Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you”, says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” God’s promises are always true. They are true today, just as they were yesterday. When Michael and I were led to a different church, it was a very painful transition and we could not imagine what God had in store for us. We did often say, whatever it is, “Its gotta be good!”


Last November we went from a very intimate church where we knew everyone and were leaders in a sense, to a church where we became one in a thousand plus. I honestly thought we would get lost in the shuffle. This is proof that God knows what he is doing, and that if we listen to where God is leading us, we not only will be blessed but we can help God with his blessings!

Several months ago I was given a manila envelope that asked me to attend a meeting about a trip to Peru. Peru? I didn’t even know for sure where Peru was, I know that’s pretty sad, but it’s the truth. I attended the meeting, where Mark Owens, Missions Pastor explained that it had been laid on his heart to pursue planting a church in Chepen, Peru. We would also be providing a medical clinic, eyeglass clinics and backyard Bible clubs. I don’t think anyone even knew I was a nurse. He had been there last year and it had changed his life. They asked if those invited to the meeting were interested and I said, “Count me in!” It was one of those things, when you know, you know.

On August 4th, we arrived at the church to get loaded for our drive to Atlanta. The missions team had purchased medications from a company called MAP to use in the medical clinics. They had not arrived until Friday evening, nothing like cutting it close! We had to scurry around to find a way to carry them on the plane. The combined weight of all the medications was sixty pounds. We managed to get it all loaded up and said prayers and kissed our families good- bye. Michael, John-Michael, Mom and Jackie had come to see me off. That is always the hardest part. I know it is hard on them as well. I am so blessed to have such a supportive family. We had also just gotten word that Mark’s grandmother was about to pass any moment. I know his heart was heavy. He had been expected to preach her funeral, but this would not be possible. The ride to Atlanta was a little long, but it’s always kind of neat to know that these strangers you are riding with, in just a matter of a few days will become some of your closest friends. There were 5 men and 2 women in our group, I could see people looking at us and wondering what an odd combination we were. God makes no mistakes.

We did have to rearrange some of our luggage to get everything under weight. The 5 pounds of candy I had packed to give to the kids, put mine over the limit. I wasn’t about to pay $80.00 to get that candy there, but it all worked out. I couldn’t help think with our motley crew and all the rearranging of luggage that we were like the Griswalds go to Peru.

I was seated next to Craig, and we had a wonderful time getting to know each other. The flight from Atlanta to Lima, Peru was 6½ hours. We left the airport, and I hate to admit how scary Lima looked. The motel we stayed at was called Hotel Santa Cruz.



Charlene was the only other woman in our group, and her husband, Don was with her, so I wasn’t sure who I would be rooming with. The rest of the team with Tom Cox ministries was to arrive in several hours. At about 2am, Courtney arrived to share a room with me. She is about 21 and goes to college in Clinton, MS. She was a delight. She and two of her friends, Loren and Audrey had come on the trip together. I actually felt bad that she was separated from her friends, and thought how bad she must feel, but she never seemed even the least disappointed, and it was such a blessing to me. They all three are going to do amazing things with their lives.


On Tuesday, August 5th, we ate a quick bite and began to load the bus with all the luggage. I managed to break the screen on my camera while carrying a trunk full of glasses, I wanted to cry, but I didn’t, it still took pictures. I just couldn’t see what I was taking. If it would have happened at home I would have been so upset. There is nothing like people with no food and no medical care that puts life in perspective real quick. We went back to the airport in Lima and caught our flight to Trullijo.



Steve helped a woman with her two small children. He carried one sleeping child while she carried the infant up the steep stairs into the plane. It was so sweet. It reminded me that missions rarely take place in the “field”. It is usually occurs right where we are.

It was a 45 min flight and it seemed to me each airport we went to was getting smaller and smaller. I was soon to find out this was going to be true about the buses and vans we road in. We went from Trullijo, which is 400 miles north of Lima to Pacasmayo, an hour and a half ride.



The place we stayed at was called La Estacion Hotel and it was right on the ocean. It’s hard to imagine that we were right on the coast of South America.
The town is actually known for its surfing. The view was beautiful. The beach at a closer look was a little littered and often used as facilities, if you know what I mean……

