We got up early yesterday. Real early. We rolled out at 6 AM. After a 2 and 1/2 hour bus ride, we got to the train station. Then we had a 2 hour train ride on Peru Rail up to Machu Picchu. The train ride has been rated as the second most scenic and beautiful train ride in the world. It certainly lived up to that billing. It was a gorgeous ride through the mountains and into the rain forest/jungle.
We arrived at Machu Picchu around noon. We ate a spaghetti lunch at a restaurant near the train station. Then we went up on bus for a 25 minute ride up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The scenery around there was indescribable.
Once inside, we hiked up to the top of Machu Picchu. It took our breath away...literally. Once everyone caught their breath, we took a group photo and then split off into 2 groups for tours. Each tour lasted around 2 hours. It was fantastic. Machu Picchu, built around 1420, is most deservedly one of the seven wonders of the world. It was breathtaking. To see how it was built so that erosion would not affect it was awesome.
We drove back to the train station and then had a two hour train ride back. After another 2.5 hour bus ride, we rolled back into the hostel around 11:15 PM. Then we had a late pizza dinner, which was very good.
Today, we go back to Lima. We will have lunch and dinner in Lima. We will go to the Lima Market to do some shopping. Our red-eye back to Atlanta leaves after midnight and we will arrive back in Raleigh around 1 PM on Saturday.
We have all had a fantastic trip. The people of Peru are great.
Thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes over the duration of the trip and the prayers before we left. We really appreciate it.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Angels in disguise
This morning I went to an old folks home. Lydia, Lauren, and I helped some old ladies take showers, dry off, and get dressed. I was really uncomfortable at first; but once I started helping this one lady, I was totally fine. She was literally half my height, and was so cute and so sweet. She just wanted to be loved because all the people who stay there don't have any family around, and they aren't allowed to leave. She was so appreciative of my help-it melted my heart and made me tear up a bit. She gave me lots of kisses on my cheek and thanked me over and over again as I combed and braided her hair. She told Lydia and I through a translator that it was an honor to be dressed by such beautiful girls and that we were angels sent from God. I just wanted to take her home and love her. It was a very humbling experience to see that she wasn't embarrassed at all by her nakedness or need for help. She was my angel. After we got all the ladies showered and dressed, we folded some clothes. Then we joined the rest of our group and helped clean the men's section and cracked peanuts to be roasted. It was an awesome morning.
Tonight we had alpaca and guinea pig with dinner. The alpaca was really good and tasted like steak. It was a bit chewy, though. The guinea pig not so much. It tasted like raw fish and had lots of little bones in it which made eating it kind of sad.
Allison Holland
Tonight we had alpaca and guinea pig with dinner. The alpaca was really good and tasted like steak. It was a bit chewy, though. The guinea pig not so much. It tasted like raw fish and had lots of little bones in it which made eating it kind of sad.
Allison Holland
Tempus Fugit
Wow! How time files! It doesn't seem like we've been doing God's work in Peru for 5 days. It's been amazing to see how much work we've been able to accomplish in such a short time span. The VBS, while not without it's hiccups, has been amazing! Each day we reached out to the kids through recreation, bible stories, and crafts and the kids loved every minute of it. At the end of the day today, the kids we're asking for our 'autographs' on their coloring books and hanging on to us for dear life. It was really hard to say goodbye, especially after we had formed relationships with them over the past week. It was amazing to watch the kids learn throughout the week as we told the story of Holy Week.
As week pack up our work stuff and prepare for our relaxing times in Peru, things are getting a little crazy. Now that the work is done, we have less time to sleep than ever as we get ready to go to Montu Picchu and our return to Lima. We're all coming back a little lighter as we leave behind clothes, shoes, towels, basketballs, Frisbees, and craft supplies. It's been an amazing week of ministry here in Cuzco and while I can't wait to come back to the States, a part of me will always be in Cuzco.
