My day began bright and early as my friend, Marleni escorted us to the local market to do some shopping. My dad and another friend, Kay, came along. It was a beautiful morning. I loved walking among the Peruvian people and interacting with them. We ate some food from street venders, found some great deals, did some sight-seeing, and made some great memories! It's hard to put into words all the things I've taken in over the past week.
Later in the day, my friends Sarah and Kristen joined us! We did more sight-seeing and shopping. Now it's on to the final banquet. It will be difficult to say 'good-bye' to the friends I've grown close to this week.
I am ready to go home and see my family. I feel as though I've accomplished what the Lord sent me here to do. I will take the memories with me and pray that I can return again some day (hopefully with the rest of my family!).
We begin our journey home tomorrow morning as our first flight leaves at 8:50am from Cusco to Lima. We will spend the day in Lima and won't arrive in Miami until 7:30am on Monday. Mom and Dad fly out earlier, but I will hang around until my flight leaves at 1:30pm. I will finally arrive home around 6:30pm on Monday night! It will be a long journey home. . .
"Go into all the world. . ." Mark 16:15
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Friday
Today is David’s 10th Birthday. . .Happy Birthday, David! I know you will have a great day celebrating with Dad and enjoying some “guy time.” I am so proud of the young man you’re growing up to be!
I have thought of you all day today as I’ve worked out at the orphanage again. I even made a chocolate cake for one of the boys here who’s celebrating his birthday, too! I tried to call you 3 times, but never got through. Did you hear Papa and I sing “Happy Birthday” to you?! His voice is a little froggy because he’s got a cold, and Grammy isn’t feeling well either. She's got a migraine. You can keep both of them in your prayers. It seems like everyone in our group is tired tonight. I’m going to bed early so I can get up and go shopping at the market first thing in the morning. My friend Marleni is taking me! I’m going to get you a surprise. I can’t wait to give you your birthday hugs when I get home! I love you and miss you!
PS I was served ‘cuy’ today, which translated is guinea pig! While it’s considered a delicacy here, I don’t think rodent will make it to our family menu.
PS I was served ‘cuy’ today, which translated is guinea pig! While it’s considered a delicacy here, I don’t think rodent will make it to our family menu.
Thursday
What an emotional day! The tears flowed freely. What can I say? The Lord’s doing a work in my heart and all I can do is yield to Him. It’s a good thing. I work up with the thought, “I only have two more days at the orphanage!” The time is going so quickly, and it’s like a dream I don’t want to wake up from. Yet, I know my family is waiting for me when I get back home. So, as my mentor missionary friend advised me, I’m just going to focus on the time I have here and enjoy this wonderful feeling of being fulfilled.
I was glad to be back at the orphanage today!! Sarah came with me (Kristen went with her dad to the clinic) and I’ve really appreciated her and Laura’s friendship. As I sat at the kitchen pulling basil leaves off their stems and cried, I attempted to make pesto! Sarah and Laura, and all the women were so supportive. I felt embarrassed that I was so emotional, but it was okay since being real caused some walls to come down and allowed me to grow closer with some of the native workers at el Arca. Even us Americans from the US
We also helped Brigida make homemade dinner rolls. After lunch Laura, Sarah and I went to the market. The amount of fresh, organic produce at such cheap prices was unbelievable. The people may be poor, but they have a rich abundance of healthy foods!
I picked my laundry up from the launderia tonight, and it’s so refreshing to have clean clothes! Now it’s off to dinner. . .
Wednesday
Today I got to go with the medical team to help with the clinics. I got a front row seat in the bus as we took the 45 min. trip up the mountains. Then we finished the last 3 miles of the journey in vans and cars because the terrain was too rough for the big bus to get through. These types of adventures give me such a thrill! As we approached the clinic, I felt humbled as a multitude of Peruvian people came walking over the hill when they saw us coming. It’s a great responsibility when people come to you for help. I was an interpreter for Kay, our pediatric nurse (with the help of amazing 12-year-old Joseph).
We treated all the children for worms and the ones with colds we were able to give vitamins. Thankfully, there were no major medical issues, just lots of stomach aches and diarrhea due to the worms (and extremely chapped cheeks from the sun and wind). The clinic also provided eye glasses, antibiotics, meds for acid reflux, and creams for other ailments. There were 149 people seen at the clinic today!
