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Published: July 26th 2010
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Hands-on work!
The kids decorated the boxes we used to collect the trash with their hand prints! Well, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to preach today, but I did it. At Marisu's dance performance on Friday (which lasted 5 hours...and for whatever reason was OUTSIDE!) I started feeling really cold (more than normal) and my body was achy. By the time we got home, all I wanted to do was curl up in bed forever. I basically stayed there until this morning, going back and forth from having horrible chills to sweating profusely. This, of course, was the first time I've really sweated here in Lima, haha. Needless to say, I was sick and having to translate a sermon from English to Spanish in a flu-ish haze was no fun, even if google translator was doing the bulk of the work. But I woke up today and felt like Liz again, so off I went to the church to preach. There were a few more gringos there than normal, all for moral support (which was greatly appreciated). I wasn't all that nervous to preach, though I was a bit nervous that maybe I would pass out if I got too hot. I had worn my long johns under my dress pants and sweater,
Never without a smile
Hermana Jesus is always smiling, even when scrubbing down a dirty park. which normally wouldn't be a big deal, but I guess this morning it was a bit "warmer" than usual. Or at least I thought that maybe this is why I sweated my way through my sermon. I just found out during dinner though that it actually probably had more to do with the medicine that I drank with my breakfast. Turns out it makes you sweat - a lot. Like many things here, I just had to learn this as it happened, not because anyone warned me. But it's what's keeping me feeling human, so I'm drinking more of it as I write this, ready to peel off the layers if need be.
The church was really receptive to the sermon. Many kind words were said, which I really appreciate. I continue to be grateful to worship in a church that isn't intimidated to have a woman behind the pulpit. Though the IEP at the national level does not ordain women (yet?!), this particular church in Mirones Bajo is ahead of the game, I believe. They have a woman on the Session and women who play active roles as Deacons and other leaders in the church. Women don't just
Separate, separate, separate!
The paper, plastic and organic items were separated and placed in the appropriate boxes. remain behind the scenes and in the kitchen here in Mirones Bajo.
The Clean-Up the Park activity after the service today was awesome!!! Just like last Sunday, everyone came together with cheerful attitudes and an eagerness to help as they could. Kids and adults conquered the park, picking up every piece of trash, scrubbing down every park bench, and picking up every piece of doggie doo. It was a joyful sight to see. Nothing was left behind, except a newly washed park! It was fascinating watching the neighbors watch this event happening. People literally stopped in their tracks, trying to figure out what the heck was going on. Some stared from their balconies the entire two hours that we worked. One man stopped to talk though and asked Mimi, "Why are you cleaning the park?" to which she responded, "Because it's dirty." When another chimed in and said that we're from the church, I guess something clicked because he said, "I guess that was a stupid question, huh?" I'm glad he asked though so he could put two and two together in his head - this church cares about God's creation.
The funniest moment of the day was
His Sunday entertainment?
This neighbor, along with another, stood up there and watched us the entire time we were cleaning. when we were nearly finished cleaning up the park and someone noticed that a big dog was starting to squat in the grass by the water tower. I have never seen so many people panic at the sight of a dog about to do its business. It was as if you could hear a collective "Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo!" coming from every person! Then we all burst out laughing as there was clearly nothing anyone could do about it, even though we suggested someone go stick their hand under the dog, hahaha. To add to the horrifying moment in the minds of my church friends, I then proceeded to demonstrate how we deal with this problem in the U.S. Like a good gringo, I grabbed a plastic sack from the plastic recyling box, stuck my hand in it, and took care of business. I think they were shocked and horrified at the same time, but I told them, "That's my job back in the U.S." And it is! I did the same for Peaches and Buddies all last semester. It was a lovely cultural teaching moment. : )
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Bill Brown
non-member comment
From Preaching to ?????
Liz, I'm glad you're feeling better and that the sermon went well, as well as the clean up afterwards. Sounds like you were outstanding in the pulpit and in the pick-up department! I'm curious what your sermon was about.