fran's adventures

A Ritual Beginning

2012-01-18T07:24:00.000-08:00

Greetings in this New Year of 2012 to all those supporters, friends, family, and interested persons!!

As the New Year began here with several hours of crashes and bangs, despite the illegalization of home fireworks, it is a telling sign that something is happening or that something has happened. The loud crashing of fireworks brings in the New Year and enlivens the senses, and perhaps this is really what ritual is all about.

Fireworks in a local park on New Year's Eve

In baptismal waters, with Water and the Word, we mark the beginning of something new. We celebrate in grand style as we are reborn as children of God, inheritors of eternal life and the ritual and symbol are tactile, memorable. It is a celebration that continues all throughout our lives!

The "hora loca" or crazy hour at Emaus,
celebrating the New Year with a fiesta on Jan. 1, 2012

Over holidays two weeks ago, we had a similar experience to that of celebrating, being re-born, re-experiencing God's grace in creation as we traveled to Cusco, the Sacred Valley and I climbed Machu Picchu once again, only this time in the pouring rain!

Machu Picchu

It was more or less consistent throughout our day. The consistent precipitation is what makes the mountains, fauna, grasses, trees, etc so incredibly green. It is the consistent precipitation of the rain forest that makes it so lush and so delicious to the senses of sight and smell. And it was this consistent precipitation that made the rocky steps slippery and dangerous, and which soaked my jeans! Yet, the consistent precipitation is also what enlivened my heart and senses to the entire experience. It rained on and off, fog would roll in and in second disappear. And it happened time and again, like a reminder: something is happening here. The steep edges and drop-offs had this effect for me to because of my fear of heights. I had to breathe deeper, ask others to walk in front of me, and I even had to close the curtain of the bus on the hair-pin drive up the mountain. But this also heightened all of my senses to the entire experience: something unique is happening here, something unexpected, something new, something that you will always remember.

And it is true, like the ritual of Water and Word, like the ritual midnight fireworks throughout the city of Lima, this was a ritual of senses, sight, sound, and touch culminating together like a ritual of beginning and remembering.

We need these rituals, we need the senses to be awakened and enlivened to remind us of God's love and grace breaking into the world every day. Sometimes we are tired and weary, sometimes we are stressed, sometimes we are complacent and the routines of life take something of the spark of faith away from us. We need these rituals to remind us of God's continuing love and grace: we need these rituals to break us out of our complacency; we need these rituals to be reminded that we are God's beloved children, freed, loved, graced and transformed TO transform our world. We often forget and this is why the ritual is so incredibly important..the ritual of worship for example, so we can be brought to these amazing experiences of the senses: water and word, of bread and wine. In this ritual, we are reminded whose we are and what we are called and claimed to be and do in this world: to risk, love, be on the edge, embody the Gospel....

Be the blessing God has called to you, be enlivened into the richness God has planted in you, be God's grace in the world...

With love & gratitude,

Pastora Fran

To Peru with love...

2011-11-24T13:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends, Family, & Supporters!

This is a little bit different of a blog-post and perhaps appropriate to be posting it, finally, on the US Thanksgiving holiday. There are times when we can all recall with gratitude the experiences, good & bad, that have formed and shaped us. The following post was my journal entry several weeks ago, recalling all that has happened, personally and professionally, in these years serving in Peru as missionary. It has been life-changing and wonderful, not always easy or joyous, as other ex-pats can attest, but this is my little letter of gratitude...

To Peru with love,

Wow! What a journey these last three and a half years have been...such a roller-coaster, such extremes, nothing could have prepared me for Peru, for Lima, for the challenges and struggles of life overseas, as well as those of our church here. I felt prepared and was as ready as one could have been, but there is no way I could have been fully prepared for all that was to happen.

Lima is hard, tough, grey, dirty, sprawling, rude, demanding. Peru with such intense competition...huge cultural differences, despite appearances.

Amazing.

I am grateful for all of it.

I am grateful for the extremes because of those I am in touch with my feelings.

I am grateful for the severities of conflicts and disagreements, because of those I know myself much better and have learned how and when to respond and approach certain issues and situations.

I am grateful for my closest friends and those that continue to form and develop. They remind me who I am and why I am here and when none of it is clear, we guide each other through it all.

I am grateful for both of my parishes, they are teaching me how to be a pastor, how to speak the truth in love, when my presence is most valued and needed, what is my role in the various situations we encounter, and how to say what needs to be said even when it's the hardest, and sometimes the last, thing I want to do!

I am grateful to be able to speak Spanish, to learn guitar, to teach English, to dance salsa and learn the latin music and its rhythms, because i am creating new brain pathways, new memories, deepening my experience here and my experience of myself, in this I have learned how capable, open and adventurous I really am. I have learned that I can and do take risks.

I am grateful for the men I have dated in these singles years and even for all of the heart-break along the way because I have learned what love is and what love isn't and I have had to stand strong in the face of the manipulating and controlling ones, and this has not only made me stronger, it's helped shape and define what I want in a life partner and what I am not willing to accept.

I am grateful to live close to the ocean, beaches, and beautiful parks. They renew my soul and remind me there is still beauty in the world even in the midst of the ugliness of human sin and brokenness, corruption, and poverty.

I am grateful for my sister and my family who continue to love me even when they and we are so far apart and even though they don't always understand me or why I'm here...they show me a glimpse of unconditional love and how important good roots are even though I colour mine!

I am grateful for the supporters in the ELCIC, for the companion synods and congregational relationships and the wonderful relationships that have been formed because they affirm me and remind me why I am here, they notice and name things I'd long forgotten about in the years here. They breathe new life, hope, and love into the workings of our congregation and ILEP.

My heart is full...I am grateful and hope-filled.

Thank you, Peru, AND all of you whose support, encouragement, understanding, and interest, continue to inspire me! Thank you also for the many recent Birthday greetings, and all the ways you have responded and shown you care not only about me, but also the Peruvian congregational members, the growing ILEP church, and all of the ministries here!

Blessings & Abrazos!!

Pastora Fran

Sembrando...Sewing seeds!

2011-09-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Greetings with peace, joy, love and hope in the Lord to all of our friends, family, supporters and interested persons!!! Welcome to this blog and the stories, photos and reflections of life in ministry in Peru....

Over these last two months, we officially kicked-off our new children's ministry program called "Sembrando", which means "sewing seeds". In co-operation with two ELCA companion synods, Sembrando has focused and improved upon the previous children's ministry program. We hope to plant seeds of hope and faith, to support children's futures in terms of education, health and nutrition, and spiritual nurturing. Visiting presenter's recently offered two days of workshops for the Sembrando leaders and pastors. They did a fabulous job!

..results of group work

Sembrando workshop participants & leaders

Ideas, games, stories, challenges and goals were all shared in the workshops which we are now implementing in my first parish, San Juan Camino de Esperanza...

The younger children at San Juan....making crosses

And the older children & youth learning to work together to move a ball
around on the parachute...team-work!

Sembrando, seeds of hope, seeds that grow in soil that God has prepared and made ready...all in its season and all in its time! We give thanks for our children and youth and the ministry that we can provide with/for them thanks to our partner churches and resources (people, monetary, materials) that are so generously offered!!

With much thanks, blessings and joy for a lovely fall in the north just as its warming up and becoming spring in our part of the world....

Pastora Fran

ILEP's new web-site!!

2011-09-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

Greetings family, friends, and supporters!

So, just last month ILEP (Lutheran Church in Peru) launched its new web-site, with a new design, more information about the pastors and congregations, as well as the various activities that are going on in and around ILEP ministries here!! It's a very exciting proposal and has taken many hours to co-ordinate, gather, and translate all of what has been included thus far. It has been a coordinated effort mostly on the part of German Missionary pastor, Ihrke Buchroth, with Pastor Dana Nelson, ELCA and myself offering the English translations.

Check it out today!!

Their address is: http://www.ilepperu.org/index.php

BLESSINGS to you all as you begin classes, fall programs in your churches, and return from what I hope has been a restful, rejuvenating and fruitful summer vacation!

Peace, love & blessings,
Pastora Fran

Random reflections

2011-08-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

Warmest greetings friends, family, supporters and other interested persons!

Several recent visits from one of ILEP's (Lutheran Church in Peru) companion synod's recently gave me the opportunity to reflect on life, work, ministry, and mission and I thought it might be fun to share with all of you some of their questions.....and my responses, in this more personal blog entry.

"How long do missionaries stay in their placement?"
In the ELCIC (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada), long-term missionaries serve for a a term of four years.

"How often do you go home?"
Long-term missionaries return to their home country every two years for home assignment, presentations to the various sponsoring congregations, etc. They can return home for vacation, but this is at their own expense.

"Isn't it really hard being so far away?
Ya, sometimes it is, especially at holidays or birthdays. I really miss my family and friends a lot! But we talk using Skype and it's amazing to still feel connected this way but it's still not the same as being there.

"It seems like a really different ministry setting, how do you do it?"

I pray, A LOT! I pray for God to give me the words, to give me the strength. I pray for our congregations, for the leaders and all of the pastors. I pray for our children and youth. I pray fervently and more than I have ever in my life.

"What's your favorite Peruvian food?"
Papa a la Huancaina is my favorite, that's potatoes with an aji cream sauce...delicious! Also, I love palta, avocados, and anticuchos, that's cow's heart.

"Is the weather here always this cold?"
Not always, but for about 7 months of the year. This year it's been much colder than previous years. It's like 15 degrees but with 90% humidity and no heat in the buildings which are concrete for the most part and no insulation. To me, it feels like +2° C!! ...just like winter camping!

"What do you like best about the ministry?"
The children, their enthusiasm, their smiles and laughter, how quickly they learn, and being here three years now, I've watched many of them grow into lovely young people. The youth group that we just started this year has also been fun, getting into real issues and challenges in their daily lives and journeying with them.

What's the most awesome part of being a missionary in Peru?
The most awesome thing is sharing the Gospel, the Good News, and seeing how God can change and transform someone's perspective, self-believe, and daily lives. Knowing we are loved by God, that we are accepted just as we are despite our faults and shortcomings, our status in society, and negative messages we may have received growing up and all the limitations that exist (especially among those we work with here in Peru), therefore, the Gospel is really empowering. With more of a focus on "law" preaching here, generally, the Good News actually gives life and hope to us even in the most difficult of circumstances.

"Will it be hard to leave and go back to Canada?"
Yes it really will be hard to say good-bye, whenever that happens. There are so many things I've become accustomed to now, even though they might be really frustrating at times. This world is so different from Canada and North American culture, I hope I can readjust and refit into that world again! It will be really hard to go back and leave the children and the ministry behind but I think most pastor's feel this way as they move on in their ministries.

"What will you miss most?"
Super obvious...the people!

Well, thanks everyone for this little FAQ journey as you listened in on one of the conversations with visiting companion synod visitors! More pics and stories upcoming....

With the peace, joy, and love of the Lord!!

Pastora Fran

The greatest gift

2011-06-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

Greetings supporters, followers, friends, and family!

"Hope is the greatest gift that the church can give to the world."

Little Carmensita is four

After what seems like two very hectic months...May taking on a second congregation...and part of June on holidays, I'm back to blogging! There is no shortage of stories, adventures, challenges, and joys to share. But I would, rather, like to begin with something that I read recently that inspired me greatly. It is from Kenyan theologican Dr. Musimti Kanyoro, who wrote: "Hope is the greatest gift that the church can give to the world." Her words about the mission and hope of the church are incredibly empowering and motivating. It is Christ who gives us love, grace and hope and we as members of the body of Christ share that message of the Gospel in what we do, what we say, where we focus our energies and priorities, with whom we choose to spend our time, and in exactly where we are in any given moment of our lives. As Christians, in other words, we can give the gift of hope.

In Peru, as in many parts of the world, so many live without much hope of their situation, the education, health-care, government corruption, etc, changing. But as part of our work with children and youth, and with the support of our companion synod in Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast, ILEP has just launched a new program for children and families called Sembrando para el Futuro. It is a pilot project that will add depth to the ministries we had already begun in recent years. It is an exciting project and it is a very hope-filled time!

ILEP (Lutheran Church in Peru) in Convention, mid-March,
deciding on the hope and future of the church

At the congregation of San Juan Camino de Esperanza we will reach out in new ways to the children and families in the hillsides close to the church, offering not only help with homework and a bible lesson, but will also provide a meal, psychological assistance, field trips to museums and libraries, as well as establish a fund for medical assistance. It is a growing program and one we are very excited about, because it is one way we can witness and live out the hope, love, and resurrection that we have in Christ Jesus.

Our youth have been meeting regularly, an exciting change this year. There are between 9-15 youth, young men and women participating and our continuing theme for the year is identity.

First, Marissa, Diana and Gina exploring and naming
the things we like to do

Next...Angie and Gracie discovering our talents and gifts...

Many of these youth are caring for younger siblings, some come from single parent homes, all live in very simple conditions with only the most basic of needs being provided. With the help of a psychologist friend, we are focusing on identity issues as children of God: self-worth, self-esteem, self-love, and self-understanding.

Going deeper seems to be the focus this year, my third year as Long-Term missionary and into my third year in Peru. We are deepening relationships and cultural understandings, interpretation of Scripture and contextually how that looks here, we are strengthening partnerships with companion congregations both in the US and with Grace Lutheran in Victoria, British Columbia, and we are deepening the care and support of the children and youth of the congregation and in the surrounding community. In other words, children and youth will have help with their homework and can advance in their education, there will be a psychological presence for the youth as they struggle with self-identity and negotiate the changing relationship with their parents, it means sharing a meal each week as well as supplementing nutritional needs, and this deepening means a more stable and consistent presence by way of visiting and community support. This is hope in action.

Giving hope, sharing the Gospel, being present in the challenges and difficulties, sharing God's love is our witness at San Juan Camino de Esperanza, St. John Way of Hope, for ours is a way of hope. It is what we share in word and deed, it is what we share in the meal. Hope is a way of life.

Our Sanctuary on Easter Sunday Morning

"Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts trough the Holy Spirit that has been given to us." Romans 5:5

May the peace, grace, love and hope of Jesus Christ be with you all,

Pastora Fran

An Average Day

2011-04-12T14:41:00.000-07:00

An average day???

Often people are curious what an average day looks like for me here. When there are not church-wide workshops, day trips with the children and youth from the parish (we try to have two a year), visiting delegations, music or liturgy workshops, rehearsals with the ILEP (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Peru) choir or music team, the average day probably looks alot like ministry in a Canadian context. Although everything is conducted in Spanish, there are church council meetings, bible studies, children's ministry, youth ministry, confirmation classes, ministerial meetings, worship services, preparing the sermon, ILEP committee meetings, etc, etc...

There was a very average day a few weeks back: after replying to some emails from our ILEP secretary, a couple of pastors, and a few others from members of San Juan's companion congregation in Texas (planning their visit for July), I was off to Serpost (Peruvian postal service) to pick up a parcel that was sent from Grace Lutheran in Victoria, our companion congregation in BC.

Double-checking the school supply bags (from Grace in BC) to be sure everyone gets the same thing!

Knowing the wait might be up to two hours, I brought with me various resources: a devotion to prepare for that evening's church council meeting, youth group activity to prepare, along with research and reading for that week's sermon. It ended up being a little more than a two hour wait due to system failures and my name being mis-spelled.(It was a very strange version of a foreigner's name that included half my name and half the name of the person who sent the package). For about a half an hour that day, my name was Farb Schmart. How could I not laugh out loud? In an English-speaking country, it would be obvious this isn't a name. But when one postal worker noticed that my passport name did not match the one on the last permit form (that THEY had written), I showed them the original postal document with both sender and recipient names, explaining that Farb Schmart did not exist. Another 40 minutes of conversation ensued. Finally, a superior to the employee I had been talking with, returned from her lunch break and sorted out the whole thing in five minutes. I was able to prepare the devotion and do some reading for the youth group in between the conversations with confused postal workers. And none of this is unusual, by the way...the waiting and the incorrect copying of information. I was prepared for the delay, I am always prepared to wait, this is how life is here. A great big THANK YOU, by the way, to Grace Lutheran for sending care packages of school supplies!!!!

Next it was time for a quick lunch/coffee during which I read and prepared for that week's sermon, reading the text and different commentaries, reflecting on what it means in this context....looking for a theme to emerge that speaks to us.

LWF sponsored retreat, beginning of March, about
sustainability in the church...Gustavo Dirau (front row left) was our facilitator,
from our sister Lutheran Church in Argentina

From sermon prep to a pastoral visit with a family whose troubled teenage daughter was wreaking havoc on the family dynamics (or so I was told). We visit, talked, shared, clarified many issues, negotiated some others... then we prayed together. Then it was off to our monthly Church Council meeting, which are always interesting and unpredictable: many people arrive late and some only arrive when you call them to remind them OF the meeting....We end the day with a song so we can pray twice, "Amazing Grace".

From communication, to parcel retrieving, to sermon prep, to a pastoral visit, to our monthly church council meeting...what a day!

Our beach trip in February, some of the youth in our
newly formed youth group at San Juan Camino de Esperanza.

I do not know if there can be an "average" day, especially here, and especially in ministry anywhere! But on this particular day, I was reminded that it is IN the daily struggles of traffic and chaos, of unemployment, family conflicts, and discussing the workings of the church, that God calls us and claims us. It is in the average day, in ordinary places and ordinary elements (water, wine, and bread) that God pours out for us grace upon grace so that we can be in relationship with God and our neighbour. Wherever we find ourselves, whether we are a pastor or lay person, relationships deepen and strengthen because of God's amazing love shown to us in a humble birth, in an ordinary stable.

