Mr T (for typhoid)!

Hi, since my last post language school had been going very well, learning loads. The language school is excellent in the standard of teaching offered is among the best. A few of the students, who have experienced other language schools around the world, commented to me how good they feel the language institute is. This was supposed to be my last week there but sadly in many ways things have changed.

I commented on my last post that I was suffering from headaches, which I put down to the altitude, and nausea which is something I'm never troubled with. During this week I got a bit worse and then by Thursday had started to pick up with the nausea subsiding and headaches minimising. On Friday I arrived home from language school to the news that two children from another missionary family had been diagnosed with typhoid and paratyphoid. This, added to another missionary who had been diagnosed with typhoid on Thursday, was a cause for concern for all of us. We decided it would be prudent to get a blood analysis done which indicated, to my great surprise, that I was at least a carrier of the bacteria. I decided to get a second opinion and had my blood rechecked at a more expensive laboratory down town on Saturday. This result came back even higher showing that I wasn't just carrying the bacteria, but suffering from typhoid.
To cut a long story short, I saw a doctor this morning who frankly was more interested in my weight and lectured me on a whole new healthy lifestyle regimen. As far as the typhoid was concerned she reckoned that the treatment of antibiotics I had already started Saturday morning were sufficient intervention at present. I had phoned a doctor friend in Antrim A/E on Friday night who had advised me to start antibiotics even if my blood test was only marginal.

My symptoms are not excessive, and even though I was fairly ill last week (apparently suffering from typhoid), I am not even close to being as ill as others who have or have had typhoid. What I believe has prevented me from suffering as badly from the infection as might have been the case, was the typhoid vaccine I got a month before leaving. It's not 100% effective, so whilst it hasn't prevented me from getting typhoid altogether, it has seemingly limited its severity.

My main concerns at the minute are to treat the infection, and then to make sure to eradicate the bacteria completely from my body. Many people treat the infection but once the symptoms are gone they return to normal living, but continue to carry and spread the bacteria which apparently like to hide in your gallbladder (sorry if that's too much info). One website I was reading said that a recent study showed that asymptomatic carriers (people who have no symptoms) have been proved to play a essential role in the transmission of typhoid globally. Well I can't speak authoritatively about global transmission, but I can say that some kind soul (sarcasm) freely transmitted their bacteria to me here in Arequipa! The bottom line is that I don't want to pass this nuisance on to anyone else so I plan to isolate myself as necessary, which means I can't attend language school, and try to not pass on the infection to others around me, which among other things has meant me eating pancakes with latex gloves on. Perhaps a little over-the-top but better safe than sorry.

I plan to stay here in Arequipa until I see the doctor again on Wednesday and if my symptoms have not worsened, and I feel up to it, I may head down to Ilo towards the end of the week. I'm worried about passing the infection on to others here, whereas in Ilo I will be living on my own.

Please pray that my symptoms would not worsen but get better, and that the course of antibiotics would be effective in eradicating the bacteria. Whilst Ciprofloxacin is the drug if choice to treat typhoid, in many other parts of the world typhoid has become resistant to it. Therefore there is always the possibility that I may end up needing other antibiotics after this.

Please also continue to pray for the 'Mision Rescate' team as they prepare to go to Tacna for a week and then shortly after to Puno for two weeks.

Thank you for praying so faithfully for me,
God Bless,
Alistair.

Countless Subjunctives, Verbs, Nouns etc... & an Orphanage

Hi. Sorry its been a while since I last wrote. Basically I'm still at language school, haven't been expelled just yet but here's hoping (joking). I have to admit to having a considerable advantage over the other students, the fact that I learnt to speak Spanish while living in Peru as a child. I'm not as fluent as I was as a child but hopefully with practice I may regain that fluidity. On the other hand however, I never learnt very much of the grammar, only a little during Spanish G.C.S.E. The result is that I tend to know the answer without knowing the 'why', and it is precisely, very precisely, the 'why' that my tutors are trying to instill into my mind.

On a more humorous note I've found that I know some Spanish not recognized as legitimate by any official authority on Spanish. These are not slang or swear words, that's another story, just words I've Hispanicised and truly believe would be valuable additions to the language. Chief among these would be 'Mandatorio' my Spanish wannabe equivalent for 'Mandatory'. Sadly, solely for me it seems, that slot is already occupied by the word 'Obligatorio' similar to 'Obligatory'. It is taking considerable effort on my part, and patience on my two tutors parts, for me to undo the habit of using the wrong word. What's more to the point, I never imagined I would use this word as often as I evidently do!

