the passenger's seat

big weekend. (katy perry's mom and more)

2012-01-30T20:48:00.000-08:00

I feel like every post I write should just start with wow. You don't know how many times i've unconsciously wrote that and had to delete it over and over again;-) Anyways...

I met Katy Perry's mom. Definitely "one to go down in the books." I think half of her husbands sermon I was caught staring at her and her similarities to Katy Perry. Just think shorter hair... and a wrinklier neck. ;-) haha But seriously, very astounding the similarity. Mr. Perry (Hudson) held back tears the entire sermon as he encouraged parents who have children that don't believe. He concluded the sermon asking for prayer, knowing that, his daughter not only doesn't believe, but is leading thousands of people away from the church. He said how he sits on the stages watching her concerts, seeing all the people raising their hands and singing with his daughter as if they were in a church worship service. But then he is reminded by all the glitter and glam that it isn't God they are praising- it is his daughter.

Idolatry.

Probably one of the saddest and most touching things I have ever heard.

I learned a lot of things that night.

Listen for Gods voice. In the midst of the sermon and the parents crying, God told me that this "divine" appointment with Katy's Parents wasn't for Holly's Music, it wasn't even to get a simple picture with them. Meeting those parents was all about them. About praying for them. I literally got antsy in my chair as I thought of how intimately close they are to affecting MILLIONS of people. And right there I realized that the pressure they must feel to save there daughter must be tremendous. So... pray for them if you have the chance. In my time speaking with them, I reminded them how many people are praying for them; that they would not give in to what is easy because in the end LIGHT OVERCOMES DARKNESS... ALWAYS.

In the end, I spent about 8 minutes talking with the mom about about a bunch of random things (including holly's music), until she had to go back and take pictures again with all the peruvians who didn't speak english. It was a very surreal moment. And I learned that praying for Katy Perry here in my bedroom is equally as powerful as praying for her in a church with her very own parents.

We need to recognize that. Or at least I do... Prayer is powerful from wherever it may be, and whenever.

Here's a pic to enjoy. More to come in my video;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

Meeting Katy Perry's Dad...

2012-01-28T21:30:00.000-08:00

If you've ever been generally near a radio the past couple years, or had any connection with electronics whatsoever, you may be familiar with the Pop Superstar named Katy Perry. Yes, I'm certain you have heard of her haha. Anyways, I met her dad tonight.

Through a friend of my mom, I was able to go a watch him preach at a church (basically a Spanish replica of Hillsong) close to my house. It was... interesting. To say the least, the music was incredible at the church. The speaking, well, I'll just say I don't understand a sermon that doesn't include a single reference to the Bible. A sermon that referred more to non-christian popstar and the ways she thinks than the ways God thinks. But anyways, nonetheless, Mr. Perry, real name Kieth Hudson, was there. And not only was he there, but I was there... happening to be the only gringo in the building. A perfect opportunity.

I started by speaking to the pastor. The conversation obviously shifted towards holly's music and me handing him a c.d. Before I knew it, Mr Perry was at our side asking me questions which led to him finding out we have mutual friends. Holly's manager is Jaci Valasquez's mom (also a christian/latin superstar). The whole thing ended with the pastor taking the c.d. and Mr. Perry giving me a good 'ole white man handshake and telling me to say hello to his friends for him.

I'm shooting more for charming his wife tomorrow. And by charming, I mean, trying to warm her up to Holly's music more ;-) haha. They will both be at the church tomorrow. I keep telling myself if my mom were here, she'd be taking them out to dinner within 5 seconds of meeting them haha. Nonetheless, God has placed me here and if a door will open, He will be the one doing it.

Anyways, finished the night getting to know a very cool church that is very excited in the possibility of having Holly sing there... following bands such as Hillsong and Leeland who just came this past June. How strange.

Anyways, in the end, the experience was very... strange but entirely awesome. One thing he did continue to push thought was praying for Katy Perry. With her divorce and everything falling apart, God is breaking down some wall in her life, and she will have to fill them with something. Lets just hope it is Christ. ;-)

ALSO! I read through my entire book last night. All the notes from all my friends and family wishing me well at my 6 month mark in peru. It really was special. Considering I read through the entire thing like 3 times until I fell asleep at like 3 in the morning. I just want to thank you all. I know we may not talk. I know we may not write. But I am still be affected and supported by you guys even when you don't know it. I hope you would feel the same from me. All I have to say, I will treasure those notes forever as I will treasure my friendships with each of you all forever. Thank you all for caring so much.

Blessings,

Lucas

someone slap me...

2012-01-27T22:34:00.000-08:00

IT BEEN 6 MONTHS. I'm flipping out a little bit. I have lived in a foreign country for half a year now. Who would have thought that 6 little months could do so much in a persons life. I feel like I should do something incredible today... and I think I have.

I skyped with Holly as we talked through my 6th month mark... as she driving with the band through California. Here's a pic...

And here's another one just for fun... Holly posted it on her twitter;-)

Anyways, beyond that... I have painting classes today as well as going to a MegaChurch for a youth group. This church hosted the amazing band Hillsong last year and this year... will be hosting KATY PERRY'S parents!!!!! In whom I am hoping to meet tomorrow. It will be very strange to think that the only gringo's in the building will be me, and Katy Perry's parents. They aren't coming to talk... just to watch... with some friend that goes to the church. And considering they don't speak spanish (and I do)... I don't think it will be too hard to get in to talk with them;-)

We shall see. Anyways, don't know if you guys know but my mom had a bunch of people write in a book for me before I left. Notes, greetings, goodbyes, drawings. You name it. Well, I promised I wouldn't open it until 6th months... and I have been faithful. So tonight, I might be up just a little bit longer ;-) haha.

In the meantime my lovely followers, I want to thank you for sticking in there with me these 6 months. It has definitely been a fun ride for me and I hope for you as well. Tomorrow begins the 2nd half of my exchange. What lies ahead, I have no idea. But I hope you will all continue on the journey with me. I have appreciated you comments, support, and prayers.

Even Holly has noticed how much support has gone out for me. Concluding in her conversation with me that more people read my blog than hers. ;-) haha I highly doubt that, but to make her feel just a welcome... here's her blog...www.hollystarrmusic.com/blog Love you Holly. Can't wait to show you all around.

Blessings,

Lucas

sing. sing. sing.

2012-01-25T20:49:00.000-08:00

Wrote a song the other day. Thinking about putting it in my next video, but I'm not really sure. So here's some things going on in my life right now.

1) My parents are COMING with HOLLY from February 20-March 3. I stayed up last night till 3 am figuring out their trip. It's going to be so awesome. That's like less than a month away;-)

2) Gave Holly's C.D. to my host uncle tonight. Turns out he's a Christian and goes to a MEGA church (20,000 people) here in Peru. So, I think I'm going to church with him on Sunday to see about getting Holly to be able to sing a bit there;-)

3) Went to my Rotary meeting tonight and was the ONLY exchange student there. Very weird. Made me feel like I was at the end of my year and all the exchange students had already left.

4) I continually miss India as do all the exchange students. We recently received the new exchange student, Hedley, from Australia. He's very cool as well. He speak with a way thicker accent then India did and literally didn't even know words like "hola" or "gracias" before he came. Just said their is no Spanish at all where he lives.

5) Super tired. Went to bed at 3, left at 8 for my sound classes, got back at 1230 to eat lunch, went to the track to find probably the hardest workout of the year, and finally got home to take of to my rotary meeting at 9. Now I'm back, and almost collapsing at my computer. ;-) Shows you how dedicated I am to filling you all in. haha.

Still, I am so happy I have been given this opportunity to be down here. I try not to take advantage of the fact that I am always surrounded by beautiful striking buildings. By little kid street vendors who make you want to cry. By the sounds of 9 million people outside my window... but it is hard sometimes. This exchange has been so much more than learning a language, but learning a new way of life. Of learning patience. Love. Understanding. And all the rest of those glorious Fruits of the Spirit.

The lessons are all around you.

Blessings,

Lucas

dad stop talking!!!!

2012-01-22T21:45:00.000-08:00

I decided to ignore telling you guys a dream I had two nights ago because it was so ridiculous... and then I had it again. When you are an exchange students, languages sometimes malfunction in a dream (or sometimes when your awake as well.) That goes to say, I had the pleasure of being swept into a dream last night and the night before of a business meeting. The culprits...

My dad (real) and one of the rotary club members here who happens to be a doctor.

Anyways, it was like a game show almost. As if the two each had rules how to talk. My dad (knowing almost no spanish) was only allowed to speak in my new second language (Spanish). The doctor (knowing almost no english) was pressured to only speak in my native tongue. It was VERY interesting to watch and honestly hilarious. Very strange... so wished it was real. I think my dad managed (in a very thick gringo accent) as much as hello and his name. The other guy just busted up laughing so hard that the dream just eventually ended there.

But in the end I was very proud of how my dad handled the situation... however awkward and impossible it may have been haha.

In other news;-) I went to my host grandma's house today and learned how to make an incredible almond cake. My host grandma has cancer in almost all of her body. She is one of the sweetest lady's ever and makes a toothpick look fat and today while the cake was in the oven... she tottered her way over to turn on the radio and asked me TO DANCE! Definitely a new move right. Dancing with an 89 year old grandma who has cancer. I would definitely say that she had better dance moves than me and i would also go to say that she still has the spirit of someone younger than me;-) It was awesome. Definitely a "crap how could I possibly have left my camera at home" moments;-)

Anyways, the cake turned out great. Oh, went to church today and for the first time felt like I actually knew the words to the songs (instead of just singing them in English). And after my date tonight with the grandma...;-) I got to talk with my sister camille through skype. She always knows how to get me thinking straight again;-) We also talked about when she is coming which almost got me so excited that I almost threw my computer. Almost.

Anyways, today is the beginning of the Chinese New Year. So happy new years!!!!

Blessings,

Lucas

beaching it;-)

2012-01-21T21:35:00.000-08:00

so got back from the beach... again. I love peru. Go to the beach in the morning, run, swim, WATCH A SURF CONTEST, and come back to Lima by 2 in the afternoon to still have time with friends. I'd say it's pretty much the best thing ever;-) But like I was saying... we went to the beach. For our training today we had to run up the SAND dune literally 20 times. It was incredible. Well, at least it was incredible after it was over. ;-)

By the time it was over, my sun tan mixed with sweat mixed with pounds of sand all combined to turn me into one very black man;-) I felt pretty good about that. Then we went, did a bajillion water exercises as I continually got pummeled by gigantic waves. Then I felt really stupid as I looked up from getting shoved down by a wave only to see 2 like 70 year old women gracefully taking on the ocean as well. Talk about a bit embarrassing. But hey, I'm a gringo... everything I do is embarrassing. ;-) The beach is called San Bartolo... and definitely a must see spot if you come to Peru. Here's some photos;-)

Beautiful San Bartolo... or at least part of it.

;-)

My house will probably look something like this one day haha.

Little chinese dude fishing with just a long string... that was literally all. Don't know how he did it but He was successful. Beyond that, literally, are the professional fishermen in their wooden boats;-)

More fisherman...

My buddies. After we got done training. (Me, Jeka, Luis... order obvious;-)

Me being ridiculous sportin my American Flag Swim trunks;-)

Respect the Locals;-) thought it was cool.

Just a great random pic of my friends showing their Holly Starr pride;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

sink or swim.

2012-01-19T21:09:00.000-08:00

so basically my sister is in this huge radio competition and last night she won the first round!!!;-) (against phil wickham!) Soo... if you are reading this right now... go online and vote for her!!!!! ;-) please.

http://goo.gl/FQg1p

Blessings,

Lucas

December;-)

2012-01-19T11:18:00.000-08:00

I really hope this works... after a month of trying to get this video up... I think it might actually make it through this time... you'll have to let me know. Evidently, I have so many views on my videos now that they are starting to be watched by the "people" of youtube.com. Evidently I'm not allowed to use music (that's not written by me) in my videos anymore. Not sure how that's gonna work out, but I'm trying a loop hole... considering I have a professional singer in the family. Maybe her music will work for me. All I have to say is Holly, you better start putting up some new music quick or I'm going to run out of songs haha;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

skyping the world.

2012-01-18T22:17:00.000-08:00

I've had a few very unique skyping opportunities these last few days. One of the includes skyping my good friend stephanie (from Wenatchee) who is in Ecuador on her exchange...presented here...

between our battles with the internet and struggling to find out our futures... we managed to skype for a mere 2 HOURS STRAIGHT! That time just flew bye haha. I really enjoyed talking. Haven't talked with her since I was in the Abby's Pizza parking lot back in the U.S. Very cool. I even managed to get a little freaked out by recognizing her Ecuadorian accent. Saying things like "carrrshro" instead of "carro" meaning car. It was quite hilarious and kept me laughing throughout the conversation. ;-) Hoping to see her sometime soon.

Then it went on to talking with one of my best friends Ashley back in the U.S. But along with her came like 8 other friends. Quite a surprise. Including the best surprise of all... speaking with my friend Kim (from Germany) who returned to the U.S. for a bit. Now when she yells at me in German, I can give her the equal feeling of yelling back in Spanish;-) So I got to talk for a bit with them and during it all everyone wanted to hear me speaking my new language... and I was more than happy to show them (and watch Ashley almost fall over when she realized I really could speak it;-) Here's a pic...

And finally, finished it off this week calling Australia... talking with India about our plans for how I'm going to visit her hopefully very soon. She told me how great it is to speak spanish in a place where there are no spanish speakers because then EVERYBODY wants to hear what spanish sounds like. I doubt I'll be getting that same reaction when I go to Quincy haha;-)

This would be my entire host family watching as India shows us around her australian mansion ;-) haha

This is India showing me her Jimbay... that she's never played ;-)

All in all, learned a lot this week. Awkwardly my 1st host dad, the president, "sang" to me as I was leaving our rotary meeting tonight saying... "Luke de mi corazon!!!!" (literally, luke from my heart). Which was a very strange and weird compliment after all we have been through. But I'm just glad our relationship is back to normal. Where is should be. ;-)

Anyways, Getting more and more excited for my parents to come. Can't stop thinking everywhere I go... "I'm bringing mom and dad back here." But for right now, just trying to keep myself in the Here and Now.

Oh, and started Sound Board clases at my church today. They were incredible. Definitely positive that by the time I go back to the U.S. I will be able to dominate the Holly Starr soundboard;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

running to the sun.

2012-01-15T16:29:00.000-08:00

just got back from an intense 3 day pole-vault camp... ON THE BEACH!!! incredibly amazing, filled with waking up early to run, sitting and doing Yoga (very new to me haha) and watching the sunset... and even COOKING! I had the amazing pleasure to cook with Honore and our friend Jessica for the whole team every single meal during the weekend.

Pictures to come... when i rob them from Honore.

But it was incredible. I felt so independent. I felt so at peace. Just think of like any super famous beach in L.A. or Florida subtract the people and boat... and you have where i was at the last three days. Looking into the sunset at fishermen in their paddle boats and digging my toes into the sand after a long hot run... as if life were so simple again. Made me feel like i was in some exotic country like greece. But then I realized i was in some exotic county... Peru. ;-) I hope to take my parents there... it was literally life changing.

Speaking of parents... They now have there date to come!!! The end of family will be my first time seeing them after 7 months. The only problem is...

They are coming without Holly. ;-(

As of right now, my jaw is still on the floor and I am still stuck thinking on my bed about it. Holly says it's not for sure right now, and I hope so... but we will see. The problem is, is when your sister is so freaking awesome like mine, she has to tour to keep that awesomeness up.. and her schedule just wouldn't allow it. Not her fault, I know she would do anything to come. Just life. So hard, thinking your best friend is coming after so many days. Thinking of all the places you were going to take her. Remembering all the favorite foods that she would love. Telling all your friends about her ALL THE TIME so that they will feel like they know her already when she comes. But I guess we will just have to save that for some other time.

I'm just gonna settle with praying. That her tour could swing to the south a bit more. And for now,. I'm gonna go back to thinking about the incredible experience I had this weekend. About all that I have learned. And rejoice with the facts that... MY PARENTS ARE COMING TO PERU!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited to show them EVERYTHING!;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

Yup... I cried.

2012-01-11T22:27:00.000-08:00

India left today.

She took of at 11:45 from the airport. I've spent the last 3 days only with her and making her video (30 minutes long of her time here in Peru;-) so that's why I haven't written in a while. Didn't even sleep last night so I could get it done, and in turn, drank a red bull (those are incredible). Never knew... haha.

Anyways, today I just kinda hung out with her at her house for her last few hours here in Peru. We skyped her mom, we skyped my mom... it was incredibly awesome. She is definitely way better of a friend than I deserve. Just knows how to enjoy life... every moment. We talk about how incredible India is all the time. She helps everyone, loves everyone, and judges no one.

Anyways... it was hard. We fit 8 exchange students into a van and rushed to the airport to see her. We talked for about an hour in the cafeteria and the time went by really fast. Soon it was time for her to leave and as we finished with all the millions of fotos... the tears came. Seriously, like never before. More than when my grandpa died, more than when I had to say goodbye to my family in the U.S. (okay, not quite, I cried really hard when I left Holly.) But yah, it was definitely weird. All of the exchange students were sad, but I was bawling.

