Northampton Presbyterian Missions Trip - Day 7

Today is our final day of ministry with the children here in Peru.  We will be seeing over 150 kids, we are looking forward to a tiring yet profitable day.  We started the day after a good night’s sleep, with breakfast and devotions at the church.  We talked through James chapter 2, and recognized the necessity to see people as God does, and be willing to offer mercy where judgment would be a “normal” thing to do.  We practiced a few Spanish songs and headed off for the Spiros Zodhiates child care center in Saul Cantoral, Lima.

When we arrived, the kids were sitting down waiting for us.  They welcomed us with a “good morning” chant, and we were off and running.  Since they were sitting, we sang the songs we practiced and sang “Every Move I Make” with the kids helping with the “na-na-na” part.  They were having a great time, and so was the team.  Juliann and Ryan shared their testimonies, and the kids listened as well as kids can.  They did a great job presenting the gospel.  I love hearing these kids talk about God with the other kids.

After they shared, the chaos began!  We separated into 3 groups – one went outside, one worked on coloring pages, and one sat at a table and played some games.  Anthony, Kelly and Jeremy were also painting kids faces, but today it was a little more organized and a lot less chaotic – none of the team members had their faces painted today.  The outside group was playing football, soccer, and generally just hanging around.  The kids were asking all kinds of questions to the team members and they did a great job answering as many as possible. 

I had told the team in advance that these kids are like a bunch of leeches – hanging on to you at every turn, and boy did they find out I was right.  At one time, Ryan had 6 kids climbing on him, sitting on him, dragging him to the ground.  They were having a blast.  Juliann, Kelly, and Jenna seemed to constantly have 2-3 kids climbing on them.  Kevin was walking around outside with a kid on each shoulder.  He was like a mobile jungle gym for the kids.  The kids brought out a rope and one of the team tied it on the soccer goal – the kids took turns swinging on the “rope swing” – it was hilarious to watch.

At lunch time, we gathered all of the kids inside the small building – the number of kids would definitely not meet a fire code in the States for that size of a building – kids were almost sitting on top of each other as we served them lunch.  It is a holiday here in Peru, so they had no school.  As a result, we didn’t have 2 groups today of about 80-100, but rather 150+ all day long! 

After lunch the chaos ensued.  More games, more activities, more talking and sharing, more pictures, more interaction with the children – and the team was spectacular!  They were tired.  They were hot. They were worn out.  But they continued on until it was time to gather all of the kids and hand out certificates.

One by one we said goodbye to the children as they came and had their picture taken with their certificate.   

The kids were really proud of their accomplishment, and the team made them feel special for the work that they did.  I have said it before, but I really love the fact that these kids met the challenge to finish the books!

We headed back to the hotel and Jeremy had a migraine headache – bad enough that he slept all the way back to the hotel.  As a matter of fact, when we arrived back at the hotel, he had some weird tingling in his hands and face.  We did some “internet” searching and found that it was probably linked to his head ache – so he drank more water and slept until dinner.

As we walked to dinner, we were in for a real treat.  Due to the holiday, most of the restaurants were closed!  After all, people aren’t supposed to eat meat – just fish.  Anyway, we walked past Bembo’s (a “fast food chain”) here in Lima, and the kids voted against it.  We ended up eating at a Chinese Restaurant!  Food was delicious – especially for a Chinese-Peruvian meal. (Just ask Kelly about that one).

After dinner we went to the Wong store – actually it was the right store, but it is named “Wong” – to get a cake for Anthony’s birthday.  The ladies at the center had sung happy birthday to him in Spanish, but we needed to get him a cake.  So we did – double or triple chocolate cake!  Way too much for me to handle.  We only ate ½ of it, but Anthony assures me he will make the rest of it disappear.

After the cake, we had our “hot seat” time where the team members encourage one another by sharing with them the things they saw God do through the other members this week.  It really was  a wonderful time of hearing the kids encourage one another and build each other up.  It is one of my favorite times of the trip – and this group did not disappoint me.  They said some really good things to each other, and then they prayed for each other.  I was honored to be part of this interaction with them.

Within 24 hours, we will be on a plane home.  We have much planned for tomorrow – the beach, shopping, a trip to the “water park”, and I am certain some more eating!  This will be a well deserved break for the kids, but also a time of encouraging and ministering to one another.

