Day 60 of our life in Lima was not only our 60 day mark, but a celebration for the entire country of Peru!  Their late night win over New Zealand earned them a spot in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.  This will be their first appearance in 36 years.  While living in Peru, we have had the opportunity to watch four World Cup qualifying games.  Now we will get to watch the Peruano’s (Peruvian’s) compete in the Cup!  I knew soccer was a popular sport internationally; however, I now have a greater appreciation for futbol and the way I’ve seen it unite an entire country.  Walking through this city of 10 million people on a game day is like walking through a sea of red and white.  The energy and anticipation of the crowds on game day is thick in the air.  To say the least, our 60th day in Lima was pretty exciting.

The 60 days since our departure from Austin has gone by fast and our focus from day one has been the acquisition of the Spanish language.  We quickly have learned how little we know of the language and how much work we have ahead of us.  We have been using many of the methods and techniques we were taught at our pre-field missionary training and continue to do so.  Learning a second language is not for the faint of heart.  I’ve had to learn to pace myself and get plenty of rest and exercise.

The Lord has certainly worked on my patience and I am much better for it.  Taking care of the simple things, such as; renting an apartment, purchasing a vehicle, getting cell phone and internet service, grocery shopping, filling up with gas, washing dishes, getting a hair cut, etc.  I can go on, but when you add language and communication barriers coupled with slight cultural differences…WOW!  All this has caused our heads to spin.  While this has caused us some stress, discouragement and frustration, we know who is ultimately in control of all things.  We are counting our blessings daily and learning to appreciate the small things.  God has been so good to us, we don’t deserve it but we thank him for everything.

The Psalm’s constantly remind me to praise Him always and through all circumstances.

“I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.” Psalm 63:4.

Thank you Jesus, for hands to lift and give you praise!!

Thirty days in, we were blessed to be introduced to Toño, who has been a tremendous help to our family.  He offered to help us with our language learning projects.  In addition to spending a few hours a day with us on language help, he committed countless hours to serve us by vehicle shopping with us, lined up a mechanic to inspect and get the vehicle in great shape, helped us to prepare all the documentation (Peruano’s love their documentation) needed to be legit.  We are still working on that window tint permit.  Don’t ask…  He also helped us navigate the medical care system after a persistent cough lingered on for Alyssa (she is doing much better now!).  He introduced us to the local premier futbol club, Cantolao, for Elijah.  Elijah is enjoying his newfound friends and competition.  Some of the kids call him Austin and ask if there are lot’s of cowboy’s in Texas.  Duh!! Of course there are.  Toño has introduced us to many people at his home church, Camino de Vida.  We continue to pray for deeper lasting relationships at a local church.

That is the summary of what our life has been like in Lima.  We sincerely welcome prayers going forward.  Here are a few bulleted items of praise and prayer request.

Praise Jesus!

• We’ve found a beautiful apartment in a great location.  This next year in our new home will help us get assimilated to the community with access to all things essential.  So far our landing has been as soft as could be.
• Trustworthy and reliable vehicle.  Also a mechanic who speaks some English and has a desire to learn.
• Beautiful views and serenity of the Pacific and sounds of crashing waves on our morning walks and runs.
• The fascinating relationship between the food and culture and most delicious local cuisine in Lomo saltado, cebiche, Chifa…
• Sometimes a taste of home in Pizza Hut, Papa Johns and Dunkin Donuts.
• Futbol for Elijah
• New experiences!

Join us in prayer!

• Better communication amongst our family.  Please pray we can be open and patient with one another as we learn how to do life in Lima.
• Ask the Lord to lead us into long lasting relationships in a community that we can grow in our faith and ministry.
• Pray for the future of the CMM Latin American team.
  • We desire our focus to be solely for the purpose of glorifying Jesus and multiplying disciples and world Christians who have a deep desire to take the Gospel to people who don’t have access to the life saving message of Christ.
• Pray for our hearts and minds to be open to the path the Lord has before us.
  • Learning Spanish, loving the people and understanding the culture
• Pray that we have good conversations as a family regarding Alyssa’s future beyond graduation.  Pray the Lord gives her clarity of purpose and direction.
• Safe trip for Manny as he travels to Dubai at the end of the month for the 2017 Global Mobilization Consultation conference.
• Safety and peace for Jen, Alyssa and Elijah during Manny’s trip out of country.
• Safe trip for us as we travel to Bolivia mid-December on a hop to renew our Visa’s.  Also pray for an opportunity for us to make our Visa’s more lasting so we don’t have to travel out of country every 3 – 6 months.

Be on the look out for our quarterly newsletter, which will be forthcoming in the next 30 days.  God be with you and God speed!