The South American leg of my Race has been incredible. Each country has brought unique aspects and familiar ones- particularly the Spanish language. Before arriving in South America in July I had different levels of excitement for each country. Peru was the one country I often forgot in the list of countries: Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina,…. Oh, and Peru!
The only thing I knew was that Peru held the iconic ‘Machu Picchu’- which proved to be quite the adventure to visit (surprisingly!- why is such a famous destination so hard to get to?!).
Well, Peru ended up being one of my favorite months on the World Race! I loved the ministry our team served. I loved my new team and all the laughter and investment we pursued together. I loved the culture of Peru, specifically Cusco, and learning about the people and customs. It is one of the countries and ministries from my Race that I would like to go back to and visit some day.
Peru is a month worth celebrating!
My team was partnered with an orphanage twenty minutes outside of the main part of Cusco called ‘Josephine House’. The orphanage is run by a missionary family from the US and they take in children from all over Peru who were either abandoned, neglected, or without parents. Josephine House had seventeen kids between the ages of infant to thirteen when we arrived. By the time we departed, two children had been adopted!
It didn’t take long for these kids to steal my heart. My teammates and I would take turns working twelve hour shifts together, including night shifts for the women on my team. Working a shift included changing cloth diapers, potty training, playing games, giving baths, playing outside, feeding, being present, practicing English, and loving them well.
Our hosts told us that they have never had a team that was so consistently present in the kids lives at the orphanage. Who didn’t just visit for a few hours for a couple of days, but stayed from the time they woke up till they went to bed for three weeks. Daily we were able to just be present and sit for hours with children who have not experienced a lot of consistency in relationships.
Not only that, but we took the shifts of the regular, paid workers, who were tired and burnt out from long 12-hour days. We saved the ministry money and served a tangible need of rest.
It was incredible to see the direct Kingdom Impact my team had on Josephine House, the children there, and the workers.
I had moments throughout the month where I would hear a piece of one of the kid’s story or feel my heart swell at the sweetness of holding one of the infants in my arms. I would ask the Lord, ‘why would anyone abandon these children?’. His answer was pretty simple- to look around at where I was serving.
The Lord reminded me, ‘Emily, don’t you trust that I am caring for my children here in Peru? I have proven again and again this year to you that I fight for my children. Look at my hope here at Josephine House.’
Throughout this year on the World Race, as I have encountered injustice and brokenness throughout the world, I have seen the Lord’s hand of protection, love, and power. I have seen the growth of His Kingdom. I have seen His relentless love.
This is a verse I often prayed over Josephine House: “I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” (Psalm 140:12)
I want to celebrate my month in Peru, and the ways the Lord is moving in the lives of the people in the country. I want to celebrate seeing the love of a Father for His children. I want to celebrate that we serve a God of hope.
Let’s keep celebrating the work the Lord is doing in our lives and around the world.
The foothills of the mountains around Cusco, close to Josephine House.
If you want to go to Machu Picchu- let’s talk…I have some travel tips because the ‘economy package’ was quite the adventure. So beautiful though- great way to end an incredible month.
