Wanna see my house from space?!

I cannot believe it! I found Cajamarca from space!



Here's the sattelite view of our city:

Click here for Google's sattelite map of Cajamarca!

or copy and paste this:

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=peru&ie=UTF8&ll=-7.164938,-78.500576&spn=0.079029,0.214233&t=h&om=1



And I can see **our house on this one!!!!

Click here to see our little plaza, neighborhood and house!!

or copy and paste this:

http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=peru&ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&ll=-7.157523,-78.511037&spn=0.00247,0.006695



**Right in the middle of the map is a diagonal light grey rectangle with a circle in the middle, that is the Plazuela Miquel Grau where my kids play street soccer EVERY day! It is right across the street from our house. The orange rectangular rooftop to the right bottom side directly across the street is MY HOUSE!



If you zoom out a little you'll see how there is just absolutely nothing around us except brown, green mountains!



I still cannot believe it! I feel like this is the most amazing thing! First of all that you can see my house from space... second of all that I actually found it on the sattelite - 'twas no easy task!

Amy
...in Peru since 2001 ~ Proud mammy of 4, soon-to-be 5 chillins



Monday, July 17, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by CTdittmar (24.145.215.42)
My husband loves playing with google's satelite maps! It's really fun to see favorite places!


Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Prncsstefy (121.55.251.253)
Love the new look! Although for a moment I thought I was at the wrong blog. LOL


Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - Google maps
Posted by Dad (66.93.38.148)
Wow now people can see where you live and your going to move again so it will be history. If you would google all the places you have lived you could do a geography lesson for the kids or would it be history ? Google has improved a lot lately. We were doing the Cajmarca thing a while ago but not in this good of detail. I think I see you hanging clothes on the roof clothes line.


Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by drewsfamilytx (64.234.0.103)
Pretty cool, huh?

And why did you doubt yourself even for a minute? Just because you feel like you're in the boonies sometimes, doesn't mean that you don't exist, silly!

Whenever I see pics like that, I always wonder what viewpoint God prefers to see things...zoomed in, zoomed out, black/white, color, inside out, who knows?!

Yup, these are the weird thoughts I have BEFORE my morning cup of coffee!

Love,
Marsha


Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by KarenW (82.79.184.107)
Isn't technology amazing! What will they think of next?

We have been in Constanta, Romania for four years. We are trying to start a church. Right now we have a small group of people meeting in our home every Sunday. My dh has led them to the Lord and we are working on reaching out to many others.


Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - Hi Amada,
Posted by lindafay (88.224.27.181)
I am also surprised that the folks here think it so strange to have more than 2 children. I knew Europe was that way, but it looks as if the whole world is moving that way-except for homeschoolers.

I think you asked about vintage graphics. I don't use vintage very much but I find most of my pictures by googling. Usually I get them from online art museums such as artchive.com.

I like your pink look. I have IE browser and your right side bar is trailing off my screen so that I can't read part of it. Maybe you could tweak a little.

