This is Pam checking in on her weekly blog. This week has been fairly busy. The institute is continuing to go well. There are 12 students. Rich is teaching New Testament background this week and next, which is quite a big subject. I'm learning lots from him studying it. Although it is overtaking his mind as he's even thinking about it when he's sleeping. It's been a bit more complicated, and at time stressful, having the institute in a different location this time and having to work out all the practical side of things, like who's going to buy the food, but I'm sure by the end of the month we'll have all these details worked out.
The strike was not as bad as we had feared. There were no in-town buses and fewer taxis, but there were lots of police out at every roundabout to prevent problems. Rich was able to make it back from Lima without any problems and just in time for my birthday.
We try to have a day off during the week, usually Thursday, as Sunday is not a day of rest. But this week, we made that Wednesday as Rich had just done 2 out 3 nights on a bus. I went out with a few girls for juice, then were supposed to have lunch with the students. But Lucas decided to sleep longer than normal, so we went for cake in the end. In the afternoon, we went to the mall to buy me a watch, then went out for dinner in the evening to a nice little Italian restaurant. So all in all, a very nice day.
Friday evening, we started the Fireproof study. There were about 20 people there including one of our neighbours. She has been attending a home Bible study for a little while and wanted to come along. Her husband works funny hours, so is not able to come, but she's very enthusiastic. Her teenage children also want to go to the youth group. Please pray that the Lord would work in this family to bring them all into His family.
The students didn't have practical placements this week-end as it was their time to rest and catch up. Part of my ministry is baking, so they were all here for dessert on Sunday afternoon. And to finish the week-end off, I got to continue with birthday celebrations and have a girly night with the other missionaries here.
Yesterday the Tuttles were here with the students, and they have a daughter a few months older than Lucas. I'm always interested to see what mischief she can get up to in what I assume is a 'baby proof' house so that I know what Lucas will be trying next. Thankfully he didn't see her climbing over the stair gate. I don't think he's even considered the possibility and sometimes tries to put the gate up himself if we haven't done it yet. This week he added a molar to his teeth collection, 1 down 7 to go. I think we're going to have a party when he has all his teeth.
Tomorrow is Peru's independance day, so will let you know what exciting things we get