My hubby is now in Peru....I am so proud of him!

Just wanted to copy the e-mail I got today of Chris' first day in Peru (he is leading a team of 20 students from our church). I really am so amazed by his strength....he spoke powerfully in Guatemala....helped me and Eliana with Swine Flu....and then prepared and is speaking non-stop for the next 10 days in South America. Please be praying for his strength and health. He said it has already been life-changing!

Here is the e-mail written by one of the team members:

Hola Familia!!!

You´ll be happy to know that we are all safe! Stop worrying, we´re okay! We´re more than okay!! Our bodies are tired but our hearts and minds are full of excitement and eagerness for our ten wonderful days!! Our travel day, while tiring, was filled with fun games and friendship building. The only ¨bad¨ thing that happened was that our flight was delayed about three hours. We all held positive attitudes and we had so much fun getting to know each other and dancing in the airport. The team probably looked really silly to innocent civilians but we were having the time of our lives playing awesome games and goofing around. We got into Peru later than expected of course, but we were still met with smiling faces and loving hugs. The Peruvians called us in one by one and they all cheered for us. We were each given a woven bag and a kiss on the cheek.The Peruvians welcomed us with celebrations, silly string, and balloons, and we partied till four A.M.

Today started at six A.M. with Pastor Wheeler preaching the first service at IAYMC. Breakfast for us was at seven thirty and we devoured the eggs, toast, fruit, and of course, COFFEE!!!
Then we split up into our groups of three-four and were sent out to all of the sister churches. This was such a great experience because setting out into the heart of Comas, not knowing what to expect is both frightening and thrilling. Some of us spoke our testimonies, some shared verses, some danced, and some sang. Hopefully we touched the lives of many Peruvians and by the looks on their faces, I think we did. For those of us who's first trip to Peru this is, this was a good chance for them to see the city and meet the people. Even in the first few hours of the trip, God has used us tremendously! We all met back at the main church where we socialized with the loving Peruvians and watched some beast dancers! This was a chance for the people who have gone before to catch up with old friendships. We dined with the pastors of the church and their families for lunch, and after we danced and celebrated our being in Peru.

Tonight, Wheeler is performing baptisms and we're all going to be there to rejoice. There will of course be dinner and a meeting about the upcoming week, but we're being sent to bed early so our bodies can fight against sickness! By the end of this trip we could make one of those mastercard commercials.... 17 students...... 3 Interns....... 4 leaders..... a million bottles of hand sanitizer.... and a whole lotta Peruvians..... A life changing experience.......priceless!

We love you all!!!!
Lily Watson,
The Peru Student Team 2009

A little glimpse of our time in Guat.....

This picture makes me smile. The minute we drove into Antigua....I just felt like I was at home. We love this place!!


Every single day, the 600 students and staff loaded 12 charter buses and headed to over 70 different sights in the two weeks in Guatemala.....so many lives were changed!! Chris did an incredible job speaking to the teens....he is so gifted! We felt so privileged to be there.


There is a long story about the next few photos.....we jumped on one of the 12 buses and thought we were heading to an orphanage called Fundaninos. Instead, Chris and I ended up at Xiomara's orphanage without knowing it. Basically, we said we were ambushed by God. We needed closure....and we were able to find a lot there. There were a lot of tears, but it was BEYOND INCREDIBLE to see the kiddos again....they immediately said, "Lindsey...Chris!!!" This is Monica.....I have always called her "Monica es Comica." She is pure joy.


I cannot get enough of her smile!! I cried just seeing her precious face.


Adriana holds a really special place in our hearts! She has a heart of gold....and has gotten super funny. The last time we were with her, she had just had her little leg amputated. It was amazing to see her so happy....and she has a prosthetic leg now. Thank you Lord for healing this sweet girl!


I spent a lot of my time with my sweet Hannah and Jose'!! Oh, how I missed them....I can't even explain it. Precious Hannah said, "Lindsey, why did y'all not adopt Xiomara?" I could have burst out crying.....but the Lord gave me grace to make it through the conversation. Hannah and Jose' are just the most brilliant children....I love them so, so much. I am so proud of them.


Blanca is a SAINT!! She is so good with the children. It was so good to give her a huge hug again.


Letty is so beautiful....and has gone through so much!! It was the most priceless moment when we saw her....her smile was HUGE!!


This is a guy that we ended up getting to spend time with named Rolando...he has such a big heart for the kids of Guatemala! He said the most hilarious line to us...."Chris, let's all take a picture of you and your silly poster." Loved it!!


