February 1, 2012
Amazing friends & family,
Can you believe it? As of last month I have lived and worked in Lima, Peru for six incredible years and have completed my second contract with Word Made Flesh. It seems like only a short time ago I was sharing with you all about my desire to come here and you were offering me your warmest support and encouragement.
I remember a cool nervous night in Omaha, a fresh & shiny college grad standing before the Word Made Flesh Board asking for their blessing to spend 2 years in Lima, Peru. 2 years became 3 and then 3 surprisingly became 6 and there were so many nights to remember in between. Nights on the streets of Lima, huddling close to friends. Nights in the cold altitude of Bolivia, sharing community with our sister field. Nights of laughter so rich and full, and other nights so pregnant with pain and weariness. There on the corner waiting, here on a bus visiting, then there again, soul-smiling, at the graduation of child who has grown beautiful and strong in spite of it all. In the ministry center, in the plaza, in the living room, and in the kitchen, always in the kitchen. I could never have imagined it if I tried.
As many of you already know, I will be returning to the States at the end of this month. One of the many incredible things about working here in community is that they are always encouraging its members to seek and understand more deeply their true self in Christ and as such how their vocation is related to that self. My time here has been exactly what I believe God intended it to be and it is with great joy and peace that I step towards the next horizon of who God created me to be, and the vocation that he continues to grow and develop in me.
It has truly been an honor and a privilege to live and serve alongside the Word Made Flesh Peru community. Over the years I have lived here I have seen some of the most intentional and beautiful acts of love and sacrifice on behalf of the vulnerable. I have had the pleasure of seeing the Peruvian community take charge of the ministry and become advocates for those cast out by society and have been incredibly blessed by the relationships that have developed in community with staff, volunteers and the youth we work with. I know that my life will never be the same for knowing them and that a part of my heart and my self will always be here with them. Love has shown me her face here and, although it is much different than I imagined it would be, I am ever grateful.
I have every intention of staying involved with the community here in Lima and I would encourage you all to do the same, as you feel led. The beautiful, difficult, important work continues! Prayer, financial support, words of encouragement, visits to the field, and sharing of resources are just the beginning of the ways you and I can continue to promote God’s vision here in Lima. If you want ideas please be in touch!
To give one specific and timely example: the children in our educational assistance program are currently on summer vacation and will be gearing up to start classes at the end of this month. Our prayer and financial support assures that they can have another year of the education they deserve and brings them one step closer to breaking the cycles of poverty all around them.*
With all that said, what I most want to express is THANK YOU. This whole thing would never have been possible for me if it weren’t for you all. Your constant support, love, prayers, generous donations, words of encouragement and desire to walk alongside our community has been the fuel that moved me forward and empowered me to serve Jesus among the vulnerable peoples of Lima for the last 6 years. Thank you for believing in me and for believing in the work God is doing here in this great city. You all have also taught me much about what love is and what she looks like in the flesh. I will be ever grateful for your faith and partnership.
Thanks to you, my support account is healthy and has been able to sustain all my costs up until this point and will be able help with my relocation and debriefing. For those of you who have been donating via automatic monthly donation, thank you a million times over, those will be automatically stopped when my support account is closed in May.
Please pray for my community and me, as you feel led, during this time of transition. They have been such an incredible support to me and over the years have become my family away from family. The goodbyes and adjusting to life apart from each other will be difficult and will probably take some time. You can also pray for me as I continue to make decisions about the future – I am a mix of nerves, joy, sadness, and excitement – kind of a crazy combination ☺.
I look forward to seeing and touching base with many of you when I return to the States. I will be in the Des Moines area at first and then we’ll see. Feel free to email me at monica.ghali@gmail.com if you have any questions, or you want to know more, or you just want to say “hi” – the next month will be a bit full but I will try to respond as soon as I can!
So, in summary:
Thank you, thank you, thank you. It has been a joy sharing the journey with you. I look forward to many more adventures along the way! Let’s be in touch…
Much love & peace, Monica N. Ghali
*You can continue to give to the WMF Peru Community by denoting donations to the “Peru General Fund” to give specifically to the educational assistance program denote “Peru General Fund: Educational Assistance”. For online donations: https://portal.ftnirdc.com/Checkout
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Monday, February 14, 2011
Love is all around us...
I generally agree that this is a hallmark holiday generated to pick our pockets etc. etc. BUT this year I thought, you know, let's STICK it to 'em by *actually* making it an all out celebration of love and friendship and life. So that's what I'm doing. Won't you join me?
