Our first day in Peru, I knew this place would be very different than any other country I have experienced on this trip. From the first embrace and kiss I received coming off the bus, I knew I would love Peru in a very special way.
Honestly, Peru has been a hard place to do ministry in. The schedule is rigorous, the days are hot and the environment is filthy! But I have come to find that Villa El Salvador has so many endearing qualities. It took me a while to figure it out, but I think a large part of this is because being here reminds me of my time in the slums of Kenya. The people, the places and even the smells in Peru remind me of a place that became very dear to me. Therefore, I have had no hesitation in throwing myself completely into knowing the Peruvians and the doing the ministry taking place here. Everything is endearing to me (besides the 6am bells and whistles outside my window and the constant sandbox we walk around in! hehe)
Probably the greatest gift I have been given in Peru are the people. From their amazing service of cooking all our meals, to serving along side them in kid and youth programs around the city they have been the joy of my life! I have gotten to know the cooks, the church leaders and the youth in such a way that it will be incredibly hard for me to leave them. Meet some of my new friends….
My beautiful friend, Roxanne that I met up in Lomo de Corvina.
4 of our way cool translators!
Jeanpier, Paulo and me
Jorge and Pedro (top left) up in Lomo de Corvina at the kids service
Leading song at kids service
The adorable children of Peru
Christina y yo!
One thing I continue to learn about myself is that my heart is compelled to love so easily and so widely. This will be a hard year because of that as I love and say goodbye numerous times. But I have no regrets. It is the only way to live.
Pray for us this week. We have our hands in many different projects including working with several church plants in the markets, finally getting to physically build the church up in Lomo de Corvina, youth services and outdoor evangelism. We are such busy bees and I cannot believe five weeks in Peru has almost come and gone! We will be departing late next week for the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu.
Love to all!