Thought for the day:  I saw Mrs Mirtha today – and even took a picture of her and 6 of her kids.  She is scheduled for surgery sometime soon as she has a tumor on her head.  Seven of my friends back home raised the money to pay for the surgery in just a 24 hour period.  I am so blessed to be part of helping this woman. 

As I talked with her, she asked me to sponsor her child.  I told her that I already sponsor 2 children here in Peru and 1 in Guatemala.  I would have loved to have been her child’s sponsor, but there is only so much a person can do.  I know that soon my wife and I will be sponsoring another child – my wife says it’s her turn to pick one – but for now, we are limited in our ability to do so.

However, I have been so encouraged by the last 2 teams and their desire to join the ministry here by sponsoring a child.  I know that these who have been here know the benefits for the children who are sponsored.  They get food.  They get help with their education.  Most importantly, they hear the word of God!  Sponsoring an AMG child is more than just a wonderful thing to do, it changes lives!  Yeah, it helps the kids and their families, but just as important, sponsoring Norma and Harold here in Peru has changed my family forever! 

Northampton Presbyterian Missions Trip - Day 6

Well, the bus wasn’t all it was cracked up to be…  I found out this morning that Pastor Jose thought that the bottom level of the bus was better than the top level, so he purchased the bottom level for us.  He was a little disappointed when I told him that the top seats on the bus fully reclined, but the bottom seats do not.  It was a lot better than the bus ride up to Huaraz, but since I had told the team that we would have the fully reclining seats, I think they were disappointed as well.  No one complained, as a matter of fact, they responded very well and went to sleep.  The only “issue” we had was when the stewardess lady came in and put Jenna’s and Anthony’s seats down.  They were reading, and weren’t ready to lay down, but since she put their seats down, they waited until she left and put them up again.  I thought it was funny, because there really was no reason why she insisted on laying them down.  Maybe she thought they were tired.

We arrived in Lima around 6 in the morning, and were picked up around 6:30.  We went to the hotel and put our things in our room, showered and got ready for the day.  By 8:00 we were at the church eating eggs, bread, and bacon.  The Apon family does a great job of feeding us in the morning.  We began practicing some songs for the kids, and soon were ready to head to the center.  No one knew what we had in store for us…

We stopped at Metro to pick up water and Gatorade for the team, and then headed to the child care center.  We parked and carried our things up the dirty stairs to the small church building.  You would have never thought that there were 60+ kids inside.  But as soon as we walked through the door, they welcomed us with a “good morning” in a strong Spanish accent.  They swarmed the team and we couldn’t even get through the door.  Anna (my daughter’s sponsored child) asked if she was here.  I had to tell her she was not – she was disappointed, but not for long.  We walked through the mob of kids to the front of the facility to put all of our things on the stage.  It was difficult to walk as kids were hugging us and trying to kiss us.  Eventually we made it and put our things down.  As I turned to look at the kids at the table, some of them were finishing up their books. Kid after kid showed the team members their books – with pride, showing us what they had completed.  I was very impressed with some as they had done a very nice job coloring, but also recording the bible stories on the lines given. 

The team spared no time blending in and playing with the kids.  It was a madhouse!  The team really seemed to enjoy the connections with the kids.  It always amazes me to see the connections that start almost immediately and last throughout the entire day.  Jeremy had one little boy stay with him all day – he literally had to tear the boy away to be able to leave.  Anyway, we saw some funny things today – from the great idea to do face paint with our fingers…  Kids were painting everyone’s faces.  Jeremy looked like one of the “blue man group” people – completely painted blue all over his head – to kids making bracelets, necklaces, blowing bubbles, doing pushups, playing soccer…  they were a blast to watch.

My little Norma was hilarious as she acted like she had no idea who I was.  She is so incredibly smart and funny.  I love to hear her talk and to watch her as she plays with others.  I am humbled to be able to sponsor her and watch her grow up.  My wife and I are trying to find a way to help her family, and it seems like we have finally figured it out.  We are planning to help her pay her rent by “hiring” Norma’s mother at the center.  They said they will give her work to do maybe 3 days a week, and we can help her pay her rent with the money she earns.  I hope this is just the beginning of a long term relationship with them. Norma has brought us so much joy as we get to sponsor her and see her grow.  I was able to hug her and laugh with her and just encourage her to do well in school. I was also able to give her the backpack Dee gave me the money for – she really liked that.

