Fly By

Field trip to a plaza with all five kids

So many events have happened since my last post. When I posted, I had only been here about two weeks. I was new and experiencing a whole life style change. To be honest my emotions hit me the hardest from missing my family to learning how to stay full of the Lord in the midst of constant work to do. It could all become monotonous without God's sustaining Holy Spirit.

Puppet show night with Tia Paula

We try to keep a regular weekly schedule for the kids of art, free, play, educational, meal, and etc. times. It is so easy sometimes just to rely on my creativity and energy, but when I do, I run short. Jesus is the only one who can fully meet the needs of these kids. Understandably, we have emotional breakdowns, struggles with obedience, and sometimes lack of sleep at night, but I know God is transforming the life outlook for them and giving them an eternity outlook. Each of the Kids brings something different to the family and all have come with different backgrounds and struggles, but are now beginning to be more like brothers and sisters to one another.

I have begun Spanish classes to enhance my language. This challenge adds to my responsibilities, but I look forward to being able to communicate better. The Lord is allowing me to be able to grasp things much better than I had expected and remember the things I have learned without studying as hard as I usually have too.

roommates/ adoptive sisters

Once my language skills have gotten to a certain point, I will begin to be able to minister outside of the children's home more often, but for now my main ministry is in caring for the kids and in teaching Sunday school. We look forward to expanding Sunday school in the near future to the kids in the community. Please pray with me as I am seeking the Lord's will how to do that and for the help that will be needed.

We did a five K, but we couldn't just leave the kids home, so...

Please pray for these kids and the community around us. We claim great things for Jesus! We pray for Great changes and salvation for each person this community and for provision for more people here to support this ministry with service, because these kid's need Peruvians to invest into them and spend time with them and teach them to be Peruvian.

I am ten days short from being here for four months. I look at all that I have done, wondering if I fulfilled God's will for my life in that season. My expectations were broken. Change has become the norm. I look at how fast this past four months have flown by and know that the same will happen the the next eight months of commitment. Let it all mean something. That I am just merely allowed to be a part of it. He has a plan and a purpose and for this entire journey.

Viajar in the Journey

My throat closed as I said goodbye to my parents and gave them hugs and kisses. The security check was a breeze and I made it to my gate. I sat down in front of three young women on their way to Hawaii. Our plain arrived, but we were unable to board for an hour, because the electricity went out in the Jackson Airport. We were all excited when we finally got on that plane and were ready to get to Dallas in hopes of making our connecting flights. We rode for nearly forty-five minutes when the pilot came over the speaker and explained that we were being rerouted to Shreveport due to Mechanical issues.

After we landed, I sat in the hall that led to the two gates. As I listened to others exclaiming that they had missed their connections, I cried. I had no clue at what to do except to wait. My heart was so troubled, but I just repeated to the Lord,"You are good." This was reassurance from my God that he would take care of me. After I ate lunch every passenger was given the option to make new connections. so, I waited in line to see what could possibly be done.

The man at the desk made the new connections and said I would have to spend a day and night in Lima. (there are two flights with Lan airlines that go to Tacna from Lima: One in the morning and one in the afternoon) I asked if I could possible try to make it in the hour between when I arrive in Lima and when my original scheduled flight departed. He said that I could try that or just rebook for Thursday morning (a whole 24 hours later. I chose the first option).

All my flights connected well until I made it to Lima. As I arrived at the Lan desk fifteen minutes early, I learned my flight was closed. In tears after waiting in the American Airlines line I learned it was because the connection should have been made to allow me to be there three hours early. So I once again had to book a new ticket for that evening. I was thankful it was not the next morning. I excitedly made it back to the Lan desk and waited another 30 minutes for them to see if I could check two bags for free, which American Airlines had allowed me to do. In the end, I just payed the baggage fee and went to my gate. I waited all day napping, reading, or talking to someone. 

I look back and see how God was with me. Never once did He allow me to give up and turn back. He put many people in my path who ministered to me in the most stressful of the moments.

Rick and Shari Young were headed to Cusco, Peru on medical mission to check eyes. I saw them in Dallas, and in Miami Mrs. Shari came up to me and asked if I was part of their group because I seemed to have similar itinerary. In Lima I came across Mrs. Shari again in the Hall and sat at their gate. They listened as I retold the events of my exhausting day with emotion still clouding my voice. They ministered most by just listening, but went the extra mile by paying for part of my breakfast. God is so good!

My first week in Peru has been a challenge. I didn't realize how hard of an adjustment it would be. The Lord brought me to the realization that my entire life has been spent serving myself and that serving others, especially children, is a huge sacrifice. (New appreciation for my momma)

My biggest struggle though was with missing my family. Sunday night we ate well and everyone left after putting the kids to bed. I began to wash dishes and had my break down moment. I thought of how much I wished I could hug my parents goodnight and just cried. I now ask the question, what could the Lord be teaching me in all this? Jesus himself knows exactly how I feel, if not more. Jesus left the very near presence of God to come to earth to love and minister to people. Jesus still talked and had fellowship with his Father, but experienced not being in His very close physical presence. I take great comfort in knowing that even Jesus knows how I feel.