I ate my first sardine sandwich today! While it isn’t my favorite, it was tolerable. Overall, the food has been amazingly good on this trip!
Here’s a neat story I’d like to share:
A native Peruvian named Iocencio is making a big difference in the lives of his people. In one place, all the men of the village would get together and drink alcohol every night. Iocencio convinced them that for one year they should give up their alcohol and pool their money together. They agreed, and at the end of the year they had saved enough money to buy a village tractor!! This one vehicle has enhanced the quality of life for the Peruvians. Iocencio is a pastor and is also continually sharing the gospel. Many are realizing the hope and freedom that comes from knowing the Lord. Iocencio also petitioned the government for money and now this village has built the clinic and a school! Never underestimate the influence one person can have on the lives of others!
Tuesday
My second day at El Arca! I got in the groove today and spent the day peeling apples and potatoes for apple cobbler and cream of potato soup. It will be a memorable day talking and working with the ladies in the kitchen: Marleni, Brigida, and Luz Mariana. Marleni escorted us back home again, but this time we walked down the lane to catch a taxi and took lots of pictures! Then, we rode a shuttle bus (like a city bus, only in small minivan-type vehicles) back to the hotel. I think I’m getting the hang of it.
-Crazy driving. . . like bumper cars without the bumping.
-Horns continually honking (mostly warning another vehicle or person they’re coming through)
-The smell of diesel combustion and exhaust
-No street signs and few speed limit signs
-Rompe muelles (speed bumps) on every street
-Clean Streets
-Taxis and buses are the way of life here.
-You will see modern middle class and poverty within the same block!
Our lodging and meals on this trip are especially great. . .not typical at all for a mission’s trip. CERT International is taking good care of us! I think I could get used to someone else making my dinner every night J. It sure has been a nice break.
Here are some more observations:
-Dogs, dogs of every kind everywhere!-Crazy driving. . . like bumper cars without the bumping.
-Horns continually honking (mostly warning another vehicle or person they’re coming through)
-The smell of diesel combustion and exhaust
-No street signs and few speed limit signs
-Rompe muelles (speed bumps) on every street
-Clean Streets
-Taxis and buses are the way of life here.
-You will see modern middle class and poverty within the same block!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Monday
I felt a mixture of emotions as I awoke this morning. . .anxious about the unknown, yet excited for the opportunity to visit el Arca, the children's home today. The mama and papa of the home are Bud and Laura Lenz, and they are really mom and dad to the children here! Currently there are almost 40 children in their care. It's a great responsibility, but they have almost perfected the system to keep things running smoothly!
At 7:30am this morning, I hopped on a taxi with two other girls: Sarah (22yrs. old, just graduated in elem. ed) and Kristen (12 yrs old, loves kids!). We got the directions for el Arca and away we went! It cost us about 20 soles (about $7.30) to travel the 25 minutes across town. Our cab driver was very nice. The peruvians drive crazy here, but I loved the trill of the adventure! We even had to stop to put air in the tire on the way!
As we arrived safe and sound, we were greeted by hugs and hello's from the children. Laura invited us into la sala (the living room) for devotions before we began our day. It was a sweet time together. Then, we all split up into our various areas of interest and got to work! Sarah helped teach the children in the classroom, Kristen played outside in the courtyard with the younger ones, and I talked with Laura about recipes and spent the day in the kitchen.
We made chili for lunch, and I began chicken dumpling soup for supper. It was hillarious at times trying to communicate with the other women in the kitchen through my limited Spanish. They are all so patient and we had fun together! I had planned on staying until 5pm, but we ended up leaving earlier. Marleni was going into town and we had the opportunity to ride back to the hotel with her. So, I quickly turned over my task to the peruvian women, hoping my Spanish was enough to communicate how to put the rest of the soup together and make the dumplings so that it would turn out.
I found out the next morning that the dumplings turned out and the soup was good! However, the peruvians perfer the skin part of the chicken most. So instead of being chicken dumpling soup, it was chicken skin and dumpling soup!
