Birthdays

We've had a couple of these in the last two weeks. Since mine was first, I get to go first.

I decided to do something different to make it a special family day. Trevor loves celebrating birthdays, and I didn't want to have a regular day and not do anything to celebrate mine.

He even cooked a breakfast casserole for our breakfast, preparing it the night before. :)

We chose--okay, *I* chose--to go to Appomattox, where General Lee surrendered to General Grant, effectively ending the Civil War. I had no idea what to expect, possibly just a plaque next to the court house steps. Appomattox is a National Park, an hour and a half away.

Our first stop was a view of the battlefield site.


Appomattox Courthouse and Appomattox Court House are two different things. The courthouse is the location of the court. The county seat was often referred to as the "Court House," as in the case of Appomattox.

The area between these two fences mark the old road between Appomattox Court House and Lynchburg; this is where the Grant's army lined up as they began to surround the village. After battling for a week, learning that the U.S. Army had effectively cut off the supply route, and was surrounding the site, Lee responded, "Then there is nothing left for me to do but to go and see General Grant and I would rather die a thousand deaths."


Buried here are 19 men who died in the last two days of fighting at Appomattox. Originally buried where they died, near hospitals, in surrounding woodlots and farmland, the bodies of 18 Confederate soldiers were collected in 1866 for reburial here. The lone Union soldier was later found nearby and reburied here also. The identities of seven of the men are known.


We made our way over to the village, toured the visitors' center, and listened to a live interpretation of a soldier whose family owned land at Appomattox. We'd brought a picnic lunch and ate on the grounds under a tree--imagining what it would have been like in 1865. We visited the reconstructed McLean house where details of the surrender took place.



Originally from Manassas, VA Wilmer McLean's farm was the site of the First Battle of Bull Run, and his home was hit by artillery fire. He moved his family to Appomattox, in part to protect them from the fighting. McLean: ""The war began in my front yard and ended in my front parlor."

The house has been painstakingly reconstructed. At one time, there were plans to move the house to Washington, DC, and it was dismantled after detailed drawings were made for re-creation. Plans fell through, the ruins sat for 50 years, and in the 1940s, the site became a National Park. Archaeologists combed through the rubble, salvaging lumber and nails. Work again was halted, this time due to WWII. Later, much of the furniture was tracked down and brought back to the site, which finally opened to the public in 1949.

Grant sat at this table; Lee was over on the left, outside of my photo. The carpet and curtains were re-creations, made to look like the originals at the time of surrender.


This cradle was discovered when a couple touring the house commented that they had the original. After their visit, they discussed the matter privately, deciding to donate the crib to the Park, and providing papers proving the cradle's origin.


We were blessed by a wonderfully knowledgeable park ranger who was happy to share so much detailed information on many different aspects of the site. It was a great self-guided tour. We stopped at Dairy Queen on the way home, snacked for dinner, and the kids and I went for a walk to end the day.

Trevor's photo face

I had a lovely and memorable birthday. I can't help but continue to think how short our time is left with both kids, and I'm grateful that I'm aware of this now. I don't want to waste it.

Post Peru pics

Holly's last flight landed in DC shortly after midnight. The group split up, heading back to their four different areas of Virginia. Holly's group was met by the church van, driving the 3.5 hours in the middle of the night back to Lynchburg.

We woke up at 3:45 to make the hour drive to meet the van at the church at 5:00. We hadn't spoken to anyone on the plane, but a FB friend sent a picture of the kids in the van heading home.

We got to the church less than five minutes after the van.

More tearful goodbyes

Holly brought gifts for all of us, including earrings for me, a carved nativity for Robert, and a chullo for Trevor.



My biggest concern for the trip was bedbugs. They stayed at three different locations and flew on six different planes. If you've been reading the news, bedbug infestations have turned into a giant and costly headache for travelers. Everything went immediately into the washer or into giant plastic bags to hopefully heat up to 125 degrees in the hot sun. It's been three weeks, and I think we're okay!

Recipes and more

We went out to Lynchburg on Sunday night to hear an overview of recent missions trips the church has sponsored this year. There were teams from Russia, Haiti, and of course Holly's team from Peru. It was a wonderful evening. I wish that it were closer, that we could be an active part of this church.

