My 100 mile challange

I have to admit, I've become complacent. It happens a lot. I start with a dream, a vision and then I start to live it. I mix together a little dream, a little crying child, a little laundry and more and suddenly I..my life...starts to become a little mundane, a little lifeless and a little complacent.

I am in Peru for a reason. I have been called. I have been given a vision. Part of that call, vision and dream includes community. Living missionally. Living a life of community. Living continually with Him in mind. Sometimes I forget, though. Sometimes I forget what community is or how to be constantly challenged in it. How to constantly be missional and intentional rather then mundane. How to continually be writing a story to share with others. I have recently been challenged to be intentional in my story. So here it is:

I went to college with some pretty incredible people. I was able to be a part of a pretty incredible leadership team. A group of people who would, without a doubt, affect the world around them. Out of that leadership team were a few guys that started Venture Expeditions. An amazing organization that takes time out of their lives to change lives. Its a community that knows how to be a community. Its a community that sees beyond telling people what we can do to help one another through the love of Christ but actually goes out and DOES something to change lives through Christ.

Venture Expeditions is an organization that gives the adventurer a chance to be a to use their talents, hobby and sense of adventure as a way to evangelize and change the lives of others through biking across the country, hiking huge mountains and running hundreds of miles. It takes commitment mentally, spiritually and physically.

Running and walking are one of my FAVORITE things to do. It challenges me. It clears my mind and now I am able to do it while helping others. As I have always admired Venture and praying often for its endeavors from afar, but now, finally, I get to be a part of it! They are currently hosting the 100 mile challenge and after really praying about it, I'm taking the challenge. Taking the challenge to stop being so stagnant, mundane and boring. Taking the challenge to accept the call of living in community in ways I wouldn't have thought of outside of my walls. I am THRILLED, that all the way in Peru, I get to be a part of this. That I get to be a part of this community, running/walking side by side with others to make a small change!

So here is the challenge. I will walk or run 100 miles in 100 days. I will be one of 100 raising $100 to go towards human trafficking prevention in SE Asia. I will be a small part of helping supply 100,000 meals for refugees in along the Thai/Burma border. Will you join me? Will you run with me? Will you be a part of this community?

On my first run! 3.5 miles down, 96.5 to go!

$100 to me, today is like a million. my situation is complicated. Although I am called I still choose to believe and run/walk in faith that $100 will be raised in support of this. Every dollar literally makes a difference. Can you help support this with me?

My uphill climb!

Will you pray for me and for Venture? Pray that as I run, I can spend my time prayerfully. I have found it to be a great chance to pray for the people of Thailand and Peru. A chance to pray for those in modern day slavery and for freedom for them, freedom in life and in Lord! Pray for Venture as they continue to work and help others and that the Lord will bring amazing opportunities to those who are involved and to the lives be ministered to.

Everyday I learn something new. Community means more then just living in the same home as others.  As I start this new "venture" it means running/walking to help others. It means that for the next (less then) 100 days I'll be extending my community around the world with others with the same goal. Christ. Real life people.

Will you please pray and consider joining with me in this community?

https://ventureexpeditions.dntly.com/fundraiser/3589

The World Cup in the Ruvar home

Tumble weeds and dust roll across empty streets and in my mind I can almost hear the old wild west song "da na na na na" as all I see is empty streets....everyone's inside...waiting  in anticipation for...The world cup! Really its not that extreme but almost. The world cup in South America is nothing like the US. People care, I mean really care. Its a months worth of soccer, soccer and more soccer. Soccer is probably one of Jenn's least favorite activities, but as for the rest of the house, ahem, world...its fantastic.

The giant screens at all the malls
showing games on rotation.

The day before the first world cup game, the boys had their "Father's day show" (every mothers day, fathers day and Christmas all schools put on shows for their parents). Traditionally, these shows contain our kiddos dancing up in tradition Peruvian attire or cool grease themed costumes, but this Fathers day was different. The boys' school, in all of its awesomeness, but on a "World Cup" themed show. A little dancing, sports playing, FIFA mascott and mock world cup trophey summed up the event. The boys were given soccer jerseys with each child adorning a different teams jersey, representing one of the teams in the in World Cup. Eli was given Germany and Ro was given Argentina. Perfect prediction. Perfectly fun.

