Oh Peru. You are beautiful.
As we walked into month 8 I was blessed to serve with team Fénix in northern Peru for the first week and a half. Initially beginning in Cajamarca, we drove a few hours further into the Andes Mountains to evangelize, preach and pray for two small, but passionate, pueblitos: Negritos Bajos & Yanacancha Baja. We traveled by car but when the road came to an end we picked up our packs and with the help of a friendly fellow below, hiked the next 20 minutes to our home for the week.
In true mountain-top fashion as soon as the sun went down temperatures dropped significantly. Nevertheless, we praised the Lord for long pants, multiple layers and snuggle-buddies as we pitched our tents inside the church.
Apart from our training camp back in October this was one of my first experiences camping. And I thoroughly enjoyed it. Especially when it involves getting creative with cooking, such as boiling noodles for mac & cheese in a tea kettle or using a knife to open some tuna!
*Penny Stove credit goes to Amanda Bednar, thank you!
*No extremities were lost in the opening of this can
In addition to practicing our “survival skills” we were blessed with numerous opportunities to visit homes in the Negritos Bajos & Yanacancha Baja communities, share our testimonies and preach each night with their church body. Neither cold nor rain could keep us down!
I faced many challenges, spiritually and physically, during our time in the Andes. But amidst the uncomfortable and cold there was such a beauty, joy, light and life. It was a week of serious dependence on my Father. And in exchange for my obedience and surrender He blessed me abundantly. It didn’t matter what direction I turned my head, I found myself surrounded by the most glorious creation, mountains, valleys and lush green pastures.
So, I had a little fun and decided to make a memory: singing and dancing on a mountain top.
Loving and missing you! Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement.
Cheers!
Al
