QB Editor Good-bye; Going to Peru

Farewell, North America! Hello, South America!

Dear fledglings,

Today I leave for Piura, Peru. As many of you are already aware, I am going as a missionary through the non-profit, Commissioned by Christ. Of course the word “missionary” is slightly deceiving. My group is not going to convert anyone. This is, after all, South America, where Catholicism reigns supreme. Instead, we are going on a service-learning trip, where our goal is to grow as individuals who are better able to bring about positive change in our own communities upon our return. Obviously we plan to help the Piura community in whatever way we can while we are there, but we have no delusions of grandeur. There is only so much we can accomplish in nine days and it also not our role to impose our values and tell a whole city what's “best” for them. 

Over the course of nine days, our group will be presented with a variety of tasks to complete for a local parish. While I hope to spend a lot of that time teaching English and perhaps doing an art project like Guadalajara in 35mm or The Children of Jackson Ward, anything is possible. If I'm called to mend a fence, I will mend a fence. If I'm called to distribute food to neighboring villages, I will distribute food. I'll do what I'm asked to do with an open heart and an open mind. You can also bet I'll keep my eyes and ears open for great stories and photos, too. Upon my return, I'll have a lot to share with the Quail Bell community.

While I'm away, art director Kristen Rebelo and managing editor Misty Thomas are in charge. Should you have any questions, please email them. I will not be checking my email until October 1st. I trust that Kristen and Misty will serve up a healthy daily dose of the imaginary, the nostalgic, and the otherworldly to loyal readers like you every day during my absence.

Feathery hugs,
Christine Stoddard/ “Luna Lark”
Founder/Editor
QuailBellMagazine.com