blessings,
linda

Survey of Fisher Academy Int'l Teaching Home

1) Are you the worst homeschool teacher you know? Or do you feel pretty confident in what you are doing? On a scale of 1-10, I think I'm probably about average. Although I'm strong in some areas: organization and creativity and some others; I am also keenly aware of my weaknesses: self-discipline and patience. So, I think I'll put myself about here: 1........................................X......................................10 2) What do you work on the most in your 'classroom'? Academics or Character Training? We tend to focus on both, I'm not sure how one would do only one or the other as behavioral issues ALWAYS come up for us while we are doing school. However, I would say that we try to focus on academic but are interrupted so often with behavioral issues that we end up spending half our time on that. 3) What is your chosen method of Homeschooling-- and are you happy with what you're doing? Charlotte Mason-- Classical-- Textbook-- Unschooling-- Unit Study-- Car Schooling-- Ecclectic -- or something else? We LOVE what we're doing... Ambleside Online. AO is a Charlotte Mason based online FREE curriculum. 4) How many kids are you homeschooling right now? We are homeschooling 2 boys (7&8) We teach them everything at the same level at this point. Our 3 1/2 prettypinkprincess is beginning to take interest in preschool type things, but we have not officially started anything with her. 5) Were you homeschooled as a kid? Nope. Too bad, though. I often asked to be homeschooled. 6) When did you first learn about 'homeschooling' and what was your initial reaction? (horror? were you skeptical? love at first sight?) When I was growing up, I had a friend who was homeschooled. I thought it was a little strange, but I was always jealous of all the COOL stuff they had in their schoolroom - rubber stamps, cool pens, card-making stuff, etc. This was my first exposure. After high school, when I studied to become a professional nanny and realized what it meant to have someone else raise your children, I became anti-daycare and very soon anti-anyone who takes place of mom and dad... as far as what I would do with my own family that is. I vowed to do the best I could with God's help to raise my own future children - not sub them out to anyone. I still didn't have the specific conviction about homeschooling per se, but that was in the works. When Micah and I came to Peru, I was horrified at the level of education offered in Peru (where we were at at the time in the jungle), even at a private level and we decided together that homeschooling would be our only option. This was new to me, but since I'd been working with my boys then 2 1/2 and 1 1/2 since they were born, it didn't seem that foreign of an idea. I mean I'd taught them a lot since they were born... how hard could it be, right?! hehehehe... We've come to points where we've really had to discuss it and weigh the pros and cons because of ministry. Homeschooling keeps me at home and so we have had to decide whether to keep on several times. I am not able to really be involved in ministry outside the home as some missionary wives choose to be. But, we both know in our hearts that homeschooling is the very best and as long as God makes it possible we will always choose HOME. (wow. That there narration almost brings tears to my eyes!) So, there you have it. The hows and whys of our homeschool in a nutshell. Questions courtesy of JenIG's contest. Amy

Saturday, July 15, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by JenIG (67.142.130.38)

great answers! thanks for 'playing' : )

Sunday, July 16, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by hsmomof2 (63.105.27.2)

I enjoyed reading your answers! Every now and then I look at AO and think "yeah, we should do this!" Time to go look again! :-)

Sunday, July 16, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by KarenW (82.79.184.107)

I just posted my answers on my blog too. We are missionaries to Romania. Nice to see there are other missionaries here on HSB.

Monday, July 17, 2006 - Thanks for visiting my blog!

Posted by MrsIncredible (72.49.191.39)

And thanks for your nice comment! I am sure you have had an incredible moment... even if just incredibly FUNNY or incredibly AWFUL! Doen't have to be the day you discovered your children are all samrter than Einstein LOL! I have enjoyed reading your blog! Can I put you on my friends list? Jen

Monday, July 17, 2006 - F.A.I.T.H...... What a great name!

Posted by Fiffi (196.211.157.57)

Hi Amy I was about to tell you how to add music to your blog......but I see you figured it out!!! Good on ya! That was an interesting read about the why you homeschool! Maybe I might just do a little blog on similar lines! Thanks again By the way...................love the extra tweeking you've done to your blog! Fiffi

Monday, July 17, 2006 - Hi

Posted by Fiffi (196.211.157.57)

Hi Amy Have I done any thing illigal?The song that is on my blog ......... is it legal? I just assumed it was alright! Please let me know! Thanks Fiifi

Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Rebeca (70.56.19.205)

Amen! I (personally) think that a woman's family- raising her children and supporting her husband- is such an amazing ministry. I've known way too many kids who have been shipwrecked spiritually because both parents gave their best to ministry and the kids got the scraps. Erik and I got married with the intention of going overseas in the next year or two (until he got cancer) and we both felt strongly that my ministry would be our family and having people in our home as I was able. Well, I guess that's my ministry here in the States too! Oh, we're in Oregon by the way. It's our good friends who are in Germany. We hope to go overseas somewhere at some point, but not sure where or when. I'll stay posted for your contest. If it was a llama I'd do anything to win! When are you coming back? Rebeca

Wow! Free audio books!