In my short two and a half years here, the deepening of relationships has brought a trust that is impossible to express. It has grown with time, in crisis,in ordinary moments, in the challenges and changes, in difficulties and joyous celebrations and triumphs, too! There is a trust that has been built because our faith in Christ Jesus has been the foundation. Brick by brick, cemented and solid, we can share laughter as well as pain. There is a mutual understanding and sharing that has taken us beyond cultures, beyond language, beyond countries and this is the marvelous gift of faith and trust in our God who calls us, beckons us, challenges us, and moves us beyond ourselves, to step out in service for others, on average days.

We are claimed, forgiven, sanctified, freed, renewed, and justified to be SENT out into the world to witness and share with others what we ourselves first received: God's grace and abundant love. This happens even, and perhaps especially, on average days, wherever we find ourselves.

With peace, love, and grace,

Pastora Fran

Present-Living

2011-03-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

Near Vida Nueva (New Life Lutheran Church)
in San Juan de Miraflores

For locals and foreigners alike, life in a developing country is a life of some risk and insecurity. Apart from the obvious challenges each day: congestion, traffic, pollution, unemployment, and crime just to name a few; there are the systematic injustices and discrimination brought about and perpetuated by corrupt governments and cultural norms. An example: a person of darker colored skin tone here is assumed to be from the country-side, uneducated, lower class, not worthy or capable of working in any field other than house-keeper or security guard. Perpetuated cultural norms of racism, classism, sexism, and ageism are alive and well, adding to the vulnerability and insecurity of many who live here. There is much education and awareness, but change comes slowly. And often one feels helpless when the injustices are so deeply embedded and accepted.

It is in this context that ILEP, its leaders, President, council, pastors, missionaries, and members live, work, and minister to proclaim the Gospel. We walk alongside one another to proclaim a message of hope in a world wrought with much distrust and risk. We in the north have so much to learn from these our sisters and brothers in Christ particularly in the midst of those things we cannot comprehend or begin to understand (even after two and a half years in Peru!) about life in a developing country.

Participants of LWF sponsored "Facilitators Training Event" for ILEP
congregations: working together to be equipped for ministry.

One of my most important lessons has been living in the present. Living in the present moment requires attention to what is happening now in this moment, without concern for the next meeting, about being late, about the phone calls yet to be made, the sermon that needs finalizing, the pile of laundry waiting at home. Here, in Peru, every moment is a "present-living" moment. The present is experienced in an engaging way, while paying attention to those around the table, listening and participating in the now. It is perhaps why each birthday, anniversary, special occasion is celebrated with incredible energy and enthusiasm, as if the last. Perhaps this makes sense when life is vulnerable, filled with injustices, random vehicle and pedestrian accidents, violence, poverty and insecurity...all so prevalent.

Spouses: Michael (playing zampoña) and
Jhanet (playing the charango) at Faciltators Training Event.

Instead of looking to what we (or I) have to give and contribute to ILEP, to my congregation, to our relationships as pilgrims and companion churches as we, ELCIC, accompany ILEP (which is also important and necessary), perhaps, maybe we can also look to what we (or I) can learn by this partnership and inter-cultural exchange. One of these gifts and blessings is present-living.

Present-living is how to be...how to live in the present. This is not without its frustrations, as plans change constantly, times are altered, advanced-planning for anything is near impossible (and might be interpreted as a week ahead of time in some places). The great challenge and call as people of God is to let go of the worries and preoccupations that often fill our minds and our lives and instead trust in God. Living in the present means trust God is taking care of these worries and fears, holding all of the future, our future, in God's trustworthy hands.

Sunset by the ocean in early March: a reminder of God´s spectacular creation.

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place fro which I sent you into exile."

Jeremiah 29:11-14

With peace, love, and joy in present-living,
Pastora Fran

The Fragile Church

2011-02-16T09:15:00.000-08:00

Greetings friends, family, supporters!

There is no snow on the ground here, it is summer. Street performers, like the one in this photo, (often teenagers and children off from their classes for summer vacation), are out in full force, trying to earn a little something. But this juggler dropped his bowling pins, unfortunately, a few seconds after this picture was snapped by a visiting friend a few weeks ago.

This image is perhaps a helpful one when talking about serving in the church. It can often feel like a juggling act between ministry needs, priorities, budgets, and the ever-changing realities of society. While our ELCIC is a changing and transitioning church, it is ILEP (the Iglesia Luterana Evangelica Peruana) or the Lutheran Church in Peru where I witness, more profoundly, the juggling act between transitions, changing finances, discussions of priorities and sustainability, its needs and those of its congregations, as well as managing the relationships with partner and companion churches, synods and congregations. In its juggling act, we recognize that ILEP is a fragile church.


Pictured with Peggy Hahn, Assistant to the Bishop of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, during a recent mission exposure trip to Peru. TLGC is a partner synod with ILEP!

When ILEP's President, Pastor Armando Capcha, addresses a group of visitors to Peru, he first describes his church with these first words: we are a fragile church. He goes on to describe ILEP's many faces: we are a church of youth, children, and women; our congregations are in the periphery of Lima and in the poorest provinces; we work with the humble and vulnerable; we are a social justice church; we have 13 congregations, 10 in Lima, 3 in provinces, with 7 communities of faith; we have few pastors; we do not have our own funding to support the ministries of our church; but work together in cooperation, collaboration, and in companion relationships churches from Germany, Canada, and the United States. We are a fragile church.

When I receive a gift from family in Canada, the package inevitably reads "Fragile-Handle with Care". Good thing it is the same word in Spanish! The dictionary describes something fragile as easily broken, frail, or britle. But we need to take care of this definition, because fragile does not mean weak. Indeed, in my two years and two months here, amid changes in church polity (a consitutional change to accept a lay person as President of ILEP, and another change to separate the institutional functions of the President and National Church Council from that of the Pastoral Ministry), interpersonal conflicts, economic crises in the Northern Hemisphere that drastically altered ILEP's support and subsequent budgets, the election of a new President and church council, as well as a change in office locations, and the position of the office secretary, two pastors now on leaves of absences since mid-2010, and another missionary who left having served his term, ILEP has demonstrated that it is not weak. Rather, there is a strength and resilience that is impressive and can serve as a model for us in the global north. Fragile, not weak.

"Kindred" with Youth Encounter, visited San Juan Camino de Esperanza, my congregation. One of our missions is an outreach to neighbourhood children. ILEP is a church of children, youth and mothers as evidenced by our work in the community to help children with their homework, life skills, and faith in Christ, as well as our women's program to help them acquire sewing skills to help in finding consistent employment.

During the course of the last two weeks, there have been many meetings and consultations to discuss the future of the church, to resolve issues of sustainability, how to fill pastoral vacancies, and plan for several workshops supported by the LWF (Lutheran World Federation) to equip and strengthened the church. ILEP's strategic plan is applaudable but the challenges are great. Bishop's offices and congregations who have experienced pastoral vacancies understand this first challenge. But unlike back home, there are no retired pastors to help with interim ministries or fill in the vacancies. The first Peruvian pastors just last year celebrated their 10th Anniversary of their Ordinations. So, there are 7 local pastors and four missionaries serving all of the congregations of ILEP. The students who have been preparing to graduate could be ordained except that there are no funds to pay for new pastors, so they are working in other jobs. The needs are great, the resources few. We are a fragile church.

But ILEP is also a strong and resilient church, creative and hope-filled, too. Our ELCIC presence seems all the more necessary in these delicate times. Not only to assume a greater pastoral role in an interim position at another congregation (which will begin in March), but also to accompany and journey alongside the leaders and members of ILEP, to work together through these critical challenges. We missionaries do not only provide pastoral ministry, it is the support, listening, caring, conversation, reflecting, pastoral care and teaching that is and has been an integral part of the ELCIC's role and accompaniment of ILEP. We are here to assist and accompany the church in finding its own voice, its own Lutheran identity, in the midst of changing, challenging, and fragile times. We promote understanding and appreciation between our cultures, languages, churches, and Lutheran identities. We are building bridges that cross these boundaries in what is a joyous interchange of cultures, resources, ideas, and faith. Together we build up the body of Christ, not only in Peru but also to and with our sending churches.

President Pastor Armando Capcha receeives the gift of a guitar from Normandale Lutheran Chruch in Edina, Minnesota, as presented by Lorna Wolthoff the accompanist of the Youth Mission Choir, during their visit in December 2010.

An ILEP member last month told a visiting friend to our congregation that we are small in number but big in heart. This could not be MORE true! While a fragile church, Lutherans here are, indeed, big in heart as can be attested to by visitors to ILEP, in the hospitality and welcome, how present people are in these visits, the patient caring and in their fervent hope and trust in our God! Despite the trying times, we can learn something from Lutheran Peruvians who continue to be strong, persistent, trusting, patient and hopeful amist continuing changes, struggles, transitions and the fragility of their church. They do not give up, instead, grow in trust and faithfulness, believing this is God's call, God's process, God's church. And our God is a God of faithfulness, who knows the plans he has for each of us...

"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you in exile."

Jeremiah 29: 11-14

Our hope is in the Lord, a message strongly lived by those I serve and one in which we can all learn and grown, as we journey in this season of Epiphany, of revelation. We may be a fragile church, a fragile people of God, but this simply means "handle with care", recognizing that it is God who continues to sustain, lead, guide, and empower her church through the power of the Holy Spirit and in the grace and love of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

In the peace, grace, and joy of the Lord,

Pastora Fran Schmidt.

Aji de Gallina...

2011-02-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

Here is the long-awaited recipe for Aji de Gallina, chicken in an aji sauce, yummy!!

Ingredients:

Servings:

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast halves (3-4)
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup cubed white bread
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup walnut pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon aji amarillo chili paste (available at Latin markets)
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 pinch saffron (optional)
salt & pepper
1 1/2 cups rice

Garnishes (optional)

1 sweet potato, cooked, peeled and sliced
4 hard-cooked eggs, sliced
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Change Measurements: US | Metric

Directions:

Prep Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 1 1/2 hrs

Simmer the chicken breasts in the broth until just cooked through, about 20 minutes. Set aside chicken breasts to cool.
Strain broth and use it to prepare your rice according to package directions. Set aside any leftover broth.
In a food processor or blender, add the bread cubes, evaporated milk and 1/2 cup broth. Process until smooth. Add the Parmesan and walnuts and process again until the mixture is smooth.
In a pot, saute the chopped onion for about 3 minutes, then add the garlic and continue to saute until the onion is translucent, about 2 minutes more. While the onion and garlic are sauteing, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using your hands or 2 forks.
When the onion is translucent, add the turmeric, saffron, and cumin, stirring to toast the spices for a moment. Add the shredded chicken and the aji paste and stir the mixture to coat chicken with the spices.
Pour in the bread/milk mixture over the chicken and stir over medium heat until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken is heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, thin it out with some leftover broth. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve over rice with garnishes.

Step 8-ENJOY!!

Deepening partnerships

2011-01-26T06:27:00.000-08:00

Greetings and blessings to all of you in this NEW YEAR, 2011!!

It indeed was a Merry Christmas, December 2010, celebrated with an alfojor Christmas tree cookie. Yes, this is a specialty cookie, delicious, too!!!

In the past, the reflections on my blog have been solely mine. In 2011 this will change! As with many other things that continue to change in our lives, in the realities of life in the church and in society, I wish to broaden the perspectives and deepen the level of sharing. So, I begin this first blog for the New Year, with some reflections of OTHERS who visited Peru recently.

This first reflection from the choir director of a Youth Mission Choir from Normandale Lutheran Church in Edina, Minnesota, here for two weeks. They travelled to several ILEP congregations offering music workshops on singing, piano and guitar with special emphasis on Christmas music. They did a great job! I helped to plan and coordinate their time here, guiding the learning process from this end. Their choir director wrote a wonderful reflection of their time here and of the continuing partnerships that we share. I would like to let her words resound within each of us for a while, giving time and oxygen to their experiences. May their words and their reflections strengthen all of us to a deeper faith and understanding of why mission trips/cross-cultural experiences are important and, dare I suggest, vital, to deepening partnerships.

From Sue Telander, choir director for youth mission trip to Peru:,
written on December 25th, 2010

Greetings from sunny Peru. At least Lima is sunny. Even on cloudy days, the sun puts up a good fight. And being trapped between the ocean and the mountains, it NEVER rains. However, we will put our rain gear to good use in two days when we head up the mountains into Cuzco. I am wrting this from Pastora Dana Nelson's house. Downstairs her two young children are putting on a concert for the girls in our group. Some of the girls are joining in. The boys are at Pastora Fran's house enjoying her hospitality. We just regrouped this afternoon after spending Christmas Eve with families from Cristo Rey. We sang at their worship service last night and then split up to go home with different families. Highlights from that service were the children's live nativity, a little boy who came down the aisle to "help" me direct, and the entire congregation holding candles and singing Silent Night to Dana's guitar on the sidewalk outside of the church. I haven't heard all the stories from the home stays yet, but I'm sure there will be many. Yesterday morning was spent in worship at Pastora Fran's church, San Juan. It is an open space with dirt floors, but now instead of plywood walls, they have some permanent cement walls put up. After the service, there were gift bags to hand out, mainly from Lutheran World Relief. The children had to wait until their names were called out to get a few meager things for their family. The church president said that there were fewer gifts this year and that she hoped they would share them. The yearning in the children's faces as they waited was difficult to watch, yet they still wanted to make sure they were getting gifts from somewhere. For those of you who wonder whether your gifts to the church make a difference, know that it most certainly does to families like these. I have tears in my eyes even as I write this. Those children have to struggle every day with the insecurity of poverty, while one of my biggest problems is where to put all my stuff. Tears come easily for me here. I will never be able to sing Silent Night again without the image in my heart of that dusty lot that is a Lutheran church. And our music is appreciated SO MUCH. The kids have done a marvelous job meeting the challenges of the music workshops and performing wherever they are asked, including a seafood restaurant! They are wonderful, thoughtful kids, who are taking their mission here seriously. I'm lucky to get to spend this time with them. I hope you are all having a wonderful time in the snow as we celebrate the incarnation of God in new ways down here.

Much love,

Sue Telander

With Normandale Lutheran church youth mission choir!

¡Construction Update!

2010-12-15T12:26:00.000-08:00

Dearest family, friends, colleagues, and supporters!!

In this season in the church year known as "Advent", we usually focus on waiting and preparing for the birth of our Lord as we look to celebrate the baby Jesus lying in the manger. We also await Jesus' second coming, in all fullness, light and glory. We await the One who brings justice, peace, solidarity, unity, love and grace. Maybe at the same time as waiting for our Messiah, we can also look to other "advents" of our lives, for there are many. Our congregation of San Juan Camino de Esperanza, for example, just came through a year of tremendous change and transition as we waited (for six months!) for the coming of, the beginning of our construction project, Phase One, to get underway.

We spent the better part of 2009 with building and architectural plans. Architect, Tom Ososki, and spouse of ELCA (Lutheran Church in America) missionary, Pastora Dana, helped developing plans....

We have three phases to our project. Phase one were the main floor pastors office and meeting room. Both are meeting rooms right now actually! Phase two is the sanctuary, mezzanine and 2nd floor classrooms. Phase three is the apartment, library, and meeting room....we're a long way to realizing that dream....

But 2010 saw I realize stage one, after all applying, paying for, and meeting codes, etc, for the municipality, work on our former structure began with demolition.
How the church looked before:

After demolition, the space is all ready for building!

Soon the men were hard at work, with Mainor (a San Juan member and master constructor) overseeing the entire project...

Almost all building is done with cement here. And because we are a public facility, building codes dictate
that we must use cinder blocks and heavier rebar, to withstand earthquakes. Churches are, thus, emergency shelters for the community.

And now....after six months of waiting, six months of Advent....the results:

The old outside church wall was replaced with a permanant one!

Our meeting room serves as a small chapel....

This will be the pastor's office one day...

This will be the new entrance...

Our little chapel, holds about 24 adults and 8 children, very intimate, indeed!

We are waiting and hoping once again, to put in our sistern and all of the bathroom fixtures for two bathrooms, boys and girls. These are some of our dreams for 2011 as it approaches.

We are so pleased to have two new classrooms, two bathrooms (not entirely ready though!), and the first partial wall of the sanctuary all in place.Our advent, our time of waiting, preparing anxiously, our time of wondering and watching if any of these plans would ever be realized, all came to fruition in June and construction was completed during my Home Leave in July. We are now using all of the space, everything that was once in storage is now in one of the rooms, safely in place in the church once again.

We are grateful for the support of the Adolf Gustav foundation in Germany for their donations and support, as well as that of our companion congregations, both named GRACE, in Texas and in British Columbia...as well as all of those who hold us in thought & prayer. OH, and many thanks to whose who purchased crosses from me during Home Leave in Canada...it's all in the building fund for the sistern! Poco a poco (little by little) as we say here....

With gratitude for your support, love, care, and interest in our congregation...may this Advent remind us of other "advents" in our lives, the signs of God around, within, and near us!

Peace & blessings,
Pastora Fran

ASK PASTORA FRAN!