Here are some random observatioins:
-many hands make light work! I wish I had that much help at home :)
-the big island in the middle of the kitchen is where most of the chopping and food prep takes place
-they use several large stainless steel pots for cooking the food
-there are few "tools" but they can make just about anything with a knife and large metal spoon!
-the food is served to the children outside the kitchen
-there's a sink just outside the kitchen for the children to wash their hands and brush their teeth
-after eating, the children each wash their own bowls under the outside faucet and bring them back to the kitchen clean
-when the dinner bell sounds, the children have 2 minutes to get their food
-Friday nights are American nights (USA-American, that is!)
-there is only cold water in the kitchen faucet
-the chicken for the soup came fresh from the market with feet and head and all!
At 7:30am this morning, I hopped on a taxi with two other girls: Sarah (22yrs. old, just graduated in elem. ed) and Kristen (12 yrs old, loves kids!). We got the directions for el Arca and away we went! It cost us about 20 soles (about $7.30) to travel the 25 minutes across town. Our cab driver was very nice. The peruvians drive crazy here, but I loved the trill of the adventure! We even had to stop to put air in the tire on the way!
As we arrived safe and sound, we were greeted by hugs and hello's from the children. Laura invited us into la sala (the living room) for devotions before we began our day. It was a sweet time together. Then, we all split up into our various areas of interest and got to work! Sarah helped teach the children in the classroom, Kristen played outside in the courtyard with the younger ones, and I talked with Laura about recipes and spent the day in the kitchen.
We made chili for lunch, and I began chicken dumpling soup for supper. It was hillarious at times trying to communicate with the other women in the kitchen through my limited Spanish. They are all so patient and we had fun together! I had planned on staying until 5pm, but we ended up leaving earlier. Marleni was going into town and we had the opportunity to ride back to the hotel with her. So, I quickly turned over my task to the peruvian women, hoping my Spanish was enough to communicate how to put the rest of the soup together and make the dumplings so that it would turn out.
I found out the next morning that the dumplings turned out and the soup was good! However, the peruvians perfer the skin part of the chicken most. So instead of being chicken dumpling soup, it was chicken skin and dumpling soup!
Here are some random observatioins:
-many hands make light work! I wish I had that much help at home :)
-the big island in the middle of the kitchen is where most of the chopping and food prep takes place
-they use several large stainless steel pots for cooking the food
-there are few "tools" but they can make just about anything with a knife and large metal spoon!
-the food is served to the children outside the kitchen
-there's a sink just outside the kitchen for the children to wash their hands and brush their teeth
-after eating, the children each wash their own bowls under the outside faucet and bring them back to the kitchen clean
-when the dinner bell sounds, the children have 2 minutes to get their food
-Friday nights are American nights (USA-American, that is!)
-there is only cold water in the kitchen faucet
-the chicken for the soup came fresh from the market with feet and head and all!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
It's Sunday
We had a great church service at the Children's Home, led by Bud and Laura Lenz. Their daughter, Rachel, led worship on her guitar with two of her brothers accompanying her-one on guitar and the other on bongo drums. It was beautiful! And, they even sang my favorite song in Spanish, The More I Seek You (I admit I kept one eye open so I could video record it-lol!)
I briefly got to visit with some of the children that live there while they gave me a tour their classroom and bedrooms (some bunks were three beds high!). They even have pet birds and bunnies. Some of the children performed a dance for us! The students on our team played a game of volleyball, and then it was time for a lunch of spaghetti-yum! Afterward we had orientation. Each member of the team had a chance to share how they ended up on this trip. It was quite amazing, to say the least!
Two of the med students have gotten sick so far, so please keep them in prayer. But as for a praise report. . .Amber made it here safely this morning! She is a honey. . . a 31-year-old PA from Texas who just spent 6 years practicing in Maui. The weekend after we get back she will be headed to Alaska to work for the summer. She is following the Lord and He's taking her on quite the adventure! Seems like once you go on a trip like this, it gets in your blood!
Since most of the team is focused on the medical clinics, I don't quite feel like I've found my grove yet. Hopefully, being at the orphanage tomorrow will give me a better sense of direction. Please pray for all that to come together.