....love going to the markets!


This is the view from Cookies, Etc.....so good.


We always have to get a picture of Chris in front of the volcano.


This is the coolest family.....you have to go to their web-site. They make dolls to help single mothers and work with kids in orphanages. Click here to read more about their ministry!



WE LOVE THIS COUPLE.....it was so good to spend time with Melissa, Scott (and Mary Margaret)!! We already miss them so much.

WE LOVE GUATEMALA!!

Love you all,
Lindsey

Update....

Just wanted to give a quick update. I have felt pretty awful today.....so the doctor believes that I might be going through a relapse of H1N1. Please, please pray for me. I am so ready to feel better and leave this house!! Pray for Chris....he leaves Saturday morning with a team of 20 kids to go to Peru for 10 days. He will be speaking a lot....and we don't want him to get sick. I know that Satan is really trying to attack us. On a personal level, my family is also going to be going through a tough few weeks coming up....so please pray for all of us....for strength and wisdom.

Love you all,
Lindsey

FYI....Swine Flu Test was Positive!!

Conversation upon arrival in Guatemala City airport:
Lindsey: "Why are so many of the workers wearing face masks?"
Chris: "Swine Flu"
Lindsey: "Should we be worried?"
Chris: "Lindsey, we are NOT going to get the swine flu!!"

Fast Forward to Sunday...leaving Guatemala City (5 days later):
Lindsey: "Chris, I feel terrible!! My head is pounding and my throat hurts so bad."
Chris: "You probably just have a cold."
Lindsey: "Are we there yet (asked 14 thousand times on the flights...because I was so miserable)?!"

Fast Forward 5 More Days....Doctor's Office Calls with Test Results:
Dr. Leichner: "I regret to inform you....the test was positive for H1N1 (aka Swine Flu)."

-------------------------------------------
Although this really isn't funny, sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying! So much has happened in the last week and I have so many stories to tell. But, I feel too sick to tell them yet. Please just pray that Chris, Eliana, and my mom don't get sick. We have been quarantined since Monday because my doctor was concerned I had it. Needless to say, we are going stir crazy!! On a really sad note (it seems petty but I have been looking forward to it for months).....I am not allowed to go to NYC with my sister Lauren on Wednesday. We had planned our 1st ever "Just Sisters" trip to help Leah move back home from NYC. I can't believe I can't go. Thanks for praying!!

Love you all,
Lindsey

I missed the cobblestone streets....

Chris and I are safe in Antigua....and are loving it. I don't think I really realized how much I actually missed this place. I feel so alive here already. Pray for our time with these teens....and for Chris as he speaks. I will update soon.

Love y'all,
Lindsey

Cupcake Party of a Lifetime!!

We had the best day yesterday.....we still have a hard time believing our baby is 2!!


Best cupcakes ever......and no, I did not make them!


Her first b-day in the USA!!


I got a little carried away with the pink tulle and number 2!!


This is Eliana dancing pre-party.....she dances with the most serious face. Also, please check out her shoes....CONVERSE!! I had a pink pair when I was little.


Eliana loves to share....and LOVES Levi!!


She became a little shy when everyone was singing to her....but at least she wasn't screaming her head off.


Two of her little friends from Guat.....and their momma Amelia!


What a beautiful face!!


She had a blast with the bubbles....who doesn't love bubbles?!



More of her friends....


The big reveal.....her 1st car!! I found this incredible Jeep at a garage sale.....thanks Marnice!! SHE LOVES IT!!!!


Milaya and Eliana had a blast in the jeep! Milaya would hold the pedal down while Eliana would drive.



This is one of her little baby items.....she so loves to be a little momma!! Her grandparents gave her this high chair and a precious baby doll cradle....there will be many hours of fun. She feeds her babies, rocks them, puts them to bed, kisses them and talks to them. It is pretty adorable. The party was so much fun. I realize that she probably won't remember it....but it was so special for us. We love our little girl so much!!

Love y'all,
Lindsey

P.S. Not sure if I have mentioned this yet......but Chris and I are heading to Guatemala tomorrow!! Chris has been asked to speak at Brio Magazine's Mission Trip. We are so excited!! The next post will be from Antigua. :-) Pray for our safety.....and for Eliana and my mom to be safe in Tennessee.

Our baby girl is 2!!!

The last two years have flown by......we really can't believe you are two.
We love you so much and are so proud to be your parents.
Love you more and more every single day,
Momma and Dada

P.S. We will post her b-day pics soon!