2010-11-19T08:42:00.000-08:00

Yep, you heard it here first....this is YOUR section to ask questions, so ask away!

Want to know something about Peru, ELCIC's missions here...about ILEP (the Lutheran Church in Peru) or about Pastora Fran??

Ask me, and I promise to respond.....

Papa a la Huancaína

2010-11-17T14:01:00.000-08:00

THIS is a fantastic recipe from Peru:
Potatoes in a fresh cheese and chili pepper sauce!

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

1kg potatoes (preferably yellow if available)

6 fresh chili peppers OR 1 TBSP ground aji

250 g fresh white cheese (ricotta or cottage cheese are good choices)

1/2 red onion

1/2 c vegetable oil
4 saltine crackers

1 c evaporated milk, canned

1/2 TBSP fresh lime juice (or sour orange juice)

Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

4 hard-boiled eggs, halved

lettuce leaves

8 black olives, pitted

Preparation:

1. Boil and peel potatoes

2. Wash chili peppers to make them milder (Note: to make hot chilies mild, seed and devein peppers and wash in cold water. In bowl, cover chilies with boiling water and soak for a few minutes; rinse and repeat three times changing hot water every time.)
3. Sauté onions and peppers until soft.

3.In a blender, mix together chilies, oil, cheese, milk, crackers, lime juice, onion, salt and pepper, until smooth and medium thick.

4. Cut potatoes in thick slices, place them over the lettuce leaves on a platter, top with cheese sauce and decorate with black olives and halved hard boiled eggs.

Serve cold and ENJOY!!!

The Rabbit Hole

2010-11-11T08:16:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends, Family, Supporters, grace and peace to you!

"Alice in Wonderland" wasn't exactly my favorite childhood book, but the characters really came alive in Grade 8, when my elementary school staged a production of the musical. My best friend and I played Tweedledee and Tweedledum, not sure who played which part now! There were so many fun, colorful characters in this "other" world and alternate reality. Alice, changed by her experience down the rabbit hole, allows us to enter this strange place where her body grows and shrinks, where she is sometimes tricked by what she sees or think she sees, where she is amazed by the new creatures and by what she thinks is "real".

Perhaps I can relate to Alice in a better way now, having gone down a rabbit hole of sorts, too. My rabbit hole: serving as a missionary in a developing country and young, developing church, ILEP. Like Alice, I have witnessed many contrary realities and encountered a variety of characters, mixed cultural clues, and new situations. Living cross-culturally can do this; it changes us. If we are open, as I pray and hope I have been, we can deepen our understandings of ourselves, our faith, and our world-view. And while one can observe and ponder the exterior differences, those noticeble to the eye, it seems to me that the most subtle nuances of difference are only pronounced when one returns from the rabbit hole. That is to say, upon returning to Canada, others noticed many changes in me that I hadn't even considered. And to the contrary, I noticed many things about Canadian culture, customs and traditions, once normal, that now seem foreign. Back from the rabbit hole, I found myself questioning why things are done this way or that, why money is spent on this project or that, and why some are more apt to hear a changed perspective or not. The returning to Canada; a fascinating, stimulating and sometimes uncomfortable experience. I relate to Alice in a new way.

One of the more pronounced issues: money. Money or the lack of money is a constant in this country. With those whom I serve in Lima, where every centavo (cent) is thought of and used to its fullest, even leaving electrical devices plugged in all day (while no one is at home,) adds a significant cost to the energy bill. As with those whom I serve, I have become accustomed to unplugging everything when it is not in use. Not so in Canada! In a country that has money, or perceived money in the form of credit, there are many more new cars on the streets, anything that anyone could ever need or want can be easily found and easily purchased. Some things glitter brighter in Canada, like the street lights at night that seemed to shine brighter with a surge of more electricity or perhaps just cleaner bulbs? But between these two countries, there exists a blurred line between need and want, between what one has money for or not. Perhaps upon returning from the rabbit hole and this new world of colorful characters and new realities, some things about my own culture have become clearer. At one point, I could not turn my brain "off" from thinking about all of the contrasts and differences. A friend explained, it's reverse culture-shock. Whatever it's name, it sometimes made my head hurt!

My sister and I watched the new Tim Burton interprepation of Alice in Wonderland at the end of my home leave. Like Alice, when I was first in Peru I found myself asking what is real and what is being dreamed. Upon returning to Canada, I asked myself the opposite question, is this the home I left two years ago? Have things changed in the last two years, or is it just me? Hmmmm, turns out, it probaby is me! The world looks different now, not just Canada. But my whole self has changed because of living and serving in a new context and culture. Obviously, the world looks different from this strange new perspective, my new perspective. In this new reality, the marginalized, rejected, and poor have names. I know where they live, they are members of my church. I know their worries and fears, I know their realities, I know their struggles. They are mine now, too, as we seek to be faithful to the Gospel in this context. Like Alice, I am a part of the rabbit hole now. I am one of the characters in the story. And so, we work together, we search for solutions and answers, and we struggle theologically and politically together.

Perhaps this is yet another reason why missionaries are sent in the world: not only to accompany and walk alongside global companion churches and to preach the Gospel to all nations, but also to share our experiences of another reality back home. During my time in Canada, there were so many enriching, profound, and challenging conversations. Many are curious about Peru, and the ministry and mission here. Down the rabbit-hole and back again, maybe we missionaries come back to our home countries to offer a new perspective that differs from that of the comfortable, complacent, self-indulgent message the world would have us buy. We offer a disruption or interruption to the previously self-focused or ego-centric lifestyle, to help others open their eyes to the world around them, to see the neighbour down the street or those in our communities with other realities than our own. I would hope that we missionaries are not only valuable to the countries and churches we are sent to serve, but that we can bring the wealth of our experiences and challenges home back with us, back to Canada, back from the rabbit hole, so that we can call others to a wider vision, a deeper mission, to reach out to those whose lives have been destroyed by injustice, broken homes, additions, or violence. We, perhaps, can offer a wake-up call to a self-occupied society; to share God's love and grace in the world; to accompany others in their times of stress and difficulties; to live a life beyond ourselves, a life in service to others. My prayer is that in our (yours and my) accompaniment of others, we are moved to a more profound understanding of the Gospel and can challenge political and institutional structures that work to keep the humble exactly where they are, that we are moved to be prophets and truth-tellers not only in our churches or in our communities but to those who would be rulers and emperors (maybe like the Queen of Hearts), so that by God's grace, our world can be just and transformed.

Changed by her experiences, Alice not only finds her self-identity, her own strength and her own voice, but she really becomes an advocate for those in her strange, new reality, "Wonderland". Shocked by my own return from the rabbit-hole, I pray for the grace and strength to speak for justice, truth, and faithful living-out of the Gospel we proclaim, against the empires who would contol us, sell us more of what we do not need, and lead us away from the Gospel, the ture heart of our Christian faith and the mission to which we are called.

With love, grace, and hope,
Pastora Fran.

Jesús nos ama...

2010-10-19T12:51:00.000-07:00

Hello friends, supporters, family...at long last, the song lyrics you´ve been patiently waiting for:

JESÚS NOS AMA

Jesús nos ama a cada uno,

A cada uno, a cada uno

Jesús nos ama, a cada uno

Jesús nos ama a todos

Ama mamá, ama papá,

Hermano mayor, hermana menor

Te ama a ti, me ama a mi

JESÚS NOS AMA A TODOS

Sing it with joy and remember the actions!!!!

Peace in our praying, singing, crying, and laughing,

Pastora Fran

Mile Zero!

2010-10-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

Grace and peace to you, my brothers and sisters in Christ: friends, family, supporters and followers!

Although my home leave did not begin at MILE ZERO, this seemed an appropriate way to begin my blog and to share my experiences over the last two and a half months, while in Canada for the first time in two years.

It's exhausting to think of all the miles that have been travelled already, all the way from Lima to Toronto then an immediate connector to Vancouver! Some thirteen flying hours and three times zones later, home leave officially began with a week's participation in a Continuing Education event at Vancouver School of Theology.

Pictured here with fellow participant Rob, and one of our leaders, Jane:

The following week was vacation and a road-trip to Saskatchewan. Travelling through Jasper was amazing and it was wonderful to re-connect with friends and colleagues.

Pictured here with Pastor Courtenay Reedman on our road-trip!

August marked the beginning of speaking and presenting which started at All Saints Lutheran in Kelowa and Hills of Peace in Kamloops. Meetings, presentations, preaching, children's chats and even a friend's Ordination....

Presenting at Hills of Peace Lutheran, Kamloops

It was onto Vancouver, for more presentations a meeting with Bishop Greg Mohr. A fun day at the children's day-camp at SUMS (Surrey Urban Mission), where we made bracelets from beads from Peru, cooked a delicious Peruvian desert (arroz con leche or rice with milk), and shared pictures, stories and some songs!

Here, just checking if the children know where Peru is!???

Later with almost all of the participants of the Day Camp, some of whom are immigrants born in China, Malyasia, Peru, Ethiopia, Rwanda and various countries from around the world.

Also at SUMS, an evening presentation which included pariticpants from churches in and around Surrey, including: Maple Ridge, Emmanuel Chinese Lutheran, and Christ. Then it was to Our Savior in Richmond a few days later. Again, many particpants from many churches in and around the Vancouver Conference were in attendance...Always, there were interesting and insightful questions, some about women's rights, about education and health care. Interest in and support of our ministry in Peru was overwhelming, in a very good way!

With Director of SUMS, Jonquil Hallgate

Participants at presentations gather, some helping to untwist the strings of the crosses....

After the presentations and meetings on the "mainland" it was off to Vancouver Island, and a visit with Grace Lutheran Church, companion congregation with San Juan Camino de Esperanza. Via BC Ferries, this was my first time to the Island and first time on a ferry! I have to admit it WAS much easier, and a little more comfortable, than the hand-crafted canoe-like boat that traversed the Amazon!

The weekend together at Grace helped to strengthen our relationship as we were able to discuss concrete ways of getting to know each other and grow together, to deepen connections despite the miles. There were meetings with members from the Missions Committee as well as preaching, sharing a message with the children, followed my presentation. First, though, was a tour of the Inner Harbour, while visiting with Marnie and Barb...

Parlaiment Buildings...

A walk by the Royal British Columbia Museum to see some very old Totem Poles (those pictures unfortunately didn't turn out as well as this one!)...

The youth gather in the Nursery at Grace prior to the Worship Service Sunday morning...

Singing along to "Tu has venido a la orilla"
OR
"You have come down to the lakeshore"

After Worship and my Presentation, pictured with Chivonne, we were both in Ottawa as youth (about 24 years ago...or so) for a Global Hunger and Economic Development Seminar....amazing where God leads us!

Pictured here with Barb from Grace's Missions Committee...

It was soon back to the Mainland and the long flight from Vancouver to Toronto, then a car's ride to London (thanks Carmen!!!) for CLAY, the Canadian Anglican Lutheran Youth Gathering. Visiting with youth and leaders, along with presenting at a Forum on Vocation, and a meeting with Rev. Carla (new Assistant to the Bishop for Global Missions), then preaching and a presentation at St. Ansgar made for a busy, full but wonderful week. Plus, it my first downpour of rain in two years!!

Assistant to National Bishop, Rev. Paul Gehrs, in the middle of us two missionaries, Rev. Brian Rude and myself...

Youth from Southwest Parish in Saskatchewan help untangle strings of crosses from Peru...THANKS Emily!!!!

About 400 youth and leaders descend on Fanshawe Pioneer Village, what a beautiful day!

At the Forum on Church Vocation. Speaking about my choice to be a missionary with ELCIC. Also pictured Sister Val, from the Deaconess Community; Steve, a Waterloo Lutheran Seminary student on Internship; and Lutheran Theological Seminary President Rev. Kevin Ogilvie.

With Sister Val of the Deaconess Community

Pictured below, three presentations following the youth gathering...in London (St. Ansgar), Strattford (Zion) and Waterloo (St. John's), before heading back to Toronto...

A very early start to my last day in Southern Ontario (maybe it was 6:30 am?...thanks Brian!) for the drive to Toronto and St. Ansgar's VBS then later on at Agricola Lutheran for an evening presentation.

Pictured here with one of the rotations of children, playing Peruvian indigenous instruments.

Thunder Bay followed Toronto...and home country!

The large cross which hangs above the altar at Hilldale Lutheran Church in Thunder Bay, ON

There was preaching for a joint worship service which included all of the Thunder Bay congregations. Then an area presentation and the largest turn-out which was a very inspiring way to end the speaking part of my home leave!

With Pastor Arleen giving an introduction and opening prayer...

With a rough count of 85 particpants, the fellowship hall was FULL!

Here, learning "Jesus nos ama" with actions, too!!

After a couple of weeks of vacation visiting family and friends, and it was off to the MNO Pastor's Study Conference at Luther Village (and a peer presentation about my ministry in Peru) then a final week of vacation, before returning.

The beauty of nature at Luther Village and the changing fall colours...

Now back in Peru, it is impossible to count the miles travelled, by plane, by ferry, by bus, and by car. Many miles which were significant for developing connections and relationships between ELCIC and ILEP (Lutheran Church in Peru), and those with our companion synod of British Columbia. Many conversations and meetings about mission, about the differences between our two countries and our two ways of being church helped enrich this time in Canada. For all this time and grace, I am incredibly grateful...grateful to have met and stayed with so many wonderful people, and especially to meet those with whom I had been emailing for many months (even years)....grateful to feel grounded in those who are interested and supporting missions in the world and particularly that of my ministry in Peru.....grateful for the grace given to me by congregational members, friends and family during this time in Canada!!

Of course, many more reflections are to follow about the experience back home in relation to returning to Peru once again...but for now, my heart is full, I feel very supported as do those with whom I serve, and we remain contented and grateful to know that so many people care about us and what happens in our part of the world!

"We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1: 2-3

Thank you, oh Canada, oh ELCIC members, friends, family and supporters, for all of the ways you have gifted us with grace, compassion, conversation, and companionship along the journey!

With grace, peace, and love,

Pastora Fran

¡El justo por la fe, vivirá!

2010-06-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

Greetings friends, supporters, family....and other interested persons!!!!

Greetings in our time of transition and change at San Juan Camino de Esperanza!

The "logo" on our church door reads in Spanish: "El justo por la fe, vivirá". It is an appropriate Lutheran doctrine as it translates to English: "Justified by faith, (we) live".

With so many things seeming unsure and unstable with our little congregation right now, this doctrine takes on special significance. We live, work, serve, and persevere because we are justified (or saved) by God's grace. Because of our faith, there is hope in the midst of whatever hardships, instabilities or troubles lie in our path. This is such an amazing grace!!!

In terms of our construction, there have been some issues with building permits and licensing from the municipality, so much so that we have been left in a kind of "limbo" for the last six months. We know it's temporary. We know that God is working with us even still. We know that things will change, but limbo is tough sometimes. In this transition, we are worshipping in people's homes and our children's program and bible studies are continuing, too, in Ana Maria's home. But with limited space, the numbers are down a bit, which is of course, a bit disheartening. And so it is with transitions and periods of instability.

Picture above: the church grounds have been ready for several months...

We continue to meet and have bible studies, such as the one pictured here a few weeks ago. Pastor Erik Bjoran and his wife, Marla, were visitors to Peru and participated in our study group.

Below: I am explaining which rooms will be built in which spaces. We hope to complete Phase One, which includes two levels of classrooms, a meeting space and the pastor's office.

And so, in the midst of the transition and changes, in the midst of our "limbo's", we continue to have faith that the God who has brought us to this place and time, will continue to provide that which we need to be sustained in the desert, in the "limbo's" in which we sometimes find ourselves.

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you..."

These verses from Isaiah 43 are so true and so needed: a call and reminder of whose we are, that we have the strength to carry on, and that we need not fear or be entirely overwhelmed with the changes and transitions that happen in our lives OR in the life of the church!!

And so, may the grace & peace of God be with us all in these often unstable times and throughout our life's journey!! Speaking of journeys, I look forward to visiting many of our ELCIC congregtions, with friends and family, to share stories of my life and work, and of OUR ministry in Peru, while I journey back to Canada this summer on home-leave!!!!!!

In God's service,

Pastora Fran.

La Tierra Nueva....New Ground!

2010-05-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

Greetings family, friends, supporters and interested others, in the name of our risen Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!!

Well, we are definitely on new ground, holy ground, at San Juan Camino de Esperanza as we literally are preparing to construct our new church...It is a challening and exciting time! It's amazing to be here, to be a witness and participant in the process!!

Signs that things are changing....workers demolish the existing structure in three days. It will take approximately two months to build the new facility. Phase One will include two floors with three classrooms, the pastor's office, and bathrooms.

Pictured below with some of the neighbourhood children who came to see

the progress of the work being done...we all looked on with disbelief!

Below: the white brick walls in the corner used to be a small Sunday School room,

and now we're preparing for something new...

So we are currently in transition, waiting for the building construction to begin. And in these transitional months, we have been worshipping, meeting, and having our bible study in members' homes. Our numbers are fewer sometimes, but worship and most of the activities of the church are continuing.

For example, pictured below with me are Luz Aurora (centre), our newest confirmed member of San Juan,

with her sponsor, Ana Maria.