Mom and Dad have been sorting meds with the team in preparation for tomorrow's first day of clinics. As soon as they get back, it will be off to dinner. (I will try to post some pictures soon!)
Until tomorrow,
Megan
meganchiles@yahoo.com
I briefly got to visit with some of the children that live there while they gave me a tour their classroom and bedrooms (some bunks were three beds high!). They even have pet birds and bunnies. Some of the children performed a dance for us! The students on our team played a game of volleyball, and then it was time for a lunch of spaghetti-yum! Afterward we had orientation. Each member of the team had a chance to share how they ended up on this trip. It was quite amazing, to say the least!
Two of the med students have gotten sick so far, so please keep them in prayer. But as for a praise report. . .Amber made it here safely this morning! She is a honey. . . a 31-year-old PA from Texas who just spent 6 years practicing in Maui. The weekend after we get back she will be headed to Alaska to work for the summer. She is following the Lord and He's taking her on quite the adventure! Seems like once you go on a trip like this, it gets in your blood!
Since most of the team is focused on the medical clinics, I don't quite feel like I've found my grove yet. Hopefully, being at the orphanage tomorrow will give me a better sense of direction. Please pray for all that to come together.
Mom and Dad have been sorting meds with the team in preparation for tomorrow's first day of clinics. As soon as they get back, it will be off to dinner. (I will try to post some pictures soon!)
Until tomorrow,
Megan
meganchiles@yahoo.com
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Euphoria!
Flying over the Andes Mts. was breathtaking! That little flight from Lima to Cusco felt like only 10 minutes because I was so in awe of God's creation. The mountains are majestic, and it makes me want to praise my Creator!
On the flight I got to use my Spanish "for real" sitting next to two Peruvian women. Both of them were teachers here in Cusco and were very willing to converse with me through my broken Spanish. I arrived in Cusco at 10:30am (it's Central time here) after 26 hours of travel!! I am excited to say that my parents and I are handling the high altitude just fine, and after a little nap, we feel great. PTL!
As my missionary friend counseled me would happen, I am in a state of euphoria. Pinch me. . .am I really here?! From what I've seen so far, the Peruvian people are extremely gracious and hospitable. I feel my accomodations are more than what is necessary. We are staying in a hotel similar to what we'd see in the states. . .and they are treating us like royalty. It's humbling. I came to serve THEM!
I also feel like I'm getting to know our CERT team of volunteers. There are about 12 of us that have traveled together since Miami. Tonight we will meet the pre-med students that will be part of the medical teams. Please pray for all of them, and all of us actually, to have servants' hearts, to be in unity, and to realize we came to make a difference not just go on "vacation."
My friend, Bud Lenz who runs the children's home (as they refer to the orphanage) met us at the airport with two of his boys, Daniel (7 yrs.) and David (3 yrs.). It makes me miss my own beautiful children, and I can easily see these precious children working their way into my heart! I am already falling in love with the people, the culture, and the country, and I know I'll be coming back some day. . .
Enjoying the euphoria,
Megan
PS. We have Wi-Fi in our rooms, so please email me. I would love to hear from you!
On the flight I got to use my Spanish "for real" sitting next to two Peruvian women. Both of them were teachers here in Cusco and were very willing to converse with me through my broken Spanish. I arrived in Cusco at 10:30am (it's Central time here) after 26 hours of travel!! I am excited to say that my parents and I are handling the high altitude just fine, and after a little nap, we feel great. PTL!
As my missionary friend counseled me would happen, I am in a state of euphoria. Pinch me. . .am I really here?! From what I've seen so far, the Peruvian people are extremely gracious and hospitable. I feel my accomodations are more than what is necessary. We are staying in a hotel similar to what we'd see in the states. . .and they are treating us like royalty. It's humbling. I came to serve THEM!
I also feel like I'm getting to know our CERT team of volunteers. There are about 12 of us that have traveled together since Miami. Tonight we will meet the pre-med students that will be part of the medical teams. Please pray for all of them, and all of us actually, to have servants' hearts, to be in unity, and to realize we came to make a difference not just go on "vacation."