I just found out about this REALLY cool website from an e-mail from Laurie Bluedorn of Teaching the Trivium. HomeschoolRadioShows.com They give away a free classic audio "Living Books for the Ears" - EVERY WEEK!! Just sign up for their e-mail list and they'll send you the link for the free one! This week's free audio is KING ARTHUR, The Story of Roads, and the Song! They also have some other cool stuff: Herbal Remedies e-book; Soap, Essential Oils & Fragrance e-Library; Homeschool Speed Reading e-Course... and much more! Head on over and see for yourself!! :) I'm going to download the stories and then burn them to a CD for our family's listening enjoyment!! Amy

Friday, July 14, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by tallenmomof5 (63.233.97.103)

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Your family is so precious! We really enjoyed visiting your Peru pages. We were wondering if you still have a homeschool wishlist set up...or any other needs/wants list for that matter. Please let me know when you have moved and get a new address. Blessings, Trish

The countdown is on!

We have just this week left before my hubby leaves for two weeks to Trujillo and then just a few days after that before we are moving. We hope to be packed up before he goes. There is the possibility looming that we might get to go with him for those two weeks... that would be cool. I guess I'd better get packing... :) Amy

Monday, July 10, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by nsremom (71.32.254.253)

Going with him sounds fun. Is your morning sickness good enough that it doesn't affect your traveling? Ya know.....do you need a bathroom nearby? lol

Monday, July 10, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by drewsfamilytx (64.234.0.103)

I hope y'all will be able to be together those two weeks! I'll be praying for speedy and efficient packing for ya! Love, Marsha

Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - moving again ?

Posted by dad (66.93.38.148)

Is this number 34 or 35. You had mentioned how many times you have moved b4.I have lost track. Have you ? The grandchildren sounded so wonderful today. Thanks for making them available to chatter for a few moments.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - Thanks!

Posted by kindredspiritMom (69.209.173.221)

Thanks for your help with the AO stuff. I love your idea about quiet time. I just know that my girls would always choose to hear a story too. What you described about eclectic teaching is exactly what happened to me last year. I think that I will give AO a try for August and see how it goes. I know you're packing so please take your time responding!!! but which year did you do with your boys? Which books did you physically buy? I hope that your week is going well Amy and that packing will be peaceful!

Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous (63.233.90.82)

I hopped over here from nsremom's blog to see your big announcement. Congrats on the new addition. As a mother of five I can *so* relate to some of the reactions to your "big" family. I thought our family was big until I became a part of the FIAR message board. 5 is a small number over there. So you are in Peru... How wonderful. I am so blessed by your family's work for the Lord. We are about to begin a unit study on Peru. Any chance you could send us a postcard before you move on? hee,hee,hee! I am praying that you have safe move and an easy pregnancy. Blessings~ Trish

Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - Oops!

Posted by tallenmomof5 (63.233.90.82)

I didn't mean to post anonymously! Again, Trish

Wednesday, July 12, 2006 - Baby #5

Posted by Mommy2myBlessings (4.225.104.68)

How neat that you are expecting your 5th at the same approx. time I am! Congratulations to you and your family! We got mixed reactions about our news too. Some were very happy...others not so much! Unfortunately our most negative reactions come from Church. Isn't that ridiculous? Anyway, we can keep track of each other as we get closer to our baby days!

He's gone!

