Have you ever done anything for 8 satudays in a row?
For 8 Saturdays we had a Teacher Training. We had a group of almost 30 teachers who completed the training and are ready for the next step to become Trainers themselves. Most of the 30 were had picked and have extensive experience doing training for Sunday School Teachers. They are excited to see how god can use them in this new ministry in Peru. The Chapmans had a great time teaching, we started bringing the kids towards the end as well and gave them jobs of passing out and collecting papers, taking pictures and assisting in other ways. It was an incredible time for us to return to the world of teaching teachers and we felt the impact on teachers here in Peru. For those of you who pray for us we are grateful for your part with us in this ministry.
The teachers spent 7 weeks learning about how to make their own Sunday School lesson and then finally presented in small groups to the entire class on the final week. We had a wonderful time and loved the experience. The testimonies were amazing and the teachers truely grew in their ability and understanding of their ministry to children.
Teachers trying to write with their feet, as they are doing an activity to help them feel uncomfortable.
Teacher's acting out the application of a Bible Story for preschool ages students.
Teacher's singing a song and memorizing a verse during another lesson presentation.
Two teachers.
Heather teaching Sunday School Teachers.
Heather with two Board members. They hadn't coordinated their outfits.
Teachers working in small groups discussing as they learned and processed the new ideas and information.
The teachers spent 7 weeks learning about how to make their own Sunday School lesson and then finally presented in small groups to the entire class on the final week. We had a wonderful time and loved the experience. The testimonies were amazing and the teachers truely grew in their ability and understanding of their ministry to children.
Teachers trying to write with their feet, as they are doing an activity to help them feel uncomfortable.
Teacher's acting out the application of a Bible Story for preschool ages students.
Teacher's singing a song and memorizing a verse during another lesson presentation.
Two teachers.
Heather teaching Sunday School Teachers.
Heather with two Board members. They hadn't coordinated their outfits.
Teachers working in small groups discussing as they learned and processed the new ideas and information.
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. ( :))