It really made me realize how much exchange students really are connected... we are like brothers. And that showed up even more when my friends gathered around to give ME hugs because I was crying. Just can't really express the love we have between each other. And I definitely can't describe how it will be to say goodbye to them after 6 more months. Definitely WILL BE the HARDEST thing I will ever do... like a bomb waiting to go off. Wow. Can't even think about it.

Here's some pics from the airport tonight...

Aurelie (Big Mama and I)

Hanging while India checks her bags. ;-)

India's sad face.

And mine.

India's family.

Some friends.

Honore;-)

Adele and India.

India's Blazer.

Everybody who went to see her.

Everyone in her family.

And forgot to tell you that yesterday we also had a going away party for india as well;-)

India and me waiting for the guests to arrive after packing her bags all day.

Nina (nino) showing how to make a balloon bear.

Sneaking a foto with India.

:-(

The exchange students with India.

:-( :-(

And here's two fotos from hanging at India's house around her pool all day. ;-) it was great.

She really tried to ride that;-)

The dolphin decided to eat India;-)

Eating Bembos (like McDonald but a billion times better and healthier;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

I'm getting married?

2012-01-11T21:50:00.000-08:00

Evidently I should be getting married here pretty soon....;-)

SoI went to the wedding of my host sister Claudia today (first hostfamily). Super awkward seeing Henry again. I'm going to go over to hishouse pretty soon to talk things through I think.

Anyways,the wedding was super cool. Wasn't super Peruvian considering it wasn'ta Catholic wedding (due to the groom being from the U.S. andnon-Catholic haha). But nonetheless it was a wedding in Peru. And thankthe Lord that there was "bad" weather today. Instead of being super hotand sticky like every day of the summer... I was actually managing towear a long sleeve shirt and tie underneath the gray sky and NOTsweat;-)

The reason I will be getting married soon isI took the pleasure of catching the "flower" thrown by the groom.Considering I'm about two heads taller than all of the guys here andthat I was in the front, I'd say it wasn't all that difficult. Plus,nobody really tried haha... Peruvian men seem a little held backtowards getting married. Regular marrying age here is around 28.

So basically, here's just a bunch of photos for y'all. Hope you enjoy!

MY SISTER AND I... ;-)

THE INCREDIBLE CUPCAKES;-)

My 1st family.

Claudia and I;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

quote.

2012-01-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

Not sure if this quote popped into myself from someone else... or if I made it up. My brain is always shooting weird things around... but here it is.

"If you do something but never want it... it's pointless.
If you want something but never do it... it's just as bad."

Thought it was good to think about.

Blessings,

Lucas

last night.

2012-01-05T07:27:00.000-08:00

woke up to a return letter from my sister this morning. and i think it actually got me to start breathing again. She told me how sorry she was, how inappropriate my host dad had been acting about it all. And she even told me that her dad knew I didn't break the table... but was just choosing to tell everyone I did.

But ya, at least I know that I'm not the only one that thinks he's crazy. It will just be really weird seeing him again this weekend when I go over to their house. You can definitely pray for me for that...

A few other quick notes...

1) Found out that the president (my first host dad) is making all the exchange student leave by June 30. And a ton of people are super mad (it was supposed to be July 30). He didn't consult the rotary board or anything. So, a lot of people are choosing to not listen to him about that date.

2) Something incredible going on down here... I'm going to Argentina... for 2 weeks! I got invited by the track team here in Peru to go and compete with them the last week of March in 3 competitions (2 in Buenos Aires and 1 somewhere else). So excited! Especially to wear a peruvian uniform pole vaulting. As well as going to see some exchange students friends in Buenos Aires!!!!;-)

3) I put together an American Night down here. We are having it today. Kind of as a gift from Honore and I to the exchange students from Peru who went to the US last year, we are having a night of pure american food, movies, ice cream, and more importantly... ENGLISH!!!! It will be super cool to be surrounded by my native language again tonight. We're going to eat at T.G.I.Fridays too;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

we shall see.

2012-01-04T21:55:00.000-08:00

so do you remember how I told you about cleaning up my old host dads house when they were gone. Putting presents under my family's tree. Making those beers with the exchange students to give to the president? How I was so excited to see his reaction when he came back...

Well, I found out that I wish I would have never done it. Why do I keep putting my expectations in men, and not God. It really frustrates me how inconsistent I am with that. Being able to be fine one moment, and the next let something someone tells me completely throw me off course.

That happened with my old host dad. Without a thank you. Without a greeting. And tonight, without even a smile he managed to pretend like I never did anything. Like i didn't clean his house for over 5 hours, twice (one of those days being christmas). And instead of only pretending that I didn't do anything, he also decided to blame me for his broken ping-pong table. WHICH WAS BROKEN BEFORE HE EVEN LEFT!!!!

I am so done with it.

God has shown me that I have definitely got to stop letting people just run over me. I have got to stop letting their actions affect mine. I just feel like life runs in one big loop sometimes. "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." (Said to me by Camille before I started high school, first said by Elenore Roosevelt.)

Tell me, where is that line. That line between being nice... and being stupid. The line that says no. I've never been successful at that, saying no. If I see a house with dog poop all over it... I clean it... even if it means missing half of my family Christmas party on Christmas. Where is the line between the "Golden Rule" and sanity. Or is there one? Do I really just let people walk over me like that while I try to humbly serve them?

Welp. I wote a super long letter to Vanessa my first host sister tonight. And instead of doing the normal Luke (asking forgiveness for something I never did) I told her how incredibly disappointed I was with her father.

I know their family might read this... and i'm okay with that. I think I'm finally getting to the point where I can move on and live even if the people around me aren't 100 percent happy. Because I tried my best, and my best evidently failed...

Sorry if you are completely hating this post. Just know this... Do no put your expectations in anything but God. Because man will fail you every. single. time.

No matter how hard you try.

Blessings,

Lucas

December;-)

2012-01-02T16:27:00.000-08:00

So this is it. My procrastination/having entirely too much fun in December brought into one crappy video haha;-) hope you enjoy it;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

Feliz Año Nuevo!;-) The glass half full.

2012-01-01T18:15:00.000-08:00

whew. made it back. ;-) wow. for one, I'm completely 10 shades darker than i was 3 days ago. Lets just say my African blood is definitely starting to show haha;-). The radiation here is so much stronger. I literally feel like I am just directly putting my body under the coils of an oven. Like it isn't super super hot, just really really intense. Almost like you can feel the rays of sun destroying your body, laughing at how weak your sunscreen is.

Beyond looking like i got a spray tan this weekend, my hair also lightened up A LOT. Like this weekend people actually were noticing the change daily! It was so crazy. So now I'm even more of a blondie than before. ;-)

And now to actually let you know what I did this weekend. So we went "camping" again;-) So there's a beach resort that is affiliated with the other resort we went to last week. It contains an even bigger pool. A billion Ice Cream shops (deadly;-), a beach out of a movie, and a bajillion peruvians. It's an exclusive club so definitely was nice;-)

The Sperl's and I... In the Center of Lima;-)

The first day (friday) we spent by the pool... oh but before I went, spent a few hours with Jordan Sperl's (the exchange student from Prosser that went to Germany) family in Centro. It was incredible. Definitely was my first "real-life mixed with new life" experience. Definitely surreal. And definitely the hardest thing in the world to say goodbye in the end of the day.

But back to the club... Friday night we spent playing "Never have I ever..." A party where if someone says "Never have I ever..." and you've done it, you have to drink. (my glass was pure coca-cola;-) But it wouldn't have mattered anyways, I found myself with a glass full in the end anyways. Lets just say, my childhood, teenage years have been very different. God has protected me.

Our little group, that ended up getting a lot bigger haha;-)

Some people think it's so strange the way I'm am down here... sometimes;-) haha. when they're asking how many girlfriends a person has had, I'm asking if they have ever had a girlfriend. That's definitely been something really good for me about Peru. Learning to be content with who I am even when NO ONE is the same. But more importantly, learning to be okay with the fact that we are different. Learning to be comfortable being the odd one out. Learning to be okay being the only one with a full cup in the end of a drinking game.

Looking at the pool over the ocean.

Anyways, day 2 (saturday) was filled with sitting by the pool even more. Drinking the best frozen lemonade I've ever had (for less than 2 dollars), and sweating... a lot. Oh but we did receive a surprise saturday. One of the exchange students from Peru (Hernan) received his host family from America this week. So Honore and I spent a lot of time with them and their 2 kids (17 and 18). Definitely reassured me that I have definitely learned spanish while being here ;-) haha. And the craziest part about it... THEY WERE JEWISH! (don't know if you know, but i am too... Grandma from africa, yup. ) ;-) Anyways, it was such an amazing experience because they are Jewish by religion as well and just being able to talk to them about their lifestyle just overjoyed me. And not only that, the day is like a millionaire and uses his money to collect Holocaust memorabilia so he can travel around the world and inform people about what happened. Literally around the world-the family is going to Italy next week;-) and have been to peru twice;-) (website: www.spungenfoundation.org) But as you might know, anybody who enjoys study and informing about the holocaust is a friend of mine;-)

A little different view. ;-)

Me trying to cook hot dogs;-)

That night I cooked hot dogs on the grill for everybody. ;-) It was quite the experience as fireworks were exploding at my feet. Definitely a bit nerve-racking. And when it came down to the hour, we just kinda huddled in a group and made our own countdown. (considering there was no other way to tell when it was actually mid'night. And when it came. Fireworks like I've never seen in my life filled the sky in every part of the horizon. Just imagine being along about a 30 mile stretch of beach resorts where there are about 100 people lighting off fireworks in each resort. It was spectacular. Definitely surreal. And after greeting everybody and watching the fireworks pop like popcorn in a microwave... we headed back to the tents, talked until about 3 in the morning, and returned to sleep in the sand;-)

Enjoying our last few moments at the resort today;-)

Woke up today at 7, read my bible on a tennis court in Peru, went swimming, drank more frozen lemonade, ate tequenos, came home, and passed out from 12 until 7:30 tonight. And I guess if I made any new Years resolutions in all of that, it would be this...

The best frozen lemonade!!!!

----I'm going to appreciate life. Every day. Peru has slapped me in the face a billion times to tell me to come back to reality. To come to the here and now. To appreciate your family while you have them. To be content with those around you. And appreciating life for me isn't about reminding myself everyday to appreciate it. It is about an actual change in my mindset. From longing, to thanking. From wishing, to being content. From the having my mind in the U.S., to having it here. From looking at my watch, to looking at my friends. To realizing the sunsets on a beach in Peru in front of me, instead of the fact that I am tired. From reading the Bible, to applying the Bible. From praying to God, to praying to my Savior/friend. ----

Anyways, I'm back, it's 2012. Happy New Year.

"My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent." Proverbs 1:10
"Wisdom cries aloud in the streets, in the markets she raises her voice... 'How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?'" Proverbs 1:22

Enjoy some photos;-)

This pool was filled with sea water.

Looking towards the ocean.

one day...

living in california.

hanging out.

the most beautiful... like you could run to the sun.

We made s'more! kinda... strawberry marshmellow and chocolate covered crackers;-)

My amazing group. Can you spot the new gringo's?!

My family... sry it's sideways.

Me and my sis with our great friend judy. ;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

the beach.

2011-12-30T07:27:00.001-08:00

going to the beach for new years. ;-) See ya in 3 day;-)blessings,Lucas

finally.

2011-12-28T21:18:00.000-08:00

Today was one of the best days of my exchange. 1) Recieved an over 10 pound box from my best friend Kendahl full of peanut butter and nutella;-)Yes, she really did send if from Hawaii.

The nutella kinda opened up a bit... but nothing I couldn't clean up... and there was still about half the nutella left over;-)

But the coolest part was probably the like 8 page letter that she sent me. It was filled with amazing advice and just life. I miss her so much.They I got home and found a letter on my bed with all of this inside. ;-)This blue bracelet is evidently very Brazilian and meant to be tied with three knots (one knot for ever wish. Supposedly once it eventually falls off, all your wishes should be completed;-) but I won't tell you what mine are quite yet;-)

And yes, this did come from Brazil;-) Don't you just love an exchange;-)

After that I went to the track and vaulted like no other. haha literally, like no other day in my life. My legs were so dead from yesterdays workout that I hardly can even say I vaulted. But in the end we did get into a very cool conversation about why we do/don't believe in marriage. It was really awesome. Finally, I ended the day skyping with my best friend Jazmine. But to my surprise she was with her entire Mexican family in Arizona... so, for the first time in my life I was able to speak to her relatives (including her parents). It was probably one of the most surreal things in my life. I was just at her graduation party having her translate things to her dad and now I can talk to him and understand him as if it were in english. Just creeps me out. Like all my life of not talking to them and now all of a sudden I can understand every word? Wow. What a blessings. Anyways, just wanted to give you a little piece of my life before I head of to bed. Something I will share in the end is something Kendahl shared with me that really meant a lot to me... "God will direct your paths... you just have to be moving for Him to direct them." -Kendahl HintzSo move. And just see where you end up. :-)Blessings,Lucas

We made lunch!;-)

2011-12-26T12:16:00.000-08:00

Honore and I made lunch today. Consisted of Hawaiian pizza with tomatoes. Salad with ham, eggs, tomato, home-made ranch, and pineapple. Juice from Maracuya:-) (you'll just have to come here and try that:-) And finally Mac-and-Cheese from the blue box ;-) It was amazingly successful and in the end I felt extremely proud of myself haha;-)

I hope that makes you want to come to Lima even more;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

saying merry christmas..

2011-12-25T21:58:00.000-08:00

Honore and I had an idea of having the exchange students each decorate a beer for Henry (the president of rotary). In the end we ended up with about 10 of the 19 beers, with Honore making about a little over half of them haha;-). Some highlights were the beer alina made of Santa Claus...

India's (made by honore) of a beer stuck inside a coca-cola bottle...

Rachel's bottle painted Peruvianly...;-)

Nina's "christmas tree" ;-)...

Carter's little peruvian woman...

Andrew's empty bottle that wasn't decorated either haha;-)...

My bottle of Henry and the Incan Trail to Machu Picchu...

Here's the group foto;-)

He's gonna find all that... along with a clean house... and all the christmas presents I got his family in about an hour when he gets back from his trip. I'm excited to see what he thinks;-)

Merry Christmas.

Blessing,

Lucas

wasn't expecting that.

2011-12-25T16:07:00.000-08:00

first real cry in peru. I've done incredible up to this point. didn't cry when I left. didn't cry when I got here. and haven't cried for five months.

Until now.

Skyped with my family tonight. Not that it wasn't great or anything. Just a bit of a miscommunication. When mom said my entire family (on my dad and moms side) was getting together for christmas... I assumed Christmas day. So when I got on skype last night to talk to them about today, all I saw was my sisters face in the back of our car driving home from the enormous christmas party.

I'd missed it.

Definitely the only time during the year that everyone will be together... I just have to keep telling myself that maybe it was for the better.

In the end my I got to get some French lessons from my grandma who was in the car with my sister. Got to open a few of my gifts with my family watching that they sent me. Like a new FLIP camera. So now I can make even better movies for you guys. (sry I've been slacking on that... obviously you can see my new family is so amazing I just haven't had much time to blog;-) I'd say that's a good thing;-)

Anyways, felt so blessed. Camille showed up to say hello and talk to my family in Spanish. And then I got so excited I just had to speak to her in Spanish and let her translate to my family. They just looked so perfect. Holly looked tremendously skinny, in a good way ;-) My mom looked 10 years younger, if it's even possible for her to get younger. Camille looked beautiful and just made me mad that she wasn't her with me speaking spanish all the time haha. Grandma Starr made me feel exactly how much I am loved, while she almost was crying with me (she also looked 10 years younger-must be an african thing haha;-) My brother clark looked so grown up and ready. I really miss that guy. And Dad... dad, was actually wearing a christmas sweater. Which I think is unheard of for a small town farmer. But hey, it actually looked good on him;-) I guess having a daughter as a rock star does things to you;-)

In the end it was a beautiful skype. A beautiful start to an amazing christmas. As fireworks were going on outside my window and I said goodbye... I could definitely say that the best christmas present I have ever received, was my family. I would give anything for the ones who make funny faces and sounds with me over skype. I would give anything for the ones who teach me french to cheer me up while i'm crying in a different country. I would give anything for the ones who sit and watch me open presents on a computer.

And as I said my goodbyes to them and was sucked back into my reality... my family here was here for me too. We went outside. Lit fightworks. We ate an amazing dinner at 1 o'clock in the morning. We had a toast with my 82 year old grandma haha who calls me her little handsome boy. :-) We opened presents until 4 o'clock in the morning!!! My family here really made me feel exactly that. Like part of the family.

And that is all I wanted from this exchange. ;-)

Gracias a mi familia Melendez por hacerme parte de su familia. Siempre los tendre en mi corazon porque ahora somos familia. Somos juntos. Somos Peruanos. Yo siento como un hijo suyo y ustedes sienten como mi familia. Nunca puedo agredecerles por todo que han hecho para mi. Gracias y Feliz Navidad. Los Quiero con todo mi corazon.

Blessings,

Lucas

My amazing family.

prom.