Only a few hours ago, my Beloved left for one day and two nights. The nights are what get me, because I don't look forward to sleeping alone (although many times I don't have to, my bed is often invaded in the dark hours of the night by little friendlies). The days sometimes drag by, but they are always full of the expected unexpected of having four littles around. He is travelling to Trujillo to put in place some very important preparations for the Bible Institute that is coming up in just over a week. I'll have to blog about that one of these days soon. Next week will be our last week of our first year using Ambleside Online! It has really been so perfectly fitted to our family's situation this year, and seems to be something we will continue to enjoy as we learn to implement it better. We are finishing up the last chapters of Seabird by Holling. The boys are totally enjoying Viking Tales and Our Island Story. Tomorrow is history focus day, and we're going to look at Alfred the Great, as Island story and Trial and Triumph and STOW all are coinciding just now. The boys especially love Nature Study which doubles as science when they can persuade me into doing that with them... most of the time it just consists of them playing outside observing/capturing/torturing the plants and bugs and birds around our yard and neighborhood park, but occasionally they talk me into a directed study, which is always very interesting and enlightening for us all. We use Ann Comstock's Handbook of Nature Study, which really is a gem of a resource. I know nothing about plants... :) Recently I was amazed/apalled that I don't even remember the parts of a plant... how humbling. I mean, I know petal, stem, leaf. But, I had NO idea what a petriole is! For anyone else as ignorant as I am - Petriole: A petriole is a stalk of a leaf that joins the leaf to a node on the stem. Now, you know! :) I am just about finished with Pastor Hsi, by Mrs. Howard Taylor. I cannot recommend this book highly enough for anyone wanting to know how God can use a life surrendered to Him and how God can lead a person genuinely waiting on Him. AMAZING. It also is an excellent resource for perspective on method in ministry and missions, especially concerning the role of missionary vs. native workers and foreign funds vs. self-supported work. Okay, long blog. It seems I am only postponing the inevitable... sleeping alone. I have to get myself REALLY tired so I'll be able to fall asleep quickly! Consequently, I think I'm there now. Goodnight :) Amy

Friday, July 7, 2006 - saying hi

Posted by Panshrmu (220.129.40.8)

from Taiwan. I saw your blog on aroundtheworld and loved reading it. We are starting to use Ambleside as well and my oldest loves it!! have a great one

Friday, July 7, 2006 - he will be just right there -

Posted by PinayMom (70.237.213.145)

- close to your heart. i hate sleeping alone too. thank God he made husbands *grin*

Friday, July 7, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Dad (66.93.38.148)

I liked that line in your blog."my bed is often invaded in the dark hours of the night by little friendlies" Cute. I think it very fun when that has happened to Mom and I by our wonderful grandkids. Just not frequently enough for me ! Was it nature study when you and Phil did the magnifying glass on the ants or was that cooking lessons ? I love your Blog and You too !

Friday, July 7, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by DanielleW (205.188.116.196)

Sorry that you are missing your Beloved. I will have to check out that book. Thank you for the recommendations

Sunday, July 9, 2006 - Enjoyed your entry

Posted by kindredspiritMom (142.167.92.157)

That book about Pastor Hsi sounds great. I'm glad that you enjoyed Ambleside. I have become so eclectic that I really need help figuring out what to do for next year. How old is your oldest child? My kids had a hard time with some of the long stories (minus pictures) but that was when Ally was 5....maybe time to try again. I may have been too easily discouraged :)

Sunday, July 9, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Prncsstefy (121.55.251.253)

Boy you have been busy since I've last read your blog. Lots going on for you. Congratulations on your newest blessing!! How exciting! I think it would be fun to have a large family like that. Always somebody to play with. We would've loved to have more but we're thankful for the one we were blessed with. Prayers for a quick and easy pregnancy for you!

Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - Thank you for the resources...

