Strange Days

So the last fews weeks have been a little crazy and weird for me. I got back from a research trip about a week ago (more details on that trip to come) and was enjoying down time at the apartment where we stay in Lima, trying to catch up on things. On Saturday of last week, in the afternoon, some men came to install a gas tank so that we would have gas for our stove and for hot showers. Not long after they had come and gone something happened with the gas tank or with the hot water heater and a sort of explosion/fire took place in the house. I managed to get out of there before it all happened. I can be nothing but thankful to the Lord for getting me out and also that there was not much damage to our house and most of our belongings were just fine.

The time following this incident has been trying for me. I was initially overwhelmed, in shock and later just wore out. This feeling of being wore out seems to linger. But my family here has been so encouraging and hospitable. Since all the events, I've been blessed with a place to stay with a missionary family until things get worked out and we can move to another location. I want to ask for your prayers as I continue to work through this emotionally and also as I try to work with the police and our organization on getting down to exactly what happened and what can be done.

I have been learning more and more about my necessity to depend on the Lord for absolutely everything. I have been depending on him specifically for strength, for comfort, for healing, for rest, for guidance, for joy... I pray that each of you are also depending on the Lord wherever you are and whatever you might be experiencing.

As some of you may now I recently celebrated my 24th birthday. It was amazing to spend time with friends here and to celebrate life. I can't tell you how thoughtful my team has been and how much support and love I was shown for my birthday. It was hard to be away from family as always. I got to talk to my family on skype the day after my birthday and it was life-giving to hear their voices and see their faces.

I am heading out tomorrow on a little adventure/vacation to Spain. Which is actually kind of big for me and really exciting as I have never been to Europe. I will be there for a week with a friend of mine that I work here in Peru. It is going to be such a blessing to get away for a bit and enjoy the Lord's creation and have a time of rest and relaxation. Love you all and will be posting again soon.