10/21 Update

Travel Status -
Last week we spent Thursday through Saturday in Lima with the Peruvian missionaries from MEBIP (a peruvian mission board) who work in the provinces around Lima. This week we spent in Piura, Peru, where the 2nd Escuela Misionera (missions conference) was held. Pastor Evelio is the director of MEBIP, and we are traveling with him and helping wherever possible. Crystal has been able to teach first aid classes and women's Bible studies, and Seth has been giving a challenge to the missionaries each morning. It has been a great opportunity to see how the national leaders of Peru work. We consider this time as valuable training for our future ministry. Not only are we meeting these missionaries and pastors, but we also are able to get a better look into their minds and hearts as they encourage and train each other.
Future Schedule -
We are taking off on Thursday morning for Cusco, Peru, for the third and final conference. We will then be spending two weeks at the seminary in Urabamba, observing classes and ministry opportunities.
Prayer Requests -
Please continue to pray for our language learning, MEBIP conferences, and our personal spiritual growth. We also are praying that God would open doors to visit more ministries and that we can learn from each one.
The Peru Side - 
Punctuality - In most Latin American cultures, tardiness is acceptable, and often times expected. If a missionary or visitor is not careful, this can become a point of contention and hostility. In preparing oneself before hand, several factors must be taken into account to arrive "on time." For example, if a meeting is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., we cannot assume that all parties will arrive 5 minutes before 3 as is the standard practice of Minnesotans. On the contrary, around 3 p.m. is when most will realize that the meeting is going to take place, and therefore begin their preparations. Then one must also allow for travel time to the event, and perhaps the occasional conversation with an old friend en route. Therefore, upon arrival 15 to 30 minutes later than the scheduled time, the attendee is still "on time." It benefits the standard "time-oriented North American" to understand this and come prepared with a book, project, and a pile of patience.