Ro wearing Argentina & Eli wearing Germany

Opening day our kids were out of school and it sort of felt like Thanksgiving was upon us. Food was cooking all day in the kitchen, kids out of school in sheer glee and the anticipation of friends coming over hung in the air.

This is how we watch!

They won!!!

Although, we stayed busy the month of soccer was fun. Our boys wore the final two teams jerseys, brackets were created and bets were made. Ultimately the Ruiz family prevailed and won and lots time spent with friends made for a pretty incredible month.

They may be opposing teams but they are best of friends!!!

Legals

Finally, after a super strenuous process Virgil, Eli and I are finally allowed to stay in the country, Its a long story but I'll keep it short...

our residency cards

What should have taken Virgil 30-60 days to complete took 6 months! 6 months for him to get his Carne Extranjeria (residency cards).  I shouldn't be surprised, and admittedly so, 4 months into waiting to hear a response from the immigrations office, I wasn't really surprised at all. Eventually Virgil found out that one of the immigration offices lost his papers and he "basically" had to start over again. That was in January of this year. No problem. He resubmitted his paperwork with any and all corrections and was told that he would find out in about 30 days. Of course in the process of all of this we had our tickets bought and were heading out to the USA in February...for 31 days. Virgil had to get permission from immigrations to leave the country...they only let you leave for 30 days. Dilemma. There was no going back now though. We were filling his papers and leaving the country. We will figure it out eventually. Sure enough, after 6 months of waiting, the immigrations office finally approved Virgil's paperwork and he was to come get his residency card. That was exciting. Fantastic. We have waited 6 months for this! Except now Virgil had to leave the USA early. One less Paloma trip for him, one less day visiting and one peaceful flight back. For me, it was a different story. One more Paloma trip, one more day visiting and one VERY long flight home with my ever so sweet no sleeping 7 month old. Awesome. We all survived though. Virgil's residency approval meant that Eli and I could finally apply for our residency. So we did just that, and rather seamlessly and two trips to Lima later Eli and I no longer have to make border runs. 9 months later we can finally relax and stay put.

Its official. We are here. We are here to stay for a while Peru! :)

Watching a movie together while we wait for our flight

Market Days

One of the enjoyable parts of living in a new place is discovering new foods, recipes and ingredients. A regular part of life here is shopping at the markets. In the States, that phenomenon is called “the farmers market” but here in Peru that phenomenon is called everyday life.  It is also one of my favorite parts of life here. Yes there a mega grocery stores creeping in all over the place and sure they sell fruits, veggies, diapers, shoes and clothes but just because they sell it there does it make it better? Nah. Sure it is more convenient but it doesn’t foster relationships. The mega store doesn’t tell me how to use that weird orange fruit I have never seen before. It also doesn’t give me a “yapa” (a free item with purchase).

Jenn and I love going to the market. The market, here, consists of many vendors all selling about the same thing. You go to the market and you pick your person/stand. The person you pick is the person you stick with and you always, I mean ALWAYS, go back to the same person. You are now connected to them. I may as well tattoo my market ladies name on my arm because we are bound together F.O.R.E.V.E.R. You don’t switch or if you do you basically committed market place adultery and, well, that would just be horrifying! Seriously, though, Peruvians stick with the same person. Peruvians get it don’t they. They are doing what we strain so hard to do…they build relationships! It is so easy, so second nature to them. They don’t even think about it. This last week Jenn and I went to the market and picked out our fruit with Eli and Sofi. Our fruit lady was busy so we started off picking our own fruit at first till she was able to get to us. When she was Jenn was able to ask her questions about the Pomegranites…what is called in Spanish, costs, etc. By the time we were done she asked us what we wanted as a yapa (it is normal for you to get a yapa everytime you shop at the market fruit or veggie stands.) I picked a fruit that was orange and smooth and completely strange to me. I thought “the only way to know what this is like is to try it” she looked at me…completely knowing that I had NO CLUE as to what I was doing and told me, “that is for juicing, you don’t want that…you won’t get much of anything out of one piece of fruit” Thank you! I NEVER would have known that if I had gone to Metro (my mega store) and picked it up. Instead, she gave us a giant, juicy, delicious pomegranate…which we later learned is pretty unheard of to get for free. J Slowly we can build a relationship with her. One papaya at a time.

