Guest Blogger Day!

It's been a little over a month since Karna and I returned from our mission trip in Peru.  We had a meeting at the church a little while ago and shared some of or story at church on Sunday.  It's actually still kind of hard for me to talk about it.  Partly because of the overwhelming part of the whole experience, partly I'm sure due to pregnancy hormones, and partly because I still don't really believe that I did something like this.

As many of you know, I do not get the pleasure of being a "glowing" pregnant person.  I look like a beach ball (or beached whale) at around 9ish weeks and have been sicker than a dog for about 4 months.  So, traveling internationally in and of itself was quite the accomplishment, much less leaving my 2 best guys for a whole week, and working in impoverished conditions.

Thankfully, I did drop enough hints to my philanthropic minded mother in law and somehow she was crazy enough to come with me!  It was nice to know that if I was going to hurl or have diarrhea or just needed a nap that I had a family member there with me :)

Karna really took the project on 100% and even got the Iowa City community involved, especially in her church.  She tagged along almost 100 pounds of donations to Peru!  And then she had the chance to share her experience at church as well (funny enough, we didn't know that each of us was speaking to our church on the same Sunday!  God is mysterious, eh?)  Well you know me, I went up there and winged it!!!  But Karna had some great talking points that she sent me and I hope she doesn't mind me sharing.  I think it really captures the transformation of an experience like this.

Enjoy!

NOTES FOR SUNDAY:

My name is Karna Wieck and my husband Jeff and I joined St Andrew about 2 years ago and let me say I never thought I would be up here talking, so bear with me as I'm a bit nervous.  I think I'd rather be doing a children's sermon.  But, God is always knocking on my door trying to get me to go out of my comfort zone, so here I am.
Jeff and I were both Lutheran for many years, but many things at St. Andrew Presbyterian church attracted us to keep coming back to "visit".   We didn't realize it I'm sure but God was leading us to this place where we started to feel comfortable.  I can't tell you how many times on Sunday morning we joked in the car and said well are we going to be Lutheran or Presbyterian today as we approached the corner of Melrose and Mormon Trek.  We both had been Lutheran for a LONG time. But what we were looking for at this point in our lives was right here and I feel God was knocking on our door so we finally answered.
So many times I've gone out of my comfort zone and put my trust in God.  When something is new or I'm put in a difficult situation, or just doing something because I really want to but have no idea how,  I just say a prayer in my head and see where God leads me.   That's how I approach life and how I approached my mission trip to Chimbote.
So my thoughts were,...others have done this, so surely I can too, right?  After researching the web site for an organization called "Friends of Chimbote" I said yes to going on a mission trip with my daughter in law and a group of Catholics from Jamestown, North Dakota.
With 2 suitcases packed of suggested items to bring and leave there (90 pounds), as I left for my flight to Lima I started to get nervous.  After one night in Lima we took a 7 hour bus ride to Chimbote and I had plenty of time to look out the window and see how the people live.  The beauty of the ocean on my left and the mountains on my right yet sadness is what I saw.  Extreme poverty everywhere..it didn't seem real.
When we got off the bus in Chimbote we were greeted as if THEY were there to serve us. Hugs and kisses on the check and offering to carry our luggage and serving us supper.  The next few days we met lots of people as we walked the streets of Chimbote and learned about all the work being done there.  (Soup kitchen, daycare, preschools, social workers medical staff, churches, trade schools and even a hospice center. ) They welcomed us with open open arms and I fell in love with the people, especially the children yet my heart was heavy.  As we started going in their homes and helping them it really hit me as I felt guilty that we were not doing enough and again it didn't seem real.  How could God let this happen.
Then about mid week and several days of going to church with them, handing out stickers to children and coloring with the them my  heart did not feel so heavy and I felt JOY in my heart.  I realized we (and many others before us) were giving them HOPE.  Working side by side with the social workers and my new friends from North Dakota and Peru, we saw many sad situations but we also made many people happy just by being there.  As I walked down the street one day and looked up at the mountains and then at the homes I smiled and thanked God for his presence in Chimbote.  You could see it everywhere, especially when you smiled at someone and they gave you one back.  Although they truly appreciated having us rebuild or repair two homes and deliver beds and stoves to 25 homes what they also REALLY appreciated was our time with them and some of the little things we did.  Somebody cares.
As I think about my experience in Peru and here at St. Andrew I see similarities.  I thought of part of a bible verse. " For it is in giving that you receive...."  I learned so much from this trip and I want to thank you for your support and prayers while I was there.
If anyone wants to hear more about my trip, I have a book with me that has lots of pictures and stories that go with them that I'm happy to share.  We are also sending backpacks to the children in Chimbote so more can go to school.  Thank you for that.
I'd like to end with reading a quote that is framed and on the wall at the mission site in Chimbote.   It has special meaning to me whether I'm in Chimbote or Iowa City as I feel God's hand at work in both places.
 "I slept and I dreamt that life was JOY, I awoke and saw that life was service, I served and saw that service was JOY."