2011-12-22T23:03:00.000-08:00

wow I'm exhausted.

so i just got back from my "prom" this morning... at 8 a.m. It was a bit ridiculous. ;-) The prom was held in a casino in La Molina (where I used to live) in a casino. I went with Aurelie (big mama). I was rather surprised, at most proms there is open bar and everyone almost gets completely wasted... but here, there was no bar, no alcohol, nothing. Just a dance floor and a giant pool behind the building. ;-)

We danced about 6 hours in total, realizing that I have DEFINITELY became a salsa dancer in peru. We had a dinner of chicken and rice (how original). Big mama and I had to speak in front of everybody. It was actually really nice. I got a chance to thank everybody and as well tell the Peruvian girls how pretty they all looked ;-)

At the dance I realized how much I really did appreciate my class. I realized how attached to them I was. I guess in a way, we were all there to just have fun. And they stunned me how they had decided they could do that without alcohol (very rare for peru). Although, I don't think the lack of alcohol kept some peruvians from thinking I was drunk.

ahh, come on, you guys know how I am. And if you know my mom at all you know exactly what I'm talking about. We just, like to get excited about the small things haha... really excited ;-) haha

Anyways it was great. Afterwards my group went to a friends house (victoria) for a sleepover... which turned in to more of a "let's talk about our lives" session. And when I say sleep over I mean everyone on the wood floor with a blanket;-) So weird that I can even talk in spanish now normally when I can't even manage to keep my eyes open. So yah we talked and talked. Managed to fall asleep at the very end, and woke up 2 hours later.

It was great. When I got home, I said hi to my family and caved. I was dead face flat on my bed until 3. When I woke up at 3 i realized that was the time my polevault practice started that day. My american-side kicked in and I started to freak. But the I realized I was in Peru... took my time... ate lunch... left at 430 and we started practice at 5;-) What a day. Now I'm back, ate barbeque pizza with honore tonight and then watched a movie.

Anyways, I'm sure this blog is really poorly written so im gonna stop and go to bed. Love you guys. Merry Christmas!!!

Blessings,

Lucas

camping!

2011-12-19T13:23:00.000-08:00

we're back! the camping trip was great... but I wouldn't so much call it camping haha. Yes we had sleeping bags and yes there was campfire and songs... but the whole thing was on a giant country club. :-) haha Pools. Tennis Courts. Restaurants. Soccer stadiums.;-) It was like being in Beverley Hills almost (hills and all;-) Reminded me a lot of palm springs. ;-) Here's some photos. ;-)

One of the cabins;-)

Food!;-) incredible. Ceviche. Chaufa. Fried fish and squid. ;-)

Took this pic by the pool.

Sat there long enough to take this one too;-)

Honore and I had a "lets be kids for 2 hours" moment.. or i guess that would be more than a moment. ;-)

Finding a waterfall that you could walk behind.

I don't know why this pic is still sideways... i keep changing it haha;-)

My family trying to take a pic with everyones eyes open... i think this was like the 5th try haha;-) fail.

The pool;-)

so yah, camp was amazing... I graduate today. So weird.

Oh my gosh, forgot to talk about the earthquake last night!!! So, i experienced my first real earthquake. Like i've been in earthquakes that make ripples in my milk and stuff, but this one actually did stuff. I woke up and my whole room was shaking as if it were in a big dryer.

I couldn't really fathom what was happening. I heard my host mom run down the hall saying something, but I was still half asleep and totally confused that I wasn't listening. After about 10 seconds the world stopped moving again and everything went back to normal. In the end I decided it must have been a dream (and went back to sleep;-)

It wasn't till this morning when I woke up and my glasses were on the floor on the other side of the room that I realized that what happened really did happen. Wow it was cool. But don't worry, everybody is okay. The world here doesn't realized that if this happened where I was from... people would be freaking out for days.

In Peru, anything is possible haha;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

perhaps.

2011-12-17T09:22:00.000-08:00

I’ve been greatly impressed by some of my friends on this exchange. Their abilities at such a young age. Some of them 16 and doing things I never would have thought of at that age. But I guess I’m equally surprised by the older ones. I guess this all just comes from sitting and talking with Honore last night.
We went to a Christmas play at my church but were unexpectedly 1 hour early. (which actually means we were 2 hours early in Peruvian time;-) So, we sat in the church café and just talked about life for a bit. It so weird how being an exchange student automatically makes you siblings with the other exchange students. There’s times where we get super mad at eachother, times when we only hang out with certain ones, times where the last thing we want to do is hear another fight about Canada and the U.S.;-) But like Honore said, in the end, we are just like a family and seems like life without them would be impossible.
My exchange friends have been there for me through it all. They know everything because they are the only ones who can. They are the only ones who understand. I’m sure Honores ears are bleeding from all the talking I’ve done with her about my exchange. The good. The bad. And the food. ;-)
I guess this post is all about how thankful I am for them. The fact that we all believe COMPLETELY different things… but no one cares. No one judges.

We are an exchange family.

I wish you all could meet Honore. I told her last night that all you all in Quincy would love to meet her. And quite honestly, I think she might be a little intrigued to see our small little town ;-) haha.

Our family is going camping this weekend. Honore and I are going to speak at the camp about our exchange. So wish us luck. Merry Christmas everybody.

Appreciate your family.

Blessings,

Lucas

jack fell down...

2011-12-13T22:14:00.000-08:00

went to see Puss and Boots (in spanish;-) with my friend from the track (luis and jessica) along with my sister Carolina a few days ago. It was surprisingly better than I thought it would be. Although the entire movie i was expecting Shrek to pop up in the background. But instead of shreck, the movie left me nostalgically thinking about my past. Considering the movie introduced Humpty Dumpty and Jack and Jill. ;-)

Anyways, as for today, I had my first (second) graduation practice;-) It was very strange. Oddly enough, i almost started to cry with my classmates as the professors gave their "last word." It was a very emotional time and made me think a lot about when I graduated. (So when I got home I went straight to my room to look through two annuals I have from Quincy;-)

After that went to eat with my Jessica (jeka) and luis (pajaron) from the track. At a chifa (basically a chinese restaurant mixed with a peruvian one... and the best idea ever;-)

So after engorging ourselves... we went to the track, rested on the pole vault mats for an hour, and then started one of the longest workouts I have ever done. And already I am amazingly sore. ;-( haha

Other than that, today was one of those really hard days. A days when somehow everyone seems to be on the same channel, which would be the channel of telling you how bad your spanish is. Most of them were saying it as a joke, but when almost every single person you meet in one day tells you it... it begins to stick.

Being an exchange student is really hard sometimes. Always being compared to others. Always not completely understanding what people are saying. Always being told you have an accent. Always feeling like maybe it would be easier to just not talk at all. Always having people laughing at how you say certain words...

I've learned so much perseverance these past few months. But not only that... learned how to have joy through the perseverance. It's like that quote... I don't want to just survive, I want to live. I think it's funny when my friends make fun of me here for my accent all day long, but I know that if i said one thing about theirs in english, they would die in an instant. It really isn't all that fair.

But ya, I guess it all leads back to the golden rule. Just let things go. God doesnt mean for you to look at all you have done wrong. He means for you to look at all he has done right in you and for you.

Constantly choose joy my friends.

Don't choose to just survive the circumstance. Embrace it. Accept it. Find a way to enjoy it. And move on. :-)

Blessings,

Lucas

wiped.

2011-12-11T20:58:00.000-08:00

lets just say in one day...

Art Class.
Family Christmas Party.
Graduation Party.
Christmas in Peru Gift Giving.
Family dinner.

Total of 4 hours of sleep. More to come later. Time to actually get some rest. ;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

what's going on?

2011-12-09T21:32:00.000-08:00

So, went to the track today. My friend Jessica (Jeka-24 years old) told me she had a very important question to ask me.

First a quick background. Jessica is very catholic, probably the most catholic you can be. And you know what, I think she has actually opened my eyes to the facts that there really can be catholic christians. She tells me how she sees the apostles more as good people instead of saints. She says she doesn't really agree with the whole saint situation (people becoming saints.) It's really quite incredible to talk with her. I've had so many questions, for so long about the Catholic religion... and now I have someone to speak with about them.... (why catholics pray to the Virgen Mary when it doesn't say to do that anywhere in the bible. why do catholics confess to the priest their sins. why do (most) catholics feel they don't need to read the bible. why do they pray the rosary when there is nothing about that in the bible.

Questions like these. I'm not saying my religion is good and theirs is bad. Because in all honesty, I think you can be a christian in whatever place you are in. The thing that is important is to be in the word and be discovering the truths for yourself... not letting someone else tell you them. I look at church more as a place to be encourage you in your walk not to BE YOUR WALK.

She started to ask me a million questions about relationships and her relationship with her boyfriend (who doesn't believe in God.) In the end, after half a day pole vaulting and discussing with her a million different biblical matters... she told me that I had changed her opinion.

That it is possible to wait. To find someone equally yoked. To live a life not bounded by relationships, waiting for God to bring someone along.

I know it isn't much... but I think I helped change someones life for the better tonight, or at least, God used me to help change someones life tonight.

Peru continues to surprise me, as well as God does.

Blessings,

Lucas

you should know.

2011-12-07T09:22:00.000-08:00

Holly made me a quilt for christmas... (how she had the time, only God knows.)

Here's a few pics so you can get a better look;-)

Some times the exchange students just need something to do;-)

My mom sent me a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree!;-)

That's all for now. Received a package today from my mom. I really have an incredible family. Both here and there. Considering my host mom waited 2 hours to receive the package today.

As christmas nears... it's getting hotter and hotter. Incredible. Maybe it doesn't feel like christmas... but I still feel hugely blessed.

Blessings,

Lucas

Chistmas in Peru.

2011-12-06T06:32:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody. So I told you all I would inform you a bit about the christmas project I am doing down here to see if you would like to donate to the cause, so... here's the facts.

This christmas I will be traveling all over Lima and all over Peru to poor districts where children don't have clean water, food is scarce, and most cases are living with single moms. There are about 6 districts we are trying to reach this christmas and would love your help to do that.

Right now, we are in the process of buying backpacks, filling them with essentials (food, water tablets, toothbrush, soap, etc...). Each backpack come down to about an amazing 8 soles (around 3 dollars) which is incredible. Our goal for this year is 11,000 dollars to be able to buy enough backpacks for the children in these 6 locations. Unfortunately, we only have half of that right now.

This christmas, on the 25th, I will be travelling to a town called Chimbote. Chimbote is considered the most dangerous town in Peru and highly up there on the list of most dangerous towns in the world. For this we will bring the children in the church in Chimbote, we will lock the doors, and then distribute the backpacks. (A poor town that is very dangerous mixed with a bunch of free food and essentials is not a good mix). So we will pass them out and let the kids go one by one.

I will be the only exchange student on this trip.

So, if nothing else, I would highly enjoy your prayers... but if you feel led please contact my mom (gailgrigg@gmail.com) or her cell (509)289-9089 for those of you who know her and she could help you with finding a way to get the donation to me. I know you guys have been following my blog and have seen how much Peru has blessed me this year. I'm just hoping to be able to do the same for them.

Either way, thank you for your support and prayers.

Blessings,

Lucas

i was blind... but now...

2011-12-05T21:24:00.000-08:00

Got back from our weekend with the down-syndrome kids. It was, well it just left me speechless to say the least. To start off, I decided to take this weekend as a time to really focus in 100 percent in helping the kids, so unfortunately (for you) I didn't take a single picture or video. But I will be receiving a few from some friends later on. But anyways, my lack of production isn't the topic of choice in this entry.

To begin, this weekend for me had almost nothing to do with kids with down-syndrome. Although about 100 out of the 150 had down, I kind of was elected in a weird sort of way to help out with the 3 blind children that were there. (Marcia, Grace, and Brayan.) More specifically, I was chosen (by brayan) to be his self guide, friend, food-deliverer, personal jungle gym, etc... for the weekend.

Brayan is 10 years old. If you want to know what he is like, for those of you who remember me when I was a kid brayan is like that. Completely on his edge exited and in his own world content all day long. It was amazing to see how he latched onto me. It started when I got there, I saw the blind children wanting to play basketball. For some reason, I had the idea to use one of their guiding sticks to tap the basket so they could "see" it.

Amazingly, IT WORKED! They could actually use the sound to determine the height and location of the rim and were extremely successful in getting the ball in the hoop. For one, it made me feel great that I could help them be able to enjoy something that we all take for granted, and for them...well their smiles explained it all. They had never made a basket... never even really tried. So now, peru has 3 more basketball players ;-)

Brayan really opened my eyes. He showed me what it is like to trust. To confide in one person so much that you would let them run with you in their hands because you can't run on your own. So you can feel things, experience things you've never had the chance to. He showed me a glimpse of how God sees us. If we would just open our eyes, we would experience a world unimaginable. But it is so hard to imagine (a world of color) when we have always be in a world of darkness.)

And in the end, I can say Brayan was honestly one of the biggest blessings I have ever had in my entire life. And do you want to know whats crazy? I found out his uncle goes to MY CHURCH. So I will now be seeing brayan frequently on whatever sunday he is permitted to come. God just keeps on blessing my face off. (if that's even appropriate to say) haha.

I'm speechless. I wish you could have all met Brayan. The joy in his face. The excitement he had to be able to just run on a soccer field in my arms. To be able to make baskets. To be able to feel one step closer to "normal." That is how we should be with Christ. Completely astounded and in awe everytime he teaches us something. Hard or easy.

Open your eyes.

Blessings,

Lucas

see ya later.

2011-12-03T06:13:00.001-08:00

gonna be gone for two days. Were leaving in like 2 minutes to go help children with down syndrome this weekend. I'm really excited. ;-)

Were leaving!!! chau!

Blessings,

Lucas

it's snowing in Peru!!!

2011-12-02T21:42:00.000-08:00

So we went to the mall today and like any mall there is a giant tree right. But when the clock struck 8 I knew this was no ordinary santa set-up. The music began. The children rushed to circle the tree. And then it happened.

Snow.

And it was real. Well, okay it was frozen water in it's best form you can get it frozen floating through the air in like 80 degree whether. Nevertheless, the children had heads covered with snow (inside the mall). It was a thing of utter amazement. I even had to remind myself that this was a mechanical attempt at the real thing. I just go so excited I kind of lost myself a bit.

Anyways, my family and I did a little christmas shopping. Or at least the girls did. It reminded me of being in the mall with Holly and Mom. Entertaining myself with singing random and strange songs while they are in the dressing rooms.

Then we went to see... Santa. Honore was a bit timid. But I'd consider that normal when an old man is asking you to sit on his lap. So we decided it would be best if we took a family christmas picture from Peru:-) So everyone... (this is my christmas card) Merry Christmas from the Melendez family in Peru. Love you all and have a very happy holiday season.

(note how excited Honore was for this picture;-) haha priceless. ;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

simple things.

2011-12-01T20:36:00.000-08:00

sat at the breakfast table with my host mom today. I started talking with her about life and about our house (it's like 70 years old and still running well... well, besides the shower haha;-). I started asking questions about the house and stuff...

The conversation led to an amazing/sad story. She started talking to me about her parents. She told me how about 13 years ago her mom began to take on Alzheimer's disease. She told me how it started with not remembering where she put her keys, to ending ten years later with her not remembering anyone, not being able to even walk or bathe herself.

It gave me such pain to hear that. To wonder how a person could even handle a situation like that. But yet, she told me the same thing. She had no idea how to handle it. She'd heard stories... but never thought it would happen to her mother. To her best friend.

She told me how it hurt her dad so badly that his wife couldn't differentiate his face from a strangers that her dad could hardly handle it, losing his life to a heart attack 5 years in. My host mom told me of the things she had to give up all to help her mother. How she couldn't fathom the thought of putting her mom in a "home."

The end of the story ended with my mom's mom dying of a heart attack, and my mom trying to hold back tears at the table. I gave her a hug and told her "God bless you." I wasn't sure what more I could do. This women has soo much love in her heart. She did so much. Wow. I can't even begin to describe all the emotions that run through my brain.

I guess the biggest would be thankfulness. Thankfulness that God still see me and love me just like my host mom loved her mom, even though I often "forget" God and barely recognize him in front of whatever other thing i do... I'm just speechless. I am a child of God. Whether I forget Him or not, He will still love me. If I never call on His name again, He will still be waiting for me. But as much as my host mom would love for her mom to just have recognized her face, to just be able to function, and live... how much more do you think God wants us to recognize His face.

Don't forget Him... while you still have the breath to praise Him.

Blessings,

Lucas

P.S. Giovanna (Mama) you have so much love in your heart. Thank God there are people like you who don't give up. Who learn that love is not a feeling...

Argentina!!

2011-11-30T17:23:00.000-08:00

Don't you just want to know why this post is titled Argentina? ;-) Well guess who got asked by his pole vault coach to go vault in Argentina with the team in March...

THIS GUY! ;-) (that would be me haha)

Ya crazy huh? So, as you probably know I've been going to the track (and will be going a lot more considering my new house is 2 blocks from the track) to polevault. Well, my coach feels like it would be an awesome experience for me to be able to represent Peru and vault in a National Cup in Argetina. ;-) I'm soo crossing my fingers that this all pulls through. (and definitely praying about it too;-) haha

God has just blessed me so much down here in Peru it is hard to explain it all...