My friend, Bud Lenz who runs the children's home (as they refer to the orphanage) met us at the airport with two of his boys, Daniel (7 yrs.) and David (3 yrs.). It makes me miss my own beautiful children, and I can easily see these precious children working their way into my heart! I am already falling in love with the people, the culture, and the country, and I know I'll be coming back some day. . .
Enjoying the euphoria,
Megan
PS. We have Wi-Fi in our rooms, so please email me. I would love to hear from you!
Hello Peru!!
We have arrived safely in Peru! Made it through customs and now waiting for the last short flight to Cusco. Please pray for everyone to adjust to the altitude and for one of our teammates, Amber, who missed the flight last night and is still stuck in the Miami airport until about midnight tonight.
Blessings!
Blessings!
The beginning. . .
It’s happening!! My first missionary adventure has begun. I’ve started on my journey and it seems surreal! My travels began this morning at 7:30am. We backed out of the driveway, with 4 little hands waving and throwing kisses good-bye. As I fought back tears, I tried to put into words what I was feeling. Paul offered a listening ear and through my tears, I related to him my excitement at doing something I’ve always dreamed of doing, the anxiety of the unknown, and the overwhelming love I feel for my family. I know they will all be in good hands, but I sure will miss them. If you see my kids and feel the urge to give them a hug while I’m gone. . .please do so!
Currently, I am at the Miami airport waiting to board the plane headed to Peru
After a short night and a long day, I am excited and exhausted! I will arrive in Lima , Peru around 4:30am and from there I’ll take another flight to Cusco , Peru Cusco is at an altitude of 11,000 feet and we will spend the day tomorrow resting and getting acclimated to the high elevation. I have met some of the team members, and I love them already! It’s neat to see everyone coming with a heart to serve and willing to use their talents to help others. I am starting out this trip without any expectations, yet full of expectation that the Lord will take what I can offer and multiply it to meet the needs and bring encouragement to the people I meet along this journey.
Thank you all for your prayers. . .I feel them!
Good night, my friends,
Megan
Friday, May 13, 2011
One week in counting. . .
I leave one week from today. I am nervous, excited, and really missing my kids already! I was snuggling with Madelyn today and talking about the children in Peru who didn't have a mother to love them like she does. She asked me if I was going to give them kisses and I said, "Yes, so you better give me more so I have more to share!" Lydia brought me to tears when she asked if I could bring one home with me (meaning one of those precious children). Someday, Lydia, I think someday. . .
Today I was busy booking a shuttle to the airport, making some meals for my family while I'm gone, and going over my recipes. Part of what I will be doing in Peru is working with the cook at the orphanage to teacher her some new things. I am so excited!
I also received an encouraging word from someone in my church. Just the boost I needed. It was confirmation that I am on the right path, doing what the Lord wants me to do, right now. To Him be the glory!
Today I was busy booking a shuttle to the airport, making some meals for my family while I'm gone, and going over my recipes. Part of what I will be doing in Peru is working with the cook at the orphanage to teacher her some new things. I am so excited!
I also received an encouraging word from someone in my church. Just the boost I needed. It was confirmation that I am on the right path, doing what the Lord wants me to do, right now. To Him be the glory!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
The countdown's begun. . .
Twelve days from today I will be in Peru
-women’s skirts sz. 11/12 (new or gently used)
-flip flops (new, all sizes)
-stickers (for the children)
-gum with xylitol
-books in Spanish
-girls’ clothes sz. 10/12 (new or gently used)
A cash donation would also help purchase additional items needed at the orphanage once we've arrived. Right now they are caring for about 40-45 children! Wow!
Praise the Lord, my financial needs are almost met as well!! I am only $400 away. Missions has always been near and dear to our hearts, and even when we couldn’t go we’ve supported those who could. Now it’s my turn to go, and I’m asking if you’d be willing to support me in this mission of bringing hope and healing to the people of Peru
You can mail me a check and designate how you would like your donation to be spent (orphanage or my expenses). For a tax-deductible gift, please make your check out to CERT International, or visit their website at: www.certinternational.org and click on the 'donate' tab. Just mention that your donation is “for Megan Chiles.”
In His grace,
Megan Chiles
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)