The team sang songs – and the kids clapped along.  Then Jenna and Kelly shared their testimonies.  They did a great job and gave a clear presentation of the good news of the gospel.  I think it is so much more impacting when the teenagers share their stories, because the kids can identify with them because they are about the same age.  I pray that if there are any there who don’t know Christ, that they would come to know him as a result of the things these girls shared.

After a couple of hours of interaction with the children, we handed out the certificates and candy for the kids who completed their books.  One by one, the kids left the center and received their certificate, a candy bar, and took a picture with a team member.  I think the kids really appreciated the gifts from the kids.

As the kids left, half of our team went on home visits and the other half stayed and played ball with the kids.  We visited some of the poorest people in the area and they welcomed us into their homes.  We saw a house no larger than most American’s living rooms, but 5 people lived there.  We saw a variety of houses, met a number of people, and basically walked around the area with kids showing us their homes.  They all seemed to appreciate our visits.  I pray that God would encourage those we visited.

We returned to the hotel, and boy did we get some funny looks as we traveled home.  Usually, people look at us a little different because we are “gringos”, but today, many of our team had paint all over their faces – especially Jeremy.  And with him sitting in the front seat of the one vehicle, he really stuck out.  Not to mention that he seemed to enjoy the attention – making faces at us as our car pulled alongside his.

We showered and cleaned up for dinner.  We walked about 4 blocks to the Italian restaurant, where we met with the Apons – Jose, Theresa, Lutgarda, Leah and Carla.    We had a wonderful time as we ate pizza and talked.  Jeremy started a very strange way to drink that many of the team attempted to mimic – if you want to know more you will need to ask someone on the team.  We followed the pizza with a ice cream dessert - the team really liked that.

As the day drew to a close, we took some time for devotions, played some rage, watched some “futbol” on TV, and unwound from a chaotic day.  Tomorrow is more of the same – with about 2-3 times the number of kids…  here we go again!!!

Thought for the day: As I sat down in my seat on the bus, I was wondering why this team ended up on the bottom level of the bus when just above our heads was a much better situation. Jeremy and I ended up in the last row, so our seats didn’t recline as far as everyone else on the team, so we had it just a little “worse” than the others.  Why couldn’t we be upstairs? 

Then it dawned on me – I have a seat in a bus that is taking me to Lima while I sleep (or at least attempt to).  I will be in a hotel in the morning, have a good hot breakfast ready for me at the church, and really have many of the comforts of home even as I travel.  I am not walking.  I am not pressed in with dozens of other passengers.  I am in a seat by myself, I have food, drink, and a blanket and pillow.

Why do I so quickly seek my own comfort and forget the plight of others?  Because I am selfish by nature and seek to make myself happy more than anything first.  Lord help me be willing to “suffer” for Him – and really know when I am actually suffering.  Having a less than perfect seat on a bus is hardly suffering!  After a day like today – seeing the house situations and the lack of “normal” comforts, I pray that I will not forget the blessings that God gives me, and that I will choose to be thankful for them!

Northampton Presbyterian Mission Trip - Day 5

It is our final day in Huaraz, and the gang was us and running before 7.  Breakfast wasn’t until 8, but we needed to get our laundry together and pack our bags to move them out of the rooms.  I was impressed that everyone was up and energetic, ready to go for another day of ministry.

We had breakfast, spent a little time finalizing our packing, and then met to discuss our devotions.  We are still in the first chapter of James, but it has been a good study so far.  Jeremy asked the team to share some of the difficulties they have in being a good hearer and following God’s plan versus doing their own thing.  One by one the team shared some of the difficulties they experience in setting their own directions aside and being willing to follow God whole heartedly.  It was a great time of sharing, and was great preparation for the day’s ministry.

