Our last day in Lima was very relaxing and refreshing. It was at least 10 degrees cooler there and breezy instead of humid. The winds from the Pacific Ocean keep it nice and comfortable. While Iquitos definitely had a tribal feel to it, Lima had more of a European flavor.
Our great tour guide Ysabel took us to a Catholic cathedral that had the bones of 25,000 people in its catacombs and 25,000 books in its library. Then we saw the governmental plaza with its distinctive architecture and colonial feel.
Next we drove up a narrow, winding road to the top of a mountain to see the huge cross at the top and the expansive view of the whole city. Then we went to the beach, which was covered in colorful, smooth rocks. They were purple, black, grey, yellow, pink and very smooth, about the size of eggs or larger. The water was surprisingly cold, as Art, Jack, and Derrick found out by wading in.
Then we headed to the market to go shopping, and the crafts there were BEAUTIFUL. I was stunned by the artistry of the colorful paintings, the detail of the ceramic sculptures, the warmth of the hand-made llama-wool clothes, and the variety of the keepsakes there. The prices were appealing too.
Lastly, we went to a city park with huge fountains that gave us an awesome laser and water show synchronized to music. That was very memorable. Derrick got it all on video. He is in charge of condensing his hours of video footage into a short movie-montage film of our experience in Peru.
Our flights from Lima to Atlanta and Atlanta to Greensboro went well and were fairly uneventful, although we wound up delayed by about an hour or two. We are so thankful for the safe and happy trip and for all the amazing people we met in Peru. Thanks also to each of you who supported and prayed for us each day while we were gone!
Arriving back at the Greensboro airport was moving. Thanks to all the friends and family who came to greet us upon our return!
Now that I'm back to my routine world, I will miss the camaraderie of getting to live and work in a group and serving others in such a tangible and rewarding way. Praise be to God for blessing us with this experience and protecting and providing for us so faithfully!!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
last evening in Iquitos
Tonight we shopped for some souvenirs and met the family of our tour guide Brian. His wife and two young children are so beautiful and kind. What a sweet memory. Then we had some Peruvian pizza together, drinking Chicha Morada (a delicious purple corn juice). I can't believe how quickly it has all gone by.
Jim gave us a great devotional tonight about how the Beatitudes relate to our experience here. Amen. Then we shared some ways we have been stretched and impacted by all this. Good stuff.
Tomorrow we fly to Lima in the morning. We have an all-day layover there, so we will tour the city before flying out. Then overnight to Atlanta and back to Greensboro before noon on Sunday.
No more blogs until we're back in the States!!! Thanks for following along and keeping us in your thoughts!!!!!
Jim gave us a great devotional tonight about how the Beatitudes relate to our experience here. Amen. Then we shared some ways we have been stretched and impacted by all this. Good stuff.
Tomorrow we fly to Lima in the morning. We have an all-day layover there, so we will tour the city before flying out. Then overnight to Atlanta and back to Greensboro before noon on Sunday.
No more blogs until we're back in the States!!! Thanks for following along and keeping us in your thoughts!!!!!
The Amazon River
We took a nice boat ride on the Amazon River today.
First we stopped at Monkey Island. There were 5 or 6 different kinds of monkeys there. They are not shy at all. They climb up your legs and try to take things out of your hands. They are so strong and agile as they fly from tree to tree.
Then we went to the jungle to see the Bora tribe. They speak Spanish and also their native tribal language. They danced for us and sold us their beautiful crafts. They dress in feathers and wraps and necklaces.
Then we went to see the awful snakes and turtles and crocodiles. Yuck. Everyone but me held the anaconda around his or her neck. Craziness. It makes for good pictures, though.
More later.
First we stopped at Monkey Island. There were 5 or 6 different kinds of monkeys there. They are not shy at all. They climb up your legs and try to take things out of your hands. They are so strong and agile as they fly from tree to tree.
Then we went to the jungle to see the Bora tribe. They speak Spanish and also their native tribal language. They danced for us and sold us their beautiful crafts. They dress in feathers and wraps and necklaces.
Then we went to see the awful snakes and turtles and crocodiles. Yuck. Everyone but me held the anaconda around his or her neck. Craziness. It makes for good pictures, though.
More later.
viernes
We ate at a great Peruvian restaurant last night called Carbón. Lots of grilled and smoked meats, plus fried potatoes and plantains with creamy spicy sauces and salad on the side. Yum. Taking the little cabs to the restaurant was an adventure. The cabs look like motorcycles on the front but carriages on the back. It's definitely an open-air, exhilirating ride. And it seems like there are always 3.5 rows of vehicles driving in and between 2 lanes of road! Most of the amputations of limbs for the people who live here happen due to an arm resting outside of a vehicle that gets too close to a neighboring bus as it barrels down the highway.