Courtney and I were put together again and stayed in room 421. It was a pretty nice room, small but very clean. We could not have asked for anything better. We quickly put our luggage in our rooms and headed to Tito’s Aunts for lunch. We ate at her house for lunch and supper everyday. Tito is Peruvian and is employed by Tom Cox ministries. He is a church planter, a truck driver, music leader, interpreter, bouncer, and first and for most servant of Jesus Christ. We ate a meal of fried potatoes covered with beef and peppers and then topped with rice. I have never eaten rice and potatoes at the same meal, but they eat it at EVERY meal. When we returned to the hotel we began the tedious task of sorting the medications to get ready for the clinics. Eric Ramsey, who is Tom Cox’s son in law, had the medications they were bringing in his luggage which of course was lost. The medications we had were those that had arrived in North Augusta just in the nick of time. This is no small miracle. If we would not have had those medicines, we would have only had Tylenol and vitamins to give out. God is amazing. The medication seemed to multiply like the fish and the loaves. The more we sorted the more we had. Later that evening we headed back to Tito’s Aunts and again road in the back of his blue truck. It was so much fun. When we returned to the hotel we had a meeting. I thought I would pass out for need of sleep. I did learn a lot though and we received our assignments. Loren, Audrey and I were all on the medical team together. Audrey helped with eyeglass fittings which was pretty cool because she is planning on being an optometrist. Loren became our pharmacist. She did an awesome job, and really kept the flow of things going well. I was also assigned to do the devotion on Saturday. I wasn’t sure exactly what the definition of a devotion is, I know what a personal devotion is, but wasn’t so sure of how to present one to a group. Courtney helped encourage me and reminded me that God would give me a Word if I listened.

Wednesday August 6, 2008. We got up early, had breakfast and headed with each of our teams to our assigned place.


We went to Chepen. This is what we had been waiting for. We were finally going to the place we had been praying for and I could hardly wait to get to the unexpected. We were not out in a village like you might imagine in Africa. Chepen is a small town; with buildings that are pretty much all connected and divided up by blocks. The structures are pretty much made of brick, and concrete. I told Michael and John-Michael that they grow dirt here. It sounds funny but that is how it looked to me. They do make cement with all that dirt. I actually saw them watering it one day! The place of our clinic was an abandoned church “space”. It was one big, open, squared room and had one bathroom in the back, which we were very grateful for. The door had a solid piece that covered the way in and once removed revealed a gate. When the gate was pulled back, the open area was like the opening to a garage. We were only able to keep the gate open for a short time. When people began to realize we were providing glasses and medical care the lines became almost unmanageable. Chris had worked so hard getting eyeglasses prepped and ready. I didn’t get to see him much but I am sure it was him I could here smiling. Jesus always provided for a physical need before providing a spiritual one. The eyeglass and medical clinics are such an important ministry. Dr. Allmon, who is from Missouri, was the only other medical person besides me and Lynn, who is in nursing school. He said that these clinics were like planting seeds and the counselors were picking the harvest. He and I saw patients. We both had a little area with 3 chairs, one for us, one for the interpreter and one for the patient. It was so odd at first to see patients just out in the open like we did. The patients didn’t seem to notice and we got over it very quickly. My interpreter was named Eric. I thought I was going to have a woman, but it worked out great! It was a wonderful day. We began to communicate well and he soon began to know what I was going to give the patients before I said it. He was the best. Dr. Allmon’s interpreter was named, Carolina, pronounced Carolena. I thought that was neat, since I’m from Carolina. We saw patients of all ages. They also had a variety of complaints and not a heart surgery among them! I soon realized we were definitely not in Georgia anymore and got acquainted with the big problem of pin worms. The locals say perisitos. That is definitely not something I treat everyday. After they were seen in the eyeglass or medical clinic they met with counselors. Everyone worked at their assigned task. Each role was a vital piece of the puzzle. We saw about 144 patients and there were 80 professions of faith. The clinic was quickly turned into a VBS at about 3pm. It broke my heart to see all the people still waiting to be seen. They looked at us through the locked gate; I will have nightmares about them looking at me through those bars.
Charlene led the group of about 40 children in a Bible story and craft and songs. It was so nice to get to interact with the children in that way. They had fun coloring a paper plate and placed yarn around the edges to look like a lion. After the Bible club, we headed back to Pacasmayo to go have supper.

We were divided into 5 different groups; I kind of think of it as divide and conquer. I was with Craig and a couple from Alabama. We went to a small church in Pacasmayo. I gave a testimony. I talked about how our children ask a lot of questions, especially mine. I told them about when John-Michael was 3 and asked how do you get Jesus in your heart, do you swallow him? I spoke about how cute it was, but it was a very serious question. We must know why we need Jesus in our heart and most importantly how. I think it went ok. We rode in these little rickshaws, motorcycle things back to the hotel. They were not made for American sized people, luckily we didn’t have far to go.

