River of Love

Taken from a train on the way to Manchupiccu, Peru

Ephesians 3:18

And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.

I can't help but think of God's majesty when I see His work in the world He created.

Llama Infatuation

Those of you who know me personally know that I am a member of "Llamas Anonymous." It is a support group for those of us in the Baton Rouge area who are addicted to the card game Dutch Blitz...which we have affectionately renamed...you guessed it..."llama."

Some of the group got together on fourth of July to celebrate the country's independence by playing llama into the wee hours of the morning. It was great fun. Shouting "LLAMA" as you throw your last card down to win the game is sooooo invigorating!

When I went to Peru last year I had the pleasure of meeting a real llama. I met a bunch of them actually and we had lunch together...OK it was more like I fed them, cause I just can't bring myself to eat raw alfalfa. Here is the proof...me with a 100% real, living, breathing llama.

Don't be jealous. LOL.

Lla...lla...lla...llama anyone?

Another Trip to Peru

HPC is sending another 20-30 guys down to Peru to continue the construction projects they have began. Please keep the volunteers in your prayers as well as the Peruvian people and the government. Thank you!

Peace

Brothers. Lunawana, Peru. Feb 2007.
I wonder if they are still there.

It's kind of crazy how things hit you all of a sudden.

I think about all of the little things that I take for granted everyday. I think about the sacrifices I have made to be where I am. I think about relationships in the past, present and the future.

I guess it takes big earth shaking events to really bring you back sometimes. To refocus on what is really important in this place... people. I know I will learn a lot in the next few years, but the one thing I hope to take away from this is the value of relationships.

I can admit I haven't always been the best at building or maintaining them. I have always felt like I needed to prove my worth. To make sure everyone knew what I could bring to the table. I don't want to seek that kind of approval anymore.

So from now on, I have nothing to prove!

Video from Camino de Vida

HPC partner's with this church in Lima. This video was done not long ago showing the needs in that nation.

Continued Prayer

Here is a video I found on You Tube that shows some of the devestation around Lima.

Continued Prayer Needed - Part 2

This is an update from Pastor's blog about Peru, please take a minute to pray for this country that is so close to my heart. It is going to cost upwards of $600 thousand dollars to get the releif camps started. I am so thankful that our God has unlimited resources!

"The president of Peru personally asked my friend Robert Barriger (pastor of Camino De Vida in Lima, Peru) to take over the administration of several of the relief camps in the city of Pisco - one of the hardest-hit areas. He has asked us to do what we can to mobilize workers to help them with this effort. They need 20 - 30 skilled contractors/carpenters immediately.
If you or someone you know is willing and can pay the airfare (currently about $1,000) Pastor Robert and his team will supply your food and housing in Peru. If you are able to go, please contact Marc Cleary at marc.cleary@healingplacechurch.org."

Peru Earthquake

Being an intern without TV and Internet @ home can leave you out of the world news loop. When I heard about the earthquake in Peru a few days ago my heart broke for those people. I have family in Lima, Peru and I was just there visiting Feb of this year. We drove down the Panamerican Hwy and into many of the towns affected by this disaster.
Here is a link to Pastor Dino's blog with a little update on what HPC is doing to help DinoRizzo

Please keep this country and its people in your prayers. Pray for good judgment in the government and support for the people.

Looking Back

This is a pic of my sister, Sarah, and I in Peru last February. We were at a restaurant named El Piloto - The Pilot. Oh the food was great!

I know this is an odd post, since this blog is supposed to be about Elevate, but this trip to Peru really solidified the idea of mission work in my heart.

Before Peru, I wanted to travel the world, but after my trip there I realized I wanted to travel with a bigger purpose than just seeing the world.

I want to travel and share the love of Jesus through serving the local people! From there God had been shaping his vision for my future, and I am so ready to discover what he has planned!