Seeing the Beauty and Goodness in Front of Us by Henri Nouwen
We don't have to go far to find the treasure we are seeking. There is beauty and goodness right where we are. And only when we can see the beauty and goodness that are close by can we recognize beauty and goodness on our travels far and wide. There are trees and flowers to enjoy, paintings and sculptures to admire; most of all there are people who smile, play, and show kindness and gentleness. They are all around us, to be recognized as free gifts to receive in gratitude.
Our temptation is to collect all the beauty and goodness surrounding us as helpful information we can use for our projects. But then we cannot enjoy it, and we soon find that we need a vacation to restore ourselves. Let's try to see the beauty and goodness in front of us before we go elsewhere to look for it.
Also, I say "heck yes!" to this sentiment. Thanks filmpunk & marke:
May your day be filled with joy and love and grace and connection -- you deserve it!
with love, mng
Seeing the Beauty and Goodness in Front of Us by Henri Nouwen
We don't have to go far to find the treasure we are seeking. There is beauty and goodness right where we are. And only when we can see the beauty and goodness that are close by can we recognize beauty and goodness on our travels far and wide. There are trees and flowers to enjoy, paintings and sculptures to admire; most of all there are people who smile, play, and show kindness and gentleness. They are all around us, to be recognized as free gifts to receive in gratitude.
Our temptation is to collect all the beauty and goodness surrounding us as helpful information we can use for our projects. But then we cannot enjoy it, and we soon find that we need a vacation to restore ourselves. Let's try to see the beauty and goodness in front of us before we go elsewhere to look for it.
Also, I say "heck yes!" to this sentiment. Thanks filmpunk & marke:
May your day be filled with joy and love and grace and connection -- you deserve it!
with love, mng
Friday, February 04, 2011
favorite time of year
I think I can safely declare that this is my favorite time of the year in Lima - especially this year. Besides the fact that its sunny-make-you-want-to-dive-into-any-body-of-water weather and that we have a fabulous little city garden throwing down roots in the ministry center backyard, its also TUTORIA TIME. What's that you ask? It can be loosely translated as "Back to School" Educational Assistance Time! (the seasons are reversed this side of the equator).
I just love hearing about the successes these children have had in the previous school year, to see the proud joy on their mothers' faces as they tell us how well their little girl is counting or how her son finished first grade with all "A+"s. Its not easy for these women and their children. Many of them are on their own trying to raise their family and pay the bills as an essentially single parent, but when they choose to stand up anyway and say my child WILL have a good education and they commit themselves to it, well, that's one of the most beautiful things I've ever had the privilege of witnessing. To sit with them and to help them evaluate their needs to see how WMF Peru can help and then hear them say "I will work hard so that my child can meet his educational goals", especially knowing many of the hardships & often poor access to education they themselves experienced, its hopeful and incredible. The icing on the cake is getting to send the ladies home with fresh parsley, basil, mint, chives and cucumbers (some friendly albeit ravenous worms included) from our very own garden. Makes me giddy from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. Can't wait till all those gorgeous green tomatoes start glowing vibrant summer red. Its possible I'll lose it altogether from joy but its a risk I'm willing to take...
Watching both mother and child grow in responsibility and liveliness respectively has been a gift stretched out across these 5 years that I have been here. I am so thankful for the people who came before me and did all the hard work of establishing and promoting this program. I know for a fact that those first interviews were some of the most difficult and I am so grateful for their commitment and perseverance [ahem, Langleys, Sarsah, Jose Luis...:)].
And of course THANK YOU to all the people who have said prayers for these families and donated from their resources - you are an integral part of this team. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
If you think of it, say a prayer for them - if you'd like to chip in click HERE and designate your gift to "Peru Educational Assistance".
One of the amazing girls in Educational Assistance Program
Our garden in its earlier more worm free stage :)
I just love hearing about the successes these children have had in the previous school year, to see the proud joy on their mothers' faces as they tell us how well their little girl is counting or how her son finished first grade with all "A+"s. Its not easy for these women and their children. Many of them are on their own trying to raise their family and pay the bills as an essentially single parent, but when they choose to stand up anyway and say my child WILL have a good education and they commit themselves to it, well, that's one of the most beautiful things I've ever had the privilege of witnessing. To sit with them and to help them evaluate their needs to see how WMF Peru can help and then hear them say "I will work hard so that my child can meet his educational goals", especially knowing many of the hardships & often poor access to education they themselves experienced, its hopeful and incredible. The icing on the cake is getting to send the ladies home with fresh parsley, basil, mint, chives and cucumbers (some friendly albeit ravenous worms included) from our very own garden. Makes me giddy from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. Can't wait till all those gorgeous green tomatoes start glowing vibrant summer red. Its possible I'll lose it altogether from joy but its a risk I'm willing to take...
