What's in a title?

I'll buy a book just because of the title. Seriously, titles grab me and pull me in. Usually, if the title of a book or movie is good, the content is good. For example, "If You Want To Walk On Water, You Have To Get Out Of The Boat" (John Ortberg)....kind of a long title, but such a catchy one that I immediately wanted to read it (and didn't regret it!). Other great titles (and great books) are: "You Matter More Than You Think" (Dr. Leslie Parrott), "It's Not About Me" (Max Lucado), "Nine Things You Simply Must Do: To Succeed In Love and Life" (Henry Cloud). I could go on and on (but I won't).

So when thinking of a title for our blog, it wasn't easy. We came up with some doosies, like "Wit and Wisdom from the Williams" (Brent wasn't comfortable with the wisdom part), "Miriam's Musings" (already taken), "The Wiles of the Williams" (we weren't sure wiles was such a great word), "Brent and Miriam in Peru" (so clever and imaginative), and others I won't embarrass myself by sharing!

"Anecdotes from over the Andes" was unanimously voted on. I love the word anecdote because, according to Wikipedia, it is "a short, free-standing tale narrating a curious and biographical incident....always presented as based on a real incident involving actual persons....the primary purpose is to reveal a truth more general than the brief tale itself." Perfect!

We are actually not "over the Andes" yet, but will be at the beginning of 2011. We will literally drive 250 miles over the Andes to get to the town of Pichanaki, where we have been led of God to plant a church. The story of this town is for another day.

What's in a title? A whole lot!

Miriam

Independence Day

Just days before we left the U.S. to return to Peru, we celebrated July 4. It was definitely more meaningful, knowing it would be our last time to celebrate in the U.S. for a while. Every time I heard the national anthem that week, I was moved to tears. Our choir at church sang it and it was very difficult for me each time we practiced, in a good way! I love the United States of America. It is home. It is my country. It is still the greatest nation on earth.

Yesterday, July 28, was Independence Day here in Peru. They celebrated almost 200 years of independence from Spain. They celebrate much the same way we do in the U.S. Yesterday was a national holiday, people travel, visit family, do fireworks, etc. Some of the differences are that here in Peru, the president attends a mass that is televised and they have a military parade that is also televised. (It's really cool) Also, it is law that every home and business put out a Peruvian flag, so there are flags everywhere, which is pretty cool as well. I don't think they cook out or eat apple pie, but the day before, the 27th, is National Day of Authentic Peruvian Food.

Honestly, the 28th of July holds very little meaning for me. I'm thankful that Peru is an independent and free nation, very thankful. But July 4th is the day that I love and celebrate.

People often ask me where "home" is. It's where our family is, but in my heart, the United States of America will always be my home. God bless the USA and God bless Peru!

Miriam

Living 2500 miles away from the U.S. can get lonely at times, but thanks to the internet, it's easy to feel like we're just next door! Apparently, we're a little late starting a blog, but better late than never, huh? So, here goes.

We hope this will be informative and fun and will prompt people to pray for us.

Modern missions is a lot different from many of the biographies we read of missionaries from the past. For example, yesterday, we went to a mall on the north side of Lima (the less developed side) and walked past the Chili's, Starbucks, Pizza Hut and Athlete's Foot. Then we went to a huge department store and looked at watches, guitars, blenders and eventually bought some new pillows.

Stuff like this is so familiar to most Americans, but when we left this mall, we drove past thousands of huts and half-built homes without lights or water and saw thousands of people living in poverty, watched hundreds of pedestrians crossing streets and crosswalks, most with vacant eyes and very little hope of a better tomorrow.

Having lived in Lima for almost nine years, this is all familiar to us, but after spending a year in the States, we are experiencing a little bit of culture shock. Lucas keeps commenting on how dirty everything is (so true!), and Olivia and Kyall are trying to remember how to speak Spanish and make friends. Brent is amazed at all the people in the streets and I feel like everyone is staring at the white family with the clean, new clothes!

At the end of the day, we make a point to remember why we're here in cold, dirty Lima, Peru. It's definitely not for the beauty, although there is breathtaking beauty all over Peru, it's certainly not because of the government or the economy. We see the thousands of people as souls, lost and hopeless, and we have what they need......the love of Jesus Christ.

As we begin another "term" (4-5 years) in Peru, we look forward to great and mighty things from God. Join us in our journey....the more the merrier!

Miriam