Over the Mountains and the Sea...

Hello all.

I have now been in Peru for just over a week, and I thought I'd update you all on what exactly I've been getting up to in that time. For one, I can tell you I've been sleeping a lot: it took me a while to get my body in the right time zone. Other than that I've been getting to know people and getting to know Lima (or at least part of it). The SAMS-USA retreat gave me a chance to meet many other English-speaking missionaries based in Lima, and other parts of Peru. This included Townsend Cooper and his family, who I have since joined for a couple of games of Settlers of Catan (if you don't know what that is, you're missing out).

Today (Wednesday) I went out with Dr Cooper for the first time: a quick trip to a children's centre where we'll be early next month. The point of which being to introduce me to the staff, and start inputting previously collected data (height, weight etc.) to get a better idea of issues across the city.

I have also moved from my temporary accommodation with John and Susan Park (who have done so much to help me settle in) to my more permanent lodging with Charo, her father, and her sister and brother-in-law. It seemed like a poignant time, as I realise that I'm truly in another culture, and will be here for a while.

On Saturday I had my first encounter with the local wildlife, receiving a fair number of bug-bites whilst having a relaxing day with the retreaters. Other than that, the country has been fairly kind to me, even providing rain for me on my first night here (apparently a very rare occurrence). If anyone was wondering, the climate here is more similar to a sub-tropical desert. Though the heat is humid, there is very little rainfall, and ocean currents keep it from getting oppressively hot. Still, 28ºC isn't bad eh?

Anyway, a few prayer requests:

• Thank God for John and Susan, and Charo for taking me in, and to bless them.
• Prayers as I start my Spanish lessons on Monday
• That I would have patience over these first few weeks as I'm still learning a lot and finding my feet.

God bless you all

Ben