Watching both mother and child grow in responsibility and liveliness respectively has been a gift stretched out across these 5 years that I have been here. I am so thankful for the people who came before me and did all the hard work of establishing and promoting this program. I know for a fact that those first interviews were some of the most difficult and I am so grateful for their commitment and perseverance [ahem, Langleys, Sarsah, Jose Luis...:)].
And of course THANK YOU to all the people who have said prayers for these families and donated from their resources - you are an integral part of this team. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
If you think of it, say a prayer for them - if you'd like to chip in click HERE and designate your gift to "Peru Educational Assistance".
One of the amazing girls in Educational Assistance Program
Our garden in its earlier more worm free stage :)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
getting back on the creative train...
recently became a participant in the collaborative artistic community/production company and it has been an inspiration beyond what i could have ever imagined. it has literally gotten me back on the creative train!
hitRECord.org -- check it out.
an example: i submitted a collage of bus tickets that i made last year and then pprescott used it as a background for this fab poster she cooked up with a photo of hers...
cool, right?!
for some reason this collaborative community has given me the courage to try many of things i've always wanted to delve into. i think it helps that we met at just the right time in my life AND that its 2010 no regrets, but whatever the case, i am loving it. i've done voiceovers, videos, written tiny stories, recorded background vocals and contributed paintings and collages. now, i want to learn how to be a better REmixer. even outside of the site i am feeling more inspired to observe and create and engage the world around me.
so i think i'm just going to roll with it :).
and that is your random update on this fine tuesday afternoon.
peace & so much love!
hitRECord.org -- check it out.
an example: i submitted a collage of bus tickets that i made last year and then pprescott used it as a background for this fab poster she cooked up with a photo of hers...
cool, right?!
for some reason this collaborative community has given me the courage to try many of things i've always wanted to delve into. i think it helps that we met at just the right time in my life AND that its 2010 no regrets, but whatever the case, i am loving it. i've done voiceovers, videos, written tiny stories, recorded background vocals and contributed paintings and collages. now, i want to learn how to be a better REmixer. even outside of the site i am feeling more inspired to observe and create and engage the world around me.
so i think i'm just going to roll with it :).
and that is your random update on this fine tuesday afternoon.
peace & so much love!
Sunday, August 01, 2010
a simple woman's daybook: august 2010
Back in Lima after a glorious visit to the Estados Unidos. Weddings, newborns, reunions, gardens, summer heat, back and front porch sitting, amazing and inspiring people, rasberry cupcakes... what more could a girl ask for?
outside my window. . .
I'm choosing to celebrate Lima winter, its crisp and cold and perfect weather for soup creations.
I am listening to. . .
alternating between Rhythm: reduce. reuse. recycle. A mixed tape created by b.hanson for the sister and Sigh No More by Mumford and Sons
I am thinking. . .
about how amazing this week has been being back in Peru and catching up with friends, how I really need to clean the house before going back to work on Monday and how I really want to do something creative today.
I am thankful. . .
for the beautiful moments I was blessed to spend stateside, affordable fresh produce, and collaboration.
from the learning room. . .
I've been learning a lot about the true faces of Love, the deep healing nature of forgiveness, and how to take better care of this one body I've been given.
from the kitchen. . .
invited friends over on Friday for a humble Egyptian lunch out of my Arab Table Cookbook. Favorite part: homemade arab flatbread :).
I am wearing. . .
warm fuzzy pajamas, wool socks & slippers, big blue fuzzy robe. Standard winter attire.
I am hoping. . .
for a good start to the work week, loads of motivation and good, healthy communication.
I am creating. . .
a frame for my earrings, a sketchbook for the arthouse exhibit, and a cookbook stand.
I am praying. . .
for our local community and the worldwide WMF community.
around the house. . .
post vacation cleaning is definitely in order. As soon as I finish this post I'm on it...
I am reading. . .
"All About Love: Visions" by Bell Hooks and "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" by Robert M. Pirsig
one of my favorite things. . .
is sitting on my parent's back porch drinking ginger mint tea under the stars with friends and sweet family. also, cooking out of my sister's garden :).
a few plans for the rest of the week. . .
go to work, pick up the Langley's from the airport (yahoo!), and help Anni & Giancarlo cook for their engagement party!
several picture thoughts i am sharing. . .