I have also struggled with the language barrier. Though I am encouraged each day at how much everyone says I have learned in just a week, I still cannot say what I wish to say, nor understand what I want to understand. It will come with time I know, but that unholy fear comes up when I am left with the kids alone or think about teaching Sunday school. That fear is not from the Lord! Just this morning my God confirmed to me in devotions not to fear but to seize the day with great courage, for I have the Spirit of God with me at all times. For now the Lord had given me spokes persons(Like He did with Moses).

"For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession." (Hebrews 4: 12-14)

This place is dry not only geographically but also spiritually. Time and energy runs dry. The desert place is were I want to be. To truly hunger and thirst for the Lord is where I need to be. Jesus knows what He is doing!

Song for the Mission

One of my friends encouraged me to share this with all of you. The video says it all. :D

Unqualified

To those who feel just plain unqualified:

"Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God." (1 Corinthians 1:25-29)

I am one of those foolish and weak things God has chosen to use. I am a soon to be high school graduate who is moving to Peru with no college education or great experience. I don't yet speak Spanish. So why would Jesus choose me to do this? I don't know the specific answer to that question, but I know God has a plan that is not revealed until just the right moment.

My dear friend, Jennifer Phillips in Bulgaria wrote on her blog just a few days ago,"God continues to us my obedience rather than my abilities." That quote so related to me. Though God has an awesome plan, a purpose, for each person on this planet, He is not a God who uses "brood force". He wants us to obey, but we must choose to surrender, we much choose to obey, and we must choose to live that glorious life. I've said," no," before, but I am sure glad that even though God didn't "force" me to surrender, he chased after me and drew me to Him and that purpose. He never gave up on me!

God is by no means weak nor foolish, but the world at times considers Him as such. He knows what He is doing! May I never boast in my abilities, for even those that I have are gifts from God. He deserves all the glory and praise! He is the qualifier!

Cleaning Out the Closet

About two weeks ago, I began to go through my things to find items to throw away or donate. I will be leaving for Peru in three months; So, I knew I needed to get rid of a bunch of stuff. I began in the most daunting of places: my closet. My closet is huge, I had at least forty different outfits(at least half of which were to big for me or I didn't wear), a dozen shoes, and various items ranging from art-and-crafty type things to notebooks with some old school stuff. All this, I sifted through and ended up with two trash bags full of junk, and half a bag to donate. I don't doubt there will be more.

Some of the things, were perfectly good, but I had no need to keep them. And as I thought about whether donating them or trashing them, I asked myself,"Would anyone ever use or wear this?" Most of the time the answer was,"No." Most people here in the States have closets full of junk of their own. Why would I throw my junk in on them?

In these processes of preparation, I know God has lessons to teach in it all. What this particular process is teaching me, is that I must allow God to clean me out and make room in me for Him and His purpose. If I don't go through that, I will end up bringing all the junk in my closet with me to Peru and throwing it on people who don't need junk. I must allow God to make room in me for the things which are useful and holy; So, that is what I bring to the people of Peru.

 I believe when or if I return from this mission, I will find even more junk in my closet that I thought I needed before, but would become not as important.

"Sell your possessions and give to charity: make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."                                                    Luke 12:33-34

Finishing Strong



My failed attemted at Alfajores de
Dulce de Leche

I have spent the past three months patiently waiting upon the Lord! I can be quite impatient at times, wanting things to hurry up, but God knows what He is doing. Jesus is so worth it!

I wish I could share every detail of God's provision for, passience with, and faithfullness toward me. I wish I could share all the stories of the many people I have met and heard about, but I will spare you my long stories.

Aunt Teana called and asked if Jonathan and I were interested in coming to Revive Weekend at Crossgates Baptist Church (a growing faith-filled church in Brandon, MS). After changing my work schedule, I was excited for this weekend to get away. Boy, Did I need Reviving! I antisipated meeting senors my own age to meet and listen to (Jonathan and I are the only youth in our church and don't get out much as homeschoolers). I so looked forward to hearing what each Senior planned to do after graduation. I was perhaps seeking a little silliness in contrast to my commonly mature grown-up life.

Going swimming in Febuary during
a thunderstorm. We are so wise!

I did my best to quickly adjust to the apparent culture shock of being around so many high energy teens, but immediately introduced myself to the first two Seniors who arrived, Wes and Caleb. The Seniors all mainly stayed in a group; so, it wasn't long before Jonathan and I met Eric, Abbey, Paige, Bry and few other Seniors. Throughout the weekend, I talked with and listened to as many Seniors as I could. One girl was going into film, and one young man was hoping to do tennis. My brain raced to find the awsome and unique ways God will use them!