These are exciting and interesting times. Not only do we have one more new member, we are excited to have a full church council for the first time in a number of years, AND we have a new companion congregation, Grace Lutheran in Victoria!! The church ground, and WE, are getting ready for what is to come...the countless possibilities that exist. We are working with new ground, holy ground, literally! Besides the architectural plans, what are we going to build? What kind of a community of faith will we be? Since nothing is there yet, what will we build?? And, how will the Holy Spirit continue to work, to inspire and to breathe new life, new visions, and new possiblities into our church, our community and each one of us? What visions will be realized out of all that is being created and that are only possiblities today???

Interesting questions!! In the midst of what is happened, I continue to be humbled and energized ministering with this mission congregation. And I look forward to all of the possibilities that God in Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, will create with this new and holy ground!

May we, too, continue to be inspired and open to whatever possiblities God is planting, inspiring, growing, developing, and creating within us, in whichever part of the world we happen to live!

With gratitude and hope!

Pastora Fran.

Video Perspectives.......

2010-03-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

Greetings all~Family, Friends, Supporters....

Thanks to Rosine Gerhardt and her production company in Saskatoon, Live to Tape Productions, the following videos were shown at Zion Lutheran Church as a brief overview of the ministry and work that ELCIC (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada) is doing with ILEP (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Peru) through me, your long-term missionary! I share these videos with you, with much joy, gratitude and hope that the work can continue to grow and flourish, so that we will all be blessed both in the giving of our time, energy, and resources to further the ministry here...as well in what we receive in knowing, accompanying and supporting the people of ILEP in this ministry!

Part One:

Part Two:

Part Three:

Con mucho afecto, y que la gracia, el perdon, y el amor de Dios sean siempre con Ustedes!
With much affection,
may the grace, forgiveness, and love of God be with you always,
Pastora Fran

The Gift of Accompaniment

2010-02-12T12:21:00.000-08:00

Greetings, peace and blessings to family, friends, supporters and interested persons!!

Well, this first month of our New Year has been filled with much activity, travels, laughter and visitors from Canada!!! And it has been with great joy, that I've welcomed for the first time, visitors who were a part of my "former" life back home; to share my experiences, the Peruvian culture, food, sights, and especially the mission that ELCIC has sent me here to do on their behalf.

Heather Bepple with members of our Thursday night Bible Study,

she brought some "Maple Leaf" cookies to share...yummy!!!

Heather, with Dave and Carol Eaton, visiting Sara's Circle. This women's group makes various stoles, sweaters, vests, shawls, mitts, gloves, and bags to sell around the world.

Pictured to the left is one of their stoles...

And pictured to the right, are Maura (left) and Flora tallying the orders...so grateful for orders and support! Although not an "official" role, I have continued to accompany and work on their behalf to help them receive orders from Canada and other countries.

It has been a rich time and an opportunity to reflect on and re-experience, through their eyes, what life is like in Lima, Peru, as well as explore once again what is mission and ministry in this time and place. One guest asked me "Why do we have a Canadian, ELCIC, missionary here in Peru?" What a simple, yet profound, question in a time when church budgets are being cut, church memberships are on the decline and "misson" seems like something we ought to do in our own country to help grow, develop, and share the Gospel. So, exactly, why continue to send missionaries?

Pastora Ofelia (left), Pastora Dana (ELCA), and myself working at a Pastor's Conference...another way of accompaniment.

After thinking for a moment, my simple answer was: "to accompany the church and its members in Peru." And in this definition, to accompany is to walk alongside those with whom we are in ministry. To accompany does not only mean giving donations of food, clothing, or other necesities. Nor does it only mean trying to answer difficult questions with money. To be in relationship with another church body means to accompany them in the day to day changes, challenges, and joys! This is my definition of accompaniment, anyway, because in my musical experience, the one who "accompanies" plays an integral role whether in rehearsal, concert, performance or recital. The role of the accompanist is a key, important, necessary and interdependent role/relationship!

These are some of the young musicians at Filadelfia, in the district of Lurin, with whom I've been working/accompanying. They wish to learn how to better lead their congregation in its worship services, so we've been focusing on presentation and confidence. They're a very vital group of young, committed musicians!!

As a singer/soloist for most of my life, I have known that a performance can only be as good as the accompanist with whom one is working. The role of the accompanist, generally a pianist, is to compliment the soloist; they listen attentively, adjust their playing, give attention to the dynamic subleties, and watch for the interpretation of the piece. The good ones recognize that they are not the soloist, the main performer,and that their role is to support and compliment the work of the soloist. The irony of now teaching piano/accompaniment have been a soloist has not escaped me and at the same time speaks volumes to how a mutual sense of appreciation and musicality can develop even in the most fervent of "soloists".

Pictured here in Iquitos at the congregation of Fiel es Dios, teaching Jazmin and Diana which fingers correspond with which notes on the keyboard...they were an enthusiastic group!!

It is this model of healthy accompaniment to which I have tried to adhere in our (ELCIC) partnership with ILEP (Evangelical Lutheran Peruvian Church). We missionaries are, in fact, the accompanists. We are not the soloist, nor is the ELCIC. We are in partnership, we are those who accompany the pastors, the congregations, the church leaders, the National Councils and the President, along with other organizations with whom the church collaborates. We accompany. We walk alongside, journey with, reflect upon, and listen to those with whom we are called to minister. Most importantly, our role is to support and compliment the work of our partner church.

It is not an easy task to accompany. As recent ELCIC visitors learned, my schedule is hectic and varied. There is alot of managing, meeting, talking, debating, interrupting, delaying, celebrating, traveling (we were up to Iquitos for teaching music), leading, guiding, writing (emails/newsletters/blog/reports!), driving, and especially waiting as all things in Peru eventually are realized in their own time. I am grateful to those who were here to visit and accompany me, to learn about the ministry and about the culture here in Peru!!

As we continue to move forward in new directions with greater challenges, I ask for your continued prayers and financial support: for ILEP, the National Council, President Armando, the Conference of Pastors, the leaders and members, as well as for our ELCIC in our challening times. Please pray that we can each accompany one another in the love and grace of God, faithfully and effectively, so that God's redeeming grace may continue to be proclaimed to all parts and all peoples!!

Con el amor y la gracia de Nuestro Salvador, Jesucristo,
In the love and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ,
Pastora Fran.

Christmas Greetings!!!!

2009-12-18T11:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas Greetings to supporters, friends, and family!

The signs of Christmas are all around us! Even in South America, and even though it still seems out of place (for this Canadian Snowbird anyways!), the signs of Cristmas are here...the trees...the decorations...the lights...in the Scriptures each Sunday of Advent... in the parties and plans we are making to help us celebrate this sacred season...we can see that Christmas is almost upon us!

These greetings are sent with my love and best wishes for a beautiful and memorable Christmas Season and a Happy New Year! As well, I bring greetings from ILEP, the Lutheran Church in Peru, and from the congregation of San Juan Camino de Esperanza!

It seems to be a season for preparation....

Here, Carmen and Haydee are preparing a simple lunch for the children at our Saturday School program.

The children are preparing gifts to give to their parents for Christmas..

The worship space has been prepared....

And we at San Juan Camino de Esperanza have been actively preparing with faithful and hopeful expectation in these days of Advent not only for the birth of the Christ-child this Christmas, but literally for us, it has been a time of great expectation as we have been preparing for the construction to begin on part of our new church!

We start to have a sense of the hopeful expectation of Mary and Joseph, of the apostles, and of generations of Christians with each step we take in the process to secure a building license. With each fee or tax that is paid, with each document that is ready, and with each step that is completed in this very long process, we are brought closer to that long-awaited time! We will soon begin to build and we will soon have a new structure in which to worship and teach the children of our community! As you can imagine, we are getting very excited!! These are signs and preparations of a different sort, but are filled with much joy and hopeful expectation, too!

And as for me, in addition to teaching music with the children at Cristo Salvador, I have been focusing some effort on preparing, too: for Navidad/Christmas worship, for the Canadian visitors who will be here in January, making a calendar/rotation to involve two seminaries of the congregation, and developing a work plan for 2010 .

Whatever our preparing for Christmas, may God continue to guide, lead, support and uplift us by the power of the Holy Spirit, to be ready for the Christ-child who is to come!

With love, joy, and hopeful expectation this Christmas Season!
Pastora Fran.

A Question of Perspectives

2009-12-11T11:27:00.000-08:00

Greetings to family, friends, supporters,

It is often a question of perspectives, isn't it?

For instance, what do we see as we look at picture such as this? We see the laundry hanging to dry, we might also notice the plants in the foreground, we might also see some other laundry a little further down the hill, and we might also see the myriad of homes built up on the side of the hill. But only a keen eye will see the stone stairs that line the steep incline up to this parishioners' home or the well caps, or the welcome mat. It's a question of perspective. Our perspective dictates that which we see, and that upon which we tend to focus our vision, our hearing, our smell, our thoughts, our attention and energies.

Is it not a question of perspective? The stone "stairs" are hardly persceptible, even in this photo, but they are there, I can assure you! The children and pets run up and down these stairs without a care or concern, but it is a very steep and dangerous incline. Up until a month ago, parishioners in this part of the barrio hauled their water up these rugged staircases on a daily basis. No one is entirely sure why, but the Municipality gave priority to those who live the highest and steepest distances from waterlines below (a most logical decision, of course), but to our persception at San Juan, it was an act of pure and surprising grace!

Near to the top of the hill, Ana Maria and I finally arrive to visit with parishioners, Sonia, Roberto and their children, Kevin and Robert, who sort of wove their way into, out of, and around our visit! The children's perspective is that their home, their lives, their stone staircase is normal, a part of their childhood. For those of us from other countries, with our own experiences, realities and backgrounds, this might not appear to be typical. My "normal" childhood, for instance, inlcuded having a swingset in the grassy backyard.
What is normal for one is different for another: it is all a question of perspective!

And I rejoice for the questioning of my perspectives!!

November has flown by, it seems, filled with various activities in addition to those of changing perspectives!

I was happy to welcome visitors from Thunder Bay, Raija and Vappu. Pictured here is Vappu Kormano,

from Hilldale Lutheran. They stopped over for a short time in the wee hours of the night

and were gone again after perhaps 2-3 hours of sleep. But because of a brief stop-over,a shower and a place to callhome in the middle of travels to Argentina, they left refreshed. Sure was nice to see some friendly faces from my home-town and my parents' congregation!

November was my second month teaching music at Cristo Salvador, located in San Juan de Miraflores (one of the districts of Lima). I have been teaching keyboard, singing, guitar and zampoña for about 12 children and youth each week. With December coming quickly to an end, so will my time at Cristo Salvador, two more weeks left!

Learning the fingering...

In keeping with the tradition of other Canadian Lutheran Missionaries in Peru (all women, by the way!), I am accompanying the group "Sara's Circle, or Circulo de Sara. Located in Marquez, one of the districts in Lima, Sara's Circle a group of women who work with Alpaca wool, along with synthetic fibers,

to make all kind of sweaters, bags, even stoles!

These are some of the bags that they are currently working on to prepare for sale...hopefully in Canada!

And this is one of their vest and some stoles in the background.

Send me a quick email or comment if any of their items look like something you'd like to have...their work is

beautiful and their labours provide a living for the women of the group! Little by little, we hope to grow their small business and increase awareness of the work they do...in doing so, perspectives and

possiblities grow and change, too!!!

And so, throughout our life's journey, our perspectives continue to change and adapt. And thanks be to God that our lives are not stagnant, that our viewpoints and assumptions can be challenged and questioned in order for us to grow!! It is not always an easy process, there are growing pains, but this is God's work within us and within our communities of faith! Through the Word of God, in the waters of our baptism and in the Eucharist that we share, we are reminded that God is at work with us in Jesus Christ to bring about justice, peace, reconciliation....what wondrous love is this, indeed!

As we celebrate this season of Advent at San Juan Camino de Esperanza, we think on those visitors from Canada and the USA who were with us in the previous year and we extend our warmest greetings and hugs to all of you!!! May all of your Christmas celebrations serve as a reminder that the baby in the manger changes everything, including our perspective!!

O God of all that is, that was, and that is to come, guide us in this season of waiting and preparation. Help us, at San Juan, as we wait to break ground on Phase I of our construction, and be with all who wait: expectant mothers, those who will be reunited with loved ones for the Christmas season, those who await news of a loved one's recovery from illness...those who wait for a loved one to pass. Confirm our faith in You, O God, that in all of our waiting, expecting, and changing perspectives we may know that it is Your hand that is guiding us and your love for us, made perfect in Jesus Christ our Lord, which sustains us. Amen.

With blessings and peace in this season of Advent and throughout the Christmas Season!

Pastora Fran

Shades of Grey....

2009-10-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

Greetings, love, and peace to all the saints: family, friends, believers and supporters, en el nombre de nuestro precioso salvador, Jesucristo!

There are shades of grey...

The last few months of winter in Peru have included many cloudy grey days. But as I discovered, there are various shades of grey. Some are quite defined and dark, while others are more transparent. The subtleties of the shades of grey are only noticeable, it seems, to those of us who have lived here for the duration of the winter. To most, grey is grey!

Another, more pronounced, shade of grey revealed itself last weekend. Having turned onto a one way street (in the wrong direction!)I was pulled over by the "Policia Nacional". In the resulting conversation, the officer politely said that the "infracion" would not have to be put on my record; they would "help" me if I "helped" them. No matter the language or cultural barrier, the comments were clear. With open and acceptable practices of bribery, a shade of grey presented itself. What to do as a foreign pastor? I decided to take an ethical stand and not give them a bribe, deciding that having the infraction and paying the fine would be best. But, as luck or fate or God would have it, I was driving with colleagues to the National Assembly for ILEP, and two of us were wearing clerical shirts. The officer saw the collars when he first pulled us over and still mentioned the bribe despite our very pastoral attire! He returned from his car with my documents, mentioned this "helping" idea again, to no avail. They helped us get turned onto the right direction, approached my vehicle once again, but this third time, he made no mention of it. I am still not sure what unfolded in the conversation in their car, but in my car we decided that this was not a shade of grey!

Other shades of grey reveal themselves...

In a return trip to Huacho in August (to complete discussions on liturgy and teaching of music with the youth), we witnessed a protest to raise awareness of government corruption of land rights. This march came right on the heels of the Peruvian government's decision to sell land and mineral rights to a variety of Multinational Companies. Since August, though, and because of protests such as this throughout Peru (some of which were quite violent and even resulted in several deaths!), the government decided to revoke its decision.

The sign says, "The land is for those who work it."

But what for us (in Canada) is considered a peaceful demonstration almost always necessitates a police presence here.

Things carried on as normal after the procession, which was quite peaceful, and we continued onto the church for the afternoon of music lessons with the youth...

Pictured here are Erik, Hockey, Katarine, and Shirley learning how to play the keyboard.

With Erik...

At the end of our week together, we celebrated our time together with a worship service...

In August, I left the grey skies of Lima for a week in Cusco to conclude the initial work with the congregation of Talitha Kum.

With the children, we reviewed the songs they'd learned in my first visit, and we added a couple of more, ones with actions are favorites!!

Also, we continued to work on the keyboard, with fingering and learning some basic songs, along with the zampoña.

I worked with three older students: Luis, Henry and Jhanette apart from the other children, to help advance their keyboard skills. They learned the fingering for their first scale, Do (or C Major) and made excellent progress in their beginning book. Some theory was a part of our time together, also. It was such a joy because they were like sponges, absorbing everything I gave them to learn!

In the last visit, a small women's choir (of 8 voices) was formed, and so this time, we revisited some vocal techniques as well as worked on some new music in addition to parts of the liturgy. Here are some of the women who participated:

Now, well into spring here, I've been working in the congregation of Cristo Salvador, located in San Juan de Miraflores. They have a women's choir of 11 or 12 voices depending on the week! We are working on vocal production/techniques as well as how to play the keyboard. As well, there is a group of youth and children with whom I am teaching singing, keyboard, guitar and zampoña. There are up to 14 who participate each week, a delightful and energetic group!!!

The other portion of my ministry here continues to go well. The congregation at San Juan Camino de Esperanza is made up of mostly children and youth. Average worship attendance is 7 adults, 7 youth, and 8 children. That's the average. Many, however, are not members, they are associates. Hopefully that will change poco a poco (little by little) as with most things. I have started an "every family visit", for members as well as our "sympatizantes." As with most congregations, people appreciate having the pastor in their homes, showing care and support. And it's been helpful for me to get to know everyone better and offer prayer and a listening ear. In addition to the visitation, we have a weekly Confirmation Class, Bible Study, and Saturday School for the neighbourhood children. We've incorporated guitar and piano lessons within the usual time to help children with their homework. So there are about ten youth and children taking music lessons now. In addition, there are monthly council meetings, maintaining companion congregational relationships, welcoming guests from Canada and the USA, and planning meetings to do with our ongoing building project. The work in music and liturgy, a pastoral presence at San Juan, and attending various meetings with ILEP Council, the conference of pastors, and helping with specific projects are all part of the ongoing ministry presence that the ELCIC has here in Peru. And now, some ten months later, it continues to be a pleasure to represent my church even in the midst of the various shades of grey that have presented themselves!!!

"Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3: 20-21

With blessings and peace,
Pastora Fran.

Deep in the Hearts of TexaNs!

2009-09-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

Greetings with peace and blessings, dearest family, friends, and supporters!!!

More than the song, "Deep in the Heart of Texas", we learned recently that the hearts of TexaNs are filled with love, grace, support, and affection for us, their Christian brothers and sisters in Peru!!!

