Age groupings are different here and still fairly baffling for us. "Jovenes" or young people, seem to include everyone from teenagers to perhaps 35. This is particularly true if you're single or don't have children (and most people who don't have children are single).

Saturday night we attended the young professionals- type group at Mil Palmeras, the church that SAM missionaries have been most involved in founding and growing. The fact that they have a group of this type is pretty unique. We were dreading going, to be honest, but suppressed all our anti-social tendencies and made our way out the door.

Mil Palmeras has specifically reached out to more educated and financially stable Peruvians, a group largely ignored in past by many missionaries and churches. The group we attended was made up of bankers, doctors, teachers, and businesspeople. It was amazing how comfortable we felt. Of course there's something to be said for getting to people who aren't like yourself, but it felt great to sit and have an easy conversation about topics that interest us, too.

We still have one more Sunday of church-visiting before we make the call, but the idea of going to a church where we might be able to make friends is pretty enticing. There are lots of factors to consider.

Here are a few other things that have been keeping us busy recently:

• Tim learned to shoot a pistol and a shotgun (and has the bruises to prove it).
• I've been sleeping WAY too much-- not sure yet if I've got a bug, it's the heat, or something else.
• Our neighbor Marshall is giving Tim swim lessons.
• "Community meetings" on bad internet access are giving us a chance to get to know all our neighbors. Now our friend David is scheming about throwing a neighborhood BBQ!
• I've been studying up on STDs in preparation for an abstinence course I'm getting ready to help out with in a local high school. Wow have I learned a lot! I had no idea STDs were so dangerous and so prevalent.
• We've been spending a lot of time with our neighbors and fellow SAM missionaries-- playing cards, having birthday cake, small group, going out for ice cream, grilling out, etc. I can't tell you how good it feels. I'm so grateful to God for surrounding us with His love in this way.  
• And of course work. We're still trying to figure some stuff out about this university ministry. Keep it in your prayers! Updates to come. 

1 Comment

1. Phil Murray on August 28, 2009 at 9:46 AM

   funny thing - you and Christal have the same "affliction" - she is sleeping a ton these days too! :)