Lastly, I know a mission trip isn't for everyone.  Justin has made it very clear he won't be joining me in Peru :)  But one thing we learned there is that you don't need to do that to be of service to others.  Jesus himself never traveled more than 200 miles from the place he was born!!!  But we ALL should open our eyes to the needs of our community and be willing to share what we have been blessed with!  Make it a great week :)

18 months old!!!!

Jordy turned 18 months old on July 8.  I cant hardly believe it!  We just had our check up this week since I was gone for the past 10 days.  I felt a little bad getting behind on his appointments but Justin assured me that is indeed a dumb thing to worry about!

We have a new doctor for Jordy so it was his first time meeting him and he said that he walks/runs great and seems to have great motor skills.  That made Coach Wieck very happy.  Daddy also got to experience the "lay down ON TOP of your child" during the shots this time.  Justin actually felt horrible because Jordy thought they were playing and was laughing up a storm.  So I'm sure those suckers hurt with his legs all tensed up.  He rebounded quickly!

He is 90th percentile for both height and weight.  He is officially MORE than half my height!  The only things he can't reach in the kitchen are the upper cabinets!

Here is our little cutie watching one of his Baby Einsteins!

 

He still doesn't really watch anything else on TV (besides the occasional Wheel of Fortune... yelling out D! D! D!) but he has been 'noticing' it more so we are keeping it off.  The other day a commercial came on where someone slapped someone else in the face and he about had a cow ("Mommy!! No No No!!!").  If you really just looked for it, it is shocking and annoying how much violence there really is on TV, even commercials!  Although he did stop everything when he heard Daddy on the news last night and was pretty excited to see his picture!  Here's that link in case you missed it!

Our boy is growing so fast, here's his little update:

Diaper size: 6

Clothes size: 2T

Sleeping:  Went through a tough phase but now seems mostly back to normal.  Naps are actually going great.  Takes him a little longer to wind down at night (it does not get dark here until about 10:15) and he has been walking about 5:30 am (ugh!).  But overall a great sleeper:) And still in the crib, thank God he hasn't figured out to get out of there.

Other accomplishments:  We've counted at least 60 words this little bugger says on a pretty regular basis.  He is putting 2 words together!  Some favorites are "no, me and mine!"  His newest words are "pool" and "wet"  and "Look!"  He also mimics everything, so watch out.  He can name just about everyone in our family.  He is VERY interested in what belongs to someone else "mommy shoes"  "grandpa truck".  Pretty excited and does a happy feet dance when you get him something he wants (legos out, drink of milk, whatever!)

And I'm not sure if we'd call this an accomplishment, but he is pretty good at throwing a little tantrum!  He kind of yelps like a scared puppy and throws his hands on the floor. So dramatic.  And annoying.

We did get the green light to start potty training, since he does tell us "poop" and "potty" and appears to know where it goes (other than a diaper) but we're not in a big rush.  If he tells me he has to go I put him up there but that's about as exciting as it's been.  Justin informed me that it's probably due to the "fresh air" of why he "goes" on the potty, not because he's figured it out.   

Other than that we are just enjoying the pool on our deck, taking walks, and having some family time every once in awhile.  The NAIA schedule is quite different than Division 1 or 2 in the summer and for that Jordy and I are thankful!  We know as far as a coach's family we have it made right now, so just loving the rest of summer before we ALL start a *new* school year.

Home Builds

Our mission group fundraised over $60,000 and thus we were able to buy the materials to build TWO houses in Chimbote as well as purchase and deliver 24 beds and stoves. Through Friends of Chimbote: Father Jacks mission, the families in need work through social workers and are on a "list" for receiving items purchased through different groups like ours. There are over 100 people on a list for home, bed, stoves, and more. 

