Settled In

Finally, I have settled in to my apartment here in Cusco and have just about everything I need.  In fact, I even have a toaster oven.  I figure it's just as good as having a real oven.  I have some chicken heating up right now as a matter of fact.  I have some other good news, one of the grocery stores here in Cusco carries Louisiana style hot sauce.  Combine that with pollo broaster and it is just about like going to KFC.

I have been in language school for the past 2 weeks and it really has been a learning experience.  I have learned a tremendous amount of Spanish in these 2 weeks and cannot wait to see what I will be speaking after 4 months.  At times it is challenging, but I remind myself that what I am learning is not for mere knowledge, but for the glory of God.  I really believe that even through my struggles in Spanish, God is conforming me to Christ even more.  Pray that God will give me a tremendous amount of grace as I seek to learn. 

The past couple of weeks I have had the opportunity to help in a village called Yucay, where last years floods damaged and destroyed many homes.  Many of the people have been living in tents and are finally able to start getting back on their feet.  We have brought food to the village the past 2 weeks and tomorrow we are going to help another missionary bring seeds so that the people can produce a crop to feed themselves.  There is an immediate physical need that must be met, but of course our larger goal is to have the right to witness and work among these people. 

As some of you may know, I have removed my Facebook.  I did this for a few reasons, but mainly I wanted to take a step back and in some sense disconnect myself with the US in order to maintain my focus here.  Also, I want to spend the time that I was using on Facebook to read and study.  So, the best way to stay in touch is through email:  jameswells1988@yahoo.com.  Also, to keep receiving blog updates, follow my blog. 

The past month has really been a tremendous time of growth and learning.  God has and is doing a tremendous work in my life as He has already promised.  (Philippians 1:6).  Please continue to pray for the people of Peru that Christ may continue to call His children out of darkness and into His marvelous light.  May the lamb have the full reward of His suffering!

Welcome to Cusco

On Monday, June 28th, I boarded my flight from Tallahassee that would connect to a flight that would send me to Peru, only to be stuck in Houston for a night.  After a good nights rest and a flight to Panama (the country) I finally made it to Peru around 12:30 at night on Wednesday the 30th.

I flew into Lima, which is a lovely, but quite depressing city.  It beholds a beautiful European atmosphere with it's grandeur architecture, but extremely depressing because the sun is never shining.  I stayed in Lima for a few days acclimating myself once more with the Latin America culture and working on some visa work.  Finally....

July 6 I boarded a Peruvian Airlines flight to Cusco, Peru.  This place is so much better than Lima.  Beautiful buildings, mountains, wonderful climate, mountains, great food, mountains, large city with a village feel, and mountains.  I couldn't think of a better city to live.

My first couple of days I have spent being out of breath, living in a hostal, traveling to a nearby village, and taste testing through the town. 

This week is finally the week when I must drop my tourist fanny pack and become a real Cusqueno.  Today I started my first Spanish classes at Maximo Nivel, where I learned more in 3 hours than 2 years in high school.  I have a feeling that this is going to be intense.  Also, I went apartment hunting and believe that know where I'm going to move into.  Hoping Wednesday is the day.

Quick story.  Today during my private lessons, I asked my teacher to help me with talking about the Bible and what I am doing here.  It turned into a great conversation and tomorrow she wants me to come back and present the gospel to her in Spanish.  She is not a believer and is not apart of the Catholic church either and seems to be searching.  It is so glorious how God has used my time when I'm supposed to be learning Spanish as a great opportunity for  me to teach the gospel and possibly be involved in salvation.