The last week of July, ILEP (Lutheran Church in Peru) welcomed over thirty visitors from the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, one of our companion congregations in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). It was an exciting week, with many tours to the various congregations in Lima. As well, many in the group visited Iquitos prior to their time in Lima AND members of the companion congregations went to visit their respective companion congregation, Galilea, in Huacho.

We were all so pleased to welcome warmly our beloved guests, many of whom were returning to Peru as well as the "first-timers" for what has become an annual TLGC Synod visit!

DAY ONE

Our week together began with greetings from ILEP's new President, Pastor Armando Capcha (with translation from David Wunsch, The ELCA's Regional Representative for Global Mission in South America), followed by a bible study and orientation to Peru and ILEP.

Our tour later that afternoon, took us to the congregations of Emmaus and Buen Pastor, whose Pastor is Andres Palencia. Pictured here are visitors and members of Emmaus in their sanctuary.

We heard from the leaders of the children's program, as well as Pastor Andres, then the children sang several of their favorite songs. The Texas group also taught a song with actions, which the children just loved!!

And here is the entire group at Buen Pastor...

The next three days, the larger group was divided in order to visit respective companion congregations. At San Juan Camino de Esperanza, we were very pleased to welcome 14 of the TLGC visitors, from our companion congregation, Grace Lutheran Church, in Conroe, Texas!

DAY TWO

We began our first day together at San Juan with introductions and sharing the focus of each of our ministries. Members of the San Juan Council, leaders of the children's program and church members came out to welcome our visitors and share what the church presence means in their community. As Peruvians and Americans (and one Canadian!) talked about their church, we identified many similarities in the strengths, challenges and joys in each of our congregations. This offered a good beginning to deepening our companion relationship!

San Juan President, Carlos Huarcaya, shows our visitors the approved architectural drawings...

DAY THREE

The next day, we painted the church wall, the Luther Rose on the door of the church, and did some patch-work on part of the wall that had deteriorated a little bit....

BEFORE:

Some members of San Juan were able to help, but many were working at their jobs of course...

AFTER:

A huge change; we are a grateful congregation!!

For the other part of our day we took a walking tour of the neighbour to visit members and meet them in their homes. This continued our day of sharing and growing together. For many returning visitors, this was the first time visiting people in their homes and seeing where many of the members of the church live. It turned out to be a very inspirational day!

Walking around the neighbourhood...

Many of the children who participate in our "Escuela Sabatina" or Saturday School, live in the cierra's, in the hills...

Parents and children joined us for our tour!

There were a few stragglers along our pilgrimmage

DAY FOUR:

The Fiesta (Party) at the church:

We sang songs and learned some new actions...

There were a variety of activities for the children....

Contributing a square for a "stained glass" mural

Crosses to take home....

The children at San Juan prepared two dances: the serpent dance came from the amazon and the other is a traditional Peruvian dance (for which I cannot remember the name!).

Pictured here are Vladimir, Miguel and Kevin

There was more dancing, we shared a meal, more games and activities! We concluded our time together with a presentation from Grace, as they danced to "Deep in the Heart of Texas". After teaching us the words and actions to this favorite song, gifts were given to the children...

DAY FIVE: other visits to ILEP congregations...

DAY SIX:

In the breaking of bread and pouring of wine, we shared our last day together, Sunday.

Following worship service, were more songs and sharing of gifts from San Juan to those from Grace and vice versa! We were happy to receive two new sewing machines which will be used by our newly formed women's group!!

Indeed, the hearts of TexaNs run deep and are filled with the love of God which is in Christ Jesus as witnessed time and again during the visit. In our travels to the churches, in our time together at San Juan Camino de Esperanza, on the buses, in conversations over morning coffee, in many of the meetings and debrief sessions, and with the members of the congregation, we were witnesses, once again, to God's gracious presence among us! The hearts of TexaNs do run deep, inspired of the Holy Spirit who is leading, directing, calling and guiding us all to greater service to our neighbours,known and unknown, and particularly to our brothers and sisters in faith in the Lutheran Church in Peru.

"And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

May the Lord continue to bless, strengthen and guide this partnership/companion relationship with TLGC Synod as we serve Christ together!!

Meet Zena!

2009-08-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! This is just a short update...it's been a busy time, but somewhere in the midst of everything was finally was able to purchase my new baby, a 1998 Grand Nomade...yay!!

After driving together to Huacho to work at the congregation Galilea, Pastor/President Armando Capcha and I determined that she's a girl...And last night a friend and I described her as strong, reliable and even fierce and have aptly named her "Zena", after the warrior princess, because certainly driving here one needs a certain amount of warrior-ness!

And so, life in ministry and mission continues with the follow-up trip to Cusco and Talitha Kum this week. Updates from the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod visit, as well as the recent return trips to the Provencias will be posted in the next week...stayed tuned!

For now, know that I am in capable hands, not only God's now but also Zena's, as we travel in and around Lima and various other parts of Peru!

With grace, peace, and joy!

Pastora Fran.

Two Feet off the Ground...

2009-07-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

Dearest Family, Friends, and Supporters~

Grace to you and peace, from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone." Psalm 91: 11-12

Have you ever felt like you were lifted up from the ground, say about two feet off the ground for instance? Or perhaps like these paragliders in the middle of our Peruvian "winter"?!

Maybe we're not lifted quite this high, but there is enough of a change in altitude (or attitude) that it is noticeable. Have you ever felt exhalted, lifted, raised up and taken to a new level...so elated an experience that you never wanted it to end??

Just such an experience happened within the last couple of weeks, since recovering from my surgery. Thanks to those who sent greetings, prayers and well-wishes, by the way. Bishop Mike of the Texas-Louisian Gulf Coast Synod was among visitors at the hospital, all of these blessings have helped so much, thank you!!!

And so, having recovered well from surgery,I've hit the ground running: travelling, preaching, and meeting more people and places within ILEP. To aid in these travelling ventures, Lorna, a Lutheran church musician (from Normandale Lutheran in Minneapolis, Minnesota), returned to Peru to accompany me and the congregations of Talitha Kum (Cusco) and Galilea (Huacho) in improving their musicianship and learning about liturgy. We also did some touring, pictured here at the ruins of "Parque Tahuantinsuyo".

We travelled first to Cusco...this is the Plaza d'Armas, featuring the Roman Catholic Cathedral and in the plaza itself, decorated with Peruvian Flags in preparation for Feliz Patrias, July 28th (Independence Day.)

The focus of our time and work was with the congregation of Talitha Kum, pictured here is the church door...the basement was constructed first and that is where worship services and meetings are held.

Their pastora is Ofelia Davila Llimpe....

And here is a glimpse of the community where the church is located....

We taught between 10-15 children how to play the zampoña...

....and a few singing techniques along with a few new songs (even some with actions)and Lorna taught beginning piano to the children.

We helped develop a small women's choir of 4-8 voices. I taught them some vocal techniques and simple ways to improve their singing as well as some new songs.

Here are some of the adults and children from Talitha Kum who participated in the music program...

We were back in Lima for a few short days where we toured a little-Parque Tahuantinsuyo and the ruins of pre-Incan culture. Of course, at San Juan Camino de Esperanza, we held our weekly worship service and felt blessed to have Lorna's accompaniment. THEN, right after service we headed to the bus station for the three hour bus trip up to Huacho. It was a long day as we went right from the bus depot to the worship service (which had already started!) at Galilea, the Lutheran church there. We were welcomed with open arms and embraces by the members.

On the way to Huacho.....desert with an occasional oasis of greenery...

At Galilea, Lorna again taught beginning piano,this time with the youth...

...and we also worked on finer details of song leading. They were a captive, attentive group of 11 young people and it was wonderful to see how quickly they soaked in all of the ideas and teachings!

In the evenings, I led a session on the liturgy for up to 16 congregational members. We discussed and learned the "ordo" of the liturgy, and explored the "why" of liturgy, to reach a deeper understanding of the how the church's mission, i.e. God's mission for us, and the liturgy are linked as the assembled people of God gather to celebrate in Word and Sacrament. We will continue to discuss and explore the liturgy when I return again in a couple of weeks.

A breath-taking glimpse of the ocean from the walkway in Huacho...

Our voices were raised in song at both Talitha Kum and Galilea. We applied new ideas, grasped how to read music with enthusiasm and joy, and were lifted up in a profound way, about two feet off the ground!!! I was again reminded how God continues to amaze, inspire, work, renew, and call each of us. The energy, enthusiasm, the smiles and laughter speak to our connection and relationship as one in the body of Christ. Music particularly connects us and speaks to us regardless of the language and/or cultural barriers.

What an incredible journey of faith this first year of service with the ELCIC has been, through the adjusting and adapting, the changes and challenges, the joys and precious moments!! God is quite amazing...and surprising. For example, God has continued to astound me with those who feel called to volunteer their time and energy (not to mention dollars), and a piece of their hearts to help support my work and that of ILEP. And so, I wish to thank you, Lorna, for trusting me, the ELCIC and ILEP with two weeks of your vacation time. Your presence with the members at both Talithat Kum and Galilea was more appreciated than anyone can properly express! God worked to make this opportunity happen, things came together so smoothly, and while you take a piece of Peru with you in your heart, please know that you have also left a piece of your heart here with those of us who continue to work and serve God's church in Peru!

And so....we are lifted two feet off the ground, or sometimes more, by the gracious love and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who continues to shower us with grace upon grace, giving us renewed enthusiasm and inspired witness to how God is working in, amongst and through us.... Thanks be to God!

In inspired witness~
Pastora Fran

Time

2009-06-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

Greetings family, friends and supporters!

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Time is an illusory commodity. No more has this been true than in these last three weeks of illness, sugery and recovery. As my best friend just pointed out in her final newsletter article for internship, there are times when "time" goes by rapidly almost unnoticed and other times when it seems to creep on by seemingly right before us! It seems that time may be an illusion like a trick from a magic show!

The end of this month marks exactly the first year of my service with the ELCIC as Long-Term Missionary to Peru. A year ago, I was packing and selling belongings, saying good-bye to loved ones, attending Mission Orientation and various planning meetings, and preparing to leave. Now, one year later, it seems impossible to believe all that has happened within this year. As I prepare the various annual reports to the Bishop and to Mission in the World, there are questions about goals and progress, etc, etc. And after these three weeks of illness, surgery and now recovery, "time" that has crept by slowly, has been an opportunity to reflect on these questions and this first year. This time has been a wonderfully and sometimes painfully packaged gift to remind me of what has been important in this first year of service, what is core in my life (and in our lives), what ministry really means in this context, and what needs to be changed and adapted in me in order TO minister here. Much of this has already occurred, of course, but much more is about to happen I am sure, once my health is restored and ministry and life can continue normally, well, hopefully better than what has been "normal"!

The surgery itself was complicated and difficult, according to my surgeon. It took more "time" to accomplish what is a common surgery, meaning more anesthetic, a longer hospital stay, and a bit longer for recovery (I'll be officially back to work next week). However, I am at home now, resting, taking care of myself, and recovering. The Clinica Anglo Americana has been a wonderful facility to have this procedure, the staff were supportive and patient, many of them speak English. The ILEP church family and my new friends were, likewise, supportive and very helpful while I was in the Clinica and now in this week of recovery. I want to thank those who called, sent emails and cards!! I appreciate your thoughts and prayers so much!!!I am especially grateful to those who cared for me and visited me while I was in the Clinica, including a small delegation from the Texas-Louisian Gulf Coast Synod, including Bishop Mike Rinehart and Jim Young.I was sad to miss the Celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the First Ordained Ministers of ILEP, but heard that the worship service, meal, gifts, and speeches were a wonderful celebration!!

Who knew that the outcome of my 13 cm long gallbladder (normally they are 5 cm) filled with ten fairly large stones and resulting surgery and recovery, could be such a gift?! This "time" to reflect and digest all that has occurred has allowed my spirit the chance to catch up with all that has happened; all of the new experiences, changes, adaptations,learnings and challenges. As my body heals, I am trying to allow it the time it needs to do what it knows how to do. And I am reminded that in our anxiousness in this life and this hectic world of ours, that God acts with us and for us in this way, too. God knows what to do to heal our world, God knows our pain and weaknesses and our struggles. God knows we need time to heal and be restored, and God gives us a time for this. Even as we are called into action and service, to be the hands and feet of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ, we are also called into the illusion of time, into God's time to allow some of these things to happen in God's way, in God's time.

Thanks be to God for the gift of time!

With joy and peace,
Pastora Fran.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?..indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Matthew 6: 25-33

Inspired

2009-05-20T10:40:00.000-07:00

At times, it remains quite remarkable how we are inspired in various aspects of our lives. For instance, at the same time as planning trips to work (in music and liturgy)with ILEP congregations in Cusco and Huacho, a fellow musician who was here at the end of December was inspired to return to Peru. At the same time as she wrote of feeling inspired to serve here and what were the dates for her vacation in July, I was waiting for confirmation of the dates suggested to local pastors, which were, remarkably, almost identical to the dates she had offered in her email!! Again, quite remarkably, all of this fit together within a few days and she, because of the work of the Holy Spirit's inspiration, will accompany me and two ILEP congregations to teach music.

May was a busy, Spirit-filled month! I finished three months of working with the congregation of Belen, in Breña. I worked with a small women's choir to work on voice production and singing harmony together.

Pastora Irene (far right) and some of the women at Belen.

Of course, we celebrated "El Día Del Madre" (Mother's Day). At San Juan Camino de Esperanza we had a program for the mothers, following our weekly worship service. This included poetry, dancing, singing and more dancing!

The children dancing a traditional Peruvian dance

On this same Sunday, we were priviledged to welcome Bishops and youth delegates from Lutheran churches from South America, Central America and the Caribbean for the Regional LWF Meeting. On the same Sunday as Mother's Day, San Juan welcomed guests Bishop Victoria Cortez of Nicaragua and Vice-President of the Lutheran World Federation, along with youth delegate Helen Rios, pictured here.

In the midst of the LWF Regional Meeting, there was an Inter-Religious Prayer Service to which Muslim leaders, Catholic priests, Jewish leaders, and other Protestant Bishops and representatives were present.Many ILEP pastors attended, including Pastora Irene Ponce(left), Pastora Adita Torres(middle), and myself.

There was a wonderful spirit at the service whose focus was world peace. Among other welcomed guests was Helena Manrique, the new Peruvian Representative for Canadian Lutheran World Relief's new office in Lima.

In addition to Mother's Day celebrations, guests for the LWF Regional Meeting, an informal gathering for missionaries, plans coming together for future visits to congregations in Huacho and Cusco, the month was complete with a week of driving lessons (learned how to drive standard in Lima!!). On the second attempt, I passed my written regulatory exam. Next, I need to pass the practical driving exam, which I will take later this month after some minor surgery and recovery.

I feel inspired by how the Holy Spirit has been working in and through various plans and events to come together in the way they have. As well, it is marvelous to see how the Holy Spirit is at work guiding adn leading ILEP in the midst of its challenges and changes. Clearly the Holy Spirit has been at work in all of us and in all of these things...

Thanks be to God for the wisdom to see, the grace to live, and the inspiration to follow through on our calling to serve with the gifts received from the Holy Spirit!!

With the peace, joy, and love of the Lord,
Pastora Fran.

Something not seen before

2009-05-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

Dearest family, friends, and supporters,

My warmest greetings and peace in this joyful Easter season!!

I was astonished a few days ago while opening the curtains in my bedroom, to view flowers that seemed to spontaneously grow overnight. The flowers were red, large, familiar and were growing on one of the tallest plants in my landlady's garden, one floor below mine. Until that day, the plant looked like many other tall and flowerless plants that are typical here. Although I've never been a huge admirer of this plant, a pointsettea, these stand at least twenty feet tall and are a surprising sight...how can one not be amazed at that? To see a plant one has seen for many a Christmas in many a church look this way is nothing short of amazing!

Every day seems to present such a surprising and/or amazing picture. Whether it's the view from my bedroom window or out of the taxi or bus driving around the city, every day seems to be a new adventure, one in which I see something not seen before.

This is our Easter experience, too, as we see something not seen before:

*the ways in which God, through Christ Jesus, continues to resurrect our broken, greedy, corrupted world;

*the ways that God, through Christ, continues to resurrect and transform our communities, our relationships, our church;

*and the ways in which God, through Christ, continues to resurrect our weary, overwhelmed and troubled hearts!

We see something not seen before and indeed, this is the experience in our ministry here as well.

In our work with ILEP, teaching of the small women's choir continues and is in its last month now, we hear something not heard before: the sounds of voices poco a poco (slowly) being transformed. It is an honour to be a witness to the increased self-esteem as voices are raised with greater confidence!

Some choir members from Belen, the congregation in Breña, as we work on voice production and how to read musical notes.

The size of the women's choir varies from 3-8, depending on work and family commitments.

We witness something not seen before as the children at San Juan begin to learn to play the guitar.

Some of the children are pictured here with friend, Fidel, who comes every second week to teach guitar.

We witness something not seen before as the congregation of San Juan Camino de Esperanza prepares for construction of their church building, after years of growing and experiencing what it means to be a church focused on its people not its building. Now is the time, though, to increase the worship space and make a permanent home. Here, the council members are looking over the architect and engineer drawings...