Yah, anyways I talked with Holly and mom on skype last night (while mom was DRIVING! in Downtown Nashiville.) If you didn't know, yesterday was Holly's Birthday, and considering she is definitely one of the most amazing people I know, you should probably say happy birthday to her if you forgot. ;-) haha just kidding. She
"loves you anyway." haha okay, probably took that too far, but I just love being able to say that. But seriously, she really does. ;-)

It's weird, if you didn't know Holly can sing you I love you anyway in Spanish... so considering that I know spanish, I asked her to sing it to me. So weird going from the side of listening to something that you didn't understand a word of three months earlier. haha. The chorus goes like this...

"Te amo de todas maneras."

So, when she told me it, I not only got to here my sister speaking in Spanish, I got to realize how much I have learned down here in Peru. Crazy. Crazy. Crazy.

Love you Holly. Miss you.

Blessings,

Lucas

here i am.

2011-11-29T21:10:00.000-08:00

I have now officially made my first house change. ;-) After arriving 2 hours late with my 1st host dad and sitting and talking about the history of peru with him and my new host dad for about an hour, I started to move in. ;-)

I didn't really realize how much my new family was doing for me.

1) Honore had to give up here room. Not entirely, but half of it. Since we are 2 exchange students living in the same house for a few weeks, we are making do by sharing a room. It might seem inappropriate to some of you out there but trust me, Honore is very very respectful, we are in Peru where you just have to do things like this sometimes, and we are on opposite sides of the room.

2) My family had to get another bed so I could have a bed to sleep in. Since every peruvian thinks you will get sick if you sleep on the couch, my family brought a bed across two neighborhoods from their aunt's house tonight with me.

3) Did I tell you they are hosting 2 exchange students.

4) My family is hosting me even though I (and this family) will be moving to another part of Lima in February. My host parents are demolishing this house and building apartments here to rent out.

Literally, I sat down at the table tonight with my new family and we just talked about life. They helped me with some of my spanish (in a loving way) and my host mom kept telling me how she just wanted me to feel part of the family. In every way. She wants me to tell her everything. She wants to help me in every way.

It's funny, you know how a dog that has been malnourished is very timid in approaching food when it is finally offered to him... thats kind of what I felt like tonight. Like i was finally being offered that food. Finally being offered a chance. I know this is soon to say, but I love this family.

If you didn't know I am staying with the Melendez family. My journey with them began almost a year ago. Carolina (my host sister) was in canada as an exchange student and ever since I have wanted to stay in her house. So, here I am... as happy as I could possibly be.

I will absolutely miss my first host family, no matter how it might have went with them. In all, they were my first. They were the ones who got me going in the exchange. They were the ones to hold my hand when I didn't even understand why the were holding it. (ex. walking through downtown lima and not knowing that my mom was telling me it was very dangerous) They were the ones to introduce me to this beautiful country.

But every family has its flicks in flaws. I had great moments in that house, and I had moments where I wanted to cry and just yell at somebody for how bad i was hurt. But in the end, I learned a ton. In the end, you really can never complain where you at. Because you are always improving something. In the times they were mad at me for no reason... perseverance. In the times where no one wanted to talk to me... Studying. In the times when no one told me they were sorry... forgiveness. In the times I just wanted to be left alone... selflessness. In the times when I was tired not only physically but mentally and we had reunions yet to go to... hard work.

In reality, I learned A LOT in that house. And I am thankful. I love that family and always will. But for now, I literally couldn't be happier writing to you from the Melendez house.

If you are feeling like complaining in the situation you are in... look at it from a different perspective, and you will see that truthfully, you are learning more than you would in any other situation. Trust in the Lord... He knows what He's doing.

Blessings,

Lucas

A photo of my new room:-)

change of speed.

2011-11-28T19:19:00.000-08:00

something short.

switching houses tomorrow. My family is having family for christmas and decided they weren't going to have enough room for me.... so, my next host family will actually be hosting two kids (honore and I).

It's really for the best, just going to be a worldwind. haha

Here's a pic of my next family;-)

They could be more perfect;-) well actually they could, with Honore;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

dreaming...

2011-11-26T19:58:00.000-08:00

today was amazing. woke up to go to play with poor childrn in another part of Lima while their parents had free doctor check-ups. But before they got there, Nina and I had quite a fun time finding our way, getting on new combis... Along the 30 minute trip, Lima turned from a city of "modern" buisnesses to a land of colorful markets and bumpy unpaved streets. It was hard to believe we were still in Lima.

Once we arrived we had the privilege of coloring with children as their parents went into free medical check-ups being sponsored by Cenoval (a combination of rotary with ever other non-profit organization in Lima). It was quite a day. All day long we got to see these little kids coloring sponge bob, Cinderella, or the Smurfs while they asked us questions like "Do you REALLY know how to speak English?" And one girl even told us, "My dad knows english very well... I taught him." :-) They were incredible.

I think it was one of the most fun things i have done here. Its funny how those kids just really attach to you. Just telling them you like their drawing, or letting them sit in your lap means the entire world to them. It really is something I think everyone needs to witness...

Anyways, surprisingly we got to leave a little early which meant I could go to Youth Group tonight! Basically it was just as incredible as ever, only tonight moreso. See, I've been wondering how I am going to use my time wisely this summer.

God gave me an answer tonight.

The church will be offering summer classes in Guitar, Drums, Spanish, Cooking, ect. this summer every single day for only 15 soles (5 dollars) per course for the ENTIRE summer. I think that is definitely something to be happy about.

God has provided for me in so many ways down here. I just can't wait to tell the other exchange students and see what they think!;-)

Alright, we have our exchange Thanksgiving Day tomorrow so I got to go remake my pretzel salad.. ;-) wish me luck...

Blessings,

Lucas

My friend Daniel and I with his sister... ;) There parents left them for about two hours so I took them to get their faces painted.

Nina, being swarmed yet again by the children demanding paper. ;-)

Coloring a smurf with some of my friends today;-)

Very strange "clowns" that were in the parade today. The were very intimidating haha;-)

happy thanksgiving?

2011-11-25T14:08:00.000-08:00

I'm very sorry I never wrote to you guys yesterday wishing you all Happy Thanksgiving... I really didn't even realize it until right now after I finished reading my friend stephanie's blog about how awful her thanksgiving went in Ecuador.

It definitely struck a chord.

Yesterday was definitely one of the worst day's of my exchange. After waking up to my host mom telling me I was forgetting everything in Spanish and that my Spanish was horrible (because I mixed one SINGLE word when I was talking to her: evidently 3 1/2 months is the mark for perfection in speaking a foreign language) she asked me to bake an typical Thanksgiving meal.

Practically choking on tears and squeezing my hands into fists and praying that God wouldn't let me get angry with her... I spent 4 hours making Pretzel salad in which no one even ate. (okay, they ate a 1 inch square of a 9x13 pan). It was like the best pretzel salad I'd ever had!

Anyways, I was so glad I could take my frustrations elsewhere. I went to a Britney Spears concert with some of the exchange students. I honestly don't think I would have made it through the day if it weren't for my friend India Rauchle. She always knows how to help me through the stupid things that go on in an exchange.

Anyways, the concert was really cool. Really weird to finally see Britney Spears after all those years. Final verdict: her concert was amazing with all the back up dancers and stuff... for what people say about her, she is a lot more modest then what you think. I'm not saying she was anywhere near modest. But I'm saying there were many parts of her show where I didn't have to close my eyes. It made me think... maybe having 2 kids has calmed her wild side down a bit. Who knows. All I know is that when "Hit me baby one more time," came on... there were like 20,000 peruvians with thick accents screaming the lyrics (I still couldn't understand them haha).

Oh, and skyped with my family for about 30 minutes yesterday. Your entire family + you in a foreign country + thanksgiving + your host mom has treated you like a jerk for the past 3 weeks = an awful combination of emotions. I did get a big smile out though listening to my cousin paul SPEAKING! He told me "Lukey, I miss you." It was so funny. It definitely gave me a big smile. :-)

Today I went to start buying toys for our christmas in Peru thing were doing for the poor children here... We were able to buy around 300 soccer balls, volleyballs, and toys. It was amazing. I was walking through the market like a regular peruvian "cargador" (the men who carry boxes 4 times their size on their backs)... It was pretty cool.

About half of what we bought today;-)

What we bought today;-) They run with these through the incredibly crowded market streets...

This was very hard to smile in... that bag on my shoulder weighed 60 pounds and I had to walk through the entire market with it. haha definitely peruvian now ;-)

A ticket to Britney. ;-)

Britney flies!!!

Anyways, Happy Late Thanksgiving. I love you guys and hope you all are sleeping still from all the turkey you ate. ;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

Mrs. Roosevelt still speaks... (thanksgiving greetings!!!)

2011-11-23T20:14:00.000-08:00

so tomorrow is thanksgiving. That is just too weird. I hope all of you in the U.S. enjoy it. Don't really realize how much it means to you until you are in another country where 90 percent of the people have no idea what you are talking about. haha

But, there is one person who thinks he knows...

My host dad.

So tonight in rotary we all had to talk about what thanksgiving was and why it was sufficient. I thought it went really well and my good friend Honore did an amazing job of condensing the entire story into 3 minutes and translating it to Spanish...

So, then I got in the car to go home... and my host dad literally told me he was disappointed in me and the other exchange students because we didn't explain the meaning of Thanksgiving. He told me that we explained it wrong. (yes, we, the americans were being told by a Peruvian that we didn't know what Thanksgiving was... or more specifically me.)

Evidently thanksgiving was a day in which the colonists wanted to worship the earth... and they invited the indians to do it with them. Nothing about a friendship. One helping the other learn to grow crops. Nothing. Just a day to give thanks to the earth.

And I'm serious when I say this... he was serious. Tell me, how do you respond to a rotary president when you live in his house and he is trying to tell you that you don't know the half of one of your biggest national holidays. And then to make it worse... he not only tells you you are wrong, but gives you an idea like it's a day for worshiping the earth (and nothing else.)

Being an exchange student is very hard sometimes. Actually almost all the time. It takes a lot of patience. A lot of sacrifice. A lot of forgiveness when the other person doesn't care to ask for it. A lot of love. A lot of endurance.

This exchange has taught me so much about my self. But more importantly, it has taught me about my faith. There are going to be times when people try to come by and knock down everything you have ever known. They may take you to the point of tears. They may make you feel inferior, they may yell at you. They may give you new stories, theories, and beliefs that are contradictory to what you know.

That why you must KNOW what you believe. Be prepared for the battle. Not a battle with another person. But be prepared for the battle within yourself. So that when those thoughts of doubt rise up in your mind, you know without a doubt that it is wrong. AND YOU CONTINUE WITHOUT STUMBLING. You can avoid the danger.

Camille told me this quote a long time ago... and it still serves me.

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." -Elenore Roosevelt

And I've been memorizing this verse lately.

"Si en verdad te aprecias. Estudia. Bien harás en practicar lo aprendido."
"Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good."
-Proverbios 19:8

Educate yourself. Find what you believe. Make your foundation.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Blessings,

Lucas

funny story just for YOU!

2011-11-23T11:12:00.000-08:00

yah, forgot to tell you a language hiccup I had in my last day of school.

So the teacher realized that I was like the only one listening in the class (she was talking about a meeting we were going to have the next day as the senior class), so she asked me...

Luke, about when am I talking?
(Lucas, de cuando estoy hablando)

and in reality, what I heard was...

Luke, how long have i been talking?
(Lucas, desde cuando he estado hablando)

And me, being super tired and being a gringo opened my mouth and this came out...

Oh, forever...
(Oh, un monton de tiempo)

Yup. I think I know why I got kicked out of my school now. haha just kidding. But seriously... you should have seen the look on her face. :-0 ;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

failure.

2011-11-21T12:47:00.000-08:00

Just had a dream come true...

Aurelie and I got kicked out of our colegio!!!!! I can't even believe it happened. We now have 3 weeks of freedom before... SUMMER (and inevitably more freedom. ;-)

Evidently my school decided they don't want to accept us anymore, considering we don't pay. As exchange students, we are considered free-students which means we go to the colegio and don't get any credit... but we don't have to pay.

Yah, during Biology today the school director came in, pulled me and big mama out and took us down to his office. He didn't say a word until we sat down in his office and said, "We have a problem."

Yah, so who really cares. I'd consider it one of the best things that ever has happened to me. I've gone from being one of the top students in my high school in Quincy, to getting kicked out of a colegio in Peru. Trust me. It isn't for anything bad that I have done. Just the weirdness of the colegio.

All my friends are super mad and almost wanted to start a riot today. But I told them that wasn't necessary. I think I can handle not sitting in a classroom for 7 hours a day being expected to do nothing. I will miss my friends a ton (and the cake that they sell in my colegio) but I'll be just fine.

It's weird sometimes how God answers prayers.

Blessings,

Lucas

my new church.

2011-11-20T19:19:00.000-08:00

http://www.alianzacristiana.tv/site/

Copy the link if you want to see where I've been going the last few weeks. Well, actually, I go to a satellite of this church (where the pastor is like skyped in) haha but I've been to this one too. ;-)

Every time I go to this church I feel like I am in a Bible college. The people have such a knowledge it just BLOWS me away. It's literally like anyone in the whole church could be the pastor. I'm serious. I feel like I don't know anything about the Bible when I go there. But it's really exciting because it's causing me to study and go a lot deeper into the Word.

Like today I went to the adult bible study before the actual church service. It was amazing. Since the church (satellite) is just starting up, they are starting like a basic overview of the bible (but trust me, it is far deeper than basic, I would even venture to say the word deep doesn't even cover it.) Besides the actual message, facts like this grabbed my attention...

Did you know the bible was written in 3 languages? (Hebrew, Aramaic, and (Koine) Greek). Hebrew = most of the old testament. Aramaic = parts of the old testament. (Koine) Greek = the entire new testament. Koine considered to be one of the languages most perfect in the world.

Did you know that of the 40 authors Luke was the only one that wasn't Jewish. (He was Greek)

Did you know that the entire bible took 1,600 years to write?

Did you know that many believe that Job was the first book ever written (1500 B.C.)

Did you know that there really were many many more books written for the Bible. The books we now a part of what they call the biblical canon. (Canonical Books.) These books were chosen by religious leaders from the time past and are considered to be the books of which were inspired by God, and not by man.

Lets just say I am extremely excited for this year with my new church. I just wish I could be going to the church everyday instead of (skipping) colegio. ;-) haha Oh and guess what?... Today the pastor said they are starting a missionary linguistic course every sunday night in the church. Like a course to help people linguistically (i think it includes learning latin) so if/when the become missionaries, it will be easier to learn the language. I'M DEFINITELY TAKING THAT COURSE. Did I not say I wanted to learn 5 languages? haha

Anyways, for tonight I went to a friends house to make C.C. Cookies. It was great... until we had to cook them. Evidently the family had never used the oven that they had. I tried to bake the cookies but since the temperature knob looked more like that of a car air-conditioning knob (literally, warm... hot... and very hot were the options) let's just say I ended up with many cookies that were burnt to a crisp on the bottom but entirely liquidy on top. So, I walked 6 blocks back to my house with cookie dough in a plastic sack so I could bake the cookies in my house.

I'd say that that's an experience to remember. ;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

P.S. just to put in your mind. I'm going to go help poor children this christmas. Children that don't even know christmas exists. So, later on I will be posting about how you can donate if you would like to help. Honestly, this is going to be the best christmas I have ever had... I just want to make it the best one they have ever had as well... since it is their only one. If nothing else, pray about it. I'll be posting more later on this week. Thanks for everything.

christmas time is here... snowflakes everywhere... or not.

2011-11-17T21:27:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Peru doesn't have Thanksgiving Day? Crazy Huh. Haha okay that's definitely a joke but ya, so weird. I never realized that Thanksgiving not only acts as an amazing holiday... but more importantly a barrier holding the decoration period of christmas back.

I say this because. Here in Peru the Christmas decorations have already been up for half a month. Giant trees in the mall. Christmas cards lining the grocery store walls. Miniture santas falling from the roofs of houses. Its all a little soon for me.

But nevertheless, it's coming. It's coming fast... and unfortunately without snow. It's hard to hear that it is 26 degrees in Quincy right now when it is hot enough to wear shorts and a t-shirt here in Peru. Definitely won't be making any snow angels this year.

Talked with Holly and Camille tonight for quite some time. Camille and I prepared our time talking about Peru, and when she is going to come how much fun it will be. We talked about grammatical nightmares that I am having in spanish.

Holly on the other hand. Well lets just say most of our time was filled making funny faces into the computer screen. Yup. That was about all. Considering every time either of us decided we actually wanted to talk the connection would break. (She's driving through a mountain pass at this very moment.)

Needless to say, I love both of them in very different ways. But I think that's evident enough. ;-) haha

I spoke at the rotary meeting the other night. The Rotary Governor was there. I read him something I wrote in my 3rd week here...

Mi Sueño
Por: Luke Grigg

A la primera vez, Perú tenia mi corazon. Tan pronto que ví a mi nueva mamá y familia en el aeropuerto, yo sabia que estaba en casa. Desde ese tiempo, yo he hecho amigos, probado comidas increibles, y caído en amar con una nueva país.
Este año, ahora que Perú me ha acogido dentro de su Corazon, yo lo quiero invitar dentro del mío. Yo quiero aprender la historia, el idioma, y toda la cultura. Yo quiero hacer amigos para siempre con Peruanos. Yo quiero perderme en este paíz.
Espero a ayudar todos aquí. Los pobres. Los ricos. Ellos sin casas. Mis amigos. Los intercambistas. Yo quiero aprender todo lo que pueda y luego regresar a mi otro paíz para decir a otras personas de la vida que yo encontré en Perú.

