Our last weekend in Peru we went to a boys’ home in La Merced, Chanchamayo. Pastor Abilio made the arrangements for us to go. We did not understand that we were going until about a week before.
We got up early on a Friday morning and got in a mini van to go to Merced. It was only about an hour and a half to two hours but it was through the mountains which was a very twisty road. The terrain slowly went from mountainous to jungle. It was beautiful.
We arrived at the bus stop and we were picked up by Pastor Abilio and the director of the boys’ home. We loaded up in a van with all our gear and drove just outside the city. We pulled over on the side of the main road next to the river. They told us to get out. Just as I was thinking “What in the world?” I saw a cage-like contraption moving across the river on a cable.
The boys’ home was on the other side. We loaded into the cage and we began the journey across the river extended in the air. A couple of the girls were freaking out and I was laughing with excitement.
We made it across and we unloaded. We then had about a fifteen minute hike to the house. The pathway was narrow and just on the side of the mountain next to the river. Two wrong moves and you might be in the river yourself.
All the boys were at school so we had a little while to settle in and rest for a bit. Our living quarters were pretty close to a hut. The walls were wooden planks about four feet high while the rest of what would normally be a wall was open air. The roof was made of dried palm branches and the length surpassed the four foot walls for privacy. We had bunk beds as well. It was very cozy but definitely far from bug proof. We had to coat ourselves in bug repellent lotion.
The boys finally arrived and we got to meet them. I loved them as soon as I saw them. They ranged from four years old to seventeen years old. Some spoke English which was comforting for the rest of our team. The boys’ parents had either abandoned them or could not care for them.
That night after dinner was served I shared a little bit of my story about my dad. I grew up without a father and was always angry at God for not giving me a father. It was not until I was about twenty or so that I realized God was the greatest and best Father anyone could have and that He surpasses anyone else. I obviously shared more but I felt such a connection with them from the beginning and my heart only grew bigger for the boys as the weekend went on.
Saturday we hiked with a few of the them to a couple of waterfalls that were close by. It was a good hike and the waterfalls were beautiful. We had to jump in of course. It was so much fun.
We helped the boys with their laundry, cleaning up, and some of their homework. We spent time talking with them and just hanging out. We taught some English and did several devotionals. Sunday night we did some Bible games with them and it was so much fun. They really knew a lot about the Bible. They were so knowledgable. I was very surprised.
The directors really take the time to teach them and are the closest things to parents they have. The parents are allowed to visit once a week but they rarely come. They have a very strict schedule as far as when they get up, do laundry, homework, and other chores and activities. They are so well behaved.
The boys had to go to school Monday very early in the morning. Vashti and I got up early in order to eat breakfast with them and to say final goodbyes. We took a big group picture with all the boys in their school uniforms. (Unfortunately, my SD Card with my pictures from Bolivia and Peru is not reading anymore for no good reason so I can not post pictures from my time with them.) I was actually sad to say goodbye and to see them go.
I felt like our time there was so purposeful and useful. Those boys made an everlasting impact and great memories. It was such a great weekend and a great way to end our ministry time in Peru. A part of me wishes we could have been there all month, but I might have taken it for granted if I had. It was the first time on the race where I really wanted to come back and serve for more than just a weekend. I hope to return one day.