And so it is an honour to be here on behalf of the ELCIC, to bear witness to and to share with you those which are "something not seen before" things. There are the impacts great and small of teaching and learning in a mutual way new musical notation and new ways of singing. There is the mutual interchange of culture and faith, as ILEP receives, once again, a Canadian Lutheran pastoral presence. And also, there is the transformation we experience in the liberating Gospel of Christ, which calls us to love one another with the love Christ has for us. This requires something not seen before! What an awesome and incredible calling this is as we continue to build up the body of Christ in our partnerships and relationships!

With blessing, peace, and joy!

Pastora Fran.

Holy Ground

2009-04-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

Our first task in approaching
another people
another culture
another religion

is to take off our shoes
for the place we are
approaching is holy

or else we may find ourselves
treading on another's dream.

More serious still
we may forget
that God was there
before our arrival.

Author unknown

Dearest friends, family, colleagues, and supporters!

¡Aleluya! ¡Cristo ha resucitado! Hallelujah! Christ is risen!

This Holy Week and Easter were, indeed, Holy Ground; the first celebration in Lima, the first one without threat of snow or ice, the first unique experience of what are the local customs and traditions. Holy Week was particularly holy and sacred as the mother of a parishioner died. Quickly, that which is new and different revealed itself once again, in the mourning rituals and funeral customs. The family, all dressed in black, kept vigil at their mother's side practically 24/7; candles lit in front of the casket, located in the oldest daughter's house; hundreds of other family and friends visiting around the clock to show their love and support; and elaborate flower sprays of every size and colour to surround the family and their departed loved one. Along with the worship services that accompany the Triduum, equally as memorable, this was a Holy Week to remember.

The palm branches are woven here into marvelous creations!

Since it has been awhile since my last entry, one might expect it to mean there has been alot happening, which is most certainly true! It has been a busy month and a half...including monthly Pastoral Conferencias (ministerial for ILEP), the ILEP Asemblea Nacional (National Assembly), teaching singing with the choir and musicians at Belen (one of the ILEP congregations in Lima), along with starting confirmation classes (with three eager students), baptismal classes (with a potential of 12 infants and teenagers wanting to be baptized!!)...and the regular worship service and preaching, prep, and the Escuela Sabatina (Saturday School) with our 120 children or so!

The beginning months of both parts of our (yours and mine) ministry here has been developing relationships. While this is key to any ministry, with the cultural and language challenges this seems to have taken a bit longer. It is nearly my six month in Lima and my fifth in the congregation, and these relationships are forming and deepening...in my work with ILEP, I feel the same way. I have come to know the pastors and staff, and many of the elected delegates from various congregations. It is holy ground to be able to call people by their name, to remember who they are, and to begin to know what are their joys and struggles...I have taken off my shoes...for this is Holy Ground....in all of these experiences, one can see how God is here, recognizing, too that God has always been here!

And so, thanks be to God for the energy and grace to be working and living in this context. I remain grateful to the ELCIC for preparing me well for our ministry here. Especially, thank you to Kelvin Krieger (Program Director for ELCIC Missions in the World) and Rev.Paul Johnson (Assistant to the National Bishop)for your continued support, tireless work, and faithful service!! Because of this support, opportunities to reflect,and time of preparation, I have adjusted well, my health has been stable,I feel settled into the language a bit more with every passing week, and am more settled in my apartment, in the congregation, and within ILEP.

Thank you, everyone, for your continued prayers, financial support, and interest in our ministry and mission here in Peru...I have been touched deeply by the many cards, emails and letters over the last several months and have appreciated your thoughtfulness more than can be expressed!!!

At the request of one of the ELCIC congregations, I have made a first attempt to share a brief and simple message through my video cam:

The pictures that are included in the video message include the journey from Canada, people and places in Bolivia, as well as people whose lives have touched mine and whose lives are being touched by our ministry in Peru. Our (yours and mine) ministry at San Juan Camino de Esperanza is an exciting and growing ministry because of the outreach to the neighbourhood children and families. And our ministry with teaching singing and music to the choir and musicians at Belen (in Breña)is also an exciting part of the work here, as they continue to learn, they are growing in self-confidence and it is wonderful to be a witness to the process!

With peace, grace and love,
Pastora Fran.

>

Canadian Visitor

2009-03-09T16:09:00.000-07:00

Lenten greetings and peace to friends, family and supporters from Lima, Peru, and the community of San Juan Camino de Esperanza!

These last few weeks have been quite busy....with the start-up of classes, the beginning of a Bible Study and Confirmation classes, and the hosting of a Canadian visitor, Rev. Paul Johnson. Paul is the Assistant to National Bishop, Rev. Susan Johnson., of the ELCIC.

Rev. Johnson with Pastora Fran

Paul's week-long visit to Peru included meetings with the ILEP (Iglesia Luterana Evangelia Peruana) National Council and President Pedro Bullon.

He also visited at San Juan Camino de Esperanza, on the Sunday that we dedicated paraments from Zion Lutheran, Thunder Bay, Ont., which closed recently. The congregation are grateful for the thoughtful donation!

Local connections were made, also, with the communities of El Triunfo and Fiel es Dios in Iquitos. Pastor Pedro Bullon accompanied Paul and ELCIC Long-Term Missionary Fran Schmidt to the missions in Iquitos.

On the way to Iquitos

Paul and Fran were accompanied on the trek through the jungle by Rev. Yolie of the Amazon Mission.

Visiting with the community at El Triunfo was a gift and blessing as we talked, prayed and sang together.

And the children loved to see pictures of themselves!!

As with our meeting at Fiel es Dios, children, youth, and parents were included. We talked about concerns and needs, as well as ways in which to include young people in the life of the church.

Warm blessings and greetings from the communities in Iquitos whose ministry is supported by the ELCIC and its congregations.

In all of our journeys, we continue to give thanks and praise to God for the abundant blessings and gifts in this life: for family, friends, strangers, neighbours, and this ministry in which we share!

Lenten blessings,
Pastora Fran.

Chickens in the Park

2009-02-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

Greetings family, friends, supporters~

Greetings, peace and God abundant blessings!

Driving home from worship last Sunday, we spotted some chickens and a rooster sauntering around in a public, municipal park, looking as if they belonged there. What did not seem odd to anyone else, seemed terribly odd (not to mention unsanitary) to me. Just when I think that nothing else can surprise me, Peru comes up with another in a long list! Every day is filled with the unexpected, there is such creativity, diversity and spontaneity. Welcome to Peru, to life here...and to what was apparently another normal Sunday.

Several interesting things have been happening in these last few weeks...

In late January, a delegation from CLWR (Canadian Lutheran World Relief) were here to visit their various projects and as well to meet with ILEP (Iglesia Luterana Evangelica Peruana)to discuss ways of strengthening their partnership. Included are ILEP President, Pastor Pedro Bullon, and CLWR Executive Director, Bob Granke.

Also in late January, my boxes from Canada arrived, nothing broken or missing...this felt like a mini-miracle!

Our Pastoral Ratido (Pastoral Retreat) was shortened to only one day, but still enjoyable. We went to a Retreat/Vacation Centre called "Huampani" in Chaclayo, another district of Lima. It was a full day of meetings and discussions.

As is important to most (if not all pastors), the meals were very good...

There was some time to study and reflect...

As well as to check out the animals wandering around...

Visited Barranco (another district of Lima)this past week....

and then went to the Centre House of St. James Society in Lima. A priest friend is a missionary working in Caraballayo (another district of Lima). It is located beautifully along Barranco's coast and we were there at sunset, which was absolutely spectacular!

At San Juan Camino de Esperanza, I am preaching and presiding every Sunday now, and every week seems to feel more natural. We started a Thursday night bible study, which focuses on the nexts for the following Sunday. This has been a joy! In March, we welcome the children back from summer vacation. San Juan has a Saturday program that includes tutorials, bible study, music, and games. There will be about 100-120 children for about seven hours every Saturday. In addition to this day for the children, we are starting a Women's Group, to study scripture and offer different workshops each week. Also in March, a confirmation class will start-up, as well as baptismal preparation for five young people who wish to be baptized. Very exciting!!

Teaching church liturgy and music will more officially begin with a meeting on Feb. 28th with all of the ILEP musicians and intersted persons. We will hear their needs/concerns, and share the proposal for my work in the churches. It will be exciting to start meeting everyone more directly involved in music ministry in the various congregations! The proposal is for me to work for three month blocks in each congregation to teaching singing, help the choirs (or start choirs), perhaps work with the children, teach some keyboard skills, whatever they feel is a need. The three months will give time to get to know the congregations and their needs, to build trust, and to help develop skills over a period of time. The first congregation will be Belen, located in the Breña District.

As things get underway, there have been times where I have felt like one of those animals(chicken, llama or rooster?)wandering around in the park...feeling out of place at times, trying to find my way around, adapting somewhat, and slowly getting accustomed to everything: a new country, a new way of life, a new congregation, new people, and a new church (not to mention the language!). It is all falling into place rather smoothly, though, and having just received my carné last week, my residency approval, it seems Lima is officially home!!

With peace, joy, and love,
In Christ,
Pastora Fran.

Following and adapting

2009-01-28T06:15:00.000-08:00

To my sisters and brothers in Christ, my family, friends and supporters,

Here are just some of my recent reflections of the last couple of weeks:

Following my Installation Service on Jan. 11th, the real work has begun. The last six months of preparation, language training, cultural immersion, finding an apartment and settling in, is all at once over and now the real work, the real call is underway. There have been three full services to this point in this first month of ministry: preparing, presiding and preaching. There have many more meetings to organize the part of my work that will involve teaching church liturgy and music, as well, to look at ministry at San Juan Camino de Esperanza. But as so many things are still new, I often feel like I am still following and still adapting.

My body is slow at adapting: to the pollution, to the fragrances of foreign trees and flowers, and of course to the food in general. My brain seems slow to adapt at times, too: to the new language, to almost always looking for a particular word or phrase, and to being tired from all the thinking that is needed sometimes. We often forget how set we are in our ways, in our own traditions, customs and habits. They are so automatic, we often don't think about it or why we are doing something in a particular way. These habits, these ways of being in the world, are so entrenched that we don't even realize the extent to which they are a part of our fibre, our DNA. Like Wolverine in "X-Men" whose bones were replaced with metal and sinewed into his very structure,so, too are our habits, our rituals, our customs, our mannerisms, all of our decisions and who we are are.

Our LTS President suggested over a year ago that learning a new language is much like an arm-wrestling match, in which the strength of your opponent far surpasses your own. Cultural and language adaptation does feel much like this, only a part of my brain still fights to win!

Our faith journey seems like this alot of times, too. We fight to get back the control that we think is ours, or that we belive is ours, although we really have no reason to have deserved it. We fight with God, we want our own way, we do not want to have to follow or adapt to a new way of living and being in the world. Thanks to God, though, who knows this about humanity and still chooses to love us anyways, even to the point of sending his only son, Jesus Christ to live and die for us! In Jesus, our frailties and habits, our ways of being in the world can be reconciled and transformed to that of Christ. The adaptation and following is not always easy, this is for sure, but God's grace and love, God's strength and power are certainly far superior to ours. And this is an incredible grace. We are freed by the forgiveness of our sins through Jesus Christ, to change and adapt, to spread this Good News of Jesus, the Good News that saves and transforms us and our world!

Following and adapting is difficult, this is so true...in my five months in South America with the various challenges and joys, I can say that adapting is not always easy, but there are certainly more possibilities of living that reveal themselves in these times of change and transition. God's possibilities and God's capabilities are far beyond what we can see or imagine and this is incredible! I pray for God's vision for our ELCIC and for the Peruvian church-ILEP, as we grow and adapt together in this relationship and with all of the changes that seem to be happening in both of these churches!

In the peace, love, mercy and grace of God,
Pastora Fran.

It's official!!

2009-01-12T06:11:00.000-08:00

Dearest family, friends, and supporters...Greetings and peace in the name of Jesus Christ, our light and our life!

It was made official yesterday afternoon when Pastor Pedro Bullon, President of ILEP (la Iglesia Luterana Evangelica Peruana) installed me as the Pastor at San Juan Camino de Esperanza, I am now an ILEP pastor! More than thirty children and twenty adults (approximately) came to the service, and our little chapel was packed full! What an exciting time for all of us.

As the children gathered, there was much energy, noise, enthusiasm, hugs, and boisterous singing...what a wonderful way to begin!

There was lots of music, thanks to our musicians, Mario and Samuel...

Pastora Adita Torres preached an inspiring message linking our baptisms with that of Jesus Christ, while recalling that it was my cross-cultural trip here four years ago with the LTS (Lutheran Theological Seminary) and God's working in these years, that led me to serve here. All of these activities, God's activities, are grounded in those baptismal, life-giving waters. We sang "Tu has venido a la orilla", "You have come down to the Lakeshore", a reminder of our call as disciples, a call that begins at the "lakeshore", in the waters of our baptism.

As part of the Installation Liturgy, I received a chalice (cup), a paten (plate) and the Holy Bible, symbols of the office of Pastor: Word and Sacrament.

And with being given the official welcome, I presided at the Eucharist (in Spanish of course!) for the first time as their Pastor. It went pretty well considering it was the first time to preside as Pastor and in another language.

Plus, I was, and am still, very emotional when I consider all that has happened in recent years to bring me to this time and place, to serve God's people in this partnership with ELCIC and ILEP.

Following the worship service, we gathered for fellowship and celebration in the open area of our grounds and it was a nice way to visit, hug and begin to meet more people from the area!

Some of our members....Carlos with daughters, Laurena and Pati..

Ida and Luzaurora...

Gladys, myself, Ana Maria, and the girls....

Thanks be to God for this precious, holy time in which to be in ministry and partnership together...to share one another's joys and sorrows, talents and dreams! Thank you, ELCIC, supporters, ELW's, prayer partners, friends and family, for making all of these connections and relationships possible! We stand at the beginning of something incredible in this congregation of believer's...as the Gospel text for this Sunday affirms, "Come and See" the revealing of Godself through Jesus Christ. It is an invitation to all of us to be witnesses of Jesus Christ present with us. And surely, Jesus Christ was present with us in this beginning, in this Installation service, as Jesus will continue to walk with all of us. For this, our congregation is apty named "Camino de Esperanza", "The Way of Hope"....

With peace, joy, and love,

Pastora Fran.

The Stories of Christmas

2008-12-28T12:09:00.000-08:00

Feliz Navidad to family, friends, and supporters!!! Merry Christmas and God's richest blessings to you and your loved ones at this most holy time of the year!!

...With some of the children in the parish

Many have asked what Christmas is like in Peru...and, indeed, there are some different tradtions. This first Christmas without family, friends, or the snow and cold has been memorable and blessed! Thank you so much to those who sent greetings via email cards and letters. My heart is full because you have thought of me and sent your well wishes and prayers, my heart-felt thanks!!!! I will respond personally to each one and in the meantime, will share the stories of Christmas through this blog...

So, about Christmas in Peru....our worship service was at 5:30 p.m., roughly, because things rarely seem to start on time (at least that's not been my experience yet!). The service, itself was different, as one can imagine. We did sing some of the traditional Christmas songs from the "north" translated into Spanish, of course! That was neat...and we sang many more Latin American Christmas songs, as part of a candlelighting service around the theme of "The Colours of the Season."

Pastor Pedro led service on Christmas Eve

This "liturgy" is one I've never experienced before and it was nice, however, I still missed the Traditional Candlelighting service with some special music interjected between the Gospel accounts of Jesus' birth. Singing "Silent Night" as the congregation each holds a lit candle is a special memory and one that I might always miss. My "normal" Christmas memories were replaced with the smiles and embraces of the children (who outnumbered the adults) and communion that was shared in a circle of 19 children and adults. Following our worship, we shared chicha (which is a purple drink made from pineapple juice, lemon juice, and corn ...it sounds strange but is really GOOD!) We also ate paneta (which is the local Christmas bread, also delightful!) Then for the evening, I went to a parishioner's house to spend time with her family. Her oldest son is a guitarist and pianist, so we sang and played Christmas music and many other selections, changing keys, etc. It was great fun!!

The table is set and ready, complete with "Inca Cola"

The Christmas tradition is to eat supper at midnight, but we ate around 11 PM. After our delicious meal, which as you can see included turkey, we went out to the street to watch the fireworks and firecrackers. Since there are no regulations, laws or bans for fireworks or firecrackers, children and youth light these in their backyards and in the streets. It is another part of the Christmas tradition here. Although it seemed dangeorous to me (for the children lighting them and for the drivers in the streets!), it did add to the festive feeling of the night! These are some of the stories of Christmas, this precious and unique first Christmas out of Canada! Life continues to be interesting and adventurous here!

Fireworks for Jesus!

Christmas Day was filled with calls to family and friends, as well as time with the American Lutheran (ELCA) Missionary Pastor, her family and visiting in-laws. The kids swam in their wading pool (just another normal Christmas Day!), we shared snacks, Christmas cookies, and memories of Christmas' past, as well as being entertained with the kids' whimsical musical offerings....this added so much to my day and is a fabulous memory of my first Christmas in Lima!

The last few days have been busy....the National Church Council had a Christmas supper over the weekend, which the German Missionary Pastor hosted. Fabulous food and lovely visiting and fellowship accompanied conversation about the music and teaching part of my role with ILEP. Then Saturday, I accompanied a singing group who is here from Minnesota...a group of 12 female youth and their music director, his wife, their accompanist and the pastor at their church. They're here singing in our ILEP churches and touring Peru a bit, as well. They came to our Saturday activities with the children from the barrio, helped with crafts and gave a half hour concert for some 120 kids (mas o menos) and their parents who came out for the Christmas celebrations...it was SO awesome!!

