I would like to tell you about my favorite day on the race so far.
It’s not one about jumping off a 100 ft waterfall in Ecuador, or visiting one of the 7 wonders of the world, or even seeing someone come to Christ. It’s actually a rather simple one. A day that was not suspected to even happen.
After our time of adventuring in Machu Picchu, our team of 7 (former team LIT) went into Cusco to stay with another team from our squad before heading to Bolivia. This family welcomed us with a beautiful home, soft beds and warm showers. Their living room had the aesthetic of a cozy cabin. A fireplace in the middle, couches with throws surrounding it and a stone wall encompassing us. To top it all off, there was still a Christmas tree. I could’ve easily forgotten it was Christmas while we were traveling through Peru.
So there we were, choosing to enjoy these few days of a familiar place. We also chose to still help this ministry even though they weren’t our “assigned” ministry hosts for the month. Most days it was helping them in their garden, which was so fun! Their little son Malachi was the most helpful, brave 6 year old who loved to pull out alllll the weeds and climb hills.
On our last day there, however, there was a different request. The host couple, Tim and Holly, asked our team if there were 4 people who wanted to go help their cousins up in the towns of the mountain who were pastors. We were to go pass out hot chocolate, gifts, and sing carols for the kids. I called dibs along with 3 other of my teammates. I really wanted that hot chocolate.
We got in the truck that had one too many persons in it and arrived in the mountains of Cusco and to the house of the missionary couple, Hannah & Steve. The first thing I did was stand in awe of the beautiful view they had from their house. (Pictured below)
Cusco, Peru
They lived in the perfect little prairie home with tall, magical wooden doors. They welcomed us and we instantly connected. It was about time for lunch, so after introducing ourselves and getting a tour of the house, the ladies helped Hannah in the kitchen and the boys talked with Steve and had jam sessions with his Mandolin.
In the kitchen, we made pizza from scratch and a chocolate fudge to top our ice cream. We got to listen to Hannah’s story and her heart for Peru, how her and Steve met and their life of discipleship in the mountains. There was one point in the kitchen where me and Hannah were on the floor laughing (mostly me on the floor, lets be real) because her daughter (who is the cutest little bundle of joy in the WORLD!) had dropped a shelf of silverware all over herself.
After our time of laughing and getting to know each other, we joined the men in the living room and ate our AMAZING pizza and ice cream. After lunch, Hannah and Steve taught us “Silent Night” in Quechua (one of the indigenous languages of Peru).
We finally felt confident enough and went out to the villages with Paneton (famous latin american bread), gifts for the children, and our instruments. We went to every house and group of people that we saw and sang for them.
Kaylin & I ready to sing + play
There was one point where we hit the jackpot: a big group of locals watching their family and friends playing soccer. All the kids gathered around us and we had so many gifts to pass out. Kids even started to run out from their homes. It was such a precious time of singing songs with them in Spanish, English and Quechua. I would scream when some of the kids started signing in English!
We did this until the dark of night and got invited into several homes to have a quick moment with families. We finally made it to the last house and walked back home. We went inside, talked about our time and our team prayed over Hannah and Steve and asked the Lord to give us specific words for them. The Lord showed us what those things were and we prayed and spoke peace and healing over them.
Locals giving us their traditional New Years blessing by embracing and pouring yellow paper on our heads.
Wes, Kaylin and I got our stuff and hopped in the back of the truck this time because we didn’t want to be squished on our way back. Hannah and Steve gave us a blanket and we were off.
We sat there close together, trying to stay warm. The wind was cold, but it was so dark we could see all the stars in the sky. More than I’ve seen at Yosemite! We just looked up the whole time and talked about how precious this day was. How nice it was to have a smaller group of us together because it made it more intimate instead of our usual 7. How kind Hannah and Steve were. How fun it was to walk around and sing. How loving and welcoming every person was. How great Steve and Hannah were at loving and building these relationships with these people and how excited we were for their discipleship here.
When we arrived late that night, our team could tell that we had the best time of our lives.
I knew I couldn’t stop smiling.
It’s hard to explain why this day had such an impact on my soul. But I think it’s because of the simple and slow ways we did life that day.
We prepared a meal with strangers who soon became friends.
We laughed and shared that meal together at the table (I’ll write a blog later about the significance of simply sharing meals).
We learned a native language of the country we were in.
We were finally singing Christmas carols.
Kaylin, Wes & I got to sing and play – which we realized is such a huge way we love to minister and give glory to our Father.
Kaylin and I affirmed that we value discipleship A LOT.
We also realized that we share a lot of the same passions and work GREAT as a team.
We saw Steve and Hannah light up as they were fellowshipping with this town that they care deeply about.
We got to pray over families.
We got to pray over Hannah & Steve’s life and ministry.
We got to ride in the back of a truck.
We looked at stars the entire ride down the mountain.
My teammates & I simply enjoyed each others presence.
We gave thanks together
We were at peace and had so much joy and love in our hearts.
We reflected on God’s goodness and how He gave us this sweet day as a closure to our wild month in Peru. (we were leaving the very next day to Bolivia)
This is how I picture the life of Jesus. He moved slowly. He was in no rush. He shared meals with people. Those meals were always special. He laughed at the table. Talked about the people surrounding Him at that time and the hope He desired for them. He walked through towns. Stopping when He needed to. Always sharing love and joy. Always in awe of His father. Still in peace.
I have found so much beauty in the balance of the simple life. Not desiring to focus on the next adventure. Rather truly living for the people and moments that are right in front of you. When you are engaged in the present, souls move. They grow. And are impacted. Simplicity is beautiful. The need to not rush. It allows you to cherish every little human interaction.
So yeah. This by far goes down as my favorite day on this race. Even if there was no hot chocolate after all. *tear*
Here’s to loving adventure, staying present & enjoying the beautiful of simple and mundane.
Love,
Jezebelle
Here’s my video of our teams trip to Peru and some short clips of this day towards the end! Enjoy!