(and in english)
From the start, Peru had my heart. As soon as I saw my new mom and family en the airport, I knew that I was home. From that time, I have made friends, tried incredible foods, and fallen in love with a new country.
This year, now that Peru has welcomed me into its heart, I want to invite it into mine. I want to learn the history, the language, and all the culture. I want to make friend that will last a lifetime with Peruvians. I want to loose myself in this country.
I hope to help everyone here. The poor. The rich. The homeless. My friends. The exchange students. I want to learn everything that I can and later return to my other country to be able to tell other people of the life that I found in Peru.

Anyways, so I read that to him and he basically asked me if he could put it in like the national newsletter or something. I felt very honored and quite stunned to say the least. I mean it's like 12 sentences. Why would he even want that. I have know idea.

God's been teaching me about this a lot. Stop trying to think that you have to DO big things for God. Be honest. Do your best. Love the Lord you God with ALL your heart... In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines His steps. Sometimes, God may ask you for the small thing... not the big one. Sometimes, he will ask you to humble yourself in the times when you least want to. Sometimes, he will lead you down a road that you think is the farthest thing from where you need to be...

Please. We can't think we know better. Trust. And the Lord will take you to a place of joy, a place of happiness, a life of simply life.

Love you guys. I'm so encourage by so many of you.

Blessings,

Lucas

P.S. Will someone please eat some stuffing for me this Thanksgivng ;-) Thank you! Haha

How He Loves (Espanol)

2011-11-15T20:50:00.000-08:00

I'm serious... this seems so much more beautiful to me in Spanish... I can't wait to sing it in my church. I just have to show it to them first:-)

Blessings,

Lucas

raining.

2011-11-15T08:41:00.000-08:00

is there another phrase for party-pooper that I'm not remembering? some of my friends were asking me the other day and I couldn't remember haha. And furthermore... did you realize that it is evidently correct to say "If I WERE 10 years old..." in place of "If I was 10 years old..." Yah, it hurts when you're trying to help a Peruvian with their homework and they start correcting your English:-0 haha And is there a word for like the metal on top of a house that lighting hits and keeps the house from burning... if there is, I am having a heck of a time remembering it haha. ;-)

It rained yesterday. Like actually rained. Which is impossible in Lima. I could actually feel little rain drops hitting my skin for about 5 minutes and then it stopped;-( haha. Yah, it was wonderful. But still it didn't rain enough to clean the streets. ;-)

Went to go buy tickets this morning for the new Twilight movie but the cinema was closed. So I decided to buy Christmas cards and sit in a park and start writing to people. ;-) It's so nice in Lima today.

Don't have to go to school cuz they are in exams again. I went yesterday and basically slept or studied my spanish book the whole day because they wouldn't even give me the exam to try. haha Don't you love the life of an exchange student. Anyways, all is well... Going to speak in front of a group of students at another colegio and then afterwards off to the track.

Blessings,

Lucas

told you.

2011-11-13T11:56:00.000-08:00

so I told you I'd show you a pic of me learning to do a backflip. ;-) This is Big Mama and I at the Military school kickin butt ;-) haha

Blessings,

Lucas

i just don't understand.

2011-11-13T11:48:00.000-08:00

so went to church today. so weird how everything is exactly the same... just in a different language. During worship it was so fun to be able to sing parts of the songs in english and other parts in spanish. Definitely a lifechanging experience that you should try;-)

Anyways, the church is starting a branch in my area so the pastor wasn't actually there... his sermon was being like skyped in (or something haha). It was really cool. I was amazed to see the things he had to say. He talked a lot about the christian relationship not being a religion. Which is huge for people down here considering for most of them, catholcism is highly "religious." He talked about how we have got to realize that no change is going to occur in our lives if we just have the knowledge. We have to put the action with our knowledge.

Like reading your Bible. Thinking about reading it definitely isn't reading it. And reading it, doesn't mean you are understanding it. We have to open our minds. Wake up. And start taking ADVANTAGE of the time God has given us. Yah we study Gods Word... or do we? Yah we pray... or do we? Yes we serve... but are we really serving?

I'm still figuring out the whole balance with the verse... "Come and follow me." When I look at that verse... I see a life of joy, a life of love, and happiness. But more importantly, I see a life of hardship. Of very hard work and study and hard decisions. I see a life different.

I don't know if you have ever looked at that verse and felt overburdened. Why shouldn't we? When we spend so much time wasting away not studying, not helping, not growing. You know the idols in your life that keep you from the good things God has to give you.

RUN FROM THEM!!!

If there has been anything I have learned about learning Spanish it is this... Sometimes it is completely overbearing and yo don't know where to start. (Kinda like reading the Word, or thinking about our future in Christ.) But what we have to do is STOP thinking about we don't know... Stop! And start taking what you do know, or are learning in the moment... AND APPLY IT.

And with it, you will be able to stop worrying. You will be able to enjoy the moment. You will be able to actually learn something. And you will actually have a real relationship with Christ... you... GO, and follow Him.

Blessings,

Lucas

P.S. Another one of my friends decided he wanted to enter into this relationship with Christ today. I was with all of my friends and I just started crying. It was probably the most humbling things that has ever happened in my life. Do you ever have those weeks were you say "wow, there is no way God used me this week to bring anyone closer to Him..." I know that sounds aweful, but yah, that was my week this week.

This, was just a reminder for me to stop thinking it is about me. God will use me in whatever way that may be... God will use you in whatever form that may be.

a dream come true;-)

2011-11-11T17:05:00.000-08:00

wow. Just spoke with Jazmine Perez through skype... IN SPANISH! Probably (definitely) the coolest think I have done yet in Peru. I mean, it totally reaffirmed to me that I actually can speak spanish. That spanish there in the United States is actually the same... haha I can't express to you how excited I was. Lets just say I practically ripped all of our couch cushions in half. ;-)

The whole conversation was amazing. From all the crazy things I've done, to the crazy things she's done, to screaming about how we can't believe that I know spanish, to talking about just life in general. Every part of it was incredible. Just two things were bad...

1) Desi wasn't there to talk with us.

2) I woke my sister up from sleeping :-0 with all my screaming and she told me she almost wanted to kill me. whoops.

In the end, the conversation only ended because Jazmine (sasquatch) had to write a paper and turn it in at 5 in her college;-) haha

In other news, we went to a military school today where we learned all about the lifestyle of a peruvian soldier. And in the end of the day, I walked away knowing how to do a back flip into the water. Another "fear" of mine conquered. It was crazy. Something small to the outside world... but big to me. haha I have a really awesome picture that I will be posting of it, but it's on Honore's camera so it will have to wait. ;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

and the result...

2011-11-10T20:21:00.000-08:00

The play was hilarious. It was definitely a bit inappropropriate (like many things in peru) haha but that's not important. Anyways, I realized something tonight. I've been thinking about making movies for the past two months. I can't stop thinking about what I want to make a video out of next. Hmm... which makes me think, maybe God is trying to tell me something. I don't know, I'll probably look back on this a laugh in a year or two... haha but who cares. I said it. I think I'm becoming interested in becoming a director/filmographer?

The things we think sometimes:-) haha

Blessings,

Lucas

theatre!

2011-11-10T15:22:00.000-08:00

So... my parents decided that I know Spanish well enough that they think I could understand everything if we go watch a play. So, they surprised me with tickets! Were leaving in about 10 minutes and I'm still wondering if I should be wearing this tie or not. I have no idea what semi-formal dress is for Peru haha ;-) Anyways, I'm super excited and feel so blessed to have this opportunity. Since theatre is one of the things I really love ;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

this is awkward.

2011-11-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

So I'm gonna tell you one thing today... and one thing only. This is how you know you are a (youth) foreigner in another country.

My "fiesta de promotion" (senior party) was canceled today due to the fact that not every kid has paid. :-(

It only took 6 hours for me to be invited to and "forced" to accept 3 INVITATIONS to other senior parties. All I have to say, is I think I am actually a little afraid. Afraid of latina girls. haha I can't even describe how quickly I was asked. Like when one heard that my promotion was cancelled, they all started asking. Who knows how many fiestas I'll end up going to by the time December comes around haha.

In the end of it all, i actually had to convince them that I would not allow them to put up a picture of my in there school and do an auction for who would pay the most to go will the Tall American. haha. They actually tried to convince me by telling me that we could give the money to a good cause, like the poor children I am going to help this christmas. It was definitely a complex. haha.

Yeah, that's all for today.

Enjoy your life. :-)

Blessings,

Lucas

success. (Look at this.)

2011-11-08T17:01:00.000-08:00

Thank God it actually worked. A 4-person skype! It's a miracle. It was soo crazy. 4 people. 4 countries. 3 continents. Yah, so I skype today with Ian Huxtable (Seattle, U.S. on the left), Jordan Sperl (Germany in the middle), and Maggie Smits (Brazil on the right) haha. It was amazing. I missed those guys soo much. ;-)

So weird. Hearing about the different cultures. Different foods. I found it very interesting the time we had drawing words in english from the back of our minds (like hot springs) haha. It was quite enjoyable. Anyways, I love my friends... just wish they could all be here with me.

Blessings,

Lucas

progress.

2011-11-07T17:06:00.000-08:00

just got back from art class. it went great. Still can't believe I'm painting.

Praying for dad (in the U.S.)... got bit by our dog today and had to get stitches (due to the fact that our dog got hit by a car and my dad was trying to help him.) Really unfortunate situation. But yah, my dad's been through worse, he's got this haha;-)

This is a pic before I started today;-)

This is a pic after;-)

Anyways, the church I'm going to (1 hour away) all of a sudden decided to start another close to my house... real close... in my COLEGIO!!!! How strange is that. I would say that it's definitely a God thing, but I think that's so obvious it doesn't need to be said. All I can say is WOW. Love Peru.

Blessings,

Lucas

Machu Picchu (HD)

2011-11-07T04:16:00.000-08:00

and here it is in HD. ;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

Machu Picchu

2011-11-06T12:45:00.000-08:00

WELL. here it is. Fresh. It was basically impossible to narrow down the billions of pictures, but anyways, here we are. This is my exchange and how I made it to Machu Pichu. Enjoy!

Blessings,

Lucas

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

2011-11-06T09:36:00.000-08:00

Yup. That just happened. Spent the night with the Melendez family last night and it was fantastic. We started out by eating enchiladas that we bought in the street and they were incredible. And by enchiladas, I definitely don't mean those cheesy delicious mexican ones. I mean pulled chicken with fresh cheese, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, aji, ketchup, mayonnaise, onions, and a billion other fatty things squished into a heated tortilla. I'd say I ate mine in about 5 minutes but that would be totally exaggerating.... it was more like 2. hahaAnyways woke up this morning and made pancakes with honore. They were incredible. I've never actually made pancake batter. It was pretty awesome, and tasted soo much better. About half way through I started thinking about chocolate chips in the pancakes and before I could say anything... there were chocolate chunks chopped up at my side. ;-) It was wonderful. We preceded to eat them with jam and but or ice cream and chocolate syrup (I preferred the latter ;-). They were some of the best pancakes I have ever eaten and they didn't have an ounce of peanut butter on them... imagine;-) All goes to say, the stomach keeps getting bigger and the smile keeps getting wider haha. Loving Peru. Video to come in about 30 minutes. (Machu Pichu;-)Blessings,Lucas

Surviving the Incan Trail (Part 2)

2011-11-03T11:33:00.000-07:00

Right up until the moment of Machu Pichu! ;-) Here it is. Enjoy;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

El Camino De Inca (Day 1-2)

2011-11-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

This video almost makes my legs start trembling again. ;-) Nevertheless... I loved it;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

Russian Roulette.

2011-11-01T21:10:00.000-07:00

Went to a play tonight at the church entitiled "Russian Roulette." It was amazing. Had actors my age that appeared to all be profession but in reality were just a group of friends. It reminded me a lot of "Narrow Ground" and our dance we used to do. hmmm, memories. ;-) Anyways, I walked in the church door to the pastor greeting me with a gigantic smile. It's so weird, I'm a visitor in the church, but I think because of travelling with Holly to so many churches, I feel at home not being at home... if that makes sense. hahaAnyways, we went in and the whole play was about people and their secrets, their struggles. I think my mouth was open the whole entire night- whether it be from the amazing acting, great story, or fact that I could understand it all...I don't know- I just know it was amazing. In the end the pastor came on and asked if there was anyone who wanted to become a christian. I've never been a real fan of the "raise you hand, come forward" thing, but nevertheless... it happened, and a bajillion people went forward. It was amazing. I felt like running up to them all and saying Congratulations. I was so filled with joy I wanted to stay in the church all night (but unfortunately my ride did have to leave immediately afterwards.) All I guess I am trying to say is to not take advantage of your ability to worship. Whether that be in a church or just in your home. My grandma told me (and I'm sure you've heard it)... "A man once complained about having no shoes, until he saw someone who had no feet." I want to live like that, but have the mindset before I need to see "a person with no feet." I want to enjoy and see the blessings I have right now, without having to wait until they are taken away to enjoy them. I can definitely tell you I took advantage of the ability to just get up and Sunday... and go to church. To be able to just relax with like minded people. But I'm not going to complain about that. I'm going to move forward in thankfulness for a night like tonight, where my spirit could be refreshed. Different Language. Same Spirit.Blessings,Lucas

Day 2!!!

2011-10-31T21:07:00.000-07:00

This is how I celebrated my 19th birthday! I can't believe that it's already came and went. This is my last yeat to be a teenager... how weird. I feel like Holly was just here. Anyways, happy Halloween everyone. Yup, they celebrate that down here too. I'm completely shot from our trip so we will see what happens. The little kids already finished all of their round and now all the music has started up for all the fiestas in the area. But yah, my head is already seeking my pillow... and it's only 11:00 haha. Hope you guys like the video;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

1st Day of Viaje

2011-10-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

It was entirely too hard to try to make a video of the whole trip... so I'm gonna take it a day (or two) at a time. Travel with us;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

back in time.

2011-10-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

wow. it's hard to hold on to everything we are learning. Just got back from spending the night on an island in Lake Titicaca. We all stayed with different Quechuan families on the Island. It was incredible, like seeing life in the times before. The houses were made out of mud. There were cockroaches on the floor. The mother cooked with only a fire. No stove, nothing. Rice, Pancakes, Chicken, and tea all cooked over a flaming fire which filled the tiny eating area with smoke that smelled of eucalyptus trees. The dad is a farmer (during the rainy season) and other parts of the year is a fisher-and has to go out every morning at 2:30 or 3. He and his wife have 5 kids (one of which is going to the university in Puno- he can visit once a year if he's lucky). The children walk 1 hour to school everyday. The women didn't really speak Spanish that well, but the men did. It was so weird. Spanish to the Quechuan people is like English is to the Spanish people - a way to connect with the bigger world. I found it really exciting. It made me look at Spanish in a whole new way. It is exactly what I have been wanting from Peru. A chance to see life before craziness. Before modernness. And it was exactly what I needed. I saw family united in a different way. I saw children grown up in a different way. A type of survival way. Everyone helping everyone. Everyone had little, and yet they all had everything. One of the children was named Richard. He was 10 years old, already knew Spanish... and stayed by his mom's side the whole time she would be cooking a meal. I bought a Coca-Cola from their family to help support them. Afterwards, I offered it to Richard. He had had Coca-Cola in his house all his life, for tourists, and yet never tried it. I can't express the emotion in his eyes when I gave it to him. That was life. That was what I am searching for. But that was almost matched when I offered it to his mom. I don't know if she'd ever tried it, but she definitely hadn't had it in quite a long time. In the end of the night we all (the exchange students) offered gifts to the family. Mine included salt, brown sugar, 2 holly starr wristbands for the girls (how weird, holly starr wristbands on an island in Lake Titicaca), and "canchita" (basically a sweet popcorn). I cannot, i really cannot tell you the significance of giving. All I can say, is something Holly told me a while back. "Don't think of it as a task... realize that God is trying to give you a blessing by having you give your gifts to those less fortunate. Accept that blessing. The blessing of Joy. he is trying to give you joy."I love this. I loved playing soccer late into the night with kids I didn't even know, listening to one of the only radios on the island. I loved watching a kids face (Coco) when India offered him to listen to her Ipod. I loved waking up with the sun, looking over lake titicaca with a cockroach in the window seal. Living life simply... now that's more like it.Pictures to come;-)Blessings,Lucas

thinking. (Machu Pichu)

2011-10-26T20:53:00.000-07:00

Wow. Don't exactly know where to start with all this... but here we go. So. The hike. Turned out to be one of the most challenging/fun things I have ever done. 6 hours the 1st day. 8 hours the second. 11 hours the 3rd. And 2 hours (which turned out to be 30 minutes of running for me) the last day. It is obviously worthless trying to describe to you in words all that I saw these last four days. I could try to tell you about the valleys filled with llamas like as if it were torn out of "The Emperors New Groove." I could try to tell you about the nights we saw how the jagged mountains surrounding us made it look like a sheet of the sky had been ripped off. I could try to tell you what it was like to run for 30 minutes with a 20 pound backpack uphill with two of my best guy friends here in Peru... just to see Machu Pichu before the sun got there (a trail that is normally 2 hours long). I could try to tell you what it was like to see one of the 7 great world wonders... But I can't. I can't tell you how badly I wish you were there with me. To wash your feet in a freezing river every night for 20 minutes so they wouldn't be "as" sore the next day. To climb 3 mountains, when you've never even climbed 1. To look at the stars from the top of a mountain, above the cloud line. To get up at 3 in the morning to wait in line for 1 1/2 hours to get into Machu Pichu. To take over a thousand pictures of yourself (without a shower) in front of the most spectacular backdrops you have ever seen. To see places, touch plants, walk routes, that less people than are in your hometown have ever seen. To pray for no rain, and to get not even a cloud in the sky. To have the earth be your toilet ;-). To spend 4 days with 19 exchange students all speaking a language they just learned. To have your life changed forever...I wish you were there... I'll be making the videos when I return to Lima (in 2 days) so for now, I'll let this get your viewing pleasure started:-)The rays of the sun creeping upon Machu Pichu that few lucky people have the chance to see...