Posted by FaithfulGrace (205.188.116.196)

and when my husband is gone I always stay up late. I'm so glad that home-education can be an education of me to. I've learned so much and am thankful for learning. praying for you all in peru, Linda

Free Stuff

At HomeschoolEStore.com they give something away every week: This week they are giving away some Patriotic Holiday Notebooking Pages by Amanda Bennett. Go check them out. They have some good discounts on stuff too. I also just found the recipe for the most yummy dessert in the world that I haven't had in a long time!! STRAWBERRY PRETZEL DESSERT -------------------------- 2 c. crushed pretzels 3 tbsp. sugar 1 stick butter 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, room temperature 1 c. sugar (powdered or regular) 12 oz. Cool Whip 2 c. boiling water 2 (3 oz.) pkgs. strawberry Jello 2 (10 oz.) pkgs. frozen strawberries Mix crushed pretzels with sugar and butter. Press into 9"x13" pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool. Mix cream cheese and sugar. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread over pretzel mixture. Add frozen strawberries to hot Jello (Jello and water). Stir until strawberries thaw and Jello starts to thicken. Pour on top of rest of dessert. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit Cooks.com Recipe Search for the most recipes! http://www.cooks.com So, there you have it. Free stuff everyweek from HomeschoolEStore and a free recipe! I'll see ya around! :) Amy

Wednesday, July 5, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by nsremom (209.218.200.194)

I just had that dessert for the first time YESTERDAY. I dislike pretzels, but they were fabulous in that dessert. Yummmmm. I ate too much. Did you still celebrate the 4th there??

Wednesday, July 5, 2006 - recipe

Posted by Jimmie (219.141.3.10)

Waa waaa... I love that dessert too! You can make that??? I can't find half of those ingredients here! Cooking western foods can be a real chore. Last night we had soft tacos. I was thinking of all the different places I had to shop to get all the ingredients -- a total of five different shops! And I made homemade tortillas and homemade sour cream. And the taco spice was brought in from America! What a pain! But it was delicious! Even though we had mozarrella cheese instead of cheddar. :-) Can't find cheddar here. Sigh.... it's a lot easier to just eat Chinese style. But we sure do miss home foods after a while.

Thursday, July 6, 2006 - NO, I can't make it here! There's no cool whip! :(

Posted by amada (201.240.131.113)

I just LOVE it and found it on the internet and want to put it in my book because we'll be back where I can buy Coolwhip and pretzels soon! ;) Jimmie, I can sympathize... only just recently (last 4 months) we can buy tortillas here and sour cream (granted they aren't exactly the same, but...) I used to make my own tortillas (WAY too much work) and we went without sour cream... how do you make that?! And I always have to go to lots of places to round everything up as well. Oh the woes! But every now and then it IS worth the trouble! I've become very creative and found lots of things I can make from scratch that I never would have known was possible. All that to say, I just drooled over the recipe when I found it because I'd forgotten about the delicious-ness of that dessert! But I'll have to wait to have it of course. Only one more month :)

Reactions to FIVE

I thought I'd give a summary of how people so far are responding to our announcement of the FIFTH baby being on the way. Peruvians - "STOP!!! You MUST NOT have any more children! You have enough!!" or with a look of compassion toward me, they scold my husband for being abusive by "making me" have more children... Blogger Friends - Many wonderful and kind congratulations My parents - "This is the best Father's Day present you could have given me," declared my dad upon hearing the news. My mom was equally excited. PrettyPinkPrincess (3yog) - Everyday, several times a day, "Mom, I want three girls. You, me and the baby in your tummy." GuerrillaGuy (7yob) - After a conversation about whether or not I should/would take medicine when the baby is born to keep it from hurting so much, with a worried look said, "Mom, are you anxious for the baby to be born?" LooneyTunes (8yob) - "Oh good! We have to have lots and lots of kids in our family!" Micah, my Beloved - "Lately I've been looking around our family and felt like there's something/someone missing... Just look at our great family... FIVE kids! I sorta feel sorry for people with small families..." My response to the skeptics of large families up until now has been sort of an insecure response and rather non-commital as to whether or not I am excited. Well, from the first I have always been excited! And from now on I will not hesitate to respond that we are GLAD to have our fifth and may even have another... so, there! Amy

Monday, July 3, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by drewsfamilytx (64.234.0.103)

Well, that's one way to get the Peruvians to notice you! :-) hehehee... I am truly excited for you and glad that everyone else is too-- it's just a whole lot more fun that way! Love, Marsha (I'm back from anniversary-ing now so I'll be around a bit more)

Monday, July 3, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by DanielleW (205.188.116.195)

The "random blog" button brought me here. How wonderful on your coming blessing. How wonderful on being missionaries! We love missionaries at our house. We have a photo book that we put missionary prayer cards in and we pray for one every day with our morning devotions. Although I think I may soon make it devotions and bed time or maybe at meals.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-MEN!!