...helping with crafts

singing a song with actions!

getting ready for the puppet show...

The kids were full of hugs and kisses for me, their new "pastora" and it took everything in me not to burst into tears, although several times found myself feeling overwhelmed and emotional! The realization embodied itself in my heart-this is where I belong! The joy and enthusiasm of these children is certainly contagious!! On the way back to their hostel, the youth were filled with all kinds of stories about how different my church is and about kids they'd met...

With some of the mothers who help with the Saturday program for the children

What an amazing way to begin my ministry at San Juan Camino de Esperanza, Saint John Way of Hope, for certainly this is a place filled with hope!
Thanks be to God!!

From a distance

2008-12-16T07:36:00.000-08:00

Enroute to Peru, the Andes mountain ranges...

Flying above our beautiful and suffering planet, in a plane that continues to pollute it, I pondered upon how perfect it appears to be as we fly some 30,000 feet above it all. From a distance, the surface view appears different from the reality, often, at least until our eyes are opened and we get closer to a situation, a person, or a suffering planet. Upon closer inspection, the reality is disturbing and perhaps this why we would rather look from a distance. And perhaps this is why I can finally agree with the many friends, family and supporters who called me courageous for venturing so far from home. They are correct, I concede, but not for the reasons they gave....but because I am willing to have my eyes opened to harsh realities that many would rather not witness. This is most surely bravery. But it is not my own strength, rather I can only move to this part of the world, to be a witness to the real issues and struggles, at people, not from a distance but up close and personal, because it is God who has given me the will, the heart,the strength, and supporters like all of you(!)... to do this through Jesus Christ!

Above Lake Titicaca, located in Bolivia and Peru

From a distance, with tourist's eyes, parts of Lima are very beautiful and strongly resemble a cosmopolitan city which could be anywhere in the world. But now, having lived here for only one week, the reality of this incredible growth signifies a colonization of another sort. In the areas closest to the ocean, like Mira Flores and wealthier areas like San Isidro, the parks are beautiful, lush, and green, with palm trees and flowers of every variety. These areas are also populated by very expensive condominiums, hotels, casinos, North American restaurants (including Starbucks!), and all kinds of new construction. From a distance, perhaps this development is good for the economy. But to my eyes, at least, it marks another kind of colonization which is perhaps not so different from that of the Spanish conquistadors. This invasion of North American culture threatens to transform the Peruvian culture and way of life. From my perspective anyways, it offers cultural judgements about "normal" standards, it offers growth with strings attached. This invasion makes life difficult for those whose lives are already a struggle, as prices are driven higher due to the increase of tourism and seasonal residents who are able to pay higher prices.

It is interesting to contemplate all of these issues in the process of apartment hunting. Many would prefer me to live in a high-rise, expensive, and secure building in one of these areas. And while I would prefer to live in a manner similar to those I will serve during my time here, safety and security can be an issue. The exploration in this apartment-hunting has been difficult and, at other times, fun as it has taken me into several parts of the city.

And so, we continue to comtemplate the issues and struggles in this city of over 9 million people, not from a distance, but up close and personal. For the Gospel calls us to walk with, journey with, pray for,and be in intimate relationships even with our enemy, for this is the relationship that Jesus has with each of us. Jesus is with us in our struggles, in the messy parts of our lives, in our doubts and fears, the nights when we can't stop crying. We are given this model for our relationships and we are called out of our safe and secure places, to journey with others, to be aware of the issues in our world, not from a distance, but close to the realities and ugliness, for to be disciples is to follow this difficult path out of ourselves to really be with and for our neighbours, for we are all one body in Jesus Christ.

For as Paul has written in Romans:

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another." Romans 12: 1-5

Wishing you peace, love, and blessings as we prepare in this Advent season for the birth of our Savior!

Fran.

Perpetual Summer

2008-11-27T05:11:00.001-08:00

Greetings and peace, family, friends and supporters!

The view from Cristo Rey de Concordia (the statue of Jesus that overlooks the city) is spectacular and it is difficult to believe, in fact, that it is December!!

A thirty foot Christmas tree greeted shoppers a couple of weeks ago at one of the markets here in Cochabamba. The tree surprised me and in that instant I thought, "it's summer, what's going on here?!" In reality, of course, it was mid-November and the natural time for stores and markets to bring our focus to the upcoming Christmas season. But for me, these last few months have felt like a perpetual summer, even as I have heard from family and friends back in Canada about snowstorms and dropping temperatures. The climate at this time of the year is drastically different here. Spring is more like summer: most days are sunny, sometimes rain, lots of wind later in the day. Temperatures are in the mid 20's still, summer this year has lasted five months so far...

But this perpetual summer has me pondering other realities that seem to be "perpetual" in this culture and in many other places around the world. For instance: violence, poverty, racism, sexism, to name a few. The other night I attended a presentation about violence in Bolivia and, in particular, the violence in Pando just this past September. Documentaries have been made using some of the live footage as the events unfolded between the state government and campasinos. Violence erupted quickly, many were injured within the first fifteen minutes, and about a half an hour later, thirty campasinos were murdered. The video footage is harsh, difficult to walk. The room is silent, but not for long. Many questions are raised, many are left in my mind, even now. The prefector was charged with the murders, but he is also an opponent of Evo Morales, the President of Bolivia. One wonders if this is coincidence, who really ordered the murders, who started the conflict....more profound questions resulted after the presentation. What is justice? Is violence necessary? And if so, why? Why does there have to be such a large gap between rich and poor...why do people suffer? More provocative....what is our role to be as Christians? What does God call us to do...how are we to respond? Do we need to change our lifestyle choices so that others in the world can live with dignity, earn a decent living, provide for their families and have enough food to eat. Are people not entitled to the land that is their ancestral home? It seems to me, yes, of course, but that also means that descendants of colonization will have to give up territory they have claimed as their own. The issues are not so different from issues we face in Canada with our indigenous people. Only here, the government and infrastucture is still in a process of decolonization and its impact is intense.

The Bolivian culture and identity is strong, it is beautiful and it is unique. Years of Spanish colonization has created an interesting mix now, some five hundred years later, however, the recovery from the conquest and the struggle to find an independent identity has not been an easy path. Other governments' interruption of the process has complicated matters: issues with coca growing, drug trafficking, region tensions, the poor becoming more poor, the rights of the indigenous, for example, all have an impact on this process of decolonization. Some of these issues here feel "perpetual" for those who are working for a just and equitable society.

As part of my good-bye speech at the Institute (we all give a speech at the end of our course), I sang a Spanish song whose message is, simply translated, "the answer is the love of God". The love of God is the answers to all the questions, and how true this is! God's love is what gives us the power, the courage, the strength, the will to live, the desire to love others and hearts to work for justice, peace and the rights of all humans in the world. We love, we give because we have first received these gifts of grace, forgiveness and eternal life. The waters of our baptism affirm the promises of God and from those waters flow our actions and our choices. A friend recently asked me what I am willing to give up in a specific situation... but that question lingered into other areas of life. What have I given up already....my apartment, my car, most of my belongings, my country, everyone I have known and loved...you mean I need to give up more? And in all seriousness, yes, the answer is yes...I, we, need to give up more of ourselves out of love for our neighbour. We always have the potential to replace all our belongings, we have good health care, good educational opportunities, we can begin again, buy anything we need, pretty much. But what are those choices that we can make for the love of our neighbour, how can we heighten our awareness of global issues and realities, so that our choices reflect God's love for us.... so that we can give from what we have so that the mother of three who begs me for food can actually provide food for her family each day....so that campasinos do not need to protest and die to keep their land, land that is originally theirs before colonists came and exploited the people and the land, then left.

And so, questions linger in this perpetual summer, but we know that we are held in God's love as we struggle with these issues and our responsibilities and choices in the midst of the questions.

“Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, ‘For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8: 35-39.

Peace, blessings, and the grace of God!
Fran.

La misma en castellano:

Ví un arbol de navidad el otro día en el supermercado. Fue una sorpresa para mi, porque lo que me haces sentir como en verano en Canada. Pero, no es así, estabamos amitad de Noviembre. Entonces, este tiempo es un verano eterno aquí en Cochabamba. Esta realidad, me hace pensar en otras eternas en otros paises. Por ejemplo: la violencia, el crime, la pobresa, el racismo, y el discriminación de genero.
El otro día, fue a una charla sobre la violencia en Bolivia, especialmente la situación en Pando en Septiembre pasado. Miramos en esta charla diferentes partes de dos documentales que mostraron los eventos y los conflictos. El conflicto involucró al gobierno y a los campesinos con el tema de las tierras. Lo que miramos fue sacado con celulares. La violencia paso muy pronto, muchas personas fueron heridas y después de 30 minutos mas o menos, trienta campesinos se muieron. Fue difícil a ver, el cuarto estaba en silencio por dos o tres minutos. Después, hicieron muchas preguntas. El prefecto está en la carcel ahora, accusado de las muertes, pero él es de la oposición de Evo Morales, el Presidente de Bolivia. Estóy pensando si eso es una coincidencia...quien quiere las muertes, la violencia, en este conflicto en realidad. Tengo más preguntas profundas...por ejemplo: ¿qué es justicia, quién decide?...¿la violencia es necesario para cambiar? Y,si es.. ¿porqué? ¿Porqué hay un espacio tan grande entre ricos y pobres? ¿Porqué las personas sufren? Y más provocativo: ¿cuál es nuestra rol cómo cristianos y qué dice Dios? Y ¿cómo nos respondemos? ¿Cuál es la llamada de Dios? Necesitamos cambiar nuestras elecciones de vida para que otros viven con dignidad, tener ganar y tener una vida decente para ellos y sus familias y poder tener comida lo suficiente. La gente no es ajena a su tierra, a su casa ancestral, no? Me parece que sí, por supuesto, pero significa que descendientes de la colonización van a dar la tierra que clamar come de su propiadad. Estes recursos no son diferentes de los recursos tenemos en Canadá con nuestras personas indígenas. Solo aquí, el gobierno y la infrastructura están aún en un processo de descolonización y esta influencia es fuerte. La cultura boliviana y su identidad son fuertes, son bonitas, y son unicas. Años de la colonización Española han creada una mexla interesante ahora, después de 500 años, sin embargo, la recouperación de la conquista y el sufrimiento encuentran una identificación independiente que no ha sido un camino fácil.

Interupciones del proceso por otros gobiernos han complicado las cosas: recursos con el cricimiento de la coca, el tráfico de drogas, tensiones regionales, por ejemplo, todo tiene una influencia en este proceso de descolonización. Algunos recursos aquí se sienten “eternos” para los que están trabajando por la justicia y la sociedad equitativa.

Como una parte de mi discurso de despedida del Instituto, canté una canción en canstellano cuyo mensaje es “la respuesta es el amor de Dios.” El amor de Dios es la respuesta a todas las preguntas, y cuan verdadera es! El amor de Dios es el que nos da el poder, la valencia, la fuerza, y la voluntad para vivir: el deseo de amar a otros y trabajar por la justicia, la paz, y los derechos de los humanos del mundo. Amamos y damos porque hemos recibido primero estos regalos de la gracia, el perdon y la vida eterna. El agua de nuestra bautismo afirma los compromisos de Dios y de esa agua fluye nuestras acciones y elecciones. Recientemente, un amigo me preguntó que quiero dar en una situación specífica...pero esta pregunta se queda en otras partes de mi vida. Que he dada ya...mi apartamento, mi carro, casi todas mis cosas, mi país, todo lo que he conocido y he amado...¿quieres decir que necesito dar mas?
Y en serio sí, la respuesta es sí...yo, nosotros necesitamos dar mas de nuestros mismos, en amor de nuestros vecinos. Siempre tenemos el potencial reemplazar nuestras pertenencias, tenemos buen sistema de salud, buenas oportunidades de educación, es posible comenzar otra vez, y comprar cosas que necesitamos. Pero, ¿cuáles son esas elecciones que podemos hacer por el amor de nuestros vecinos?, ¿cómo podemos enterarnos los recursos globales y las realidades; entonces, nuestros elecciones reflejan el amor de Dios por nosotros? Entonces, podemos dar de lo que tenemos para que la mamá de tres niños que me piden limosna para comida puedan en realidad prover comida a su famiia cada dia. Para que los campesinos no necsitan protestar y morir para cuidar su propia tierra, tierra que es originalmente suya antes de que la colonización llegó y explotó a la gente y la tierra y después se fue.

Entonces, las preguntas se quedan en este verano eterno, pero sabemos que estamos abrazados en el amor de Dios mientras peleemos con estes recursos, nuestras responsabilidades y elecciones en medio de las preguntas.

Romans 8: 35-39

"¿Quién nos podrá separar del amor de Cristo? ¿El sufrimiento, o las dificultades, o la persecución, o el hambre, o la falta de ropa, o el peligro, o la muerte violenta? Como dice la EscrituraÑ "Por causa tuya estamos siempre expuestos a la muerteñ nos tratan como a ovejas llevadas al matadero." Pero en todo esto salimos más que vencedores por medio de aquel que nos amó. Estoy convencido de que nada podrá separarnos del amor de Dios: ni la muerte, ni la vida, ni los ángeles, ni los poderes y fuerzas espirituales, ni lo presente, ni lo futuro, ni lo más alto, noi lo más profundo, ni ninguna otra de las coasas creados por Dios. ¿Nada podrá separarnos del amor que Dios nos ha mostrado en Cristo Jesús nuestro Señor!"

Con paz, bendiciones y la gratia de Dios!
Fran

The Bolivian Diet

2008-11-13T07:01:00.000-08:00

My host father and sister...at my Birthday party last weekend...

Since arriving in Cochabamba some 11 weeks ago now, I have lost close to twenty pounds, although this isn’t a diet I would recommend. It has meant a couple of terrible weekends of illnesses, eating some strange and unknown foods, and losing one’s appetite. I’m glad to lose the weight but the process just isn’t that enjoyable! In this time of changes and transitions, the change in food and appetite is normal, as all of the reading has said, but it is often disconcerting. Sometimes I just want to have a McDonald’s burger and fries. Overall, though, I can say with certainty now that I am very happy for the five helpings of Finnish pancakes during my visit to Thunder Bay this summer. I am happy that I ate those chocolate dipped Dairy Queen cones and the Starbucks smartie cookies!! The weight from overeating in the summer is long past and my friend who told me to enjoy eating in my last few months in Canada was absolutely right...thanks!

These last three weeks have been very good ones, aside from the aforementioned weekend of illness. I took one week of vacation and went to a hotel for some quiet space alone. And then joined other students to go to “La Cabana”, a resort just out of the city. In the midst of language immersion, this weekend away was a wonderful blessing! Some played volleyball, tennis, soccer, and croquette while others of us read, relaxed, and sat by the pool. This respite in the midst of mental exhaustion has helped rejuvenate my spirit and mind for this last half of my education. Thanks to those who have sent emails of encouragement, reminding me to take care of myself in this time of transition and immersion!

This is part of the "Cabaña" during the weekend vacation!

Spanish classes are going extremely well and for this next three weeks of studies, I will continue to have four classes each day. One class is for grammar, one for conversation, one class to practise leading the liturgy, and another class for reading as well as writing and giving a weekly sermon. This is a welcome focus at this point as I look to December and the move to Lima. With this in mind, I decided not to continue with my dance classes, as I will have much more homework. The zampona lessons continue, though, and today learned a new song, that’s five in total now. A good start! I continue to help one of the staff with his English and he is helping me learn Spanish Christian songs, it’s a good trade and a fun diversion from studies!

This photo is some friends at my BDay party...

As I celebrated my 39th Birthday a few days ago, we had a very large “fiesta” at my house. Around thirty students, staff, family and friends came out for the party, and do Bolivians ever know how to party! My host mom made Canadian-style lasagne with a tomato sauce for the first time ever. It turned out perfectly and my family seems to like this new food, too! So, we had lots of food, lots of people, lots of music and lots of dancing, well into the wee hours of the morning. Friends from the Institute brought their instruments and played traditional songs. And later, we danced some of the traditional Bolivian dances. This part of the night was a wonderful surprise gift!! So, another year older, perhaps another year wiser, certainly a few pounds lighter thanks to this Bolivian diet!

Thanks be to God for the gifts of grace and peace in this life...“Puesto que Dios ya nos ha hecho justos gracias a la fe, tenemos paz con Dios por medio de nuestro Senor Jesucristo.” Romans 5: 1

With peace and love,
Fran.

The view up here!

2008-10-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

Hello family, friends,and supporters and greetings!!

The view from half way up the mountain is spectular. We had tried to have supper at "Taquina", a restaurant with this incredible view of the city who also serve wonderful food. On this day, though, we travelled all the way up there to find there was a wedding: it wasn't open! The taxi had already left. We thought yesterday to do the same thing, avoiding the day of weddings. Only patience is a virtue here!!! We went to the restaurant to find it open for business. YAY! We told the taxi to go, sat down, ordered, and a few minutes later, found they were out of food. Only in Bolivia! Maybe the third time is charm?! Each trip up the mountain is spectacular and hopefully next weekend (they're only open on weekends!!) we'll atually get to eat!