We split into 2 groups for the home build. The first day was mostly tear down of delapitated shelter.  It's really indescribable the conditions the family was living in. The family was Clara, Miguel, their 6 children and one on the way due this month. The next two days were installing the studs, bamboo rods, and attaching estera walls with wire. We searched the neighborhood for bottle caps to act as washers to secure the nails (the trash on the street is also indescribable, along with the dogs/dung). Estera is a woven reed or hay type of material. Refer to the pictures, it's hard to describe exactly what it is. Luckily we had the funds to provide a roof that was metal rather than estera to keep the rain out. The previous estera was completely molded. We built three bedrooms onto the existing "galley kitchen" in quotes because there are no lights, stove, running water, appliances of any kind... A few Tupperware and cups with a 5 gallon plastic tub to collect water. Anyway, the walls created three separate bedroom spaces and a small living space. Then we had the privilege to deliver 2 beds an donated some sheets, towels, toothpaste toothbrushes and dishes. We got to return this morning and the priest blessed the home. The entire group was in tears!

It was a bittersweet feeling leaving, because Clara was so thrilled and appreciative but it felt like so much more was left undone. 2 beds for 8 people, dirt floor, contaminated water. But it was more a feeling of hope and fresh start. The family will continue to work with their social worker with upkeep of their house and beds (they are not allowed to sell their bed) and to find a source of income. 

Each delivery of bed or stove to other families was unique!  Each had a story. This afternoon we rented a couple buses to take some families to the Vivero, basically a fun park/play place. It will be nice to spend some time with them somewhere they don't normally get to go!

The front of the house we rebuilt 

Putting up the roof

Bamboo rods, framing the bedrooms

Cleaning out the girls bedroom

The kids (minus one). I hung out with them outside the house. Wendy is 17 and wants to be a teacher. We spent a lot of time with a Spanish-English dictionary.  She is a quick learner and was patient with my poor Spanish!  Although they were all pretty excited with what I did know. We also went through their new coloring books an said the Spanish and English word for each animal. I am pretty attached to them:) PS- Sergio is wearing a Hawkeye hat, thanks Jason Gulbranson!  They each have one to represent our beloved Iowa!

Regular street view. The houses in the background are 100% estera.

We travel to Lima tomorrow then fly out at 2:00 am. I am looking forward to seeing my baby boy and hubby!

Quick Chimbote update

Have been so busy an way too tired to blog everything!

The 2nd day a group of about 6 of us went to visit the hospice. Hospice is unique here because culturally the philosophy is that pain and suffering is natural at the end of life; and of corse te Hospice philosophy is to make as comfortable and pain free as possible an preserve dignity during last days if life. When we first arrived a woman was recieving her sacrament of Last Rites. She passed away and casket came in and casket came out. Burials are very fast in Chimbote because there is no embalming process. Then the family usually had about a month to save for a funeral. At the hospice we helped cut and fold gauze for dressings (in the states they come in pre packaged sterile bandages) and helped to lotion the skin of some residents. It was an indescribable experience for me because I originally planned to go to the school but at the last minute decided to try something a little different. I'm glad I did. I am not sure yet why I witnessed what I did but I know it was some reason. I will update more later on the house building!

Me and the kids after church. 

First full day in Chimbote, Peru

Yesterday we left Lima about 10 am for a long bus ride to Peru. It took about an hour to exit a city of 10 million!  Then another 6 hours up the coast of the Pacific to the city of Chimbote, a town of about 300,000. We were pleasantly surprised with the conditions of the bus!  I was expecting like rickety scary Indiana Jones bus with stray chickens clucking around:) It was a beautiful comfortable chartered bus. The volunteer coordinator for Friends of Chimbote, a 24 year old new college grad from Manchester, England, met us in Lima and has been assuring and translating for us. My college Spanish is coming in quite handy. I am so happy with all I remember and all I can understand!!!!!!  I don't conjugate many of the verbs correctly but people can understand what I'm getting at:):):);)

Here are so photos from the bus trip and first arriving in Chimbote

When we arrived the Chimbotanos were so welcoming and sweet, giving lots of hugs and kisses as we got off the bus and carrying our luggage. We are staying on the actual mission grounds in dorm style rooms. (None of the Chimbotanos live at the mission, they live in the barrios, except Maruja, the head cook, and Jaime, an older mentally retarded person). We have a bed, nightstand, lamp, and locker. Here is Karna sorting through her 95+ pounds of donations!

These beautiful crosses were made by Karnas father. Made with nails. I love them!!!!!!!!

Today we had opening prayer and breakfast. We eat all of our meals in the "Gringo room."  So far we've eaten spaghetti and garlic bread, rolls, eggs bacon, fresh fruit, BBQ chicken, rice, frenchfries, a broccoli chicken stir fry and green beans. They know what gringos like to eat!!!  Then we had an orientation, which was 5+ hour tour of the barrios of Chimbote with Katie, Fr Jack, and Jorge the Director of ACAF (social programs). 

