Email: [email protected]
Blog Address: http://therapyforperu.weebly.com/
Mailing Address:
Nicolas Balcombe/Lisa Alfonsi
Calle Santander 120 Dpto 1203
Miraflores, Lima 18
Peru
Wow! I can't believe it! 5 days to go until I leave for Peru! The journey that started 3 years ago is finally going to happen. These past few weeks have been, as my title states, a roller coaster ride.
Roller Coaster Hill #1. My last week of work was August 19-22. I loved my job. It has been the best place to work in my professional career. My colleagues and the clients and their families make the place what it is. It was a good feeling to get all the work done, but difficult to say goodbye to those people I've grown to love. Roller Coaster Hill #2. My plan after leaving work was to spend the last 2 weeks in the states with family and friends. Before leaving Chicago, I had some last minute visa issues that required my drive to Ohio to be postponed by about 6 hours. THANKFULLY ,with God's provision, after a morning of running from one government office to another with my wonderful friend, Jess, by my side, I was able to get the documents I needed and I was set to head to Ohio! The weekend that followed was wonderful. It was filled with fun things like watching my niece play soccer, spending time with friends and family, and canoeing with my sister and her kids. Then, I think I hit the part in the roller coaster that turns you upside down and does a double loop! Roller Coaster Double Loop: Within a 36 hour time span, I went from being on high to feeling really low. The high, I found out that my primary mortgage FINALLY approved the sale of my condo! I'm still waiting to hear about some final negotiations that are occurring and for a closing date, but PRAISE GOD it looks like I will finally have closure on this condo! I can not tell you how relieved I was to hear that! Then the low that took me on a double loop... well I ended up in the emergency room with the most excruciating pain in my abdomen I've ever had. Doctors were concerned that my appendix had ruptured or that I had kidney stones, both that could require surgery. PRAISE GOD that while I was still in pain, the diagnosis, a ruptured ovarian cyst, is one that does not require any surgery to heal. It just takes time and rest and some pain medicine and prayers that this does not happen again in the future. I am so thankful that the timing of this occurred when it did. I can not imagine being in Peru and not knowing what the pain was and having to go to the ER there. Now, if it does happen again, I will know what it is. I'm praying for total healing. Our God is the Great Physician, please pray for this too. Roller Coaster Hill #3 . Saying goodbye to my family and friends in Columbus. This includes my one and only big sister, my niece, nephew, brother in law, cousin, and some very good and dear friends. I had a chance to spend some special time with all of them for short amounts of time and I will cherish these memories...even the one where my sister and I spend "our day" in the ER :) Roller Coaster Hill #4. Well, now I am still on this one. After leaving Columbus, I headed to spend time with my parents, grandparents, extended family and friends. I spoke at my Grandma's church on Sunday and my parents hosted an open house for me for people to come say goodbye. It was GREAT to see all my friends and family that I don't get to see very often. It left me wanting to spend more time with all of them individually, but with the realization that now is not the time for that. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for their love, support, and generosity. Today, I got to spend a few hours with my dear friend Karyn who led me to Christ. It was a great time, but too short. On my drive back home, I drove by the church that it all started for me. Where God pursued me, and I finally let Him into my heart. I couldn't help but stop and take a picture of the church (see above) and thank him for his patience with me. Tomorrow, I say goodbye to my grandparents and this goodbye is the hardest so far. I'm thankful to have 3 still a part of my life. They are so very special to me. The rest of this week will be spent with my parents at a retreat center in Michigan. I'm praying for good talks and lasting memories before we head out to Chicago for my last weekend before taking off Monday morning Sept 9th. I'm sure there will be a ton more roller coaster hills of ups and downs before I set foot on that plane and even after. I look forward to this ride and beyond and will continue to hold tightly to Jesus throughout it all. Specific prayer requests include: Complete healing, quality time and rest with my parents, smooth condo closing, and an uneventful flight to Peru. Thank you all for making this journey with me. I'm not sure if I will post again before I am in Peru. So if I don't, I will update you when I can when I'm there. Blessings to you all! Below is my contact information. I would love to stay in touch! USA phone number to call via Magic Jack: 614-376-4707 Email: [email protected] Blog Address: http://therapyforperu.weebly.com/ Mailing Address: Nicolas Balcombe/Lisa Alfonsi Calle Santander 120 Dpto 1203 Miraflores, Lima 18 Peru
8 Comments
Kathy Meyers
9/3/2013 12:20:25 pm
Dear Lisa,
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Nichole
9/3/2013 12:35:58 pm
I'm so excited for you and your journey Lisa! You are amazing. Now stay well, travel safe, can't wait to hear the next part!
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Lori Philp
9/3/2013 01:31:53 pm
Yeah! I am so happy your condo finally closed! I am also thankful that you had your "emergency" here before you left. God has great plans for you and I am soooo excited to see how He is going to use you to further His kingdom! Love you lots and will be praying continuously, Lori
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Shannon
9/3/2013 09:57:07 pm
Good luck, Lisa! I'll be thinking of you!
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Debbe Ricchio
9/3/2013 10:35:34 pm
We will continue to pray for you always! I am so proud and excited for you, you will do an awesome job. Prayers for health, protection, and wonderful experiences. Thank you for taking us along on your roller coaster ride..
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Sean
9/3/2013 11:01:26 pm
Great update Lisa! So encouraged to see your faith remain steadfast as you've dealt with every twist, turn, and flip over the last few years. Will be praying as you wrap up your current journey, as well as for the next one to come. The great news is your Guide will remain the same! Blessings, Sean
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Sonja
9/4/2013 02:00:46 am
I am so glad we got to spend some time together before you left. Again, thank you for coming into my classroom, which is one of my love's I love to share with friends and family. It meant so much to me. And THANK YOU for making my students eyes and heart light up with "simple" things (pencils and erasers). I love you dearly, wish you the best of luck, and CAN:T wait to hear all about your Peru adventures. Praying for you daily,
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9/7/2013 10:40:51 pm
Lisa - I am so happy to be able to read your Blogs and so look forward to following your Journey. Much love to you - Shirley
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