1. On the farm in Peabody, KS
2. With 1 hour old baby Isla Jo
3. Chillin' with Mr. Lucas
4. Celebrating at Sarah & Sebas' wedding
5. Fresh produce from my neighborhood market (all for under $4!)
outside my window. . .
I'm choosing to celebrate Lima winter, its crisp and cold and perfect weather for soup creations.
I am listening to. . .
alternating between Rhythm: reduce. reuse. recycle. A mixed tape created by b.hanson for the sister and Sigh No More by Mumford and Sons
I am thinking. . .
about how amazing this week has been being back in Peru and catching up with friends, how I really need to clean the house before going back to work on Monday and how I really want to do something creative today.
I am thankful. . .
for the beautiful moments I was blessed to spend stateside, affordable fresh produce, and collaboration.
from the learning room. . .
I've been learning a lot about the true faces of Love, the deep healing nature of forgiveness, and how to take better care of this one body I've been given.
from the kitchen. . .
invited friends over on Friday for a humble Egyptian lunch out of my Arab Table Cookbook. Favorite part: homemade arab flatbread :).
I am wearing. . .
warm fuzzy pajamas, wool socks & slippers, big blue fuzzy robe. Standard winter attire.
I am hoping. . .
for a good start to the work week, loads of motivation and good, healthy communication.
I am creating. . .
a frame for my earrings, a sketchbook for the arthouse exhibit, and a cookbook stand.
I am praying. . .
for our local community and the worldwide WMF community.
around the house. . .
post vacation cleaning is definitely in order. As soon as I finish this post I'm on it...
I am reading. . .
"All About Love: Visions" by Bell Hooks and "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" by Robert M. Pirsig
one of my favorite things. . .
is sitting on my parent's back porch drinking ginger mint tea under the stars with friends and sweet family. also, cooking out of my sister's garden :).
a few plans for the rest of the week. . .
go to work, pick up the Langley's from the airport (yahoo!), and help Anni & Giancarlo cook for their engagement party!
several picture thoughts i am sharing. . .
1. On the farm in Peabody, KS
2. With 1 hour old baby Isla Jo
3. Chillin' with Mr. Lucas
4. Celebrating at Sarah & Sebas' wedding
5. Fresh produce from my neighborhood market (all for under $4!)
Friday, June 11, 2010
Coming to the States! Supporters Gathering!
hey friends -- i know its been a long time since i've written here but i did promise in my last letter that you could check in here for some news about meeting up in July for those of you in the Des Moines area! here are the deets -- i'm very excited to see everyone who is around and available!
Date: Thursday, July 1
Time: 7:30-9 pm
Where: 14072 Lakeview Dr.; Clive
What: Getting together to catch up, eat a yummy peruvian appetizer & heavenly cake, and give you all an update on the work in Lima that you have so generously supported me in :).
if you don't have facebook to rsvp to the event i created -- leave a note in the comments letting me know if you'll be able to make it! you only need to rsvp in one spot :).
i'm in dsm for the first two weeks of july and i can't wait!
big hugs to you all :).
Date: Thursday, July 1
Time: 7:30-9 pm
Where: 14072 Lakeview Dr.; Clive
What: Getting together to catch up, eat a yummy peruvian appetizer & heavenly cake, and give you all an update on the work in Lima that you have so generously supported me in :).
if you don't have facebook to rsvp to the event i created -- leave a note in the comments letting me know if you'll be able to make it! you only need to rsvp in one spot :).
i'm in dsm for the first two weeks of july and i can't wait!
big hugs to you all :).
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
the best compliment ever
today erick & i went to visit a friend who used to live on the streets. he welcomed us into his home and in the course of conversation he gave me my favorite compliment ever:
"you know monica i've always liked your style, its part hippie part peaceful and it always made me feel at ease."
needless to say, that made me pretty happy.
but more importantly, he's doing well and the visit was such a joyful experience. he read us some of his writings and shared some of his dreams with us and it was such a hopeful time. i'm so proud of him and all the other youth who are pressing on in their lives away from the streets.
thanks to everyone who made my trip to egypt and the states so sweet & special. i'm glad to be back in lima but i miss you all already. *sigh* :).
love & peace to the people...
"you know monica i've always liked your style, its part hippie part peaceful and it always made me feel at ease."
needless to say, that made me pretty happy.
but more importantly, he's doing well and the visit was such a joyful experience. he read us some of his writings and shared some of his dreams with us and it was such a hopeful time. i'm so proud of him and all the other youth who are pressing on in their lives away from the streets.
thanks to everyone who made my trip to egypt and the states so sweet & special. i'm glad to be back in lima but i miss you all already. *sigh* :).
love & peace to the people...
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