The beach of Huanchaco, Peru
Huanchaco, Peru. That’s where we were relocated to after all the happenings at the children’s home. I would describe the town like this: sleepy, hippy surfing town with a hint of gringo tourism.
The beach is lined with vendors, all selling the same imported trinkets, as well as restaurants all selling the same Peruvian food. The waterfront is sprinkled with hostels, coffee shops and surf schools.
The first time I came to this tranquil town was after church the first Sunday in Peru. Like all tourists, I checked out the shops and bummed around before finding a nice spot on the beach to soak up the afternoon sun.
Before you start thinking I’m in the lap of luxury, let me remind you that it’s winter here in Peru. That means the average daily temp is about 60 F (high) and even that is not guaranteed. Most days start out at 45-50 F when I get up at 6 am and slowly increases until 3 pm when the sun may or may not choose to show it’s face. The chilling west wind coming off the ocean makes me real glad I bought my sweaties!
Hospedaje Cocos Beach, my home in Huanchaco, Peru.
So what’s the best thing to do on your day off when it’s freezing outside and you’re at the beach? What’s that you say…surfing??? Ding! Ding! Ding! You are correct!
Upon arrival at Huanchaco, our squad leaders informed us our remaining week in Peru would be an ATL- ask the Lord. We are sure there is a reason behind all the happenings of this past week, as well as why we are here in this town. A team member was walking down the street, pondering what this week might look like for us when she ran into some Christian Surfers.
Christian Surfers exist because the love to surf an d they love Jesus. In short, they want to give every surfer an opportunity to encounter the real Jesus. If you want to learn m ore about Christian Surfers in the US, check out their website: http://www.christiansurfers.com/index.php
So, we got in touch with some Christian Surfers who wanted to teach us how to surf (at a very reduced price I might add…20 soles, about $7 USD…can’t beat that!). So we went to Surf School Muchik to be taught by some of the best. Chicho Huamanchumo and his siblings Omar and Margarita have been operating the school since 1992; both Chicho and Omar are professional surfers.
I don’t want to boast, but I may have a future as a professional surfer- check out that skill-
That's me. Surfing in Peru.
Okay, so maybe you’re wondering where the wave is. I was too…
But, I’ll have you know I stood up the first time and pretty much rocked the baby waves they had us practice on. They also ran out of the red shirts to put over your wet suit, indicating you were a student at this particular school, so they gave me a white one. Guess what the white one was for?
Instructors. That’s right! My first time surfing I was an instructor…prophetic? I think so!
Chicho Huamanchumo and me- surfing "instructors"
After a bone chilling surf in the Pacific, it was time to get out. Probably a good idea since my lips were blue. Again, it’s winter here. Who thought it was a good idea to pay someone so we could wear skintight outfits and float around in freezing cold water. Oh yeah…I did. I thought it was a great idea and I still think it was a great idea. I spent my Labor Day surfing off the coast of Peru.
Hang 10…that's what you do when you surf right? Clearly, I'm a real surfer now!
Later that evening we met up with our new surfer friends at the surf school. After an impromptu dance party where my love of swing dancing was passed on to the Peruvians, we headed to the Huamanchumo’s house. They had invited us to share dinner with them and hear more about their ministry in Huanchaco. Talk about a divine appointment, right?
We enjoyed some rolls with jam, coffee and tea as well as some egg tortillas. Margarita shared her story with us while we ate.
The three siblings were orphaned at a young age when their father passed, quickly followed by their mother. Since their parent’s death, they sought answers at church. Slowly, they came to know the Lord and began a personal relationship with Him. They formed a “nucleus” as they call it, promising each other they would live together if they were in Peru. They’ve followed through on this commitment and run the surf school together. Their house is lined with pictures of their children and the adventures they have had together. We walked away from the day feeling thankful for this orchestrated meeting and have more vision for the week.
Since Monday, we’ve met up with our surfing friends each day and plan to attend their weekly meeting Thursday night.
If you want to see more about our surfing day, check out this video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5JSf5KNP9g