August 7, 2008. What a great joyous day! We woke up about 6am and had breakfast. We arrived at the clinic in Chepen to find a large crowd already lined up around the building. I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest. We got everything set up much quicker and got to seeing patients right away. We were so much more efficient that we saw 90 more patients, compared to the day before. One man brought his son and was so thankful for the care he wanted to bring me a gift of honey back later that evening. I thought it was cool that he asked me if it was ok. I of course told him it was. He brought it later that evening to the service we held there and it was like gold to me. The one thing that unites the world is our love for our children. We all love our children so much it hurts. The worst patient I saw was a man who was initially seen by the eye clinic. He had a horrible infection in his eyes. They brought him over to me to put antibiotic eye drops in. They said they were afraid no one else could stomach it. Lucky me right? Actually, it really is lucky me, it was such a blessing to be a part of God’s work. I don’t know if the man’s vision will be saved but at least now there may be a chance. I do think the infection had eroded his right eye, but prayerfully the left eye will heal. We also gave him amoxicillin by mouth. We again stayed to help with VBS. It was so much fun watching them play and they loved all of the attention. I think the parents enjoyed seeing the nurse get on the floor and play with their children. I think the best entertainment was the nurse trying to get up off that floor, now that was a treat! We again headed back to Pacasmayo for a quick change and supper. I asked Kay if I could be on the team that was heading back to Chepen. She said I could later that night when she announced the team going to Chepen, Mark, Mindy, Chris, and Craig were on there. There was also another couple. It was pretty funny that she decided I looked like a Mindy and there was no changing it in her mind. Craig and I had developed a running joke, anytime that he was asked to speak and I was around some how I ended up doing it. This night was no different. I honestly thought we were friends. It was truly a blessing, all kidding aside. We had the best time ever. On our way to Chepen we talked about how we wondered how God was going to work all this out. We said we would certainly know how the people felt when we arrived at the place where we held the clinics and would hold church. I don’t think any of us expected what we saw. A large crowd was waiting for us in front of the building. The night before there had been twenty to forty people altogether. This group well surpassed that already. As soon as we could get the door open, they went right in and began setting up the chairs. We all stood stunned in silence. People kept coming in. The initial count was around 140! I know a lot more people came in after that. There was standing room only. Marco lead music and then I gave the same testimony as the night before. I don’t think there was much similarity though. I had so much fun. I think I could have gone on all night. Who would have thought that I could speak in front of all those people when in school I wouldn’t even answer a question? This is proof God doesn’t call the gifted, He gifts the called.





Mark preached and it was an awesome message. He finished by asking them what they thought of a church in Chepen? They stood and applauded. After the invitation, Mark asked them to leave us their names and addresses. We were almost mobbed. They were so excited. It’s hard to put into words what we experienced that night. I know God had brought us all the way to Peru for just this time. We rode back to Pacasmayo in almost silence. There is not much to talk about when you have experienced such a move of the Holy Spirit.

When we got back to our hotel I headed to my room for a much needed shower and a few minutes to my self. After I took a shower I decided to pull out the list of names we had gotten. I started counting them and after two counts there were 200 names on it!

August 8, 2008

I remember earlier in the year being so excited about the Olympics starting. John-Michael and I had planned to watch the opening ceremonies together. He was so excited to let me know that he would record it for me.

Today everyone woke up a little more tired than the previous days. It didn’t take long before we were raring to go again. When we arrived in Chepen the people were lined up all the way around the building, almost a whole block. I have never been so humbled. We rounded the corner and there was another line coming from the other direction.

Some people had been waiting in line since 2am. I know I will never complain about waiting for a doctor again. There had also been an accident; a person had been hit by a motorcycle while waiting for us to arrive. We never heard how they were. This is the day we were to meet with the mayor. We decided that I would stay and continue to help with the medical clinic and I am so glad that it worked out that way. The meeting with the mayor went very well. He was very excited about the idea of a church being planted in Chepen. He made the comment that the Catholic Church was already mad at him any way. I thought that was an interesting comment. They were also able to meet with the owner of the building we were meeting in. He is willing to rent the space, including two apartments for a discounted rate. It is so amazing how things are coming together.

The patients we saw today seemed sicker. One lady brought her 12 month old in. She carried him in her arms. He was listless and had a fever. I was so sad they had been standing outside so long waiting to be seen. She had two tee-shirts on him and a jacket in her arms. He had ear infections, sore throat and thanks to the line was dehydrated. Several of the men came over and helped cool him off. The little boy sure was mad at me. I had to check his ears and try to get some fluid in him. I don’t know if any of us can imagine how this Mom must of felt. The crowd outside started to get more agitated as the day went on. It was a little scary. The gate in the front was the only way out. I don’t think they would have harmed us on purpose but they were desperate. One time the crowd tried to rush in but Tito, our hero, stopped them. It was sad and scary all at the same time. We didn’t see anymore patients after that. When we saw our last patient of the day it was devastating to look up and see the amount of people still wanting in. When I saw patients I tried to just focus on them and not on all those waiting. I think that is the only way I could not lose it. We again had Bible school, which was so much fun, and a wonderful break from all the sadness.

