Rebirth

A Letter from Chenoa Stock, serving in Peru

April 2019

“Rebirth.” This is how my husband, José, describes our recent move to Lima, Peru. In early February, we packed our possessions, said our goodbyes to Bolivia and took off to begin a new family mission — from a country of 11 million to a city of 11 million; from a landlocked country to a coastal one; from a dry, mountain city at an altitude of 13,000 ft. to an ironically humid, desert city at sea level; from our layers of jackets, jeans and boots to a city where the summer months are no joke and sandals and short sleeves are a must. So yes, a rebirth into new life has indeed begun.

Perhaps this family life transition is timely during this season of Lent. Rebirth, a time of renewal, and resurrection are never easy. There is darkness, there is struggle, there is a longing for what used to be in all its simplicity. But we are called to be Easter people. We are called to walk through that darkness with faith that the Light is greater and that resurrection leads us to brighter days.

Our two months here have found us both in the darkness and in the light. But I imagine that is expected in any life transition, especially as a family. The enormity of this city is one that intrigues and overwhelms at the same time. We have already explored it a decent amount in our searches for an apartment, technological amenities to keep us connected to the outside world, grocery stores, markets, and baby needs. Venturing out to meet friends and colleagues and taking walks have also proven to be times of exploration.

This new mission call is with PERUSA, which is part of the Peruvian Joining Hands Network, the same program with which I served in Sri Lanka and Bolivia. PERUSA helps facilitate partnerships between PC(USA) churches in the US and communities in Peru to create strong, long-term relationships through working, learning and reflecting together. These partnerships are with communities of the Evangelical Church of Peru and their work in Bible institutes and seminaries, but also accompany Joining Hands Peru network partners, including a school for the deaf, a home for abused girls and ecological gardens. These Peruvian communities are blessed to have partnerships with so many PC(USA) congregations who faithfully support and visit them each year to grow their relationships. If your congregation is interested in exploring a partnership with Peru or in bringing a delegation to visit, please let me know!

We are deeply grateful to have another mission co-worker couple here, Jed and Jenny Koball, and their son, Thiago, to support us, especially in these first months. Leandro and Thiago have already taught each other so many things, and we look forward to seeing how their friendship blossoms over the years.

So yes, amidst this transition that sometimes feels dark or confusing, we see the Light and feel its presence. We know and faithfully believe that the Easter promise of reconciliation and renewal will be fulfilled and present, not only this Easter, but throughout our time here accompanying our Peruvian partners in God’s mission — a mission that only grows stronger because of your accompaniment and prayers.

Thank you for walking with our family through this time of change and renewal and for your financial gifts and support that make this service and partnership possible. We would ask for prayers of patience and humility as we continue in our “rebirth,” learning about this partnership and country and discovering our role in it all.

May the Resurrection of Easter lead us to be people of Light.

Peace and blessings,

Chenoa

Our mailing address:

Chenoa Stock and José Luis Claure
Av Juan de Aliaga 702, Departamento 1401
Magdalena del Mar
Lima 15076
PERU

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