Since I last wrote about the flooding here in Lima, it seems that the rains have died down, deaths have ceased to multiply in number, and the mudslides are more under control.
However, there are still areas that are inaccessible due to the severe damage left in the wake of the mudslides and, most importantly, still victims of the natural disaster that are lacking clean drinking water, warm clothes, food, and safe shelter.
Today we began working with a different church in another providence of Lima that is being proactive in aiding those who are still in desperate need of help.
We walked down a steep hill into the home of an elderly couple where an entire room was filled with donations of toilet paper, bottled water, clothing, shoes, food, diapers, and so much more.
We picked up as much as we could hold in our little arms, waddled out of the little house, and trekked back up the big hill (did I mention that it was steep?) and headed back to the church.
After about an hour of intense sweating, dedicated teamwork, and a great workout, all of the donated items were in the church and ready to be sorted.
We made piles… and piles… and piles.
A pile for:
- men’s clothing
- women’s clothing
- children’s clothing
- shoes
- toilet paper
- spaghetti
- lentils
- diapers
- rice
- sugar
- cooking oil
- orange juice
- crackers
- white milk
- chocolate milk
- condensed milk
- bottled water
- bottled water
- and more bottled water
The work was hard, the clothes were smelly, the day was hot… but the reward will be great. Tomorrow and Friday we will be bagging up the items and on Saturday people will be handed bags filled with these items who are in desperate need.
Along with these items, I pray they will also be handed the message of Jesus, which offers a promise that they will never lack no matter how little food, clothing, water, or shelter they have.
“Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” –John 6:35
You are magnificently loved,
Sara
