We had a great church service at the Children's Home, led by Bud and Laura Lenz. Their daughter, Rachel, led worship on her guitar with two of her brothers accompanying her-one on guitar and the other on bongo drums. It was beautiful! And, they even sang my favorite song in Spanish, The More I Seek You (I admit I kept one eye open so I could video record it-lol!)
I briefly got to visit with some of the children that live there while they gave me a tour their classroom and bedrooms (some bunks were three beds high!). They even have pet birds and bunnies. Some of the children performed a dance for us! The students on our team played a game of volleyball, and then it was time for a lunch of spaghetti-yum! Afterward we had orientation. Each member of the team had a chance to share how they ended up on this trip. It was quite amazing, to say the least!
Two of the med students have gotten sick so far, so please keep them in prayer. But as for a praise report. . .Amber made it here safely this morning! She is a honey. . . a 31-year-old PA from Texas who just spent 6 years practicing in Maui. The weekend after we get back she will be headed to Alaska to work for the summer. She is following the Lord and He's taking her on quite the adventure! Seems like once you go on a trip like this, it gets in your blood!
Since most of the team is focused on the medical clinics, I don't quite feel like I've found my grove yet. Hopefully, being at the orphanage tomorrow will give me a better sense of direction. Please pray for all that to come together.
Mom and Dad have been sorting meds with the team in preparation for tomorrow's first day of clinics. As soon as they get back, it will be off to dinner. (I will try to post some pictures soon!)
Until tomorrow,
Megan
meganchiles@yahoo.com
"Go into all the world. . ." Mark 16:15
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Euphoria!
Flying over the Andes Mts. was breathtaking! That little flight from Lima to Cusco felt like only 10 minutes because I was so in awe of God's creation. The mountains are majestic, and it makes me want to praise my Creator!
On the flight I got to use my Spanish "for real" sitting next to two Peruvian women. Both of them were teachers here in Cusco and were very willing to converse with me through my broken Spanish. I arrived in Cusco at 10:30am (it's Central time here) after 26 hours of travel!! I am excited to say that my parents and I are handling the high altitude just fine, and after a little nap, we feel great. PTL!
As my missionary friend counseled me would happen, I am in a state of euphoria. Pinch me. . .am I really here?! From what I've seen so far, the Peruvian people are extremely gracious and hospitable. I feel my accomodations are more than what is necessary. We are staying in a hotel similar to what we'd see in the states. . .and they are treating us like royalty. It's humbling. I came to serve THEM!
I also feel like I'm getting to know our CERT team of volunteers. There are about 12 of us that have traveled together since Miami. Tonight we will meet the pre-med students that will be part of the medical teams. Please pray for all of them, and all of us actually, to have servants' hearts, to be in unity, and to realize we came to make a difference not just go on "vacation."
My friend, Bud Lenz who runs the children's home (as they refer to the orphanage) met us at the airport with two of his boys, Daniel (7 yrs.) and David (3 yrs.). It makes me miss my own beautiful children, and I can easily see these precious children working their way into my heart! I am already falling in love with the people, the culture, and the country, and I know I'll be coming back some day. . .
Enjoying the euphoria,
Megan
PS. We have Wi-Fi in our rooms, so please email me. I would love to hear from you!
On the flight I got to use my Spanish "for real" sitting next to two Peruvian women. Both of them were teachers here in Cusco and were very willing to converse with me through my broken Spanish. I arrived in Cusco at 10:30am (it's Central time here) after 26 hours of travel!! I am excited to say that my parents and I are handling the high altitude just fine, and after a little nap, we feel great. PTL!
As my missionary friend counseled me would happen, I am in a state of euphoria. Pinch me. . .am I really here?! From what I've seen so far, the Peruvian people are extremely gracious and hospitable. I feel my accomodations are more than what is necessary. We are staying in a hotel similar to what we'd see in the states. . .and they are treating us like royalty. It's humbling. I came to serve THEM!
I also feel like I'm getting to know our CERT team of volunteers. There are about 12 of us that have traveled together since Miami. Tonight we will meet the pre-med students that will be part of the medical teams. Please pray for all of them, and all of us actually, to have servants' hearts, to be in unity, and to realize we came to make a difference not just go on "vacation."