As hinted above I have learnt some slang and some common swear words, not because I plan to profanely insult anyone, but rather to ensure I don't. I've already managed, quite innocently, to accuse our missionaries in Ilo of having less than honourable interactions with their money changers. I must refrain from elaborating further here, suffice to say I think these classes have already proved invaluable.

To change the subject a bit, I'm glad to say that language school hasn't been the only think I've been up to here. I've been to a church held in a coffee shop, been to play football (at 2200m above sea level might I add) and even scored a goal yesterday. The highlight, of my out of school activities so far, in many ways has been to visit an orphanage. A friend of mine, JD Lovell, a missionary kid who I grew up with here in Peru is volunteering at a number of different children's homes in Peru and Colombia over the coming months.

Presently he is working at New Hope Children's Home here in Arequipa. Last Wednesday I went to visited him after school. It was great not only to catch up with him but also to see the work he's involved in. The conditions in some senses were basic yet I'm told they are much better than many other orphanages in the city. Almost all the children come from very difficult backgrounds.

Some have behavioural, emotional or physical difficulties. I can't elaborate on individual issues here but I would ask that you pray for the children. God knows their needs better than any of us. Also pray for the volunteers who come to work with the kids and young adults. They are given a lot of responsibility and work very hard to provide for the children's needs. Pray also for their health as many have had bouts of sickness recently.

It was a truly heart warming and challenging experience to see this ministry to some of the most underprivileged and vulnerable in Peruvian society. The volunteers seek tirelessly to present the gospel to the children and young people in their care and expain to them the only true and everlasting hope that is found in Christ Jesus.

If you want to know more JD also has a web blog which you can read. The web address is:
http://peru-vision.blogspot.com/
or you can search for 'Peru-Colombia Trip 09'.

Please continue to pray that my time at language school would be beneficial in the long term, and as I prepare to take on the role of leading the 'Mision Recate' team. Please also pray for my health as I've had recurrent headaches recently and some nausea at times. I've yet to figure out a cause.
I'm away to bed now and see if a good rest cures the headache.

God Bless,
Alistair.

Thunder & Lightning

Hi, I'm writing this post from Arequipa. Yes I got here safely and thank you to all who prayed for my travelling and also my settling in. I am living with the McKelvie family who serve the Lord here in Arequipa with SIM. They are primarily involved in a program which provides breakfast for underprivileged children. This is actually a busy period for them as they are buying supplies for the months ahead and coordinating with the various churches involved in the program. Please pray for their safety as they often have to carry large quantities of money on their person, to purchase the food for the program, in wholesale markets which are notoriously dangerous in terms of thieves.

I have also four days of language study over me. It involves both conversation and grammar classes. So far it is going well and the homework's have not been excessive (until my teachers read this!). I will say no more about this now as I will be able to elaborate more fully about language school as the weeks go by.

There is actually something else burdening my heart, which I want to write about. I am composing this post at 11pm and hope to post it on the internet tomorrow. As I write there is a thunder and lightning storm outside. I am staying in a room on the fourth floor which in many ways is great in terms of a panoramic view over the city etc. Tonight however, it also gives me an almost front row seat for the lightning show with thunder resounding ever more loudly all around me. I've tried my best, somewhat successfully, to photograph some of the lightning from one of my windows until it began to rain so hard I had to call it quits. I've posted the two best photos I managed to take, not amazing in quality but see what you think. Earlier I considered going up the last flight of stairs on to the roof above my room to try and get some even better photos but chickened out in the end. I may not have much hair on my head to singe, but I can't imagine a lightning bolt would improve my Spanish any. Thunder storms like this are common because of the altitude (Arequipa is 2200 metres above sea level). I can only imagine the lightning storms I'll perhaps see in Puno when I go there in April. Its at a much higher altitude than Arequipa.

