Embajada

I had the chance yesterday and today to visit the US Embassy. I was doing an errand for the Ross girls. You might ask why I was there two days!? Yesterday I headed over there at 1:30- entered the security- you are not allowed to have cell phones in the Embassy so I checked mine. Then I walked along this long sidewalk to the Consulate building. There was a nice yard of grass that didn't seem to serve much purpose besides beign a barrier and the door to the Consulate was huge and heavy. I entered through another security checkpoint and was told that the notary is only available in the morning. But since I was there I thought I'd take the opportunity to meet a contact one of my supporters knew in the Embassy- a former missionary! I only had his name so I went to the receptionist- behind the glass( like a driver through bank teller is) and waited in this huge hall that was decorated with pictures of art that students from Texas had done. Next to the receptionist was another office where a Marine or some uniformed officer was keeping watch. The ceiling and high walls had blue square panels with stars at the joints! Yhe phone rang and they called me to answer- I seemed to have forgotten names, the connection and my English ( I think I'm accustomed to getting myself ready to talk on the phone and know what I'm going to say in Spanish that I tense up whenever using the phone now) Anyway, I fumbled through what I wanted to say and he finally made the connection as well and he came out to meet me. We were only able to talk in the lobby because of the high security. He was a very nice guy and he shared where he was attending church and about his family. I told him about our team and work. It was a very nice visit! Glad to know there are more Christians in our government especially working with the Peruvians. He is in charge of deciding tourist visas. He explained it a little to me. And he also told me about a friend he was discipling in the office. He is interested in equipping Peruvians to be missionaries which is right along my vision and got me excited. Today I went back and got the notary copies. For a second, I thought, the North American system is not supposed to be like this- not open after lunch and waiting forever in a waiting room- that's Peruvian "time" then I heard someone say "the American government" and I remembered that yes, in government offices it is like this- I realized no complaining!- I would get back to my appointment late. I prayed for the lady who was working at the window who has to deal with disgruntled North Americans in Peru! (There was a customer asking for a name or number of the girl to be able to report who she talked to...) When I came out to the main lobby I saw all the Peruvians lined up for their visa appointments-probably many who would see Chris. Outside the walls they had finished polishing some of the copper letters of the United States yesterday but the workers had not come to finish yet today! Very interesting! I also got in contact with the Young Life (Algo Nuevo in el Peru) and the BSF lady this week to find out when they meet so I can go visit sometime. Both very nice people with whom were a delight to talk. I am building my web of contacts here and hope to go to the National Library soon to check out resources for the tutoring and English teaching.