By 10:00, we were on our way to the child care center.  We walked about 10 blocks to the church/child care center.  When we arrived, most of the kids were already there, and most were working on completing the books that they had received 3 weeks ago.  The team practiced some songs, and Anthony and Kevin prepared to share their testimonies.  After a short while, the team presented the songs, the testimony, and then we gave the children their certificates and a candy bar for completing their books.  We took pictures of all of the kids with their certificates – they seemed happy to have received them.  We had about 30 minutes before we served lunch, so the team spread out amongst the kids and played games, talked, showed pictures, and basically built relationships with the kids.  Eventually we fed them lunch and they headed off to school.

The team took a break and ate some food, and then round two came in.  The younger kids entered the center full of energy and enthusiasm.  The team was chasing kids, playing ball with kids, laughing and playing with the kids.  Juliann was crawling under the tables.  They were everywhere.  The kids loved it, but we had to settle them down for lunch.  The team served lunch and then sat with the kids as they ate.  Chicken and rice with potato – it was a nice amount of food. 

After lunch, the some of the team took kids downstairs and outside while others stayed inside to play.  We spent about an hour and a half just playing ball, playing games, and loving on the kids.  The rain storm was beginning to move in, so we moved the activity back inside.  The time for passing out the certificates approached, so the kids sang their songs, shared their testimonies, and then we handed out the certificates and the candy.  The kids were very happy to have received the certificates.  I pray that the information they put in their books about the stories in the Bible stays with them for a long time.

We left the center and headed back for the hotel.  On the way, there was a truck stuck in a drain, so we went over and helped pick the truck up out of the drain.  When we arrived back at the hotel, we sat around and talked about the day, and then Jeremy asked the kids how the plans they had for the trip were being fulfilled or had been changed.  Each of the kids shared a little about what they were learning and how it differed from what they had expected.  I told them that I was looking forward to giving them their “letter to God” that they wrote back in February.  I pray they are encouraged by what they read.

After our "meeting" the team broke up to relax, play some ping-pong, work out, talk on their phones/computers, etc.  It was a well deserved break, and with a long night coming up, they needed it.

The plan for tonight is simple, dinner at 8 with Pastors Fausto, Andres and Erick, and Solidad (the director at Huaraz).  We will eat with their families and then ask them to share a little about their ministry.  As they do, we will also ask for items that we can be praying for on their behalf.  It is my desire that the team go back home and share with their family and friends and their church family the passions of these men (and Solidad) and that they will remember them in prayer. 

After dinner we will load up and head for the bus station.  We have an 8 hour ride to Lima from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM.  The bus is designed for full horizontal laying down, so I pray that the team sleeps well as we travel.

Tomorrow is another day of ministry at the Buen Pastor Child Care Center in Lima. 

Thought for the day:  I have been trying to learn Spanish for a while now, and it I just don’t seem to be able to store enough information to be effective in communication.  How painful it is for me to try to talk with the kids, but even more painful is the look in their eyes when they are trying to communicate with me.  I look at their faces full of hope and excitement, and I get so frustrated because I cannot talk in their language.

How thankful I am that I have a God who did not keep from me the ability to communicate with Him.  God has made a way to talk with Him and to be able to share my hopes, dreams, fears and anxieties.  He does not look at me with a blank stare or a confused face when I talk with Him, but rather, my babble is clarified by His Spirit, and I am understood by the God of this universe.  What a humbling thought – God understands me, God listens to me, God wants me to talk with Him.

Well, there is no excuse to stop trying to learn Spanish, so I will continue to do so.  But in the mean time, I thank God for those who are bi-lingual that allow me to minister to these children and workers.  Thank you God!

Northampton Presbyterian Mission Trip - Day 4

Conversation from last night…

Me: “We are having breakfast at 7 tomorrow.”

Kelly: “7 in the morning?”

Me: “No, we are having breakfast at 7 at night.”

Yes, today started very early because we had a 2+ hour van ride to Chiquian, so breakfast was at 7 in the morning. Everyone was at the table on time, and we ate a hearty breakfast (as if that were a surprise). We boarded the van around 8 and were heading to Chiquian. The plan was to hike the mountains to the cross on top of the ridge, pray for the people of Chiquian, and then head back for house visits.