The door to Machu Pichu...

Listening to my favorite music before I go in.... ;-)

Yup. That's all for now folks. I let a little bit more in every day, until the video is done. Not because I'm trying to be all sneaky and creative or anything... it just the internet is incredible slow here in Cusco... but I guess this is a good way to get you to come back ;-)Blessings,LucasP.S. Life may be hard, like climbing a mountain, and if you turn back it's a whole lot easier... but if you are able to continue, taking it as it comes... you will receive the reward. Don't try to take on a mountain all at once.

and were back...

2011-10-26T06:52:00.001-07:00

haha. wow.

I just experienced Machu Pichu. And all I can say is that now I suddenly have a deep urge to run across the world seeing the other 6 world wonders.

I can't believe we are actually back. After 4 days of camping in the middle of nowhere, hiking up and down three mountains, not showering, and using mother earth for my toilet... I can now say I survived the Incan Trail. :-) So excited to show you all the bajillion photos and videos I took of Machu Pichu and of the Trail. ;-) But for now, I'm headed off for another tour in Cuzco. Sorry. See ya then.

Interesting fact: It's pronounced Machu Picchu (machu Peek-chu). If you say it how it's spelled, you're actually saying and old man's penis. So yah, be careful when you say, I want to go see machu pichu. :-) Missed you guys.

Blessings,

Lucas

=)

2011-10-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

Woke up this morning with 54 happy birthday wishes on my facebook. I was definitely surprised... but the best part was the videos in French from my Grandma Starr. I basically have showed all the exchange students already and they thought it was so cool. (I'll try to put it in my video this week.)
At breakfast Big Mamma and Nino gave me chocolate from belgium and a beautiful note on a napkin (which they are trying to convince me took them three weeks to make:-). But yah, to top it all off, there were fireworks going off outside my window THIS MORNING for some festival or something. I'd say the day has started off well.

Thank you everyone for all your birthday greetings. I really enjoyed seeing them, especially since I'm in another country without my family and whatnot. :-) Today I'm going to eat lots and lots of sweets (like everyday) and I'm going to skype my family... hopefully.

In the end, big mamma is sitting here and wants me to tell you of her beautiful pants she is wearing for the trip today. ;-) they are basically drama teacher pants... you know, the big wavy ones. ;-) She can pull them up over her knees like a hillbilly when she gets hot too. It's fantastic... pictures to come. She is definitely excited about today. ;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

just breathe.

2011-10-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

Wow. 3000 meters above the level of the sea is a lot more than I thought it was. Tried to fall asleep on the 18 hour bus ride, but my body was too intense into trying to get enough oxygen that I couldn't. That, along with the fact that the stewardess fell asleep with the heater on. I thought I was going to throw up. Then after about 8 hours of literally swishswashing our way through the andes mountains... I did. Luckily everyone was asleep so I could quietly make my way to the bathroom (that was only supposed to be urinary... whoops) haha

Anyways, now would be a good time to pray for me and the other exchange students if you could. We arrived in Cusco and are going to rest a bit before we go eat. Such a blessings. Don't really feel like eating but oh well. I'm not the only one who threw up last night evidently....

But Cusco is beautiful, and I am happy to be here finally.

Blessings,

Lucas

Can't complain about being sick if I have a view like this outside my window...;-)

Justin Bieber and Bungy Jumping

2011-10-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

Here it is... Enjoy!;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

Video coming tonight!!!

2011-10-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

Haha, I leave tomorrow at 1230 for Machu Pichu!!!;-) I'm almost entirely packed, minus everything I need to pack:-) haha. But yah, I wanted to post a video before I left. Because I'm gonna be gone for two weeks and have no idea what that means for my blog;-)

Anyways, I don't know if I told you about the amazing cake that the cook at our school makes every single day. Well yah, she taught me today after school how to make it. In return, I gave her a washcloth with washington on it, a apple slicer thingy ;-), and a box of Aplets and Cotlets!:-) whoo whoo. She was so amazed and in the end even asked me if some day I would share with her my chocolate chip cookie recipe. (Which I ripped off mom, which mom got from camille, which camille got from somebody in college.) Strange how things work out like that haha. ;-) Anyways yup, in less than a week I will be witnessing one of the 7 world wonders. Only a few days after Mick Jager (he rented out MACHU PICHU!) and Justin Bieber (they gave him machu pichu... jk jk.)

Oh, and talked to Holly today through skype. Remembered again how much I miss her and my mom. Just more confirmation about how much I have to rely on God to fulfill everything they were for me. ;-) Which isn't such a bad thing I guess... just hard.

Blessings,

Lucas

Bieber Fever!!!

2011-10-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

Yes. I can now say I've experienced it. And the verdict is.... mixed emotions.

I think any jaw would drop watching a 17 year old who could...
1) Play a drum solo in front of 30,000 people.
2) Play a guitar solo in front of 30,000 people.
3) Dance like a mini Michael Jackson in front of 30,000 people.
4) Sing in front of 30,000 people and be able to have 29,999 of them wanting to be his "baby" (yes even the guys screamed when Justin asked who wanted to be his girl-mainly due to the fact that he asked in English so they had no idea what he said;-)
5) Bring a Canadian flag to Peru and wave it while singing the Canadian Anthem in front of 30,000 people.
6) Wear a full red "leather" suit in front of 30,000 people.
7) Have girls running up and down the aisle (who don't know english) literally crying and screaming "I love you Justin Bieber." (I hope it will show up when I put it in the video jaja)
8) Show home videos of yourself playing the guitar, drums, and singing, when he was 5...

But you know, I think all in all I can say that Justin Bieber is totally legit... in many areas. He can dance like crazy. He really actually has a voice... although I am certain that there were points in the show where he wasn't singing. He can play the guitar really well. He can play the drums. And whether he was actually playing the piano (I don't think he was) or not, it doesn't matter-he faked it pretty well.

I was deeply disappointed in one area though. I think the whole fame thing has destroyed that kid. From watching his home videos at the concert to seeing him on stage. Somewhere he allowed "fans" and "money" to get to him. Nearly the whole concert he was having people chant his name... telling people how now this is his world. Literally my jaw dropped when he said that one.

I don't know how people can say that there isn't idolatry in our modern world. Careful what you give your heart to.

Blessings,

Lucas

sry. there aren't better ones and more. They lighting combined with the fact that I took more videos added to it all ;-)

SURPRISE! (moneybags and salsa!)

2011-10-16T20:19:00.000-07:00

yeah, so today I went to this really legit part of lima. Don't remember what it was called, but basically is definitely the place where if I was going to get robbed, I would have. But I didn't haha so you have nothing to worry;-) I went with roy and nina to buy a hiking backpack for Machu Pichu. I went thinking I'd be spending around 100-150 dollars on a backpack. Seemed pretty reasonable. But how about 40 dollars? haha
Turns out roy knew a place where they sell things that where "excused" from their original owners. Don't worry, it's like this in many places in Lima. Yah, so I went, and bought a completely brand new hiking backpack, full out, for 40 dollars. It was more than words could describe.
And I celebrated by buying myself a little flashlight for the trip and some ceviche. ;-) It was great.

Then I finished the day by going to a friends house to hang out. Turns out (I totally knew) that they were throwing a surprise party for me. My birthday is when I'm going to be on my trip to Cusco. I walked in, the lights turned off, the cake came out, and the people started singing. It was soo cool. It's still hasn't hit me that I have real sincere friends here in Peru. It's just so cool.

We ate the cake and it was delicious (minus the fact that it was lacking milk so it was completely dry;-). haha but it was an experience nevertheless. Also they gave me an awesome t-shirt from machu pichu. Probably the only tourist shirt that I would actually where... it's super legit. I'll post a picture later:-) And finally we tried to watch a movie but eventually got bored and decided to dance salsa. Surprisingly, I've learned a lot of salsa in these pasts months and could actually hold my ground. It actually felt like dancing. ;-)

Other than that... life is rather normal. Love my friends. Skyped with my family today in the middle of my sister's (camille's) open house;-) it was great. I got a brief glimpse of almost everyone. I love my family.

Blessings,

Lucas

This would be camille showing me around her knew house;-)

HOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLYYYY! (With my face as her third eye:-)

Lima!!!!:-) These signs mark every single part of Lima. ;-)

Happy Birthday Luke;-)

Justin Bieber!!!

2011-10-14T22:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true. I happen to be an owner of a Justin Bieber ticket. The teen mega-star is coming to Lima, and I'm going to his concert with the Melendez family. The only question is... Is he going to speak any Spanish? :-/ HAHAHAAHHAHAHAHA. I hope so. ;-)

Anyways, todays is CLARK'S birthday!!!!;-) so... HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLARK. I love you.

Further on, I made a million tequenos today with Carolina, Lydia, and Valeria and I ate about 20 of them while drinking drown the homemade guacamole;-) It was soooo good. ;-) We then preceded to watch a movie and talk about difference in lifestyles for about an hour. It was great.

I also got to even sneak some time in to skype my best friend Desi and my brother Clark. Of course... not at the same time. ;-) I had to take advantage of the opportunity to skype considering I wasn't in my house. ;-) It was soooo good to hear their voices. Desi is slowly becoming her new professional hairstylist self... and Clark is making some BIG decisions about the next 2 years in his life. (mission work:-)

Finished the day stuffed in another old combi, (which I love) sitting next to a guy that I think would have been almost my height!! If he would have stood up. Unfortunately, my vision was blurred due to the lady's purse that was trying to shove its way up my nostrils. ;-)

Only things that would happen in Peru. ;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

Sushi & Chocolate Chips.

2011-10-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

Yeah... I'd say today was a great day. ;-)

Got up late, 9:30 and just kinda moped around the house until 1:00. I met India and Miriam (exchange student from Arequipa) at India's University. Then, we headed for the lunch of our lives. Can you believe this-UNLIMITED SUSHI for 40 soles (around $13)!!! Yeah, and this isn't like some walmart packaged sushi. It was completely fresh, and at one of the most elite restaurants in Lima. I felt very special to actually be in a restaurant that had an actual host. ;-) Yah, so we went through our first batch (8 trays of 8 different types of sushi, with each tray containing 10 rolls of sushi) in less than 3 minutes... literally. Granted Andrew and Honore were also there. I'd say that's not bad for only my 2nd time eating sushi.
Then we had another round (8 trays, 8 types of sushi, 10 rolls per tray). Yah, that one went pretty fast too... I'd say 5 minutes.
And for the third round we slowed down (and eventually stopped) by only eating 6 trays. ;-) It was AMMMMMMAAAAAZING! I never realized I would like sushi this much, but I do. I would classify it as one of my favorite meals here in Peru. ;-) And it should considering I alone contributed to eating about 40 rolls. (Andrew almost 50) Here's some pics...

Yup. After a fun "getting lost and finding ourselves in Lima" with Honore, I finally made it home;-) Decided to study a bit of my Spanish. (How great is it to learn a language from a Bible;-) Then I took a nap, woke up, and Vanessa text me from downstairs to make her some chocolate chip cookies... So I did. ;-) I just can't hold back. ;-) And I have to admit, Peru has definitely advanced my abilities to cook. And you know what that means... I WONT BE EATING MCDONALDS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE;-)

Yup. Good day.

Blessings,

Lucas

happy birthday.

2011-10-12T21:45:00.000-07:00

Today is my sister camille's 25th birthday. yup, first one I've ever missed. ;-( So yah, Happy Birthday Camille. Love you so much. And if I was with you right now, I'd totally be saying all of this in Spanish. haha

Anyways, today was fun. Went to the center of Lima with India, Honore, and an exchange student from Arequipa. It was really cool. Bought a few gifts for those back home;-) and I ate a bajillion different sweets (churros, cake, ice cream, DUNKIN DONUTS) it was awesome. And we summed all the sweets up by saying that it is our obligation to eat unhealthy, because we are only here for one year... so why not. ;-)

We went to a market that was 2 stories high and about as big as my high school (or bigger) back home. There were tons of stores crammed in within eachother and all I wanted to do was take out my wallet and buy everything. From fake real sized llamas to inca-kola in miniature bottles. The mess was almost overwhelming.

India had her fun at going around asking people how much things cost, bargaining for 10 minutes with them to get to the lowest price she could, and then ultimately confessing that she was never going to buy it in the first place. Trust me, this is definitely one of the things we do for fun down here. ;-)

Came back tonight and gave a presentation for rotary over Maras and Moray. Basically two places where we are going to go on our trip to Cusco. So weird that I can do an entire presentation in front of people in a different language. But hey, I've seen stranger things...

Speaking of, after the markets today we wound up in some sort of museum. India wanted to enter because it was free;-) We went in... and all it was was strange art of glass bottles smashed on top of opened suitcases. It was very strange, and very dark.

At first I thought we were in a gallery of dark art. And I believed that for about 30 minutes. Walking through rooms filled with masks of disfigured faces and costumes of cows with faces of pigs. It was strange.

But in the end, finally we were disturbed enough to ask what the event was. Turns out it was the 40th year anniversary of some theatre/art group. Man was I glad to find that out.

Loving Peru more and more. Especially since I bought a map today and can actually see the country I'm in. ;-) Time to start checking off all the places I've been. Chau!

Blessings,

Lucas

Holly Starr!!!!

2011-10-10T21:54:00.000-07:00

Freaking love my sister soo much. She just blew my face out of the water from half a world away. And you know how???

NEW MUSIC. yup that's right, holly's writing new music... and this is definitely the real stuff. ;-) I can't even believe it. Sry to say its just one thing I won't be able to post ;-( But yah, preparense (prepare yourselves) cuz she's about to blow you away. ;-) jaja I can say all this cuz I freaking LOVE to brag about people in my family. ;-)

Thanks for the great surprise Holly. Love you. Love your music. Wish I could be with you right now, and tomorrow... and the next day ;-) haha Now when a label comes to snatch you up, I'm holding you to flying down here to Peru to tell me in person. ;-) love you soo much. ;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

somone took a cookie from the cookie jar... ;-0

2011-10-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

VANESSA!!!! I came back from painting today and went to go eat one of the 4 dozen ;-) chocolate chip cookies that I made yesterday... and realized there were a few missing.

A few meaning 20!

Withing 3 hours, Vanessa had eaten 20 cookies. And her only response to the crime was "You cook really well." jaja It was a compliment, but at the same time I can't believe she actually ate that many ;-)

Anyways, here's a pic of my painting. Whaddya think ;-)

Blessings,

Luke

Bungee jumping!!!.... almost.

2011-10-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

Haha, so if you read on my facebook earlier, I went bungee jumping today. It was so cool. All morning I was preparing myself to go and jump off a five story building and go flying to the ground, but that wasn't exactly what my nerves encountered later on. It ended up being bungee jumping yes, but that along with zip-lining. Like you jump and fall about 30 feet, and then the rope tightens and you zip-line for a while. It was pretty exhilarating... and I got to do it twice:-) I never realized how high 5 stories is until I climbed those stairs today.

But jumping wasn't a problem for me. I simply ran of the end of platform screaming things like "PERU" "FOR BIG MAMMA" and "NINO!" (nino=nina and big mamma=Lily). It was so much fun. I'm actually a little surprised at how much I liked it. The whole thing was supposed to be a simulation of the time before and during a parachute opening in a jump. And I must say, the instructors definitely convinced me enough to were I am definitely parachuting sometime within the next year.

I was even going to do it next week... and then I realized that next week I'll be in Machu Pichu. haha so the decision is Machu Pichu for my birthday (21st) or skydiving. jaja What a strange circumstance. ;-)

Side funny note: the museum of the military parachuting school was named "the room of Honor." Honore is an exchange student. And inside the museum was a picture where all the parachuters? (don't really know if that's a word) were standing with Miss Rhode Island. Honore is from Rhode Island. jaja how strange. ;-) I love it when stuff like that happens. ;-)

Here's some pics to enjoy so... enjoy. ;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

Tacna, Chile, Arequipa, Colca

2011-10-08T18:36:00.000-07:00

Welp. Here it is. After two days of uploading, it's finally here. This was my life for the last 11 Days;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

(Discoteca!)

2011-10-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

Wow. I don't even know what happened last night, still trying to think about if I really went to my first discoteca or if it was just a dream. Or not a dream, considering it was probably the most frightening thing I've ever done.