But the highways in Iquitos are much better than the dirt roads in the nearby pueblos like Santo Tomás. They make for a bumpy ride even at low speeds. We all pile into a big truck to head from headquarters to the women's shelter and back. Sometimes there are 3 in the front seat, 3 in the back seat, and 4 or 5 in the truck bed with our supplies. Each bump sends the passengers in the truck bed a few inches in the air....
Dogs are free to roam wherever they want to here. None seem to have tags or belong to anyone in particular. They eat the food and trash of the street and people like that because they make things cleaner. They are living trash compactors, Paul Opp said, because they digest and reduce large quantities of scrap into tiny piles of waste that are more manageable and biodegradable. Most of the dogs seems really friendly and laid-back. There is a small hairless variety here I have never seen before.
We are going to the jungle today. They told us we would see "monkey island" and some vipers and anacondas in captivity. Those better be the only snakes we see.
I was hammering some nails yesterday into some VERY hard wood, and it was WAY HARDER than I thought it would be. But when I imagined that I was smashing a viper's head, that made it go much faster!!
I am really going to miss all the staff and volunteers I met at "Poppy's House," the women's shelter for ladies who have been raped or abused and have children to care for. One couple who works there, Kelly and Aaron, have been there for 2 years. They came to serve right out of college. What an amazing testimony from such young, beautiful, vibrant people who could go anywhere and do anything together but choose to live humbly and care for those in need in Perú. I came here to bless others, but instead I have been extremely blessed by them.
But the highways in Iquitos are much better than the dirt roads in the nearby pueblos like Santo Tomás. They make for a bumpy ride even at low speeds. We all pile into a big truck to head from headquarters to the women's shelter and back. Sometimes there are 3 in the front seat, 3 in the back seat, and 4 or 5 in the truck bed with our supplies. Each bump sends the passengers in the truck bed a few inches in the air....
Dogs are free to roam wherever they want to here. None seem to have tags or belong to anyone in particular. They eat the food and trash of the street and people like that because they make things cleaner. They are living trash compactors, Paul Opp said, because they digest and reduce large quantities of scrap into tiny piles of waste that are more manageable and biodegradable. Most of the dogs seems really friendly and laid-back. There is a small hairless variety here I have never seen before.
We are going to the jungle today. They told us we would see "monkey island" and some vipers and anacondas in captivity. Those better be the only snakes we see.
I was hammering some nails yesterday into some VERY hard wood, and it was WAY HARDER than I thought it would be. But when I imagined that I was smashing a viper's head, that made it go much faster!!
I am really going to miss all the staff and volunteers I met at "Poppy's House," the women's shelter for ladies who have been raped or abused and have children to care for. One couple who works there, Kelly and Aaron, have been there for 2 years. They came to serve right out of college. What an amazing testimony from such young, beautiful, vibrant people who could go anywhere and do anything together but choose to live humbly and care for those in need in Perú. I came here to bless others, but instead I have been extremely blessed by them.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
letter from Andrea
Today we made new doors for the barn where we hold the programs for the kids. The new doors look great and are much stronger than the old rotten ones. We had 68 kids at our presentation tonight. They are ADORABLE.
We met a lady recovering from malaria today. She said that it was the worst headache and fever she has ever had. She is being treated now but is still very weak.
I met another boy named Danielito. He is four but cannot talk. His arms and legs are curved and he can't walk. But he has a beautiful smile and the biggest brown eyes I've ever seen. His mom loves him very much but can't afford to take him to a specialist for his deformity.
More later!
We met a lady recovering from malaria today. She said that it was the worst headache and fever she has ever had. She is being treated now but is still very weak.
I met another boy named Danielito. He is four but cannot talk. His arms and legs are curved and he can't walk. But he has a beautiful smile and the biggest brown eyes I've ever seen. His mom loves him very much but can't afford to take him to a specialist for his deformity.