On the way to Chiquian, we stopped at a small town to go to the bathroom, and then stopped at a lake to take pictures. The views here in Peru are amazing. The mountains spread out so high, and the valleys are deep. The rivers are running so fast that at times the water seems to be moving faster than we are as we drive. We are taking pictures of all of the breathtaking views, but I remind the team that there really is no way to capture the amazing views we are enjoying. Pictures pale in comparison to being here.

We arrived in Chiquian and headed up the mountain. The hike took a short time, and we stood at the high point of the village and listened to Erick share his vision for reaching the people of Chiquian. Four of the young people, Colin, Ryan, Jenna and Kevin prayed for Erick, for the church, for the people, for the teenagers, and for God to do some amazing things in this village. It was wonderful listening to them praying.

From there we headed down to the center square and ate lunch. Following lunch we headed to the home of a cripple woman who cannot walk at all. She has 2 children (in their 20’s), but they do not care for her. Her name was Carmen Rosa. She welcomed us into her home – as she sat on the ground, the team came in to talk with her. As Erick shared with us her condition, the team was moved with compassion and many collected some food to give to her. She was overwhelmed by the gift and could not stop thanking the team for their love that they showed her. It was a very moving time for the team. She asked that we come back to visit her again. I assured her that when I brought another team, we would do just that. Kevin prayed for her and it was an amazing prayer. He started by saying, “thank you God for this beautiful woman”. It moved my soul as I heard him call this older cripple woman “beautiful”. She was indeed that - not because of her external characteristics, but because of the beauty that flowed from her love for God and for us.

From there we went to the church and spent some time talking about what we had experienced and how Carmen Rosa was a great illustration of someone who chose to “count it all joy” as she met us with a glow that rose above her circumstances. We talked about the next section of James as well, and were challenged to remember that God is a good God that gives good gifts to His children.

We eventually left and headed off for another house visit. Maribel, a mother of 5, had just had cancer surgery. We visited with her and 3 of her children. We didn’t spend a lot of time there, but we prayed for her and her family. We took, her son, Junior, with us and a couple other boys from the church to a local soccer field – actually a concrete basketball/soccer court. We started playing, kids started coming, and we had a wonderful time of exercise and interaction with them. Erick asked us to stop playing and share a testimony. Colin stepped up to the plate and shared what God laid on his heart. I am always thrilled to hear teenagers share their understanding of the gospel with others, and he did an excellent job. I am not his father, but regardless, I was proud of his boldness as he stood before his peers and shared his love for God.

After a brief potty stop (for the 3rd time today – I told the kids that they eat more than anyone and spend more time in the restroom than any other group I have brought), we loaded up and headed for Huaraz. It was a quiet ride home as many of the kids were tired. I was looking forward to dinner to hear what they had to say about the day.

We arrived back at the hotel, and Erick and Colin went to get pizza for the team. We sat around the computer/conference room and ate. We shared our highs and lows. These kids are “getting it”. They are seeing the needs and caring for the people. They are recognizing the mission is to share the love of Christ in word and deed, and they are doing it! I loved hearing their thoughts about the day, and even more encouraging is the fact that many are journaling throughout the day. I asked them to type them and send them to me – I would love to read them. It has only been 2 days of service, but I am excited about what God will do with them as they head back to their church, their youth group, their school. I pray that God would continue to mold and shape their hearts to be compassionate for others.

As we broke to head to the rooms, Jenna was obviously struggling with something. I sat and talked with her briefly. Much like many of the others, she is wrestling with the desire to help Carmen Rosa. I love her sensitive spirit, and I pray that God gives her clarity about what the next step is.

Thought for the day: As we sat gazing at the village of Chiquian from the foot of the cross high above the village, you couldn’t help but look around at the majesty that these people get to see day in and day out. Two of the mountains look like giant pyramids – I joked with the team about them being man made, but it was obvious that there was no way man could have done it. Various mountains had waterfalls flowing down them, and the valley below seemed like it was forever away.

How can these people look at God’s majesty day in and day out and not recognize His place in their lives? How can they live day in and day out as if God doesn’t exist? Don’t the mountains around them just scream of a powerful creator?

And then I realize – how is it that I can live as if God isn’t around in my life? How many days do I go through without really recognizing the majesty of God that surrounds me? Before I stand in judgment of others, I need to confess my own selfish living that keeps God on the back burner of my life.