Let's start from the beginning of the night.... with pictures!!! (skyped my family.. aka dad, grandpa grigg, cousin kristen and her baby girl Lorin, and grandma grigg. It was so cool. Today is my cousin Lorin's 1 year birthday!!!!!;-) I wish I could be there so bad for it;-( Anyways, got to talk to my dad and grandpa, which is a miracle in itself considering they are in harvest season. ;-) But it was so great.

Here you are.

Anyways, so that was the high point of the night. ;-)

So there was a game of Peru vs. Paraguay yesterday. It is one of the games that determines the limited number of South American countries who are going to get to enter the world cup in 2014 (in Brazil). So it was a big day...

We went to the Pizza street... so naturally I thought we'd be eating pizza, watching the game. But no, haha we went right up to a door in the middle of two restaurants, up a flight of stairs in the dark, into a room filled with blacklights and a huge big screen with about 100 people sitting on top of each other to get a view of the game.

I swear every time a goal there was an earthquake in Peru. It was definitely cool to see how you could hear the whole city erupting together. Like there was nobody in the streets, and all the stores were shut down. I kinda got lost in the moment a bit, because I didn't notice till after Peru had won, that my clothes were soaked in beer from all the excitement as tables were turned over and people thrown around like balls in a pinball machine. It was really cool.

So anyways, I thought that was that. But as soon as the 90th minute came, everyone shoved the tables to the edges of the room and the party began. Music, flags, dancing, strobe lights. It took me about 20 minutes to actually realize what was all happening. jaja I was in a discoteca converted to a bar to watch the game. But don't get me wrong, it was fun dancing with all the completely wasted people and pretending like I was wasted too and dancing as if I wasn't a gringo. (pretty difficult to dance on a floor sticky with alcohol. I felt like I was a fly stuck to one of those soppy fly catchers.) My sister here is amazing... she definitely drinks, but isn't super in to the whole getting drunk thing, so it was basically me and her with a world of people who wouldn't remember a thing of the party later on.

She proceeded in teaching me some salsa steps, because that's ALL they dance in the discotecas. Like, honestly, nothing else. It's pretty amazing, if you know how to do it.

Anyways, so that was the fun part. 1230 came and we all left to go watch some mob in the street. There was drums, hippies, and policeman barricading the streets. Every so often the crowd would surge and try to blog the traffic... and then the police would go with their big shields and shove them back. Yeah, it was definitely a new experience for me. But don't worry, I only watch from a far.

1 o'clock came and went. And so I thought we'd probably get going soon, considering the mob was over and everyone was standing in the street practically sleeping. jaja. But no, on to another discoteca.

This is where everything just went wrong. We went to a discoteca for adults. And lets just say I spent the entire night closing my eyes.

It's weird, I guess it's just a cultural difference down here. They just don't mind stuff like that. But in the end of the night, while I was eating a giant hamburger at 3 o'clock in the morning, I realized that there are some cultural differences that I just don't have to conform to. And this would be the first.

Something to pray about I guess. ;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

more pictures;-)

2011-10-06T20:08:00.000-07:00

Here's a few more photos from the orphanage. ;-)

Went to india's house today and made alfajores (basically two shortbread cookies with caramel in between). It was so good. Brought about 40 back for my family and they were super happy. I also got to skype with Indias mom in Australia. It was so much fun. And you know what, I heard my accent in English. It was so weird. I only talk in English when I'm skyping and this time I could actually here it. And you know what... IT SOUNDED AWEFUL. Like I actually don't like the sound of our English. It's really weird. It sounds twangy. Maybe I'm crazy. Who knows. ;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

read this.

2011-10-06T06:57:00.001-07:00

Deuteronomy 30:11-16

For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. IT is not in heaven, that you should say, "Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?" Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, "Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?" But every word is very near you. IT IS IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART, so that you can do it.

See, I have set before YOU today LIFE and GOOD, DEATH AND EVIL. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall lie and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.

Everyday we have a choice... Life and Good, or Death and Evil. That's what so brilliant and yet so scary with this whole relationship with Christ.

He gives us the decision.

Blessings,

Lucas

October and Turrons!!!!

2011-10-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

First off, this is the month of many birthdays of people very close to me that I won't be able to see this time around. The first birthday came and went yesterday of my best friend ashley. Along with hers there is...

Faith Stoneman (exchange student) - 5th
Mindy (my cousin) - 8th
Camille (my sister) - 12th
Clark (my brother) - 14th
Karoline (Claire, exchange student) - 18th
Meagan Slager (childhood friend) - 20th
Mine - (21st)
Desi Durfee (best friend) - 26th
McKenzie (cousin) - 23rd
Addie (exchange student) - 28th
Danny (exchange student) - 30th

So here it is everybody... HHHHHHAAAAAAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPYYYYYYYYYYYYY BIRTHDAY, AND FELIZ CUMPLE from Peru! I love you all and hope you all have incredible birthdays. ;-)

Furthermore, it is now October in Peru (and everywhere else for that matter)... which means the month of purple. It's somehow connected with the church but I haven't quite figured that part out yet. Basically, religious people have to dress in purple the entire month.
And another fun tradition is the eating of Turrons!!! Heres a pic.

That's .500 Kg. I ate a fourth of that. ;-0 almost 1 pound of surgery goodness. Thinking I'm not gonna eat dinner tonight haha. No that's a joke. ;-)

Anyways, think I forgot to upload these and it's too late I think to make a video but who knows... her's some pics from when we went to the orphanage. The children took these pictures. ;-)

And were leaving for our reunion of rotary so that's all for now haha really, I'm sorry, I'll upload more later;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

El Rey Leon!!! (The Lion King)

2011-10-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

Went to watch the Lion King in 3D today. It was really fun. I think besides nino, big mamma, and I the only other people in the cinema were some 4 year old kids who screamed and giggled whenever anything (and I mean anything) appeared to be popping out of the screan. It was so funny. Like being a kid again. Seriously. I had the same feelings that I used to have watching marry poppins or chitty chitty bang bang. I didn't understand everything, but I still loved it. It's so cool to see how it is the exact same, but yet it is different in another language. Things generally mean the same, but specifically it is like a whole other story. ;-)

Also today I realized that I am still incredibly sick. I want to throw up every five seconds and "the train" as we exchange students in still coming often. And that's probably more than you want to know, but hey, you need to know what I need prayer for;-)

Wow, but I can't tell you how much I still love all that God is teaching me down here. I have gone through some really really rough patches, and many good ones... but God has really taught me so much more what relying on him means. I mean, when your in a foreign country, what more can you do.

I was talking with my mom through Skype yesterday and we started talking about what it means to grow up. About learning that you get a chance to find out who you are, to be who you want. I guess you couldn't have any more wide open options than moving to another country... I was telling her how at first I didn't really realize how "wide open" my options would be. Literally, no one knew anything about me down here. Not about the sports I play, the grades I've got, the religion I am (or even if I was a religion)... it was a clean slate.

For about two weeks I was freaking out because I didn't know what it meant to have that pre-placed shelter above my head. And I guess that was another way God had me rely on Him. But all I can say is that at the end of the day, I still wanted to be the same Luke that I've always been. I still wanted to go out and help the poor. I still didn't want to party, drink, or swear (although at first I said many swear words unknowingly;-). And I started to think. HOW IN THE HECK DID MY PARENTS EVER TRUST ME WITH THAT DECISION? And I think the answer is part of why I didn't "fall of the tracks."

They simply trusted God.

I hope I will be like that someday. Hopefully someday soon. It was as if they took all their hard work, love, and care and gave it to God. And for that, I am still sane. Because I wasn't placed in their hands, or mine, but in Gods. And I love that feeling. Totally kills the sense of wanting to be a "rebel child." ;-)

Anyways, guess my little bit for today is to just trust. Trust that what you place in Gods hands, is really in His hands.

Blessings,

Lucas

Untitled

2011-10-03T14:27:00.000-07:00

My host dad videos EVERYTHING... Yeah, so this is a song that I'm in the process of writing down here in Peru. ;-) It's about the idea I've learned about just stopping, and enjoying life... where you're at. Right now. It's not finished and I hardly know how to play the guitar, but that's not what it's about... the song is about the message. Learn to live. Peru has taught me so much. Hope you like it;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

pictures!!!!;-)

2011-10-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

Just some highlights from the trip I thought you might like...

1. Cute little boy in a city outside of arequipa. He found things like flies amazing and had never used a camera. ;-)

2. Alina literally can't go anywhere without taking her shoes off. We'd be hiking in the mountains near cacti and she'd have her shoes thrown over her shoulder. ;-)

3. When you gotta go, you gotta go;-)

4. Yup, that's my washington sticker on a friend's (Erin's) water bottle in the middle of the Canyones of Colca.

5. The Plaza De Armas in Arequipa at night.

6. Robyne from Belgium. ;-)

7. Yup, that's Peru for ya.

8. At a monastery in Arequipa. It was more like a small city within walls.

9. The ferocious guinea pig... dead;-( yup those are teeth.

10. Chilean money.

11. Only love constucts, hate destroys.

12. Bored in the middle of a tour... hardly ever happens;-)

13. Stepping into the freezing water...

14. Super hard to swim and take a picture at the same time. ;-)

That's all for now. ;-) Video should be coming soon. Love you guys. ;-)

Oh and today is Christopher Rumbles Birthday... so a big shout out to him and a thank you for being in the Holly Starr gang. Love you dude. ;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

27 Hours and.... okay, my butt hurts. ;-)

2011-10-02T22:54:00.000-07:00

Super tired, it's 1 o'clock here. Just thought I'd let you all know I made it home safe from my long trip to Chile. But let's just say the trip was llllllllloooooooooonnnnnngggggg. 27 hours in one bus to be exact. In case you don't understand that, that's 3 hours more than a whole day. Literally.

Granted, 6 hours we were stopped on the side of the rode. We were all asleep when the bus unexpectedley stopped at 2 in the morning... and no one woke up till 6. After waking, we asked the attendant why we were stopped. She said that the police had closed the highway down (since 2 in the morning) for a race that would take place around 7 consisting of only 15 cars. The entire highway, from Arequipa to Lima. That's over 15 hours of driving space!!!! Only in Lima. I'd never heard anything like it. The race was super boring too because there were about 3 minutes in between each car, and the final car was probably driving slower than our bus. But eventually we got to leave. jaja but hey, it was definitely a new experience.

It wasn't entirely aweful though, considering the seats were also beds that reclined to 180 degrees. It was almost magic. I couldn't believe it. We also had an abounding number of movies to watch on our individual screens (seriously, is this really a third world country?) but I couldn't watch over half of them due to their innappropriacy. haha.

It's so weird that my body longs for my bed in Peru now. I mean I'm sure it would long for any bed after so much time in a car... but it's just weird. Like this room is my home now. This is where even my self conscious wants to be.

And now I'm gonna go to bed. Last note. Received incredibly sweet letters from Jordan Sperl (exchange student in Germany) and Kit Field today. Reminded me that people are actually still alive out there outside of Peru, that my other life is actually real:-) Thanks guys! Goodnight!

Blessings,

Lucas

Singing for the Rotary.

2011-09-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

So this was the best I could do with a keyboard that didn't have a pedal so bare with me. Hope you like it;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

don't really know what to think about that....

2011-09-30T23:31:00.001-07:00

hmm. so let's just say the last two days were extremely trying.

For two reasons...

1) I got really sick, really fast. Literally, one hour I was great and the next I was almost throwing up with a migraine and... Montezuma's Revenge;-) It was aweful. It has yet to go away but I am feeling much much better now. (Guess that cuy just didn't settle too well).

2) We went to two very small pueblos in the middle of the mountains. The roads to get there were of dirt without guardrails and literally 1 1/2 cars wide. You literally could look out the window and straight down over a cliff. Shh, don't tell my mom ;-)
But anyways, we didn't only go with all the exchange students, but for some reason there was a whole television crew riding along with us. Unknown to us, we were to be paraded around like animals for two days pretending like we loved pueblos where we had never been. We didn't know anything about them... and in all honesty, I can't even remember their names. It all happened so fast. We had to dance on national television, sing, and eat... for 2 days. Every moment was recorded because we were gringos.

The object of it all was to create a tour video for the pueblos so people would come to them. The only problem was, many of the exchange students were sick and no one had told us that this would be happening. All I can say is that it was like on the movie the Grinch were they are stuffing all the puddings in his mouth when he doesn't want any of it. Yah, exactly. I was forced to sing when I was sick. It was aweful. In front of a town that I didn't even know. With guides that didn't give a care about learning anything about us.

The only redeeming fact was Henry. He didn't know anything about it either. He kept telling us over and over how this isn't how it should be for exchange students. We shouldn't be paraded around like this.

Sorry, just have to vent a bit. The Rotary President from here in Tacna set up the whole thing and thought it would be great to not even tell Henry.

Anyways, we tried to get the best out of it although it was hard when they literally were pulling us from one thing to the next, always interviewing for how we liked it and whatnot.

But I did find time twice to rest and really get a sense of the two pueblos. Once at night where we spent 2 hours watching old men play soccer and played truth or dare with the children of the pueblo. I can't describe to you what it is like meeting people who don't know of internet yet, who don't have cell phones, who eat solely from the food they grow... but I can tell you this. They have a life that we are missing. Like I saw a husband and wife in the pueblo today sitting for hours just waving and saying "buenos dias" as people walked by. Sitting, restful, enjoying life.

The other time I had was swimming in a giant waterfall. It was the coldest water I have ever been in (like twice as cold as lake chelan). Literally your body goes numb when you hit the water. Luckily a girl had a waterproof camera so pictures will be coming to you soon;-) It was very peaceful. We walked on the edge of mountains for 6 miles and went down into a valley covered in grass and cows until we finally reached the waterfall after 5 miles.

Oh that's another thing. They use the power of the waterfall to push the water all the way to the pueblo that is 5 miles away. It is like seeing a history book come to life. They use rocks to make the water go in certain pipes and not others that lead to different parts of the city. It is so cool.

Anyways, needing God more and more. I love all that He is teaching me here. I guess for today I would just say to stop looking for the destination and just enjoy the journey....

Blessings,

Lucas

only this for now. ;-)

2011-09-27T23:18:00.000-07:00

I have a friend,
his name is Luke
and till the end
he wants to cook.
He’s now in Chile,
... but lives in Peru.
He is like a panda
just eating bamboo.
He is coming back
In only one week,
and to his blog
I’ll take a peek…
I want you to know
that I do Kung fu,
and that if you die
I will miss you.

This was sent to me by a friend. She doesn't speak english jaja but told me she and my other friend would write me a poem during my trip... in English;-)

In other words, we went to chile today. It was so cool. I kept wanting to call camille to call her past host family to meet me somewhere. But considering we were only there for about 6 hours, I'd call that impossible. We went to Arica today in Chile. Known for how it used to belong to Peru but now is part of chile.

The bus ride there was about 2 hours... but the road was aligned in a very interesting landscape of house on sand dunes and abandoned "restaurants." It was really cool. I know have 4 more stamps in my passport which is crazy. ;-)

We've (Lily and I) have decided to come up with nicknames for me, nina, and lily. So now you can call us Gordi, Nino, and Big Momma. ;-) It's great. I've loved having the opportunity to hang out with them some more. :-)

Anyways, today we went, learned about how much Peru and Chile hate eachother, and came back. It made me really appreciate Peru, and I even felt some of the passion for being Peruvian while I was there. :-)

Oh, forgot to tell you... I ate cuy yesterday for the first time. Cuy= guinea pig. :-) it was soooooooo good. Like chicken but smoother, and less meat. And hair on the skin still and tiny teeth and a head and little legs. But seriously it was so good. I also tried pigs feet:-)... which was the worst decision of my life :-/ lol

Today we returned to Tacna, Peru. I listened to another Paul Washer podcast in spanish, and eventually fell asleep. Woke up here, had 20 minutes to rest and then we had a reunion.

I sang at the reunion. It was soo much fun. I sang two songs that I wrote. One "Mirages" that I sang at baccalaureate in Quincy and the other, which doesn't have a name yet, I wrote here in Peru. I couldn't believe the reactions from all the people. The rotary president here in Tacna even started crying! Wow. Don't know why God allowed me to experience this but he did. Lily told me my new song was her new favorite. I couldn't believe it.

Anyways, everybody presented a talent tonight. From India's jokes to Andrew and Elan dancing. It was awesome. Can't wait for all the more new stuff to come.

;-) God is always surprising me.

Blessings,

Lucas

Guinea Pig!!!!!

Showing our Gordi's ;-)

Okay this is a bad representation of the extra 12 pounds ;-)

Love Peru, oh, it's past midnight. I have officially been here for 2 months!!! ;-) Wow.

chau for now.

2011-09-26T15:25:00.001-07:00

Going to Chile... not sure if I'll be able to write to you guys. ;-(

Just wanted to encourage you to stay in the Word even during the rough times. God always has a plan for you.

Blessings,

Lucas

ready. set. go.

2011-09-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

And we were off to the races.

first off... thank you to "the crazy lady" who is leaving me such amazing comments, I really appreciate it ;-)

So, just got back from probably the most incredible trip of my life. It's so hard to explain. From driving 8 miles per hour through the volcanoes, to the altitude weirdness (Titi fainted), to kissing llamas (i can now check that off my list), to hearing indigenous people singing to a volcano, to eating alpaca (so good), to sleeping without a pillow, to bargaining for every single thing I bought (in spanish), to bathing in natural hot springs with people from all over the world, to learning to ask forgiveness, to meeting a ton of other exchange students, to seeing my first condor in my life.