My friend, Bud Lenz who runs the children's home (as they refer to the orphanage) met us at the airport with two of his boys, Daniel (7 yrs.) and David (3 yrs.). It makes me miss my own beautiful children, and I can easily see these precious children working their way into my heart! I am already falling in love with the people, the culture, and the country, and I know I'll be coming back some day. . .
Enjoying the euphoria,
Megan
PS. We have Wi-Fi in our rooms, so please email me. I would love to hear from you!
Hello Peru!!
We have arrived safely in Peru! Made it through customs and now waiting for the last short flight to Cusco. Please pray for everyone to adjust to the altitude and for one of our teammates, Amber, who missed the flight last night and is still stuck in the Miami airport until about midnight tonight.
Blessings!
Blessings!
The beginning. . .
It’s happening!! My first missionary adventure has begun. I’ve started on my journey and it seems surreal! My travels began this morning at 7:30am. We backed out of the driveway, with 4 little hands waving and throwing kisses good-bye. As I fought back tears, I tried to put into words what I was feeling. Paul offered a listening ear and through my tears, I related to him my excitement at doing something I’ve always dreamed of doing, the anxiety of the unknown, and the overwhelming love I feel for my family. I know they will all be in good hands, but I sure will miss them. If you see my kids and feel the urge to give them a hug while I’m gone. . .please do so!
Currently, I am at the Miami airport waiting to board the plane headed to Peru
After a short night and a long day, I am excited and exhausted! I will arrive in Lima , Peru around 4:30am and from there I’ll take another flight to Cusco , Peru Cusco is at an altitude of 11,000 feet and we will spend the day tomorrow resting and getting acclimated to the high elevation. I have met some of the team members, and I love them already! It’s neat to see everyone coming with a heart to serve and willing to use their talents to help others. I am starting out this trip without any expectations, yet full of expectation that the Lord will take what I can offer and multiply it to meet the needs and bring encouragement to the people I meet along this journey.
Thank you all for your prayers. . .I feel them!
Good night, my friends,
Megan
Friday, May 13, 2011
One week in counting. . .
I leave one week from today. I am nervous, excited, and really missing my kids already! I was snuggling with Madelyn today and talking about the children in Peru who didn't have a mother to love them like she does. She asked me if I was going to give them kisses and I said, "Yes, so you better give me more so I have more to share!" Lydia brought me to tears when she asked if I could bring one home with me (meaning one of those precious children). Someday, Lydia, I think someday. . .
Today I was busy booking a shuttle to the airport, making some meals for my family while I'm gone, and going over my recipes. Part of what I will be doing in Peru is working with the cook at the orphanage to teacher her some new things. I am so excited!
I also received an encouraging word from someone in my church. Just the boost I needed. It was confirmation that I am on the right path, doing what the Lord wants me to do, right now. To Him be the glory!
Today I was busy booking a shuttle to the airport, making some meals for my family while I'm gone, and going over my recipes. Part of what I will be doing in Peru is working with the cook at the orphanage to teacher her some new things. I am so excited!
I also received an encouraging word from someone in my church. Just the boost I needed. It was confirmation that I am on the right path, doing what the Lord wants me to do, right now. To Him be the glory!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
The countdown's begun. . .
Twelve days from today I will be in Peru
-women’s skirts sz. 11/12 (new or gently used)
-flip flops (new, all sizes)
-stickers (for the children)
-gum with xylitol
-books in Spanish
-girls’ clothes sz. 10/12 (new or gently used)
A cash donation would also help purchase additional items needed at the orphanage once we've arrived. Right now they are caring for about 40-45 children! Wow!
Praise the Lord, my financial needs are almost met as well!! I am only $400 away. Missions has always been near and dear to our hearts, and even when we couldn’t go we’ve supported those who could. Now it’s my turn to go, and I’m asking if you’d be willing to support me in this mission of bringing hope and healing to the people of Peru
You can mail me a check and designate how you would like your donation to be spent (orphanage or my expenses). For a tax-deductible gift, please make your check out to CERT International, or visit their website at: www.certinternational.org and click on the 'donate' tab. Just mention that your donation is “for Megan Chiles.”
In His grace,
Megan Chiles
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