Loren, Courtney, Audrey, Wade and I rode in the back of Tito’s truck to Chepen for our last nightly service. We had so much fun and laughed all the way there. The service was good. Courtney gave a testimony and Mark preached. We got lots of hugs and kisses when we left. We rode back to Pacasmayo in Tito’s truck and I don’t think Six Flags can hold a candle to this ride!
Augusta 9, 2008

We actually got to sleep thirty minutes longer today. We had breakfast. The electricity was out and had been since sometime during the night. I wonder why the electricity goes out everywhere I go? It was my day to give the devotional. I read from Nehemiah 2: 12-21. The passage was so fitting for what we were there for. This trips purpose was a walk about. Nehemiah had gone to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls. In Chepen the walls were both physical and spiritual. We were able to meet a lot of physical needs and some spiritual needs. It broke my heart that with all the progress we made, on this day, there would be no one showing up in a bus to help them. Michael and I had been without a church for six days last year and we felt lost. I can’t imagine what these people are going through. Our team from North Augusta was beginning our way home today. The rest of the team was staying for another week. We were all asked to share what we were taking away. It was very emotional. We left from the hotel for one more clinic. This time we went to an orphanage. We only had an hour and a half to see about 30 children. I was a little anxious. I am not used to treating children. Dr. Allmon was a wonderful teacher and taught me what I needed to know, very quickly. The first little boy I saw had been mistreated. He was described as mentally ill. I Honestly, I think he is just developmentally delayed and pray that with the loving care he is receiving he will catch up with the other kids. Every child and caregiver had pinworms. They had also just had a bout of whopping cough. Some of the adults sounded worse than the kids. I think they had been left out of the previous treatment. They were so good with the kids, and all in all they seemed very well cared for. We had to leave there as soon as we were done. It seemed to me that more and more people kept coming out of the wood work. We finally just had to get on the bus.

After we loaded up we made our trip back to Trullijo. We arrived at the seminary there and got a quick look around. We had to hurry to catch our flight to Lima. Eric, Gay, Marco, and Todd rode with us. Eric and Gay (Tom Cox’s daughter) had received word that their luggage was at the airport. Todd had also had misplace his luggage. He is a gifted pianist and all his CD’s were in his suitcase. He was so sweet. He told me how much he was going to miss us. He has very poor eyesight, which makes his gifts that much more amazing. God can use us all. We just have to be ready and willing.

We caught our flight in Trullijo at 6pm, about an hour late. I had a middle seat. The lady to the left and the man to the right were Peruvian. The man started speaking to me right away; of course I didn’t understand a word. The young woman did understand a little English and started talking to me and interpreting between the gentleman and me. He finally got bored with us and she and I talked all the way to Lima. We had a wonderful time talking. Her boyfriend is American. When we were about ready to land she asked me if I was Catholic. I explained to her that I was not. She wanted to know the difference. It was so neat. The few Spanish words that I know started to come back to me. I explained that as Christians we have relationship with Jesus Christ. She asked did she need to read the sinner’s prayer everyday. I told her no, uno. God asks that we make a profession of faith only once. I also told her once you do that then you want to live for him. I had left all the Spanish tracts in Trullijo, so I gave her the Roman road in English. I know she can translate it. I hope to email her soon.

Our flight from Lima to Atlanta did not leave until 12:30 am and is a 6 ½ hour flight. Charlene and I had a blast at the airport in Lima. Other people were laughing at us. It feels good just to be silly sometimes. You would think by now you would have to sleep, but you don’t have to. It was a long ride. We were very happy to touch down in Atlanta. We thought we would jump for joy when we saw the First Baptist little bus there to pick us up. There is nothing like the good Ole USA!

Peru is a place of contrast. The ocean and mountains are majestic. The views are an amazing creation. There are however vast areas of barren land. The land reminds me of the people. They are beautiful and loving. They are also hungry and thirsty. It hardly ever rains there. Acts 1:8 commands us to be a witness in our community, in our country, and the world. These people are ready to be filled with the love of Christ. We are not saved ourselves by those we lead to Christ or by how hard we work. There is no extra credit for witnessing to those in Peru as apposed to witnessing to your neighbor. We should be ready and excited to share the marvelous gift we have received. The gift of salvation is available to everyone. We just have to accept it.

I feel so blessed to have been able to go to such a wonderful place. Some days our little group from North Augusta had little contact with each other. Some of us had definite roles, while others filled in the gaps. I did not see one person stand out more than another. I never saw anyone get aggravated or put out. It reminded me of that book title, “Its Not About Me.” Isn’t if funny how when we are doing God’s work we forget about the little aggravations in life?
Those of us who made this journey will try so hard to explain to everyone what a life changing experience this was. The words to explain and make you understand can never be sufficient. The team of Peru 2008 will forever be bonded. I often tease that the amount of money it cost each person to go on this mission, is about the cost of a family trip to Disney World. A mission trip is far more exciting and the rewards are eternal.