Reflections

It’s been about a week and a half since we returned from Peru.  I’ve been reflecting on my trip, and while it’s hard to put the feeling part into words, I will do my best to summarize the events that took place. . .

In short, we had amazing trip!!  It was everything I hoped it would be.  We worked as a team, everyone doing their part, and I believe we accomplished what we were sent out to do!  It reminds me of the verse in scripture, “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them.”  (Rom. 12:4-6)

Trip Stats:

*It was a large group:  17 pre-med students (including two university supervisors) and 18 medical professionals and others!

*During the week our team attended over 800 patients at the clinics, gave out over 500 toothbrushes, pulled 109 teeth and handed out 582 Bibles

*486 confessed faith in the Lord or expressed a desire to know more

*Working in the kitchen at the Children’s Home, we made large quantities of chicken dumpling soup, apple crisp, potato soup, hummus, pesto, and homemade chocolate cake (for a birthday!)

During our closing banquet as each member of the team shared a memorable moment from the week, it was obvious that many hearts were changed among our teammates as well as on the “field.”  There were lasting friendships created, pain relieved, hope offered, and encouraging words shared.  The stories went beyond, “Yeah, that was a nice trip.” It was more like, “This trip has changed my life.  I will never forget. . .”  As for me, part of me really didn’t want to come home.  I’ve enjoyed having a break from laundry, dishes, and the stresses of running a household!  But seriously, I loved serving, making new friends, the thrill of adventure, and feeling fulfilled.  I will treasure these memories forever!

The Adventurous Trip Home:

It was a long, two-day trip home.  My parents and I had a layover in Lima, so we took a taxi and headed to Miraflores.  Security was heightened on every front because the country’s presidential debate was to be held that night.  It was interesting and a little unsettling to see police and military on every corner.  Streets were barricaded and vans were filled with military men carrying shields and weapons.  But local families still had their children out and about with them!  It felt surreal. 

When it came time to board the plane, they frisked everyone, then re-searched our bags!  The stewardesses were on high-alert and I saw fear in their eyes.  I didn’t sleep very well on the plane wondering what was up?!  Thankfully, we arrived safely, but only to experience MORE heightened security.  They must have checked our passports 4 more times before we even got our luggage.  I’ve never experienced anything like that, but ironically, it made me feel safer knowing they were taking extra pre-cautions. 

Our journey wasn’t without struggle and victory even up to the last minute.  My parents and I parted ways in Miami.  They flew onto Chicago, and I waited for my flight to Minneapolis.  My parents’ flight from Chicago to CWA was cancelled, so their final trip was delayed even more.  They were surprised to find themselves automatically booked for the next flight home while others had to stay overnight!  My flight was also delayed and at 4:45pm we were still sitting on the runway, having just landed in MSP.  My shuttle (that would take me home to my waiting children and husband!!) was leaving at 5pm!  I’m still not sure how it happened. . .but I de-boarded the plane, ran, got my two bags from the luggage carousel, ran some more, and MADE IT by 5:01pm!!!  Only a short hour and a half and I was reunited with my loving family!!  We made it J  And the kids said the time went by quickly. . .really?  Good to hear. . .I think that means I’ll be doing it again!

Thank you, for supporting me in pursuing this dream of missions.  Your financial donations, prayers, emails, and encouraging words made such a difference. . .not only in touching me, but in reaching the beautiful people (halfway around the hemisphere) in Peru!  The Lord supplied ALL my needs through your faithfulness and generosity!

My first mission trip may have ended, but the journey is just beginning! 

The Finale!

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. . .

Friday

Today is David’s 10^th 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.

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 don’t have it all together! 

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.

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!

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!