February Prayer Letter

What an exciting letter to write, our first from Peru! We praise the Lord for calling us to the people of Peru. We arrived on January 6^th and have learned many differences between the USA and Peru.

Red lights and Green lights: When exiting the airport in Peru, one must push a button for baggage inspection. If the light turns green, the individual can pass freely without their bags being checked, but if the light turns red, that individual must take all of his luggage to the side for a thorough investigation and is usually taxed for many items. We received a red light but were able to get all thirty-six pieces of luggage through without paying anything. God was good to us once again! While riding in vehicles in Peru, I have noticed that the traffic lights don’t mean that much. We’ve seen vehicles go through red lights and even faster when they are green. Two lane roads become four lanes of vehicles and the horn is a natural way of communicating while driving. It has scared Nisha from ever wanting to drive in Peru.

Sols and Souls: Sols are the currency used in Peru. We have learned how to exchange our currency and locate proper stores to supply furnishings for our apartment as well as get supplies. Having said that, it has been encouraging to see many souls come to Christ for salvation and dedication. The Holy Spirit’s presence is evident at each alter call. What a joy to see God working in the hearts of Peruvians. The ministry of EFATA, where we are currently receiving our language training, hosted a pastor’s conference in January and we’ve been able to participate in soul-winning, prayer times, and services.

Word differences: One needs to be careful when you attempt to speak Spanish to not communicate the wrong thing while learning new words. For instance, the word “enfermo” is the word for sickness which we’ve had our share of ( we learned the hard way not to order ice), but the word “infierno” is the word for hell. I tried my best to let them know I was sick and not going to hell.

Conversions: We are not only looking to win souls to Christ, but have learned the necessity of converting measurements to meters and weight to kilograms. Nisha and I went to Interpol to process our paperwork for our religious visas. When converting my height, I wrote it incorrectly on my paperwork as 5’4’’ rather than 5’11’’. The Peruvians laughed at me for thinking that I was only 5’4’’ and told me I didn’t have to be the height of a Peruvian to be approved for a visa.

Weather and Holidays: We’ve learned that Peruvians take their summer break in Dec.-Feb. rather than June-Aug. because Peru is south of the equator. Lima’s weather is the same everyday during the summer: hot during the day and cool at night. Lima celebrated it’s anniversary as the capitol on January 18^th ,but Peruvians enjoy firing off fireworks whenever they have opportunity. We hear them each night and during all hours.

Football and Futbol: While many in North America watch the Super Bowl or play football, it doesn’t take long to realize that the Peruvians love to play Futbol (soccer). Three of the four sides of our third floor apartment have futbol courts which are used throughout the week, many times until three in the morning and then start back up at six in the morning. In Lima, each sector (which is only a square block) has a park with a futbol court.

We’ve appreciated having Jon’s dad with us our first month in Peru. He has assisted us in the completion of our apartment, furniture building, and has been encouragement to us.

Please pray for God to be glorified in our lives while we seek to do His will and pursue to be faithful to His Call. Please pray also for physical health and safety, visa approval, language training, and homeschooling.

We’ve installed Vonage in our apartment. We’re able to make and receive unlimited calls to and from the states at no extra cost to those calling us. Our number still remains 734-244-6567.

Our Peru Address: Nisha Harris

Apartado 18-1280

Lima 18, Peru

South America

For those who wish to send mail, it is best to send it by regular postal service rather than UPS or any other delivery system. We’d ask that you put Nisha’s name only on the mailing address because she goes to town most often and it is easier if there is only one name on the package. Many of you have requested a list of items difficult to find or items that are more expensive in Peru. We have attatched a list on the next page.

Thank you for your prayers and support,

The Harris Family

Jon, Nisha, Matthew, Nathan, Becca, and Katie

· Onion soup mix

· Peanut Butter (what they sell is $6 for a small jar.)

· Kool-aid packets (any flavor)

· Chocolate Chips

· Garlic salt

· Onion powder

· Pot roast seasoning with bag

· Cinnamon

· Oven Fry (for chicken or pork)

· Dryer Sheets

· Zip Loc Bags

· Oregano

· Basil

· Italian Seasoning

· Taco Seasoning

· Tea Tree Shampoo (helps get rid of lice, which we haven’t had yet praise the Lord! I usually would buy the generic brand at Sally Beauty supply. Only place I could find it.)

· Paprika

· Jiffy Muffin Mix (corn, blueberry, raspberry, banana)

· Hidden Valley Ranch packets

· Lotrimin

Children's Motrin

Immodium AD

Tums

Peanut Butter M&Ms