This kind of patience is a part of life here. I have been anxiously awaiting the day we'll get internet at my house, since a month and a half ago, my family very eagerly thought it a good idea once I offered to pay for the first three months of a six month contract. Things changed, as they often do, though, and that probably will not happen.

Because, you see, these last few weeks have been hectic, aided by the fact that five additional family members have come to live with us for fifteen (now 6 more) days. My host mother could not be happier!!! Their first weekend here (two weekends ago now) was incredibly crazy! Two of the grandchildren in the family had birthdays, both turned three. There were 34 children (and about 40 or 50 adults) at our house on Saturday and the theme was "Lazy Town". We had special guests, a cake and a pinata, of course! At the party on Sunday, there were 20 or so children and about 30 adults. The theme was "Dora", the cake was amazing and expensive for here...480 Bolivianos (about $70) As one can imagine, life has been a little "loco" (crazy) with all of the preparations plus the move. It's been quite a different adventure with 12, yes, that's right, 12 people in our casa (house)! I am grateful to have kept my own room !! Every day continues to be an adventure....no doubt about it. This past weekend, though, was a bit quieter, with some parents working, kids visiting other relatives, etc...living with so many others heightens the cultural adjustments, patience, studies, and immersion experiences and I remain grateful!! too!

This week, I receive my belated one week break between the two-six week courses. Following that, I hope to attend the one Lutheran church here in the city, followed by singing in a Seventh Day Adventist Church (to which some of my family here are members). That will be interesting! And one of my good friends here, a Roman Catholic priest, has invited me to attend his church which is in a barrio, quite rugged and rural, in the south of Cochabamba. These will all be wonderful experiences to add the growing list of diverse experiences, religious and otherwise. Since the move, I have attended a few Roman Catholic Churches in my area, as well as an Episocal Church (whose service was more than two hours long!!)The wealth of religious, cultural, and educational experiences are all part of the preparation for my life and work in Lima and I am so humble and grateful to be here!!!

Oh yes, and fyi...having some trouble uploading pics, so for the next while, it will only be text until the problem can get figured out. This first pic took ten minutes to upload and then it was not possible to add more...so, welcome to the unpredictability of life in Bolivia and enjoy the view!!

With love and peace,
Fran.

The Monkey Next Door

2008-09-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

A fountain in the Recolecta Area

As one adjusts to living in any new surrounding, there are many new sounds to which one must become accustomed all of a sudden. Often, it is a squeak in a floorboard, traffic, or music from a neighbour up late at night. Some of these sounds have been new for me in Bolivia, however the traffic noise is from honking vehicles as well as those of fire crackers (which I originally thought were machine guns!) at all hours of the day and night. There have been new sounds because of living with a two year old: crying, and screaming in the middle of the night for instance. I have become accustomed to the sounds of the homing pigeons next door, too. But quite unexpectedly one evening last week, I heard the strangest noise of my life: screaming from what I later found out was the monkey next door!! As if there weren’t enough other signs to heighten my awareness that I am not in Canada anymore, the screaming monkey next door did it.... “Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore!” is all I could think of in that moment.

Other than the astonishing realization that a monkey lives next door, my third and now fourth weeks in Bolivia have been quite “normal” whatever that term means in South America. There have been the usual protests and bloqueos, a prefector (governor of one of the local states) was arrested and charged with ordering the murder of 30 people, the US Ambassador was asked to leave the country, the costs of gas and meat continue to rise, the President (Evo Morales) and representatives from around the world met to discuss the recent violence and its impact (and hopefully what to do about it),and American Airlines cancelled flights to several cities including Santa Cruz. Tensions in many parts of Bolivia continue while life here in Cochabamba remains peaceful. We are affected, of course, by the rising costs of products that cannot get here because of the blockades and at family gatherings there are passionate discussions about politics, but things remains consistent for me and those of us studying at the Institute. Pictured here, are Amalia, Robbie and I, at Lai Lai, a Chifa (Chinese Restaurant) in Cochabamba.

In my “normal” couple of weeks: I was sick only a couple of days, no doubt something I ate, and from which I quickly recovered, I had three cold showers because apparently the water had been turned off the night before (still can’t figure out why), Spanish classes continue to go well, my Latino Americana dance classes are fun, wonderful exercise and a great diversion!, and I began to take Zampona lessons.....

This is a zampona, an indigeneous instrument that is common to Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. A professor at the Institute also teaches music lessons....

Last weekend there was a “Fiesta” at the school to celebrate 21 September, which is the day of love, the day of students, the day of mystery, the first day of Spring, and the day of Doctors. We ate food that students brought for a "potluck" style meal, there was dancing, concha (a dice game), a talent show, and a volleyball tournament! A full day of celebrating!! Pictured here are Joni, Patricia and I at our little Fiesta.

Some professors who danced at the Fiesta at the school wearing colourful, traditional outfits!

And so, life is eventful here, colorful and diverse. There is always something new, different and unexpected happening. At first it was disconcerting to not be in the "loop" so to speak, to know what was going to be happening, howeer now, I can sit back and enjoy the adventure!! The monkey next door is a reminder that, just like Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz", I am not in my home country any longer and many unexpected things will happen. But the monkey perhaps symbolizes something even more profound: that even while life and surroundings change, we are still who we were created to be, people of God, no matter where we find ourselves. Whether we have a monkey next door or not, our God promises to be and is with us! Gracias a Dios for such incredible love and grace in the midst of all of life's changes!!!

As I close, family, friends and supporters, know that you are held in my heart, in prayer and in God's grace:

"I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that th eone who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God's grace..." Philippians 1:3-7a

Amen.

Fran.

The Gap...

2008-09-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

More than a brand name, the widening “gap” is apparent, here, every day. As I walk to the Maryknoll Misionero Instituto for my language education, there is a mother and her son who beg for money, the local car washers who use water from a local creek, the family who sell fruit and baked goods, and the many more families who live close to the Institute in simple tin sheds for homes. Even having sold ¾ of my belongings and with the student loan debt that looms heavy, I am still in a privileged situation. One cannot visit or live in a developing country for too long before noticing this gap.This photo shows simple homes in one of the poorer areas near Cochabamba.

My first gap, however, was my lost suitcase...it finally came a week later! Thanks for the interest and concern, it went all the way to Budapest and didn't even send a postcard! However, I hear that the mail takes up to three months to get here and at least three months to get anywhere else, too! Maybe my postcard is in the mail???

There is the gap here between the beautiful landscapes, plants,and flowers and the ugliness of slums and crowded, dirty streets....because of this there have been some difficult days as I adjust and adapt to my new, albeit, temporary home. The language, of course, is another gap. Classes have gone very well, though, and my professors are surprised by how well my pronunciation is for only studying a short time in Canada. I am happy with my progress, too, and this is in largest part because of my host family who correct and help me a great deal. In addition, because of the two year old grandson (and his mom) who live with us, we watch many children's shows and these help me, too. The immersion experience has exponentially increased my comprehension and pronunciation of castellano (Spanish). Being a singer and musician has likewise influenced and coached my language along, of course, so we'll see how the next few weeks go...

Avenida America, some of the many merchants who

sell things on the streets and on corners, well,

everywhere actually...

Exploration of the city has been fun. So far, I have been to: El Centro (the downtown area), La Plaza Principal (the main plaza with is colonial buildings and cathedral), El Prado (large park with cafes and restaurants), La Cancha (the super large market center), and the Mercado (market for fruits, vegetables, and plants), to several local restaurants, a hospital (where my host father had surgery two weeks ago), to several areas of the city for family gatherings (meaning a mininum of 30 to 50 people!), and with a couple of other students for classe de baile latinoamericana (Latin American dance class). What a great adventure every day has been, as I never quite know what to expect or what will happen next!!

The time here has been filled with ups and downs as my body and my heart adjust to being so far away from all of my family and friends in Canada. Another “gap” as it were. As one can imagine, it has not always been easy, but thanks to the internet, msn messenger, and soon skype, we will all be connected again. My host family has been helpful, supportive, and gracious in welcoming me into their very large, extended family! This has been wonderful and I am so grateful for Elva (sitting beside me) and Fayez (next to her) and their entire family for their warm welcome of this sojourning Canadian.

Students come to the Institute to learn and study Spanish for all kinds of mission service. Many students are preparing for work in South America but most study here and will go back to congregations in the U.S.A who have immigrants or refugees who speak Spanish. There are several Koreans and Europeans, an Australian, and another Canadian who are preparing for work in South American, some even in Lima! It’s exciting to make connections with those who will live in the same city eventually!!!

Some have asked about the food. My host mother tells me to eat more all the time. Like my mother, she says I eat like a bird! How funny to hear this in another language and several thousand miles from home...the food is prepared in various ways, always large portions, but familiar mostly. We eat rice, potatoes, lots of bread, beef, chicken, and broccoli, cauliflower, salads and sopas (soups), as well as fruita (fruit) which, in our household, are normally papayas, apples, mandarinas and oranges (apparently they are different!), and sometimes plantanas (bananas). I have recently added Raisin Bran to add some fibre to an otherwise starchy diet. There is another grain, Trigo, which seems like wheat, and I hope to try it in salad, as one of the professors said it was very healthy.

The weather here has been lovely and mostly sunny. For the nearly three weeks I've been here, there have only been two days of scattered clouds. We hoped they might contain rain, however, the rain passed by us. It is spring here, and the rains do not come until summer, which will be in December, January and February. How strange to wake up to sunshine every morning and I often wonder if it will get boring after several years. When my family say that the morning or evening is cold, I remind them that it is not cold for me, chilly perhaps, but the memory of thirty-eight years of Canadian winters are still very clear in my memory! Flowers are beginning to bloom now because it is spring (two springs in one year for me!) Every bush and shrub seems to have buds ready to bloom. In our house, Elva has calla lillies and one bud has opened and it is spectacular. At the market the other day, a vendor was trying to sell me a dozen calla lillies for ten Bolivianos, or $1.50!! Since we have them at home, I declined, but I am still stunned by the cost!

There are times of gaps, times of challenges and changes, all around us, but in the park on Sunday, children were playing and running, sliding on the slides, playing in the water. Parents were still parents yelling for their kids to be careful, waiting for them at the bottom of the slide. Smiling faces, laughing, talking...rich and poor, Canadian and Bolivian, in the same place with similar concerns. On a day of no driving in Cochabamba...no buses or taxis, people were out in the streets, walking or cycling. The gap was still apparent but as family gathered at my host family’s home for the day, people are people. Politics was of great concern today, as well as how to create a better future for the children. And is this not the concern of all of us?

Gaps are difficult because they challenge us out of our comfort zones and comfortable lives. They turn our simple, predictable lives upside down and we are changed in ways we might never have wanted. This is my experience this first two weeks in Bolivia. It is difficult to see people who earn only one dollar a day to support a family. I am challenged with what it is that I think I “need” and at the same time having bills of my own to pay. The Gospels remind us to care for the poor, the elderly, the widow, and the sick, to reach out to others with the love of Christ. In what ways to do this and when, become critical questions. This is my gap.

May God continue to challenge, guide, enlighten and empower us in the gaps in which we find ourselves. May we be continually be strengthened by the God who journeys with us in these gaps!

Gracias a Dios!

With love,

Fran.

The case of the tourist suitcase...

2008-08-29T08:33:00.001-07:00

30 August 2008

Dear Family, Friends, and Supporters! And buenos dias!!

Having arrived safely in Cochabamba last Sunday 24 August, much of this week has been spent trying to get my "lost" suitcase, one of two that was sent from Winnipeg. After numerous hours on the telephone with both airlines, seven trips out to the airport, and more hours of waiting, they finally found my suitcase in Budapest! Apparently my suitcase has a travel bug, too...only it did not send me a postcard?!! Maybe it's in the mail...

Many have wanted to know about my long days of travelling to get here. My day and a half of flying and layovers (some 30 hours) left me feeling quite exhausted. I flew from Winnipeg to Chicago, a five hour layover there (that was mostly unpleasant unfortunately), then from there to Miami, for a three hour layover, then to Santa Cruz via La Paz...in Santa Cruz there was a four hour layover....and finally arrived in Cochabamba on Sunday afternoon. Although I felt exhausted for this last leg of travelling, I was still not too tired to view the Andes Mountains from my window seat. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the scenery was spectacular!

Cochabamba, itself, is nestled in a valley that is surrounded by mountains, they are brown now because it is winter here. The first of September is spring and with it will come some rain and by November everything will become green again. I am very happy that I will be here to see that as it is already quite stunning! All around the city there are many different types of trees and flora. Many palm, coconut, and banana trees can be found in the parks, with their fountains and green spaces. In places that get watered regularly it is quite lovely!

My host family are very nice and hospitable. They have hosted many other international students for over twenty years. Already I have heard many stories of others who have lived with them. In the house/compound are my host parents, both retired, their daughter and grandson, who is 2 years old, as well as a hired girl. The grandson is friendly and very busy...always into something. And I am grateful for his energy and curiosity in this first week here as I adjust to a new city, country, school, language, culture and temporary home. He has a way of making me smile at the most unexpected moments! We are conversing fairly well with my broken Spanish and their broken English and already my host mother has taken me to the very large market here, La Cancha, and to a local supermarket. I am beginning to get acquainted with them and with the neighbourhood in which we live, very close to the school.

As I settle into my room and new home, there has been time to adjust to cultural differences...the traffic which may or may not stop at a red light...the cars without seatbelts, small stores everywhere, people wearing traditonal clothing, the dry, dusty streets....as well as the calla lilies everywhere, elegant and simple beauty in the midst of harsh realities.

Classes begin on Monday and I look forward to meeting other students and learning Spanish in order to speak properly and conjugate verbs in their proper tenses!!

My family, friends, and supporters, thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and emails. As we begin this new journey together, let us give thanks to God, whose love and grace measures far beyond any distance we might be apart, whose loving embrace extends to all! Amen.

Hasta luega (until next time)...

Grace and Peace~

Fran.

Farewell Tour

2008-08-05T22:12:00.001-07:00

Greetings to family, friends, and supporters in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

Thank you all for your interest in and support of ELCIC's Mission in the World, and specifically, with our partner church, Iglesia Luterana Evangelica Peruana (ILEP), and my work as a long-term missionary. It is my hope that this blog will keep everyone "in the loop" with the ministry, the travels, stories, and learnings during these years. I hope to share with you something of my work and life, as well as what we can learn from our neighbours in Peru. I hope that this shared ministry will enrich and challenge our sense of who we are and how we respond as Christians in the world, as well as call forward deeper connections to God and to all of God's children throughout the world. Saved by grace, we are called and strengthened to be in ministry for and with our neighbour. I look forward to serving with our partner church in Peru, our global neighbours.

The last couple of months have served as a time of preparation for this ministry and for leaving Canada. Details, arrangements, and planning have gone smoothly and only final details need to be taken care of at this point. Part of the preparation involved the Mission Orientation facilitated by the Canadian Church's Forum on Global Missions. It was a wonderful time of training, discussions, inter-faith visits, and reflection.

This picture shows Co-Director, Alice Schuda, as well as this year's participants at the Mission Orientation in Toronto.

Interspersed with the details, there has also been the "farewell tour" of the summer, as a family member put it. The summer has been full and meaningful as I have travelled from Saskatoon to Strasbourg, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Toronto, southern Manitoba, and North Dakota to visit with family and friends and say goodbyes! As the summer nears its end, I find myself reflecting on the last few years of Seminary: the studies, papers, friendships, examinations, CTEL interviews, colloquy, Graduation, Ordination, moving from the apartment and now the last couple of months of farewells and goodbyes. This has been an emotional and exhilarating time! Lots of mixed emotions, of course, as I plan to leave: sometimes sadness, but much anticipation and excitement, too!

Leaving Canada on August 23, I will travel to Cochabamba, Bolivia for three months of language training where I will live with a host family. From there, I expect to arrive in Lima, Peru in December and begin the ministry as parish pastor and teacher of church liturgy and music for ILEP.

At this time, I want to thank those whose support, love, hospitality, and warm send-offs have encouraged and strengthened me to serve in this way! My heart is filled with gratitude for those who have helped in so many ways and who have journeyed with me during this whole process...what a blessing you are!

Now...we prepare to leave Canada and let the next step of the adventure begin! Come, journey with me!!

Thanks be to God...

Fran

fran's adventures

A Ritual Beginning

To Peru with love...

Sembrando...Sewing seeds!

ILEP's new web-site!!

Random reflections

The greatest gift

An Average Day

Present-Living

The Fragile Church

Aji de Gallina...

Ingredients:

Servings Size

Garnishes (optional)

Directions:

Deepening partnerships

¡Construction Update!

ASK PASTORA FRAN!

Papa a la Huancaína

The Rabbit Hole

Jesús nos ama...

Mile Zero!

¡El justo por la fe, vivirá!

La Tierra Nueva....New Ground!

Video Perspectives.......

The Gift of Accompaniment

Christmas Greetings!!!!

A Question of Perspectives

Shades of Grey....

Deep in the Hearts of TexaNs!

Meet Zena!

Two Feet off the Ground...

Time

Inspired

Something not seen before

Holy Ground

Canadian Visitor

Chickens in the Park

Following and adapting

It's official!!

The Stories of Christmas

From a distance

Perpetual Summer

The Bolivian Diet

The view up here!

The Monkey Next Door

The Gap...

The case of the tourist suitcase...

Farewell Tour