Right along the lines of the market place, last Friday Jenn and I went with our dear friend Trufa to a class on how to use local ingredients. It was SO much fun. We learned quite about bit about healthy things like Quinoa, Kiwicha, Chia, fruits and veggies. Peru has about 9 kazillion varieties of potatos, so to learn what 2 or 3 different varieties were was awesome! We had a lot of fun with our babes and friends and hope to do more things like that soon!!!

Coming Home

As many of you know we were very fortunate to get to spend the month of February back in the States.  It was a wonderful time.  We were able to see family and friends in a number of different states and got a lot done (like our clothes and misc shopping for the year!).  The time just flew by.  Each place we stopped I felt desperate to have just a few more days before moving on to the next...to get to capture a few more quality time moments with those we love.  With 4 kids, limited connectivity, borrowed vehicles and cell phone...there are some people and things we weren't able to connect with or get done.  I would often have to remind myself how thankful and blessed we were with the time we did have and that it would just have to be enough for this trip.  I can't say Thanks enough to those of you who shared your homes, time, and resources to make this trip an enjoyable one.  I also have resolved to try to get better about staying in better touch...and I'll be doing by best to try to do so this coming year.

While we were in the Sates I was struck by how much time had passed since we were there.  How much felt the same and yet how much we (and others) were changing.  Some of the change I found had occurred in me over the last year led to a few funny moments I thought I would share.

Wiper Confusion

It's amazing how quickly we form habits and routine that become second nature.  Things that are awkward at first but eventually (with time and repetition) we just do without thinking.  There were two rather peculiar new habits that kept tripping me up upon our return to the States.

The first was while driving, and for that you'll need a little Peruvian back story.  Mom and Dad Tovar have graciously shared their vehicles with us in Peru for the last year.  Both vehicles are 'timon cambiado' meaning they were originally manufactured for left lane (right seat) driving, but after being imported to Peru the steering wheel, break and gas pedals were moved over to the left side we are used to.  The essential components have been placed 'correctly' in the car, but there are a few more subtle things that are still backwards and you wouldn't notice them till you start driving.   For instance...the driver's window buttons are where you would expect in the driver's side door...however the order of the buttons are reversed (L to R).  Meaning whenever you go to roll down your window, you end up rolling down the passenger window instead...until you get used to the it.  Another goofy thing is that the windshield wipers are swapped with the turning signal, on the opposite sides of your steering wheel than what you might expect.  For months after moving and learning to drive in Peru...the result was a terribly confusing scenario:

The traffic is thick, there are 3 or even 4 lanes being made on a street where only 2 are actually marked.  Combis and tikos (Mini buses and taxis) are all around and either stopping mid lane and without warning to pick up a passenger...or cutting left around everyone so they can immediately make a right hand turn (across all 4 'lanes' of straight traffic!).  All I want to do is get over one lane so that I can make a left hand turn from what is currently the left most lane in the intersection half a a block ahead (how American of me, I know). I am hoping I can accomplish this in time and unscathed.  It is clear that the surrounding vehicles who have now crept to with in an inch or less (literally) of my side mirrors, proceeding to aggressively squeeze their way thru do not share my concern or hesitancy.  But I'm driving in Peru now and here comes a small opening so I work up the courage and decide to go for it...Left turn signal, except WHOOPS those are my wipers!...and now I can't figure out how to get them off. Ugh, never-mind my turning signal, Peruvians don't respond to those anyway (they seem to be more of an indicator for the car behind you to hurry up and close whatever gap of space was available begin with).  Quick Roll down my window, if I can just stick my hand out in time (the Peruvian signal for 'I'm coming over like it or not so let me in')...except darn-it, I rolled down the passenger window instead.  Roll down passenger window (finally my drivers window starts to come down) about half way...RRR...before I can get my hand out the opening is gone and 2 more cars are squeezing by. I'm still in my lane and my intersection is approaching.  Finally there it is again...1/4 car opening, window is down, hand goes out, car let's me in (AMAZING!) just in time, start left turn across first 'open' lane of oncoming traffic..spot a moment of clear path through the next 3 lanes,zip my way through and...made it!  Whew, miraculously I have completed my left turn unharmed (and without holding up too much angry traffic)! Turn off wipers (those were stressing me out). 

