We arrived safely at the church in Peru at about 2am this morning. We were greated by about a dozen very enthusiastic members of the church. They were so sweet and excited to finally see us. I wish I had been more awake to fully enjoy and reciprocate their affections. I look forward to the opportunity to spend more time getting ot know them in the coming days.
Since we flew into Lima as a whole group, the race was planned as a scavenger/relay type race this morning. The teams had a list of 10 locations with specific requirements to fulfil at each destination. They had to find a specific statue and get the guys name and how he died, find a tile with two specific names inscribed in the Parque de Amor, do a relay swim to a buey in the Pacific ocean, get a picture inside the catacombs under a famous cathedral, eat an entire lunch of cow heart and a chinese bun in china town, take a carriage ride around a park, and a few other fun things. The race ended at the foot of the cross, at San Cristobal, overlooking Lima. After the race, the teams spent some time in prayer over Lima and the churches we will be working with. It sounds like they had a blast.
I say “they” becuase Michelle and I were not present with the rest of our team. Kelly, Michelle and I had all gotten sick in Nicaragua; presumably from something bad we ate on our way from Costa Rica. Kelly recovered pretty quickly, while Michelle and I were more or less laid out the whole time of our debrief in Nicaragua. I began feeling better yesterday morning before flying out to Peru, but Michelle was still suffering miserably. The plane ride was really rough for her.
After a few hours of sleep at the church last night, we decided to take the Cooley’s up on their offer to spend the day resting at their house while the teams were racing. I was able to go and help Michelle, and get some much needed rest and rehydration for myself. I feel much better, and Michelle is also improving. We will be spending the night here at the house to get some more rest before heading up into the mountains tomorrow after some more training.
Jake and Mary will be flying in from San Jose tomorrow night and rejoining the team. It will be good to have them back. We have a lot of catching up to do.
I am really excited about going up into the mountains of Peru. This is where my missions journey began. In 2003 I came to Peru with a team of friends for my first mission trip. We went to a little town in the mountains named Lircay. Since that first trip, I have never been able to imagine my life without missions being a part of it.
It is a very special gift to me to be able to return here. It is a gift from God that I cherish deeply. Although Africa claimed my heart, there will always be a place for Peru as well. I love the culture here and the Quechua people. This is an amazingly beautiful place, and an imense privilage to bring the love of Christ.
Thank you Lord for your amazing faithfulness and love. Your generosity and mercy continue to astound me. I love you, and am so greatful for the way you love me.