As I sit here writing this, with lightning flashing in through the windows around me, and the sound of thunder booming I also remember the earth tremor two nights ago. I woke from my sleep to the sensation of my bed shaking and the metal single-pane windows vibrating, and began to think to myself was this really and earth tremor or perhaps some heavy goods vehicle passing by. Before I had concluded my pondering's the tremor had passed. I was later able to confirm that there actually had been an earth tremor (so much for my reflexes). Perhaps for those of you who don't know, Arequipa is located right beside an active volcano called 'Misti'. The crucial issue is that these small tremors, which are very regular in these parts, are actually very helpful as they allow tension to be released from the tectonic plates. One of the missionaries told me that back in 2001 the newspapers had publicised that 6 weeks had passed without a tremor. The very next day there was a large earthquake which caused a lot of damage both in here in Arequipa, but also in the south for example in Moquegua.
Reflecting on the tremor two nights ago, and the magnificent display of the power of nature unfolding around me, I can't help but become so profoundly aware of Gods power. The fact that he is in control of the tremors, of the thunderstorms, and of all creation.

Psalm 19 verses 1&2 say:

“The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge”

One of my most favourite songs is Chris Tomlin's 'Indescribable'. I have been listening to it just now and he sings that creation reveals God's majesty, something I am presently acutely aware of. He goes on to sing that God is “all powerful” and “untameable”. It is so easy to fall in to the temptation of conceiving God as a kind of teddy bear who we can have as a comfort where and when we choose. Whilst God is our Abba Father this thunder storm testifies clearly his almighty power and that fact that no-one can tame or control God. Chris Tomlin goes on to sing that God “has told every lightning bolt where it should fall”. As I look at the lightning bolts falling outside they seem to flash and crackle across the sky in an almost haphazard fashion, their destination appears unpredictable, yet God is in control. We may gaze in wonder but God has determined the path which each lightning bolt follows.

Psalm 19, continues to read in verses 3&4:

“There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.”

I wonder how anyone witnessing this spectacular display of nature could fail to see the creators hallmark imprinted throughout. Nature, as David writes in his Psalm, does proclaim God's greatness across language barriers. Attending language school I have met people who for example speak only German, or Norwegian and have had great difficulty communicating with them. Yet truly, language is no barrier to God and creations ability to display and proclaim boldly His majesty.

I can say no more... words simply do not suffice,
God Bless,
Alistair.

Conference time

Hi. Just catching up having returned from Ite. We had an excellent 24 hour conference. There was a really good attendance including children, parents etc. The schedule included Bible studies and relevant seminars dealing with issues related to mission. We also had a seminar on first aid very ably given by a local doctor and also a talk on security/emergency response by a local community security officer. These were aimed at enabling the mission workers to be able to deal with emergencies in their churches or ministry locations.

The highlight was definitely the last session where we celebrated the Lord's Supper. It was such an appropriate way the end the conference, by sharing communion as a team of mission workers both foreign and national. Many expressed how much they appreciated this.

Earlier in the day some also took the opportunity to run the 12 station assault course. It was very entertaining and also included the oldest person, so far, to ever complete the course. They shall remain nameless as far as this blog goes, though I shall reveal that they are in their late 70's and come from Ireland. All were left very impressed by this young (at heart) person's enthusiasm and determination.
Anyway, tonight I am packing for Arequipa. This is very much on my heart, I would sincerely ask for prayer especially for the journey. I realise I have already mentioned this for prayer numerous times already but I still remember the MADNESS exhibited by some of the other road users on our last trip to Arequipa. This time instead of trusting Trevor Morrow's excellent driving skills, I will be at the mercy of an anonymous bus driver, who may also be excellent, but one never knows.

God Bless until the next time,

Alistair.

The life of Abraham

Hi. This week was meant to be mission conference week, and it still is. Just things had to changed around a bit, primarily due to the fact that this is a very busy period for all of the missionaries in their various ministries. As such a three day conference proved unworkable, and instead we met yesterday here in Ilo as a mission family for a one day conference. It was great to meet the Brew family who I had not yet met since I arrived.

The highlight of the day was definitely the three sessions with Pastor Byers where we looked at the life of Abraham. It was spiritually nourishing and very challenging. There was also time spent in prayer for all the missionaries including myself which I valued greatly.

This is to be followed on Friday and Saturday by another conference, this time in Ite, with all the national workers (Pastors, lecturers etc) and missionaries. I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to meet many of them who I know only by name, or haven't met in three years. Please pray that this gathering will also be a beneficial time of fellowship and spiritual nourishment for everyone.

Also this week some of us went on a boat trip around Ilo harbour. This is a popular attraction to everyone both tourists and Peruvians. We were able to see birds, boats, seals and some very large sea lions.

The other news is that I have finally bought my ticket to Arequipa, I leave by bus at 9am Sunday morning. Please continue to pray for safety as I travel and settle in to life there.

I'll aim, as always, to write again soon,
God Bless
Alistair.

