Sunday October 6, 2012 Chau, America!

Since this is travel day, I will simply give a play-by-play post

Once our group of 14 checked in for our flight, we made our way through security in the FLL Airport. If you want stress in your life be responsible for a church youth group to make it on a plane to a foreign country. I, promise, the stress is instantaneous and unenjoyable. However, I will say that thanks to God's timing it went rather smooth.

Once at the terminal, our group came to the realization that our flight had a two hour delay before we would leaving. So commenced our time killers...

For 9 out of 14 of our group this was their first time out of the country, and for a few it was the first time on an airplane. It was an adventure on every level for our group. Luk was incredibly excited to see the entrance of the plane because a two hour delay to a six year old is like an eternity.

But, Luk very quickly found his comfort zone in his seat, while...

the adults realized we were on the last row... and there was about three inches of leg space missing.

Once we made it out of Lima's Airport we met our awesome YWAM leader Cesar. He was a sight for sore eyes. It was good to be back in a country I loved and held dear in my heart, and to see a friend that has been missed over the past nine months.

Imagine that the six year old is too tired to walk after a six hour flight... 

Safe and sound at the YWAM Base and home for the next eight days!

Day 5 in Peru

It is the fifth day that we have been in Peru. It is the day that this boy:

will meet this boy:

separated by a mass of ocean, but God saw fit to bring together through the Compassion program. Two boys writing, drawing, and loving each other from so far will finally get to touch, feel, and hear each other. When I stepped foot in Peru this time last year I knew that I had to bring my son to see our precious Smith. It is never too early to expose your child to truth behind poverty. It is never too early to give your child a connection as strong as this one.

Later this week I hope to write about the other things we have done this week, but the time is approaching to hop in a taxi to see that face! I will leave you with these photos from the week so far.

Peru in 2 days...

Our car is packed with four backpacks, a luggage roof carrier, and a change of clothes. As many of you know God brought us to Georgia in the beginning of September (another post), and we are settled with every box unpacked, rooms organized, and homeschooling underway. However, over a year ago after meeting Smith, we began the process of getting our youth group in FL to Peru.

Our youth's parents faithfully agreed to switch our dates of travel from July to October to cut the costs in half and allow their kiddos to miss four days of school. We leave our nest for Florida tomorrow morning and head to Peru on Saturday afternoon. This trip is incredible special for my husband and I because 1) our six year old is going 2) my husband and Luk will be meeting Smith for the first time 3) two of the other people going to Peru will be meeting their Compassion child for the first time (WHOA!) and 4) 10 out of the 14 people going have NEVER gone out of the country, a few have NEVER ridden on an airplane, and few have gone further that Georgia or Alabama.

Needless to say, I am humbled that they are coming on this journey. I am shaken to the core that my beautiful brothers and sisters in Christ are inviting us into the homes to share the love of Christ. It is overwhelming to have them in my family!

As we were preparing for our travel, it has occurred to me more and more just how much this trip is going to change my son's life. We leave his baby brother behind (he is not too happy about this) knowing he will make the same trip in just a couple of years I do not hesitate in the decision to take Luk. I have posted before how he writes to his friend in Burkino Faso, and God has laid it heavily on my husband and my heart to show Luk what we believe in.

Be in prayer for our entire team. We know that from God we can expect faith to move mountains. Pray for Luk. He has been very emotional the past two days wanting to make sure he gives Smith the perfect gift. He still doesn't understand that HE is the perfect gift. His big heart in a little body is overwhelmed by the idea of meeting Smith. I having met him already know Smith is going love on him to no end.

We will also be meeting my mother's Compassion child, Anderson.  Mom, thank you! I know that you wanted to meet him first, and I want you to know just how honored I am that you are letting us spend the day with him! I know the decision was a hard one, but I promise to hug and love on your boy so much!

Pray!