I am even more excited and energized after learning more today. What drew me to Father Jacks mission is looking for more than just straight charity. I passionately believe that nothing is ever free, and simply giving money away is further handicapping. Friends of Chimbote has a strict policy that donations not be given directly to Chimbotanos. The mission is to transform the lives of the poor through education. Not just classroom education... There is daycare, early childhood, school tutoring, parenting classes, marriage support, drug rehab, vocational training, job training, and the newest program is micro lending... In short, for graduates of the "programs", a loan to start a business so they can use skills to make their own income.  WOW. There was cosmetology class, seeing/clothes making class, cooking/baking class, computer classes and more. Lucrative business possibility in Chimbote is the idea. Again, the testimonies of the adults in the classes so moving. And of course we visited the youth centers, and the barrios. The level of poverty was astounding. I was absolutely moved to tears. Here are the last photos of the day and hopefully I will blog more detail tomorrow. We start building homes tomorrow!!!!  Oh and I can't forget we spent some time in the school this evening(they go until 6 since siesta is 1-3) and they loved our photos of Jordy and Justin and singing songs with us. Hasta mañana, buenas noches!

The classes:

Arrived in Lima

Fundraised & Wedded Bliss!

Thanks to generosity of friends, family, and strangers, in 3 weeks I will be traveling to Peru on my very first mission trip!!!!

What started out as a priests vision and sister's ministry evolved into 26 people committing to travel and work for a week in the barrios of Chimbote, Peru.  Our group set a fundraising goal of $50,000, about $40,000 to cover the trip with about $10,000 to "do" something while we were there.  Today as a group we have raised over $64,000!!!!!  Pretty good for 6 months of fundraising, and that doesn't include the numerous donated items we will be taking along with us, probably 20 suitcases full!

With the funds we've raised, we will be building TWO houses and delivering 20 beds (with bedding) and 20 stoves.  It's an incredible feeling to be apart of all ready and I'm really looking forward to a complete giving to other people.

A lot of people have asked me if I'm "nervous" about the trip.  I am a little anxious about being gone from Jordy for 8 days, but nothing about the trip makes me feel nervous or unsafe.  I have always wanted to do something like this, and what moved me about this particular mission is there is a specific focus on helping people to help themselves.  Visitors are even asked not to give money or gifts; but rather to give of time, prayers, and materials.  The donations that are going down are collected by social workers who work directly with their families and assist with fulfilling the needs.  The programs are designed and intended to help folks get back on their feet and find vocations and professions they enjoy and will be successful in; and thus improve life for their family.  There is a HUGE emphasis on education, from preschool through adult education, parenting education, and more, which was another big draw for me.  It just jives with my personal philosophy that we better the world by bettering ourselves, and helping others to reach their own goals.

Why this trip will be good for me, too, is it's all about the unexpected and being flexible.  Going somewhere without much of a plan is a challenge in and of itself!  Can't even count on the showers or the electricity.... and since my idea of being outdoorsy is drinking on my deck, it should be interesting!  I am hoping to blog some updates while we're there through my phone, so stay tuned!


And I would be remiss if I didn't mention that tomorrow we are celebrating 5 Years of Wedded Bliss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   I absolutely love being married to kindest person I have ever known.  Most people say that the first year of marriage is the hardest, but for us, it was this one!  Not because it was hard to be married...... that was actually the one nice constant we had in A LOT of craziness.  I haven't found a better feeling in the world than having someone who is always 100% on my team.  We subscribe to the philosophy that each of us give each other 100% all of the time.  Believe it or not, even a baby didn't change that.  We of course meet his needs, too, but have continued to promise each other that Jordy is not more important than either of us or our relationship.  I read somewhere the greatest gift you can give your children is to love their mom/dad and to give them a strong example of what being a partner in a relationship is.  That is something we are committed to doing for him and if we didn't make the conscious decision would've turned out differently.
It's probably easier to explain with an example... I'm not the most flexible person (see above).  I like schedules, routines, lists, order, cleanliness and organization!  Well living with a basketball coach all of that goes out the window.  I think it's important that Jordy and I are apart of what Justin does as much as we can.  So, yes, he misses bedtime to go to the games.  Yes, we rode on a bus with 20 20yearolds for 15 hours!  We are both becoming flexible; because not any one of us is more important the other!  And, there are only 2 people that can make this marriage work (well, 3: us and God!  but not our kids). 

Happy 5 Year Anniversary baby!  I love you more each and every day, even when you leave the microwave door open!!!!!  When I count my blessings, I count YOU twice!

 

I'd love to hear your input on living married, too!  Any tips, tricks, and advice????

Never be too busy to count your blessings.