More later!
a letter from Jim
As you can see from the pictures, our lives here are quite full! Yesterday we gave out groceries to needy families, assisted in a dental clinic (Denise, our dentist, actually extracted some teeth.... uhhhhh), we built some benches (I was very happy how they turned out. Within 5 minutes of being built, Peruvians were sitting on them waiting and watching the dental services!!! ) It was exciting to see how the Lord was using each of us. In the evening we held a childrens' service. Singing, a play, a devotional, more singing, and treats! We will be doing much of the same today. All of us have a true love for these people. We walk among so many unsanitary places. "Homes" under other "houses" with open sewage areas. Children walking barefoot in mud streets. Most cook in a wood shack with the "stove" on the inside. I'm amazed the houses don't all burn down! Two of us are fluent in Spanish. I'm about 70 percent there. It's been a blessing sharing Bible verses in Spanish (I've memorized 3!). I know the Word of God is powerful, so it is exciting to be "planting verses" here in Peru. I can only imagine... some day we hope to see these precious people in heaven. But in the meantime, we are praying our short stint here will make a difference, improving their lives, helping them to live abundant lives in Christ. Thank you so much for praying for us. We have rounded a corner and will be home soon. Tomorrow we go up the Amazon into the jungle. Amazing. Our sixth day!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
one more thought
I've had more time to blog tonight than previously, as I'm sure you can tell!
I want to mention how much I have been blessed by getting to know Paul Opp and his translator Brian. Paul has a supernatural love for the people of Peru, and he is absolutely fearless in serving them. Brian is from the selva of Peru but taught himself flawless English and is a very gifted interpreter who has an obvious passion for this organization's work.
I want to mention how much I have been blessed by getting to know Paul Opp and his translator Brian. Paul has a supernatural love for the people of Peru, and he is absolutely fearless in serving them. Brian is from the selva of Peru but taught himself flawless English and is a very gifted interpreter who has an obvious passion for this organization's work.
a gift
I forgot to mention how much the kids love Derrick!! His acting in the skits is OVER THE TOP. Muy chistoso. And his Spanish is improving rapidly as he continues to socialize with all the Peruvians he can, especially the beautiful young women here.
exciting day
It's raining again tonight. We've had rain each night, and it sounds very soothing.
We checked out of the hotel and into the dormitories in the People of Peru Project headquarters. It feels much safer here than at the hotel because the doors are solid and lock well. I will sleep well tonight!! Plus there is a door on the bathroom here, and all the water is well-filtered and safe to drink. What a luxury!
The food has been delicious and plentiful the whole time we've been here. Lots of beans and rice and fresh fruits and baked chicken with various sauces.
Ok, so now the important things. Denise held a free dental clinic today, and 5 people got their rotten teeth pulled for free. It was awesome how they converted an abandoned garage into a dentist office. Denise had helpers who sterilized the tools with clorox solution, and she had brought gloves and masks to protect her face and prevent the spread of germs. She had novacaine for each patient, but it took a while for them to get numb, so she was only able to treat some of the people who were waiting in line for help. The rest got tickets to be first in line if they come back tomorrow. She will continue in the morning with her efforts. Art and Jack helped her a lot with her work so they can assist her when Camilla is gone, who was the main assistant today.
Jim and Andrea worked with the staff from the People of Peru Project to make some benches out of discarded lumber while Denise was doing the dental work. Jim thought to carve a cross on the sides of the bench legs, so they look like church pews. They came out great. We used them later in the evening for the kids to sit on.
Then the children from the neighborhoods surrounding the women's shelter where the dental clinic was came at 6:30 for a little program we had put together for them. We played a game with them to break the ice and then did a skit for them about how to stay calm and be faithful even when the storms of life come. Then we sang some great songs in Spanish, and everyone got candy and balloons. We will put together something different for them tomorrow evening.
The hardest part about helping here is deciding how to distribute the limited resources. Which 5 people should get dental care out of the dozens in line? Which 20 hungry children should we treat to a free dinner? Which 25 hungry families should be the ones to receive the huge bag of rice, beans, oil, vinager, sugar, salt, butter, jam, pasta, etc? Which person should we reach out to in the crowded market place to share the truth with? I'm glad I'm not the one in control of all this, but that I know the One who is!!!
We checked out of the hotel and into the dormitories in the People of Peru Project headquarters. It feels much safer here than at the hotel because the doors are solid and lock well. I will sleep well tonight!! Plus there is a door on the bathroom here, and all the water is well-filtered and safe to drink. What a luxury!
The food has been delicious and plentiful the whole time we've been here. Lots of beans and rice and fresh fruits and baked chicken with various sauces.
Ok, so now the important things. Denise held a free dental clinic today, and 5 people got their rotten teeth pulled for free. It was awesome how they converted an abandoned garage into a dentist office. Denise had helpers who sterilized the tools with clorox solution, and she had brought gloves and masks to protect her face and prevent the spread of germs. She had novacaine for each patient, but it took a while for them to get numb, so she was only able to treat some of the people who were waiting in line for help. The rest got tickets to be first in line if they come back tomorrow. She will continue in the morning with her efforts. Art and Jack helped her a lot with her work so they can assist her when Camilla is gone, who was the main assistant today.