Northampton Presbyterian Mission Trip - Day 3

Well today was a day full of excitement and energy!  We started the day with breakfast and devotions.  This team can eat!  I told them that I was glad to see that we were getting our money’s worth at the buffet.  Surprisingly enough though, we boarded the bus for Yungar, and in moments they were eating again!  Snacks, candy, whatever was available, they are eating it.  I told Erick, our interpreter, that he had better not stand still for too long, he might end up being eaten.

We arrived in Yungar and met with Pastor Fausto.  As always, I thoroughly enjoy introducing teams to this man.  He is a meek man of God who loves people and serves the children well.  I love to listen to him talk with the people and then tell us what they are saying.  Fausto took us to a number of houses, and introduced us to families that had children in the center, or people who needed sponsors to get their children into the center.  The team was obviously impacted as we saw the poverty and the neediness of the people.  We prayed with them before we left each house, and I reminded the team that we needed to keep praying for them when we returned home.

We headed back to the church and began preparing for the kids.  While we ate, we talked about what we had seen so far, and I love the sensitivity of these young people. They were touched by the needs of the people, and were moved to want to meet those needs.  Only God knows what the long term impact these encounters will have on them.

After lunch, the kids started coming, and boy were they anxious to see this team.  I had warned this team that the last time we were here the kids were a little “standoffish”, but not today.  They played with the team, talked with them, spent time with them, tried asking them questions, etc.  They were excited about something.  And this was probably the highlight of my day when I watched them all enter the church with their completed books from the last team that was here.  Their excitement was a direct result of having completed the task they were assigned, and knowing they would receive a certificate and a candy bar for their efforts.  Pastor Fausto pulled me aside and thanked me and both groups for doing this – the kids benefitted from it, their families benefitted from it, the church benefitted from it, because the kids were encouraged to get into the bible stories and study them.  What a joy it was to hear that.

The team presented a game for the kids to play that they used for a teaching tool.  The kids had to jump from plate to plate on the ground and attempt to cross a field.  It was intended to be impossible without the help of Anthony, and that is exactly how it played out.  It wasn’t until the kids were told that they had to ask Anthony for help that any of them made it.  Colin shared with them (at the end of the exercise) that the purpose was to show them that without Christ, all of their “good works” will not get them to heaven.  He did a great job presenting that to the kids – and as the week progresses, every team member will have the opportunity to do the same.  I am looking forward to hearing from each one of them.

After the presentation of the certificates, the team introduced themselves, the children asked a few questions, and we headed outside to play again.  What a wonderful day of watching the team interact with the children.  From jump rope, soccer, football, volley ball, Frisbee, etc.  they had a great time!

We returned back to the hotel and got ready for dinner. Kevin, Anthony, Erick and I spent a little time working out at the weight room.  Eventually we headed for the restaurant.   During dinner, we had a wonderful time of talking about the “hi-lo” of the day, and rehearsing what we saw God do.  After dinner we did some shopping and headed back to the hotel.  This is where things really get interesting.  A couple of English students at the local university stopped us and asked us to take a survey that they needed to do for their class.  We obliged and 2 of the team answered their questions.  From there they asked if we would be willing to come to their class.  Jeremy and I discussed it and we thought it would be an excellent opportunity.  So we went.  The team had a wonderful time as the table was turned, and no longer were they the ones who couldn’t speak the language, but rather the students struggled – and boy did they struggle – to ask us questions and try to speak with us.  The team was very gracious and encouraged these students.  We were able to share why we were here in Peru.  I pray that God uses this “touch” for future connection and who knows, maybe some will even come to know Him as a result.

Well, we have an early morning tomorrow, so it is off to bed.  Chiquian is tomorrow, and apart from house visits and some soccer with the teens there, I am not sure what all God will do, but I know it will be amazing.

Thought for the day: Oh, you are going to love this one…  This morning we were waiting for Erick to make it to the hotel, and we all had stepped outside the locked gate, and little by little the team made their way back inside, leaving me alone outside.  All of the sudden, this little boy (maybe 5 years old) across the street starts to pee into the street.  As if that wasn’t odd enough, an older woman (probably in her 50’s) was walking behind the boy, and he turned around and tried to pee on her.  As if that wasn’t enough fun to watch, she picked up her pace and continued down the street with the boy trailing right behind her peeing the whole time!  I couldn’t help but laugh.  This kid was literally trying to run and pee at the same time.  It was hilarious!

