We believe will one day impact thousands upon thousands

Is it strange to feel like one room is SOOO significant. This room (photoed above) is a very significant room for me. It started back in December of 2006. Heather and I with Josiah 3 months old (Eliana stayed in CA with family), and Ryan and Kelly Callaghan were visiting Peru for the first time, to get a feel for the need of a ministry like EGM. Our first Children's Ministry that we ever visited was right here in this room.

On returning to Lima in 2008 we began to attend this church.

In May of 2009 we had our first EGM work with teachers right here in this room. Where 100 Children's Ministry Workers from different churches and denominations came together to hear about the work of EGM.

In August of 2009. Nancy Matossian and Kathleen Chapman (my sister and mom) came to speak at this church, in this room (and other rooms) to 600 Children's Ministry Workers. And I taught to another group of teachers, in Spanish.

And after many meetings and conversations with a small group of key Christian Leaders, on MARCH 15, 2010. A group joined together (planned for another room, but they were cleaning it that day) to meet. We met in the only room available, a room that could seat 250 people, but we set up a table, a white board, and 8 chairs to start a ministry that we believe will one day impact thousands upon thousands of Children's Ministry workers in Peru.

I also have the privilege (when time allows) to go and volunteer in this Children's Ministry. On a Sunday morning I see 15+ Children's Workers give some of their lives to share the love of Jesus with a group of 75+ children. It is a blessing to just be in their presence.

EGM Publication Focus on Peru and Chapmans

You should get one of these in the mail, but if you don't, you can check it out here!

Catching Up: Christmas & NewYears

Our Christmas season started slow and contemplative, celebrating Advent as a family every Sunday.
Then we had the pleasure of hosting our friends the Gonzalez's (missionaries we met in Colorado and who now live in Ecuador).

As per Peruvian custom, we celebrated Christmas at midnight with gifts, fireworks and Christmas dinner (3 kids and all!) with our Peruvian friends the Castros.
Christmas day we stayed home, ate Mexican food, opened gifts and then went to dinner at the Langley's house. We are so grateful for the friendships we've developed in the last 2 1/2 years in Peru!
Dress up stuff- so fun :)
Tutus from Nanny and Uncle Mark!
Josiah with his preschool class dancing "Little Angel Rock." He spent most of the time trying to get the attention of the girls on stage.
Eliana was the star of the show in her end-of-the-year performance. She loves dancing. As a baby she had excellent clapping rhythm and now we can see she's 'still got it'!
(Doesn't she look so old in this picture?)
...always the cutie.

Eliana's 5th Birthday

What could be better?
A party with friends from school at an amusement-park.
A purple polka-dotted dress from Mimi.
A Pink Princess birthday cake.
Loud music, dancing, balloons and a "show"

Nonnie & Grandpa Visit: Feb11-21

We're always so amazed and grateful when our family and friends can make it down to Lima to visit and share a part in our Peruvian lives.
Heather's parents came for a week and a half. Grandpa re-acquainted with Michaela instantly (see below!) and was there for Eliana's 5th birthday party. Then we relaxed at the beach for a few days, which pleased the soul of their california-hearted mother. ( :))

Summer Time - Ministry

We are in an incredible place in the ministry. We are in the middle of an Orientation Plan for the Board of Directors that we have designed and are implementing. We have small group meetings planned for the coming weeks, including a trip to Huancavelica - to meet and visit with the representative from there.

To say everything is going as planned, is not the case, but we are confident that God is at work. Our Board Candidates are committed and showing that by their significant work to fill the first 8 week Teacher Training Course starting February 1st, that they are ready to start this ministry.

The Huge need for teachers exists all over the world. There are people with a heart to share the love of Jesus with children and disciple them, but they don't have what they need to do it. We are here to help them, and it is happening in Peru.


Pastor Juan Jose. A member of the Board of Directors for EGM-Peru. Is a pastor from Huancavelica Peru. The poorest region in Peru. He has an incredible story of coming from a Christian family, turning away from the Church and returning. He has 7 children who are grown and knows the need for a equipped children's ministry. We are blessed to have him on the Board and get to visit him this coming week.

Summer time - Family

Yes it is summer time in Peru. Thought the sun is not showing its face every day. It is said that it is a "EL Niño" year, which occurs about every 7 years and keeps the sun at bay for most of the summer.

Swim Lessons
The kids have swim lessons twice a week. Photoed are Josiah with Heather in the water, but just yesterday Josiah moved up and class and Heather did not get it with him! Next week Michaela might be going to the baby class with Heather!


Gymnastics!
Josiah and Elian also have gymnastics three mornings a week. They are having a great time, and it is good to have them both develop their physical coordination a little more.

We got away for a couple days with some friends in early January and we are looking forward to the visit from Nonnie and Grandpa (Heather's parents) for Eliana's 5th birthday (not really, but that is the day they arrive).



Michaela (Mica) is growing. Still not walking, but we think she is waiting until February when Nonnie and Grandpa are here. Though she still appears to have NO hair (from the front) she has been know to actually have "messed up" hair at times. And it is coming in blonde like here moms.


This picture is not only cute, but added to show a little hair!