Posted by JacqueDixonSoulRestES (216.241.130.246)

It is so sad when human beings don't realize the wonderful life in a large family - but, when God's people don't (which we have experienced too many times) - it is REEEEAAAAALLLY sad, isn't it?? CONGRATULATIONS to your whole family! Many blessings! and, thanks for sharing! Jacque

Thursday, July 13, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Rebeca (70.56.19.205)

Congratulations!! I haven't been by in a while so just now "heard" the news! I'm one of five kids and have to say big families are wonderful. My oldest, who's only 3 1/2, holds up all his fingers and tells me that's how many babies we should have! I'm so sorry I never got back to you about the GSE. It is Grapefruit Seed Extract, completely natural and very bitter. You can buy it in pill form or liquid. I use the liquid but squeeze it into gel caps first. Some people just drink it in water or juice. It's a powerful natural antibiotic and fungicide. It's even been used in cleaning products as a disinfectant, but it's totally safe for people. I took it faithfully when I was in Asia and stayed very healthy. I also used it diluted in water to soak my fruits and vegetables. Here is a site you can look at: http://www.pureliquidgold.com/ I use the Nutribiotic Brand. Blessings on you and your family! Rebeca

GOOD books - Biographies

Well, having mentioned the packing that I was doing has jinxed the good intentions as I have not packed or organized a single thing since... but I did start reading a VERY inspiring book: Pastor Hsi, Confucian Scholar and Christian by Mrs.Howard Taylor Whenever you feel in need of inspiration from those AMAZING examples of Christians/missionaries of the past to spur you on toward love and good deeds, I recommend reading these books: (all titles officially declared non-twaddle) Hudson Taylor in the Early Years - The Growth of a Soul vol.1(click for e-book: I can't believe I just found it readable ONLINE!! How lucky you all are! I had to search for an out of print copy back when I wanted to read it!! The second volume is on the same site) or buy from amazon: Hudson Taylor in Early Years: The Growth of a Soul - After all, it's only $100!!!! - HudsonTaylor and the China Inland Mission (e-book) and at amazon - Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission **NOTE: These 2 volumes are the ONLY biography of Hudson Taylor I recommend reading... to my knowledge and in my humble opinion it is by FAR the best, and probably the longest AND if you buy it from any of these links to amazon, I make 25 cents! - now that has got to make it worth it for you! heheheheh. I know you're all thinking to rush out and buy them ALL... but I think there's only one copy of the $100 one :( too bad for the rest of ya. ...be careful though these books might change your life Pastor Hsi, Confucian Scholar and Christian ~ Mrs.Howard Taylor - this is just SO good. Really adds insight into the Chinese mindset. By Searching, Isabel Kuhn - I've read this one three times. It really has impacted my life for christian service. George Mueller, AT. Pierson - also not abridged-like, or twaddly... the BEST biography on Mueller. Read with caution - seriously convicting and perspective changing especially in regard to prayer. There are other books that have had serious impact on my life, but these are the biographies that are the most memorable in my opinion for christian life and service. They are all definitely worthy of a re-read at some point later on down the road. Amy PS. I am pretty sure this is my most scholarly post yet!!

Sunday, July 2, 2006 - Yow za!!!

Posted by Jimmie (202.101.79.171)

NUMBER FIVE!!!??? Well, congratulations! Your quiver is quickly becoming very FULL! I can only imagine the stares you'd get here in the land of One Child Policy with your five munchkins! Super news for your family!