Goodbye, Hello

Wish I could create like this!

Let me tell you what it is like to wrap up an LST project. Few things in life create such a mix of emotions. It is very easy to get attached to "my" readers, "my" work, "my" progress with each reader. Thank God that He is faithful to His promises and that He loves them better than we can. We know without a doubt that His Word will not return to Him empty but will accomplish its purpose (Is. 55:10), that our readers will be able to say, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world" (John 4:42), and that our readers are in His hands and that He will do with them whatever He thinks is good and right (Jer. 26:14). We had one reader at worship Sunday morning~ Josue'! After worship, the church called us to the front where they prayed over us and our readers, took pictures, gave us gifts (selected by preacher Raul based on his careful observation of our shopping interests on the weekends), and surprised us with one of their beautiful cakes. Many members stood and shared personal statements and Scripture. Lucyana church praying over the team. We spent the afternoon organizing, packing, running to the internet, etc. We needed naps for our trip home but excitement was way too high for that to happen! About 7 pm, readers started showing up at the house to spend some last moments with us. We talked, laughed, and enjoyed each other. At 8, the hired bus arrived and we loaded up our luggage, the team, and 12 readers and church members for our 40 minute trip to the airport. Our escorts waited over an hour outside in the cold watching us through the windows as we navigated the check-in line for our flight. When we went through the next barricade, they were waiting for us with huge smiles, hugs, and saying "Welcome to Peru!" -they cracked themselves up. They went upstairs towards the gate with us, took dozens of photos, and clung to us every step till the very last second. So precious. After paying our airport tax (what a sham), going through immigration and customs, we met up with 2 other LST teams at the gate. Our flight was delayed but finally left at 1:30 am. Our airport kissing committee.

After an all-night flight with one hour sleep ( I wasn't bored since Mark from the LCU team insisted on sitting with me) and immigration and customs in Atlanta, we arrived in Dallas early afternoon on Monday. We were met with smiles and hugs from LST staff and shuttled to the hotel. It is heaven to get a hit the pool and catch a few rays after six weeks of winter! It is even better to get a real shower with water pressure and hot water, eat a recognizable meal, and sleep in a comfortable bed! Yummy!

Dinner Monday night with two Erins and Mark Woodward, Director of Let's Start Talking. Italian food!

Tuesday morning we met with about 80 other people, all members of returning teams from all over the world. This is always one of my favorite moments of a project, depite the extra day being away from my family. You can't imagine the excitement, joy, and worship that fills your heart as you listen to reports about God's work in Peru, Brazil, China, Germany, Switzerland, Kenya, Ethiopia, Singapore, Philipines, Russia, Ukraine, Paraguay, Tanzania, Croatia..... His Word is not chained! (2 Tim. 2:9)

We were delayed out of Dallas due to storms but arrived in Tulsa about 8 pm. No way to describe the feeling of walking up that hallway and seeing the faces of so many loved ones, signs and arms waving, hearing the welcoming voices after so many weeks away. Thank you to all of you who were able to meet us, those that had to leave because of the flight delay, and those who were there in spirit. We can't express enough appreciation to you who prayed even one time for our comfort, safety, and effectiveness. Please know that you were with us every moment. We are SO glad to be back with you and for the opportunity to answer His calling for this work in Lima. Can't wait to hear where He wants us next and which of you will be traveling next time as well. Remember that Let's Start Talking can use you for as little as 2 weeks, almost anywhere in the world. Where would YOU like to go????