Jim and Andrea worked with the staff from the People of Peru Project to make some benches out of discarded lumber while Denise was doing the dental work. Jim thought to carve a cross on the sides of the bench legs, so they look like church pews. They came out great. We used them later in the evening for the kids to sit on.
Then the children from the neighborhoods surrounding the women's shelter where the dental clinic was came at 6:30 for a little program we had put together for them. We played a game with them to break the ice and then did a skit for them about how to stay calm and be faithful even when the storms of life come. Then we sang some great songs in Spanish, and everyone got candy and balloons. We will put together something different for them tomorrow evening.
The hardest part about helping here is deciding how to distribute the limited resources. Which 5 people should get dental care out of the dozens in line? Which 20 hungry children should we treat to a free dinner? Which 25 hungry families should be the ones to receive the huge bag of rice, beans, oil, vinager, sugar, salt, butter, jam, pasta, etc? Which person should we reach out to in the crowded market place to share the truth with? I'm glad I'm not the one in control of all this, but that I know the One who is!!!
miércoles
We met a little girl today who had been perfectly healthy until she was 12, but then she contracted spinal meningitis. Literally overnight she couldn't walk anymore, and now she stays always in bed, relying on her friends to bring her food and try to keep her clean. She suffers from bed sores and atrophied muscles. We sang to her and will keep her in our thoughts and prayers. I wish we could do more.
good and bad
it's hard to see people living in such poverty here. I feel deprived by not having warm water for my shower, not having a door on the bathroom in the hotel, not having a toilet seat to sit on, not being sure if it's safe to brush my teeth in the faucet water, not having air conditioning when I want it.... But then I see people living under a roof they have constructed from plastic and sticks, sleeping on dirt floors, and I wonder how they make it through the night when the heavy rains come.
We met some kids who sell things on the street. One named Juan Carlos befriended me. I thought he was 5, but he said he was 9. I don't know if he's so small due to genetics or malnutrition or both. But he had a beautiful, healthy smile. Many people here live long lives. We met a couple who had been married for 70 years. The man had his shirt off and was carrying heavy chairs up and down the stairs to his house that rests on stilts above the sewer canals of Belen....
The food is amazing here, with the rice and beans and fresh fruits. They have lots of natural remedies that they sell from the plants of the amazon.
Today we will have a free dental clinic!!!
We met some kids who sell things on the street. One named Juan Carlos befriended me. I thought he was 5, but he said he was 9. I don't know if he's so small due to genetics or malnutrition or both. But he had a beautiful, healthy smile. Many people here live long lives. We met a couple who had been married for 70 years. The man had his shirt off and was carrying heavy chairs up and down the stairs to his house that rests on stilts above the sewer canals of Belen....
The food is amazing here, with the rice and beans and fresh fruits. They have lots of natural remedies that they sell from the plants of the amazon.
Today we will have a free dental clinic!!!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
martes
We fed some children who sell things in the streets a nice dinner tonight. It was fun. Earlier today we also brought bags of food to some people who live in shacks. They were so grateful. More later!
Monday, May 24, 2010
lunes
Today we toured the market in lower Belen. Lots of meat and fish and fruits and veggies and herbs and animals. The market periodically floods from the river, which dredges up raw sewage into people's homes. Not very sanitary. Dengue fever is a real problem.
This afternoon we gathered food bags to give as gifts to 25 families in need. We have rice, beans, pasta, oil, vinager, butter, tea, sugar, soy sauce, jam, cookies, matches, etc. I think they will be happy to see us when we deliver them later!!!!
This afternoon we gathered food bags to give as gifts to 25 families in need. We have rice, beans, pasta, oil, vinager, butter, tea, sugar, soy sauce, jam, cookies, matches, etc. I think they will be happy to see us when we deliver them later!!!!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
first day!
We're here, safe and happy. The flight to Atlanta was uneventful, as was the flight to Lima. We slept overnight in the Lima airport and then flew to Iquitos this morning. We've spent some amazing time with Paul Opp. I feel like I know him well already. There are so many important projects going on here. We can't wait to get started. Today we shared some meals together and met some key workers and saw some sights. Tomorrow we will begin a little construction project to put on a program for the children.
Go to www.peopleofperu.org to see pictures and read about our arrival.
I'm sorry this is so short. We will write more soon!
Go to www.peopleofperu.org to see pictures and read about our arrival.
I'm sorry this is so short. We will write more soon!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Our Team
Westover Peru Singles Team 2010
Art Johnson, Denise Correa, Derrick Saunders, Andrea Barnes, Jack Stevenson, Jim Corkhill
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