The Grand Finale...

Well, I'm "home," although it doesn't feel much like home anymore!

We had 3 days of debriefing, in which we shared team testimonies, as well as had some really awesome worship time. Before getting back to Lima for debriefing, I was ready to be home. The last village we were in was filled with people who did not talk to us, but rather stare at us as if we were statues in an art gallery. I was tired of it by the end of the week, and just wanted to be back in the states with my friends and family. And then I got to debriefing... and being around my (American) friends made me realize that it wasn't that I wanted to be back in the States, I just wanted someone that I could relate to again. And once I had those someones, I didn't want to leave Lima to go to the jungle. And once I was in the jungle I didn't want to leave it to go back to the states. And now I'm here. I know that God has me here for a reason, and I am so excited to get involved in Beautiful Feet and start talking with the girls in my classes again, but right now, while I'm still re-introducing myself with the culture, its hard.

I cried when I had to say goodbye to all of my gringos at the REAPSouth office. I cried when my airplane left the ground in Lima. I went out to eat with Dave and my mom the night I got back, and I started crying because A) it was so expensive, and B) everyone was just eating- they hadn't cooked for hours to have food to eat like Peruvians do. I bawled my way through church on Sunday, first because it was so overwhelming, second because we sang one of the sang songs that we sang in Peru, and third because its SO different than how I think church should be. Ironically, most Peruvian churches are closer, in my opinion, than most American churches.

But, I AM very glad to be home! I'm so glad to get to see all of you again, and to get to talk on the phone with those of you whom I can't talk to in person. I keep hoping I run into people I know, just so that I can see someone! Ask me every single question you want to know about Peru... I'm more of a question and answer gal than a public speaker. :-) I am SO appreciative of all of you guys and gals for everything that you've done for me this summer to support and encourage me. Know that each and every one of you has blessed me beyond words. Thank you so much, and God bless you!

-En Cristo,
Kathy

Check this link to see some pictures from my trip! -->
http://tcu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2069805&l=16615&id=18301768
or if you don't have Facebook, try this-->
joykjc's AOL Pictures Public Gallery.