There was a potluck, and I brought two pretty fabulous dishes. I first made this dip a week ago to bring to dinner with friends. It's versatile, a dip, a filling, a topping. There was a salsa contest last night, and even though it's not quite "salsa," I entered it. (Not that it won.) I'm not sure what exactly to call it. It's super easy to make, and the recipe makes a lot. It was enough for ten of us last weekend.

NO NAME DIP

1 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 15 oz. can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 15 oz. can white corn, rinsed and drained
2 oz. (half a small can) of chopped green chiles, undrained
1/2 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped (or sub yellow, orange or green)
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1/2 bunch cilantro leaves, finely chopped
2 t. garlic, chopped
1/4 c. rice vinegar
1/4 c. oil
2-1/2 T. sugar
1 avocado, optional

Mix beans, corn, green and jalapeno chiles, bell pepper, onion and cilantro in a large bowl.

Mix vinegar, oil and sugar in a glass measuring cup. Microwave until boiling, stir to dissolve sugar. Cool dressing, pour over bean mixture, toss well.

Preparing ahead of time will allow flavors to blend. Just before serving, dice avocado and add to bean mix.

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I also brought a dessert. I chose a new recipe, based on its online ratings, inexpensive ingredients, and ease in pulling together. This went over very well. Friends commented on it, not knowing I'd brought it, and then asked for the recipe. We're going to another potluck picnic next week, and I'm planning to make this again.

SOPAPILLA CHEESECAKE DESSERT

2 pkgs. cream cheese (I always use reduced fat; you could easily substitute no fat), softened
1 c. sugar
2 t. vanilla
2 cans/tubes crescent rolls
3/4 c. sugar
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 c. butter, softened in microwave
1/4 c. honey

Grease a 9x13 baking dish.

In small bowl, beat cream cheese, 1 c. sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

Unroll the first tube of crescent rolls. If you unroll the whole thing, it will be about the size of your baking dish. Unroll it into the baking dish, press seams together with your fingers so crust will cover the whole bottom of the pan. This is somewhat forgiving. I didn't find that the rolls unrolled evenly, but it worked out.

(The directions state to unroll the tube on a cutting board and use a rolling pin to shape it into a 9x13 rectangle. I started out trying that, but it seemed too complicated.)

Spread cream cheese mixture over this first crust. Top with second unrolled tube of crescent rolls.

Mix softened butter, 3/4 c. sugar, and cinnamon, and spread over top of crust.

Bake in 350 oven for 35-50 mins. until center is set when you jiggle the pan. Mine took 50 mins.

Remove from oven, drizzle with honey, and let cool before cutting. Serves 12; I cut mine small for potluck and made 40 squares.

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And one more thing I've been making lately is a Chipotle-styled rice. The waiting is the hardest part, but it's what makes the recipe what it is.

CHIPOTLE-STYLE CILANTRO LIME RICE

1 T. oil
1 c. long grain white rice (or whatever's on hand)
2 c. water
1-1/2 to 2 T. lime juice
2 t. fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 t. salt

Saute the rice in the oil until almost translucent. Add water; bring to a boil. As soon as the water begins to boil, turn heat to low.

Simmer, covered, for 15-20 mins. until all water is absorbed.

Turn off heat. DON'T PEEK. LEAVE IT COVERED for 30 minutes. This is what makes the rice fluffy. You won’t be happy with yourself if you don’t do this. Be patient!

Remove lid. Mix salt and lime juice together until salt is dissolved. Pour over rice. Add in cilantro. Fluff with fork.

Peru - Evangelism

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
"Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?"
Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." Isa. 6:8

Some missions trips focus on work, fixing up housing, building a school or church, helping people receive medical care, etc. The purpose of the Peru trip was evangelizing. This team gathered from four different churches in Virginia for several training sessions, were assigned two specific books to read, along with other activities in preparation.

They worked closely with the translators from the Bible college, and with the church in Arequipa. Much of their preparation in Virginia was learning and rehearsing a skit they performed at most of the locations they visited.

Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common . . . Acts 2:44

They spent a total of six days in Arequipa, going out two to three times a day. They visited a large park downtown four times.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God. Eph. 6:17

With the help of the translators, they'd invite people to watch their skit.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Eph. 2:10

Afterward, the team would break into small groups of 3 or 4 and, along with a translator, go out and talk to anyone in the crowd wanting to hear more or who was willing to listen.

Holly said this was the only time they saw green grass.

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,

in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42

They visited Plaza de Armas twice.

And He said to them, "Go into all the world
and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples! Ps. 105:1

They helped with Vacation Bible School at El Mirador for three days.

"Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me;
and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me." Mark 9:37

Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Jam. 3:18

El Mirador, "the lookout."

And when they had come to Jerusalem,

they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders;

and they reported all things that God had done with them. Acts 15:14

They received permission to visit two public colleges. After performing their skit at one, they broke up to talk to the audience and were then asked to leave.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves;
it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Eph. 2:8-9

They also went out to one high school

"As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world." John 17:18

and two elementary schools.

But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them;
for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 19:14

They visited one government-run orphanage that was our equivalent of a juvenile detention facility. They were kept away from the older kids; the whole thing was very difficult for many on the team, both kids and adults.

At the church's coffee shop one evening, team members gave English lessons to those in the church who were interested.

Holly's favorite part was the Christian orphanage.

"By this all will know that you are My disciples,
if you have love for one another." John 13:35

They brought plants for the children, and the children gave them tours--in Spanish, of course!

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another,
just as you also are doing. 1 Thess. 5

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;

and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8

"For where two or three are gathered together in My name,
I am there in the midst of them." Matt. 18:20

Peru - Land

Lima, the largest city in Peru, sits at sea level.


Arequipa, the second largest city, is at 7600 feet and considered a mountain desert.

Arequipa's International Airport is about the size of our Walmart

El Misti, an active volcano, provides a stunning backdrop from almost everywhere in the city.



It's ringed by other mountains in the Andes chain.


The historic Plaza de Armas, with its twin-towered cathedral, is the city's center.


The plaza is surrounded on three sides with colonial buildings


dating back to the 17th century.


Known as "The White City," Arequipa is famous for buildings made of ashlar, a white volcanic rock.



The park is in the center of the Plaza.



Further from the center of town.


As the city's grown, houses were built on the sides of hills.


Stray dogs are a common sight; many of the roads are unpaved.



There's a lot of traffic closer in. Several months ago, we found a youtube video of the crazy driving, which Holly confirmed was for real.


The kids received quite a bit of instruction regarding crime. While crossing a busy street, one of the girls had her backpack opened by a thief behind her, who was scared off when she began shouting at him.



The team was here during Peru's winter. Very arid, the highs at this time of year are in the upper 60s; the lows in the upper 40s.

Peru -- Food

Trip leaders took all possible precautions with regard to food safety. Every meal was eaten at the hotel or in a restaurant.


The only exception was a group of women from the church in Arequipa who fed them one night. The kids were very much encouraged at every meal to eat everything on their plates, so as not to offend.

And, yes, to answer the biggest question, Holly tried cuy. (Google this, if you must!) Wisely, she didn't choose it for her meal, preferring instead to taste from another's plate. But she liked it!

Fried guinea pig on a plate

Breakfasts were typically eaten at the hotel dining room, including ham and eggs (she passed), bread, and her new favorite fruit, granadilla. The fleshy seeds are scooped out and eaten with a spoon.


No drinking water! She knew her favorite would be Inca Kola, which she'd already sampled at home.


They ate one meal at a mall food court. A couple of people were quick to say that Peruvian Burger King is nothing like what we are used to.


She sampled cheese ice cream and loved it.


They ate a lot of chicken. And french fries.



One restaurant in particular had a stunning view of the ever-present El Misti.


At a buffet, some of the kids tried fried blood. Holly had it on her plate, but before she could eat it, the translators came through and told them not to. She's still disappointed she didn't taste it earlier!

She brought chocolate home for us to share. (It lasted about 3 minutes, as you can imagine.) She's encouraging me to begin cooking Peruvian style food, and I may just take her up on it. Chicken, though; no rodents.