Catching up on stories from Peru!!
Peru was AMAZING. It’s an alluring country with so much culture and beauty. Outside of ministry work, some highlights for me were hugging and petting all of the Peruvian llamas and alpacas I could find. I just love those animals so much. They make my heart squeal with excitement and joy. Also, visiting the famous Machu Picchu, and hiking up Rainbow Mountain!! Gods creation in the mountains of Peru will take your breathe away!! (Literally as the elevation is so high). I experienced my share of elevation sickness but it was all truly worth it.
Alpaca Love
The Ladies of Peru
The Majestic Machu Picchu
Finished hiking up Rainbow Mountain!!
Elevation >16,000 Ft
While in Cusco for another debrief meeting, our squad had the opportunity to stay in a brand new hostel, “Brothers Hostel” that had just been opened by a family and we had the privilege to be their firsts guests! We met the family who owned the hostel, Maritza and her two sons, Arnold and Brandon. The family are Christians but somewhat new in their faith and at the time did not have a church home. During our worship sessions each night they were able to join us for worship and we got to pray for them, their family, and their new business. Later in the week they served us a special breakfast and used the time to ask us many questions about God and walking in the faith. It was a special time of being able to disciple and minister to them in that way. One day, I also had the opportunity to do a short hike with Arnold. Over the span of two hours I got to practice my Spanish which I was really excited about! More than that, I got to know Arnold as a person and we had in depth conversations about our families and about life in general. I told him about the pain and grief I went through losing my dad to cancer, then he shared with me his father left him and his family for another women about two years ago. He talked about the hurt and un-forgiveness he was carrying around from that, and also shared with me that his father is not a nice person and is still trying to harm the family and the new business. I was able to talk to Arnold about the importance of forgiveness, and pray with him that his family would be safe and he would receive healing from past hurts caused by his father. Arnold is a person I continue to pray for today. His family was so lovely and hospitable and they really touched my heart. They carry such strength and diligence to seek God after all they have been through and I am so happy I was able to meet them and share those few days with them. I hope to be back in Cusco someday and plan to stay at Brothers Hostel again.
Brandon, Maritza, Myself, & Arnold at Brothers Hostel
Arnold & I on our hike to see the Cristo Blanco de Cusco
Another connection I made in Cusco that I wanted to share with you all was simply unexpected. One day, while walking back to the hostel on the main street by myself I stopped to take a picture of a big metal bird sculpture. As I was doing that an older gentleman came up behind me and asked if I wanted to learn the history behind the sculptures. I said, “sure!” Not really knowing what would come of it, but what I thought would be a two minute explanation turned into a two hour conversation with this man, standing on the busy street corner in Peru telling me his whole life story! Being by myself I could have been nervous and said no, or I could have cut him off after a while but for some reason, I felt led to take the time to listen to him for however long he wanted to talk. Maybe he was lonely? Friendly and just very talkative? Had ulterior motives? Or maybe, it was another God ordained “divine appointment”. I chose to believe the later…
Meet Miguel. He is 82 years old. He is from Peru and he has quite the life story. Miguel moved to New York when he was 19 years old after his father was transferred there for work. Shortly after moving there he met his first wife, Rose Mary. However, a few years into their marriage Miguel found out she and her family were involved in the Italian mafia! He told me he didn’t want any part of that so he made the decision to leave his wife and start a new life, moving to California. While there, he said he even lived with John Wayne at one point and one of his other family members is related to him. In California, Miguel worked to get his pilots license, joined the military, and was soon transferred to Germany. During our conversation Miguel kept telling me he felt like there was a reason he met me. Later he asked what I do for a living and when I told him I was a doctor he lit up with excitement and started telling me all about his second wife and son who are also doctors. He met his second wife Barbara while in Germany. They had two sons together. His youngest son, Lukas is now a pediatric cancer specialist in San Diego. It was very interesting to learn all of this and share something in common. Then Miguel shared how he and Barbara are no longer together as they had different paths and callings in life after their children were grown. He told me he had plans to return to Peru where he is from to study more about the Inca culture. He is now very involved in the traditions and nutritional/natural medicine studies of the ancient Inca population while his wife decided to do a large project in Nigeria, Africa. I was getting an earful about Miguel and his life but what really mattered to me was his soul. I was able to share Jesus with Miguel and I prayed for him and his life right there on the street. Although he may be very rooted in the Inca beliefs and traditions and did not yet accept Jesus that day, a seed was planted. I also continue to pray for Miguel and his salvation to this day. It was a beautiful moment of two people meeting, sharing beliefs and life stories. Sharing conversation and kindness. Sharing the love of Jesus and being in awe of the purpose of our encounter that day. This is culture. This is humanity. This is love. The love of Jesus. This is life. This is ministry and it’s as simple as “A Person and a Prayer.”
