little shindig for the newest ladies tomorrow night. As part of that, Marilyn is compiling recipes to give them. I put together my 9 favorites of the ones I have bookmarked (and therefore didn't have to type up). Thought I might pass them along to anyone else interested, although I know some of them have made appearances on the blog before. Here you go. (By the way, the no-bake cookies may not actually be one of my favorites although they are pretty good. They're more for the one lady who has a wheat allergy.)
That's all for now.