 LOL, my heart starts racing a bit just recounting the story with you.  Believe it or not eventually this scenario became second nature...I learned what to do when and could do most of it with a car full of kids and music without a second though (on a good day anyhow :-).  Trouble is, just when I get comfortable...just when I think I've got it figured out...things change again.  We were finally able to get a car of our own...which arrived in Arequipa just 3 days before we headed off the the States!  Such a blessing and we are loving it...but it is not a 'timon cambiado'...just a regular car made for right lane (left seat) driving.  Which means I start the process of relearning the correct order of signals and buttons as I navigate crazy traffic once again.  What's more, I'm pretty sure I looked like a crazy person (and made our friends in the States question why they let us borrow their car) when I repeated wiped the perfectly clean windshield every time I wanted to turn or change lanes. Thanks for bearing with and trusting me anyway :-).

The second wiper confusion I was faced with is the Toilet Paper Conundrum.  I'll apologize up front if this is just TMI for some of you but I couldn't help but laugh and learn about this one so I had to share.  I think the contrast is probably best described by these two signs:

posted in a Target bathroom in TX

posted at my language school in Peru

The first is a sign posted in the bathroom of my language school here in Arequipa.  Note that it's written in English so yes, it's meant for all us gringos out there.  You don't flush toilet paper in Peru. For years I visited Peru and was kindly reminded not to flush my paper.  But my North American mind was convinced that they couldn't possibly be referring to ALL my used toilet paper...maybe just the less 'dirty' pieces.  Nope, turns out they did in fact mean it.  There is a waste can near the pot and everyone (here) knows that's where your used toilet paper goes..all of it.  While working on an engineering infrastructure project a few years ago I came across an article written by some ex-patriots living Mexico....it really helped me understand that it's not actually Rude to use the waste can but in fact the opposite could be true (You can read the article HERE if this TP conundrum has ever bothered you as well).  Anyhow, when we moved here I'd been all straightened out this cultural norm...BUT it required a very forced conscious effort to get over my personal reservations and eventually form the habit.  I don't know if I'm proud (or embarrassed) to announce that I have been officially Peru toilet trained.  I suppose I didn't realize how much so until I returned to the states.  Don't worry, I didn't actually put dirty paper into any of your waste baskets...but I was surprised by just how often I had to consciously stop myself from doing so.  For a good two weeks after returning the the U.S. I found myself frustrated with the choice or placement of U.S. bathroom trash cans and then 'Finally a can with a lid and foot pedal...but why the heck did they put it way over there!'...only to stop. and remind myself...they put it over there because it's not for your toilet paper! I literately cracked up (and took a picture, shown right above) of the sign I found posted in a Target bathroom in New Braunfels TX...because I actually needed the reminder at that moment.  Seems ridiculous (and probably a little gross to many of you) but it was one small way I was constantly reminded of the little ways I had begun to assimilate and function in this new land and culture over the last year.

A Familiar View 

We absolutely loved the time we were able to have with friends and family back in the states.  It all went too quick and as it came to an end I found it very hard to say good byes.  At the same time, there was something very exciting about returning home...to Peru.  It felt and little backwards actually...to be preparing to head to South America to 'finally sleep in my own bed again' rather than for another short visit.  But I honestly reveled in the fact that it really felt like we were returning home....that Peru is home now.  I say 'home' not because it is just a place I reside and lay my head at night...but because of the love, the people, and even the sense of presence and purpose we have.  We are all truly blessed to have 'homes' to return to in the hearts (and houses) of those we love in the States (like TX, MI, GA, FL, WY, IL...).  But God has made (and continues to make) a home for us here in Peru now and I genuinely rejoiced in that thought!  There was something refreshing about coming back to a familiar view...about looking out the windows of my in-laws house, our house, and it not being some exotic or foreign unknown...those are streets I know now, places I've been or will go, containing people I know...or may get to know.  There's a community the Lord is building here...hearts and lives He is changing and shaping us for...and those He will enable us to help change and shape.  I'm excited about what the year(s) ahead will hold.  I'm excited about living out Life and the Love of Christ with those around me.  I'm excited to be able to call Peru home.  