Seafood & Needles

This week I have been attending family camp at the camp centre in Ite. It was much more relaxed than youth camp, with more time to chill out with those in attendance. There were still the usual activities like the beach, treasure hunt, assault course etc. Everybody entered into the spirit of the camp and created a very friendly atmosphere with a lot of camaraderie, for example on the assault course, even by individuals on opposing teams.

There wasn't a large number in attendance, but all those who did participated fully, took an interest in other campers. It also allowed those leading to get to know the campers much better with many fruitful conversations. Whilst there may not have been quantity, there was definitely quality.

One of the highlights as I look back was a lunch were one of the campers, a retired career soldier, took the notion that, as his contribution towards 'talent night', he would cook his favourite dish. This was a beautiful 'Ceviche', a seafood dish cooked in lemon juice. It's not a dish I particularly like, especially the shell fish, but this was really good!



Another experience that comes to mind, though not really a highlight per say, was having to give intramuscular injections to two of the Peruvian members on the 'Mision Rescate' team, one of whom was prescribed an antibiotic. What is of particular significance is that this was the first time I have ever given an antibiotic intramuscularly. I have given many intravenously but apparently it is common place in Peru to give penicillin intramuscularly. I really did not envy the poor patient. On the upside it seems to have done the trick. I realise that many who read this will not be at all interested in this, but probably my work colleagues, or other nurses, may.

One of the greatest encouragements about the camp, in a similar way to the youth camp, has been the promises made by all to return again next year. At the bonfire night many expressed their genuine enjoyment of camp and plan to return next year, not just themselves, but with other family and friends. Many of the young people plan to also attend to youth camp. I pray that these promises are fulfilled come next year, and that year by year attendance at all camps grow.

It has been a true pleasure to serve God, all be it in a small way, during both camps. I am left with a sense both of enjoyment, but more importantly spiritual growth not only from what was learnt during the teaching sessions, but also what God has taught me through the practicalities of the camp such as interactions with other leaders and campers. I leave camps exhausted, but already contemplating expectantly next year's camps.

This coming week includes a conference at Ite camp centre for all the mission workers. Pastor Byers, Gordon Darragh and John Brew will be speaking at it. I don't know much more than that, but I know it will be a great opportunity both to spend time studying God's word and also to meet up with the rest of the missionary family, some of whom I have not yet had the opportunity to meet since I arrived.

Next Friday or Saturday I then have to pack bags and travel to Arequipa for language study. I can't believe this time has already come. It seems as though I only arrived a week ago, yet next week will be my 7th in Peru. In a way, as fruitful a time as I hope language school will be, it will be good to get it over with and settle properly back into the work here in Ilo and Ite.

Some prayer points before I go would be

• safety as I travel to Arequipa.


• that I would feel Gods presence as I settle into life there.


• for both the Roycroft's and myself as we start language study. I don't know what to expect and therefore have a sense of trepidation as it approaches.

Sorry this has been a long post but that is what happens when you don't have access to the internet for over a week. Good to share with you though.

God Bless,
Alistair.

More Camps

Thankfully the rest of our trip in Lima was very productive. This included obtaining a copy (or three of them to be precise) of my Peruvian birth certificate. The wasn't particularly difficult but took most of the day. In the end it was amazing to see the details about my birth, some of which I didn't know, written about me 29 years ago. Apparently I was born at ten. At the bottom was my Dad's signature. In a strange way, perhaps being soo far from home, getting this birth certificate was oddly emotive.

As I have reflected on this over the past few days it has also reminded me that my name is written in another book, a book which will be opened at the end of times, the 'Book of Life'. My name, written in that book, is in a sense a record of my spiritual birth. When I got my Peruvian birth certificate I was told that with this document I can proceed and obtain full Peruvian citizenship and the right to vote or become the president, not hat I would ever want the hastle. Spiritually speaking the fact that my name is written in the 'Book of Life' evidences my heavenly citizenship and the fact that I am a citizen of Gods kingdom and part of the Church.

I could go on pondering this amazing topic but the above will suffice for now.

Now I am back in Ilo preparing to go for another week of camps. This time it's a family camp which no doubt will have a different dynamic to it than the youth camp. Please continue to pray that God would give, and that we would be faithful in taking, opportunities to share to gospel. Also, writing from 'camp nurse' point of view, please pray there would be no serious illness or injury among campers or leaders.

I look forward to letting you know how camp went once I return.

God Bless,
Alistair.