During this time, I realized that I was rushing through these last months of highschool to get to Peru. I so looked forward to eventually stepping off that plane in Tacna. I am so excited to get the privelage to meet the two little ones currently living at Exodus House. But in all my antisipation and excitement for that day, I am missing this moment. I will never get highschool back. I may never again see the people I so familiarly see every week. I will not always have my parents nearby or get to pick on Jonathan and sing sily songs with him (when we are suppose to be focusing on civics and business math). The word I took from that weekend was,"Finish Strong."

We are all at different stages in our lives. While I'm graduating highschool and moving away from home for at  least a year, another person may be in a completely different stage in life. They may be marrying their life partner, or surviving three dependent children, or experiencing letting their last child go into the world, or retiring. We all must take each moment as it comes and live each second to the fullest. We will never get these moments back. We may never be able to spend more time with the family, share Christ with that one person, tell your child how much you love them, or impact the world at any other time than this moment. Carpe Dieme! Seize the Day!

The Lord, even before this weekend, told me to spend more time with my family and reach out more to those who are already far away like my big brother Nathan. For I may never have another chance.

Family bowling day Febuaray 11, 2012. Daddy won!

GOD is big! Within the past three months He has provided funding and confirmation. I have been introduced to some I may get see agian (another interning in Peru this summer and some coming to Peru with a team). He has allowed me to go ahead and book my plane flight to Tacna! I will be departing for Peru June 12, 2012! All the more reason to live each day moment by moment, for that day will be here before I know it!
Thankyou for your support and prayers! It means so much to me that so many people believe in God's call on my life.

"I AM"

The following post is the testimony of some dear friends, Jay, Laura, Hunter, Gabby, and Maggy Sims. I had the privilege to meet them in Jackson at We Will Go ministries. A summary of their testimony will be posted to the "Missionaries" page along with their contact information.

Most of the Sim's family at a passover
supper in downtown Jackson 

Jay and I got married in January 2000 with a "regular" wedding. We hardly ever attended church because Jay was uncomfortable with my Catholic background and I with his Baptist background. After we moved to Pennsylvania in 2001, I said,"I will never live in Mississippi with those hypocrites again." We attended church for our daughter’s sakes, but got bored after a while (God desires and deserves us to worship HIM. Not for HIM to entertain us!)

Laura with Gabby and Maggy

We Moved back to Mississippi in 2004 with two kids, one income, and a mountain of debt. We bought and moved into Jay’s family home hoping to remodel it and to retire there. Soon after, a church was being built on the corner of our street, and our kids, older now, asked if we could go there after it was finished. Once again, for our kid’s sakes, we all began to attend. We got baptized, joined the church, and Jay and I served on committees. We thought we were good! then God spoke,"Missionary," but we wouldn’t hear it. After that, our marriage began to struggle with the strain of finances and eventually an affair, but we still managed to put on our happy faces and go to church.

Jay and Laura Sims

God began to convict me of my sin of adultery; So, I began to make excuses as to why I couldn’t meet with the other man. God began to speak crazy things to me like:"You will love Jay," "You will make disciples," "serve my People". I couldn’t fix our marriage, but Christ told me,"Your right, you can’t fix this, but I can, I will, and I AM!"

JESUS CHRIST gets all the glory for restoring our marriage. We never did go to counseling(Jay would have no part of it), but because of that, no man can get the glory but CHRIST JESUS.

Hunter, Gabby, and Maggy

The Lord began to call us to downtown Jackson, MS. My reply was, "Lord, I don’t know if you have a TV up there in Heaven or not, but if you do, you may want to put it on Channel 3 and let Maggy Wade (a local reporter) tell you haw bad it is in Jackson!". We went for the first time to We Will Go ministries in downtown, Jackson to drive through, get our tickets punched, and serve some homeless people. We had no idea what the Lord was going to do to our hearts. I stood the whole time in tears and broken. All heartache, pain, anger, and any other emotions toward people were gone (Such Freedom!) I thought I was saved, but I wasn’t(JESUS is a real person and His biggest desire is for us to love HIM above all else! We cannot live without HIM! He is calling us every second, every minute, everyday!)


Jay and I fasted forty days and began the journey of obeying and serving CHRIST completely. God provided all that we needed! We bought passports for all four of us, are completely debt free, and are finishing the remodeling of Jay’s house to sell (not to retire in). God has called us to go to a missionary school(Iris Ministries Harvest School of Missions) in Mozambique, Africa in June 2012! Jay will be leaving his job of fourteen years, but we know God will provide! Prayer is our biggest need, as we seek HIS plan(We don’t want to go astray of His divine plan, not even for a minute!)

"For I know the plans I have for you,"
declares the Lord,"Plans to prosper
you and not to harm you, plans to
give you a hope and a future."
(Jeremiah 29:11)

Contact Information:

2162 Copper Road

Flowood, MS 39232

(601)992-2249

lnsims5@gmail.com

http://laura-sims.bogspot.com/