View from our house in Arequipa

Hebrews 13:14-21

For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our city in heaven, which is yet to come. With Jesus' help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of his name. Don't forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God...I especially need your prayers right now so that I can come back to you soon. And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to him. Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with his blood. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. 

Alana Sofia

Alana Sofia...otherwise known as 'Sofi' is the newest addition to our family.  I apologize profusely for taking so long to officially announce her and share pictures (thank you Yahaira for finally breaking the silence).  The last few months have been wonderful but feel as if they have literately flown by.  But, without further ado...here she is!



I think if I had to sum up my new baby girl in just one word it would be 'Joy'...in three words maybe 'Joy', 'Smiles', and 'Rolls'-for now anyways...they're just so cute! :-).  No seriously, she has inherited my genetic trait of 'uncontrollable smiles'.  She is getting to be a ton of fun and loves to laugh and play in addition to her smiles.  I'm not sure exactly why but extra smiles seems to be the trend with a number of the new 'second babes' in our life right now (Yahaira's Liam, my sister Sarah's Luke, a friend Ruth's Ethan...all born within 4 months of each other in 2013)...this 'round two' of babies is just packed with an extra dose of joy and boy (or girl!) what a blessing it is.  We have four amazing kids here in the Tovar-Ruiz house and it is so much fun...but can also be a bit chaotic at times.  There are moments where it just feels like everything has broken loose and gone flailing in the wind...and there in the center of a swirling (however brief) storm...is a beautiful smiling babe.  The same babe that may have escalated the chaos to code red just moments before...but is so innocently oblivious to anything else in that moment expect catching your eye and just relishing in it with a big beautiful smile.  A smile that you can't help but pause and revel in.  To enjoy for a moment the sheer joy we've been blessed with in these little beings and remember all the blessing and life they exude.  What preciousness!

Ronan and Sofi

[See more great photos sarahharmsphotography.com/blog/alana-sofia]

Our 'Full House'...
Liam,Virgil, Eli & Yahaira Ruiz; Jenn, Sofi, Ronan & John Tovar; plus Grandpa & Grandma Tovar (not shown here)

'Big Brothers' Eli and Ronan

Play time with Liam

We're BBAAACCCKKK

After my magical disappearing act of 6 months I have finally decided to re-appear! I can’t believe it has been 6 months since the last time either I or Jenn have blogged. Since Alana Sophia’s birth (by the way Jenn had her baby!) things have been a tornado. Sofi (her nickname) was born on November 5 and she is such a sweet babe! She is all smiles and quite the screecher...er, I mean talker. She is a doll!!!!

There is so much to catch up on since then! We have had visitors a plenty which has kept our extra time filled. I have LOVED having familiar faces here. I didn’t realize, until Jenn’s mom came, that it really means a lot to share this world we live in now with others. To share with those important familiar faces in my life, to talk about the sunset shadow cast beautifully upon Mt. Misty and for others to know EXACTLY what I mean and visualize it as I describe the bright pinks, yellows and purples of the light. To share the beautiful market place with others and show off Jenn’s Spanish speaking skill when she orders her perfect coffee at Starbucks (I know, I know not very Peruvian). We also spent the summer with the boys and spent a month in the US, reconnecting with friends and enjoying our family. It was a much needed break.

Although our past 6 months have been busy and going back to the U.S. was refreshing I am so glad to be home. Arequipa is our home. There was something so wonderful about knowing what we were getting into when we got on that plane back to Peru. Knowing what school would be like for our children. Knowing what work would be like for our husbands. Knowing wonderful people and growing our community…yup that was what I was most excited about.

You see, something else happened these last four months. Something life altering. We started to build our community. The Lord opened the doors for us to finally start to get to know two specific couples (Edgar, Veronica, Claudia and Andrey…that is you I’m talking about!). He gave us a chance to start a study with our dear friend Lucia. He opened the doors to allow us to be more comfortable speaking Spanish and building relationships. I am blessed. I am blessed beyond measure by the people here and I genuinely look forward to what is next.

My dear friend Jenn gave me a card for my birthday. One that she has had for years. Every year around my birthday she would search everywhere for it but could never find it…until now. The words are so true for our lives today. The card reads:

We came here. The Lord called us here. Be. Dream. Love. Thrive. Always.