It really was incredible and so much more than that. All I can say is that we went to Colca, an area were people still worship mountains and offer sacrifices (sometimes human). It was so cool. After taking a billion pictures of the terracing farmland, and cayons... I can definitely now say I don't even want to see another camera, but would love to return to that place. It was as if we were back in time seeing how things used to be.

Life is so simple in these hidden corners of peru. Literally, there are people here who still live like in the times far far back. Without connection to the outside world. The carry hay on their back, they use donkeys for travel, they live miles from anything generic (although you can somehow still find Coca-cola even in the middle of the wilderness).

I heard Quechua for my first time which was awesome too. Evidently there is a lot more to Peru than you probably know. So many stories, pre-inca. Quechua and Machu Pichu are definitely not all this country has to offer.

CANYONS DE CULCA- Did you know that they are 2 times deeper than the grand canyon... yah, neither did I. It is soo beautiful. Can't describe it, so... just look at the pictures ;-) We walked for about an hour until we reached the a place where we could see the condores (this was after we got up at 5). ;-) Condores evidently only come out in the morning. I saw a total of 7, and they were so close. It's weird, they don't fly, they soar. It is so cool. We took about a billion pictures and in the end, finished the day watching a 20 year old make some of the most incredible jewelry I have ever seen. Wanted to buy it so bad for some of you, but unfortunately, I didn't have any money;-(

It literally would take a year to write about everything I've learned. All I can say is that I am so happy God has allowed me to see this. More poverty. More brokenness. You know, the United States almost doesn't seem real to me anymore. Like I can't actually believe there can be this poverty, and that wealth at the same time...

Kinda weird, but felt sentimental driving away from Chivay (part of culca) so I wrote somewhat of a poem/remebrance... here goes.

In the middle of a valley,
With their Gods that surround,
Where condors watch,
As children are like there fathers.

Where steps lead down,
To cultures that collide,
Where worlds meet in heated streams,
And complexity seems to stop.

In the heart of Chivay,
Never will the body be forgot.

If you didn't know, there is a man day Chivay many years ago when the spanish invaded that was killed. His last words were that one day the indigenous people would one day rise up again and be victorious. They people believe that this mans body parts were strewn about around the earth and the day that the body parts find eachother, not only with the people of Chivay reach there freedom, but everyone in the world.

This is also part of the reason why Arequipanians are so about separation and whatnot;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

Are you serious.

2011-09-23T18:05:00.000-07:00

Wow. Made it to Arequipa after the incredible long bus trip... and literally walked right on to our tour bus. We met up with 18 other exchange students that are living here in Arequipa. Then went touring the city with an extremely annoying guide who seemed to only want to talk to Alina until 6:00 tonight.

But beyond the frustrations, tiredness, and lack of food. It was great. I got to see some amazing sights. I got to go into the middle of a volcano for the first time in my life which was so crazy. (Don't worry, it's inactive.)

Few facts about Arequipa that I managed to understand in between trying to hide that I was napping... ;-)

1) 3 volcanoes... (Misty, Pichu Pichu, and ChaChani.) Arequipans are extremely proud of the volcanoes and aren't afraid to tell you.

2) It is called the "ciudad blanca" (white city) because many of the buildings are made from a white rock that was emitted from the volcano many years ago. Literally, almost all the buildings are white. ;-)

3) Arequipa was founded in 1540, and the house of the founder (Garcia Manuel Carbajal) still stands to this day. We went to it and it was incredible. Everything was painted in gold... the pictures, the lamps, everything. It was weird. There weren't any security guards. ;-)

4) There are alpacas walking around everywhere down here. It was awesome. Many of the students were afraid to approach the first one until I decided to grab one by the ears lol ;-) Surprisingly it didn't spit on me. ;-)

5) There were originally 4 different languages here in Arequipa. But now, hardly any remain besides Spanish. You can definitely here the accents still though.

6) Arequipas are super passionate about their city. They want to separate from Peru. In the past they have even made their own passports and money to try to begin the process. There are signs everywhere that say things like "You have to fight for what you want. Rise up!" It's really weird.

Anyways, I have a huge headache and think that I am getting a sinus infection. But I don't want to give up this opportunity. God has definitely challenged me in many ways today and all I can say at the end of the day is... Lord, give me strength.

Blessings,

Lucas

First Class.

2011-09-22T20:35:00.000-07:00

Y no vivan ya como vive todo el mundo. Al contrario, cambien de manera de ser y de pensar. Así podrán saber qué es lo que Dios quiere, es decir, todo lo que es bueno, agradable, y perfecto. (Romanos 12:2)

Didn't realize a bus ride in a third world country meant sitting in seats that have internet, television, and seats that recline to 180 degrees. I think I'm actually disappointed, haha I was expecting something a little more uncomfortable for the 18 hour trip. But hey, I'm not gonna complain... just another blessing tonight from God.

Sitting here reading through my new spanish Bible and thinking about how the day has passed. I'm on the most amazing trip of my life right now. Not only to Chile, but just Peru in general. I have seen so many things. Experienced so many differences in culture. I have been given a chance to see through new eyes down here. But you know, I've realized that in all that has changed, I haven't. And I'm glad for that. But you know, everyday I wake up in fear, fear that I won't be able to stand up for who I am. Fear that I will change and not see the change that is happening.

This is what is so beautiful. Because of this fear, I have learned here in Peru that every moment of my day is to be given solely unto Christ. I honestly have never felt so helpless in my life. In another language, in another world. And that is why Peru is perfect for me. God has taken away everything from me so that I could learn to SOLELY rely on Him. Not just for the big things, but for the smallest things too (Like being able to just speak in a conversation). ;-)

Never take for granted your voice, those of you out there who are sitting comfortably at your tables or desks. Never forget that God has given you a voice to use, to change this world. That voice may not be verbal, and for me right now it definitely isn't verbal. But whatever you voice is, use it for Him. Whether it be cooking, playing sports, writing, eating;-), playing an instrument, singing, math, pogo-sticking... whatever it may be, use it to the best of your ability.

Don't think that everyone is like you. If there is one thing I have learned from all my time in Peru it is this. The talents God has given you are YOUR ministry. You don't need to try to start a ministry, you only need to be. Be the teacher, be the dad, be the person that has joy and patience and love and kindness screaming from every ounce of there body. Because if you can just walk in the Light, It will expose the darkness, you won't even have to try.

I can't even hardly speak this language. But I can love. I can have patience. I can be kind. I can be good. Through the many voices God has given me, I can do anything.

I love this time. I love sitting here listening to Nora Jones thinking about the incredible gifts God has given me. I encourage you not to forget as well.

You have them for a reason.

Blessings,

Lucas

P.S. 10 more hours left in the bus:-)

Travels:-)

2011-09-22T13:19:00.001-07:00

Chau!!!! See you in 11 days!:-) going to chile and many other incredible places:-) can't wait to tell you all about it:-) take some time to rest this week:-) and pray:-)

Blessings

Luke

Trrrrrrrravel the World... or south america. ;-)

2011-09-21T22:11:00.000-07:00

;-) tomorrow I leave for Arequipa, Culca, and Chile. I'm so excited. Don't really know what this means for the blog yet but I'm sure you can handle the separation for 11 days... the question is, can I? haha

Anyways, I begin by not going to school tomorrow! and packing my bags. This whole world traveling thing has got me down to some pretty precise packing. I love it. ;-) We will take a bus for our first bit of the journey, for 18 hours. Talk about fun. I'm so excited to see the country-side of peru. NO MORE CITY! Perhaps I'll see something relatively green, or maybe even some stars (i miss those).

Today I went to the "House of the Bibles." All day I was super excited to finally go to a place like Encouraging Words in Wenatchee. It turned out to be less of a house and more of a street vendor on the side of the road haha but that's not important. jaja I bought another Spanish Bible. This time, one for teens so it is a bit easier to read. jaja Feel like I'm going back in time a bit with that. ;-) jaja

The longer I am in Peru, the more I see how God message is ready to just flood this place. I don't know how to describe it other than incredible.

Final fact before I hit the sack. I don't know if I've told you this, but this symbol $/. is the symbol for soles down here. It definitely took me some getting used to at first. I mean when something costs six soles and your from America and you see $/.6, your brain automatically goes to 6 cents. jaja I don't know why, but everytime I have to remind myself that it isn't a decimal point. ;-) Anyways, love you guys.

Blessings,

Lucas

pride and prejudice.

2011-09-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

...Watching Pride and prejudice with my family right now. Thinking about Holly (it's her favorite movie) and how badly I don't want to go to colegio tomorrow. ;-) I don't like this movie in English, and it's even more boring in Spanish lol sry holly. ;-)

This was a new experience for me. haha, So that's not actual money below, but it is like it. You catch as much you can and have to put it through the little slot in the front. You have 20 seconds. I made 19 soles, but it was actually 38 bills because it was all by 50 cents so I think I did okay lol:-) Then, you get to use the money in the store;-)

Today, all I want to do is encourage you. I want to encourage you to look at your life for at a second and stop trying to plan for the future. Stop trying to think that everything has to be done right now. Whether it be you faith, your job, or school... don't try to make it all happen right now.

One thing I have found learning this language is that it is a lot like my faith. I'm always wanting to be further along then were I am. I'm always wanting to learn something more significant than what I am learning. And in the meantime I forgot all about how far I have come. I forget to thank God from bringing me from the point of naivety to being able to speak. I forget how monumental that is.

Just rest in where you are now. Don't be angry about your doubts. Accept that God will take care of them one at a time. One Word at a time.

Blessings,

Lucas

at capacity...

2011-09-19T19:39:00.000-07:00

Don't know if I told you this or not but I couldn't make a video this week because my computer literally won't let me:-( I'm at capacity. But don't worry, I just received my hard drive from my mom... so we'll be back up and running soon.

On another note...

Today I realized many things...

1) I know for sure that I will be learning French sometime in the future. (My friends started speaking french and I could understand like 10 percent of what they were saying... it was freaky.)

2) God has blessed me with great friends that are praying for me. Had some big decisions to make today, and for some reason one of my friends wrote on my wall today that they were praying for me. It was amazing.

3)I'm so ready for summer to come;-) (getting a little tired of being without heat;-)

4)Find myself being just as comfortable in Spanish (almost) as English. Skyped with Maggie, and then my family here in peru and I skyped my host sister who lives in the U.S. We all talked in Spanish the whole time and I understood everything. ;-) It was awesome.

5) God is taking care of everything. Answering questions. Giving me peace. Giving me rest. There are so many friends I want to tell you guys about down here but now isn't the appropriate time. I just want you to pray for them... because God is opening the hearts of atheists down here, and it is so incredible to see. It truly proves to me that if you just stay in your Word, and focus on Christ... even the hard things are easy.

Blessings,

Lucas

Orphanage!!!!

2011-09-18T21:31:00.000-07:00

I'd say I'm about ready to collapse. Can't decide what is more tiring, the weekends or the weekdays:-/ today was really awesome though, we went to an ophanage and got to just hang out and become friends with all the kids.

I took my camera of course and was super nervous to use it, but it was actually the children who begged me to take it out. Within 5 seconds of that first question the second came, "can we take pictures with your camera?" That was the last I saw of my camera for about 3 hours lol. But now, I have a treat of about 100 photos taken by orphans for you all.

I'm learning a lot about idolatry right now. Like today, almost everybody was super worried about the kids breaking my camera. And I'll admit I was a little too. But God just kept telling me, "What matters more." Honestly, I think the smiles on their faces answered that question.

But it made me wonder why we care so much about stuff like that. Yah, we can say that it's because those things cost a lot of money, but I think in reality we are all just being selfish about it. I can't tell you how much joy I received from those kids today, despite being tired. It reminded me of El Salvador with Holly... when a bunch of little kids see a tall gringo they think jungle gym. It was priceless.

I played a game with this one little boy literally for an hour. He would switch a little pebble in his hands behind his back and ask me which one it was in... literally, the same game for an entire hour. I think by the end I was literally praying for God to help the little kid ask to play basketball or something other than "which hand is it in now." But nevertheless, I loved it. And I couldn't stop laughing because he would literally switch it from one hand to the other every time... right. left. right. left. right. haha. so I literally knew every time what hand it was in. But the boy still thought he was soo clever. ;-)

Today, I gave up some of my personally space. I let my body be a jungle gym. I stood on my knees the whole day to make the kids feel more comfortable. I came back with grease on one of my favorite shirts. I used every bit of energy I had left for the week.

But I left with joy. I guess I can just say that today I learned again, that true joy comes through sacrifice. Through again considering yourself less and them more.

Look at what you spend you time doing... don't let it distract you from the LIFE God is trying to show you.

Blessings,

Lucas

Me on T.V....;-)

2011-09-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so it wasn't a lie, I really was on national television... for about 8 whole seconds;-) Super embarrassing, and the edited all the funny parts (aka, the entire t.v. crew calling me shaggy from scooby doo...) but here it is. I think I come in around the 6th minute;-)

Blessings,

Lucas

P.S. My legs are killing me. We had our second day of asking for money today around Lima with Rotary. It was really fun, I would get on a combi when the stop light turned red, give them my speech (Disculpe senores, quieres donar algo para la lucha contra cancer), collect the money, and try to escape all before the light turned green. I actually got stuck on the combi once and got carried through lima for about five minute... thought I was lost, but then realized the giant Wong (basically walmart) and knew where I was at. It's all good. Gonna go sleep now;-)

strap in....

2011-09-15T22:26:00.000-07:00

so, much confusion... but so much peace. where to begin.

Mistura- Okay if you haven´t heard of this you are crazy. Mistura is the worlds largues food festival and it is in Lima!!! It´s basically exactly like disneyworld if you just strip out the rides and put in restaurante. Seriously, all it is is food. Food. and more food. It is incredible. I ate 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9.... 10 plates!. It was so good. I went with Vane and my parents and let me tell you, we spend 2 hours just trying to decides where to start (mainly because they didn´t have any maps left and we couldn´t tell where anything was=) Here are some firsts for you.

1st time eating sushi in my entire life... It was incredible!

1st time translating for gringos in Peru... definitely weird. The was a guy from America who who was totally a fish out of water, and when I went to help him all that came out was spanish. haha He told me he felt embarrassed that he didn´t know more and I told him ¨esta bien¨ (it´s alright), didn´t even phase me till I looked at his face that I had spoken spanish lol

1st time being on television... totally unexpected! Let´s just say that I´m not only a gringo but i´m tall and have semi blonde hair with green eyes... definitely a target for the national t.v. crew that was at mistura. The guy was asking me questions in english and I literally was trying to think about how to answer in english but all that came out was spanish. I think he was a little surprised that I could speak spanish... along with whoever else would have been watching in the country of peru! =0

1st time realizing how much of a gringo I am still. Bought a pin for 10 soles and then got offered the same pin outsider of mistura for only 1 sol. =( lol

1st time seeing a true Incan. Trust me... I have pictures.

1st time seeing o ver 1000 people standing single file in a line waiting to eat cow heart (anticuchos).

Oh there is so much to talk about, from the bakers who danced while making bread... to eating pig that was cooked in a pit in the ground... to eating picarrones (pervivan donuts)... it all is just a blur.

And that blur followed into going to match a symphonic orchestra with some of the rotary memebers. If you come to Peru... definitely don´t do that when you are tires. BAD IDEA! haha but I was able to enjoy the first five minutes. It was like the heavens oponed in the giant church and the music was being sung by the paintings on the ceiling and not by the people in the choir. Incredible.

Anyways, sorry this is long, but one more thing. Today I woke up super early to go with my mom to do a fundraiser for cáncer. We left extra early to make sure we would actually get there on time. But seems like everyone else decided to stay on Peruvian timing (including the people with the material for the fundraiser) and didn´t show up until 2 hours after we arrived. Then on top of that, none of the intercambistas came until 1130. I got there at 730. Ahhh. A few hours of solitude fundraising on a streetcorner when you are a gringo is just awkward even to say let alone see.

So the fundraiser consisted of taking cans around to pedestrians and asking them if the wanted to donate to the cause. 11 hours later, I was ready to collapse. But at the same time I felt so peaceful. It was a good day, Gringo comes in handy when fundraising in Peru. And if your a girl with blonde hair, they practically throw the money at you... poor alina. haha

I love peru, I love the people. Not everything is perfect, and that was definitely shown to me in more ways than one... but everything is good.

Please pray for my friend Lydia... she is awesome and loves peru as well. But everybody has those days where home is calling. Especially those who are younger (she´s 16). I love her like a sister and I so glad she is on the trip with us.

I´m not going to complain on this blog because there is no need for any of that... but I will tell you this quick thing that I learned today...

You might do all you possibly can for someone. You might be a friend, companion, or co-worker of theirs. You might spend every waking moment your life trying to impress them... and they may never acknowledge any of it. So like it says in the Bible, ¨Stop looking for the approval of man.¨ because man is gong to slap you in the face. Have patience with people, realize what they say may not certainly be what they mean. realize that the only truth comes from Him who created it... so rely on Him alone.

Stop chasing the wind... enjoy life.

Blessings,

Lucas