What thought does that bring to me?  Well, have you ever had such a bad day that it just seemed like nothing was going your way and the whole world was just dumping on you?  If you have, keep this poor woman in mind – at least you have never had a little boy chase you down the street trying to pee on you.

Seriously, no matter how bad it gets, as James reminded us in our devotions this morning, we have the opportunity to “consider it joy”, or rule over our emotions and thoughts and choose to find joy in every circumstance of life.  Even if a little boy tries to pee on us!

Northampton Presbyterian Missions Trip - Day 2

How nice it is to start a trip with a good night’s sleep – or at least 5 hours.  I slept fairly well, and it seems that the team did also.  I roomed with Jeremy last night, and he woke himself up talking this morning.  He started saying something and then started getting a little louder, and then all of the sudden he “startled” himself awake.  It was rather amusing.  Anyway, I got up and checked the time and told him it was only 6 o’clock.  He pulled his blankets back up over his head and went back to sleep.

We gathered around the front door at 8 and prepared for our breakfast at Palermo’s – Jose’s favorite breakfast place (which he will not go to on Saturday because he won’t eat meat during lent).  Anyway, Kevin is still struggling with what he thinks is motion sickness – he threw up a few times last night, but said he slept well.  I love his attitude – regardless of how he is feeling, he seeks to do right and  have a positive attitude.  He is very impressive.  Anyway, we went to breakfast and had pork sandwiches (Kevin just ate a very little) and we headed to the bus station.  Kevin started getting sick again – I was praying that he would feel better – this is a very difficult start for him.

As we waited for our bus, we played cards, Jeremy and Colin made up a tennis ball game, and some read and journaled. Eventually we boarded the bus and headed to Huaraz.  Kevin was doing better, but still had a way to go.

The team excitedly took pictures as we drove through town and then out into the northern parts of Lima. They took pictures of each other, of the scenery, all kinds of stuff.  We are going to have a lot of pictures when this week is over.  We finally arrived at Cheto’s for lunch, and boy, can this group eat!  They ate everything we ordered.  Even Kevin got in on the action – although I must say, Anthony can put away some food for being such a skinny kid!  Everyone seemed to be doing very well.

Mid afternoon was more of the same, naps, pictures, listening to music, talking, riding in a bus for a total of 8 hours.  About 6 hours in we reached the pinnacle of our driving – right around 13,000 feet.  Many of the team members were “complaining” about head ache’s, feeling nauseous, generally not feeling well.  I told them to drink their water and they would feel better soon.  When we dropped back down to 11,000 feet they were all back to normal, playing games, laughing and just waiting for the ride to end.  We arrived in Huaraz shortly after 7, and met with Erick, headed to the hotel and unpacked.  It was nice to finally be settled – the team was thankful to have arrived.

We met in the computer “conference” room and apart from Kelly knocking a picture off the wall and breaking the glass, we had fun.  We talked about the past 2 days, we talked about tomorrow, we discussed how we were going to do things, what the team should expect from the kids, and what Jeremy and I expected from them.  I know this team will do an excellent job – they are doing such a great job of encouraging one another and helping each other.  They truly are a wonderful representation of their church and families back home.  After the meeting we headed to rooms for the evening – we have a long day tomorrow, and the first day is always the most difficult. 

Thought for the day:  As I drove through the mountains today, I saw rocks cut in half by the path of water as it flowed down the mountainside.  Deep paths have been carved into these monstrous mountains of rocks.  What was probably once a smooth surface of stone has now been  forever changed by the constant flow of water. Water is nothing compared to the toughness of a boulder, but given enough time and allowed to continue, the rock can be destroyed by the water.

In the same way, our lives, no matter how strong and durable, can be forever “marred” by sin that is allowed to careen across our lives day after day.  How important it is to stand before our Creator and ask, as David did, “search me, oh God, and see if there be any wicked way in me.”  Left unchecked, our lives can and will be destroyed by unconfessed sin.