Patrick Devore
As week pack up our work stuff and prepare for our relaxing times in Peru, things are getting a little crazy. Now that the work is done, we have less time to sleep than ever as we get ready to go to Montu Picchu and our return to Lima. We're all coming back a little lighter as we leave behind clothes, shoes, towels, basketballs, Frisbees, and craft supplies. It's been an amazing week of ministry here in Cuzco and while I can't wait to come back to the States, a part of me will always be in Cuzco.
Patrick Devore
More pictures from Peru
We have a fresh batch of pictures for everyone to see what we are doing here in Cusco. Enjoy!
Geraldina
Peru is beautiful - the landscape, the people, the culture. It is really hard not to see and experience God's presence while working 12,000ft. above sea level in the Andes.
The children are so beautiful and so loving; they just want to hold you and never let go, and believe me, we don't want to let go of them either. The best part of my time here has been spent at San Juan de Dios - a government/Catholic church owned hospital for children with physical and mental handicaps.
It has been no secret to those who know us best that my husband, Andrew, and I are called to love those whom God made extra special. Ever since I was about 13 or 14 years old, I have felt that God made me to raise, love, and care for a child with special needs - whether physical, mental, or both. As Andrew and I dreamed of our future family before we were married, we both knew that in some form or fashion people living with disabilities would be a huge part of our lives.
Here is where our story and Peru collide:
From the moment Andy told me that one of our ministry sites would be a long-term care hospital for children living with disabilities, I knew that was exactly where I wanted to be. He let me know, though, that we would be rotating ministry sites between the groups throughout the week, so I would only be able to be there one morning of our mission. But, through a lucky turn of events I did get to go twice. My first morning there, I met Geraldina - a sweet little girl with moderate physical handicaps (including issues with her legs, coordination with her hands, and extreme sensitivity to light in her eyes) and some mild mental handicaps. She spoke and comprehended very well - if only I spoke more Spanish! But, I was able to comprehend her basic requests. We hugged and kissed and giggled. And, we played patty cake and held hands.
I was able to help her use the bathroom (I was especially proud that I could understand what she was asking when she needed to go!) and wash her hands. I helped her with her meal, although, she was doing a wonderful job feeding herself (a skill that she has just recently mastered)! She is so wonderful and it filled my heart with joy when she asked for me by name when I had left her side to give some love and attention to another child for just a few moments. When we had to say "Chao!" I was so happy to say to her "Hasta manana!" And I was all the more happy to see her eyes light up when she replied "Manana!" I was (and am) so happy that I was able to see her for a second time.
When I saw her again yesterday, she was not having a very good morning. There was a man there shooting a promotional video for a telethon to raise money for the clinic, and he was intent on having all of the children outside waving their hands to a particular song. And the longer he waited, the more tired and frustrated the children became. Geraldina was particularly unhappy because the sun hurt her eyes. But, I was happy to get a smile or two when I went over to give her kisses and encourage her to "Sonrisa por la camera!" She would smile momentarily and then hide her eyes again. Once we were inside, she was much happier to smile and give kisses and hugs. I was so happy to hold her tiny hands again.
I hated to leave her yesterday, but I know how much the nurses and the daily volunteers love on those children. I will never have to worry about her knowing how special she is.
My time at San Juan de Dios only solidified/confirmed/re-affirmed my call to give my life to a child (or children) who need extra special love and care.
Today, I get to spend my morning with my other favorite group - senior adults!
Until later - Chao!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Tuesday, the 5th day in Cuzco
As I'm sure enough has been said about VBS and the morning ministries, I will focus this post on a unique experience I was lucky enough to have. Last night Andy made an announcement that not only would we be hosting VBS as per usual, but a select few would be visiting a juvenile rehabilitation center in lieu of VBS. As it is an all male center, only males were allowed to go and four of us, Brooks, Josh, Zack, and I were chosen.
I was terrified. Images of criminal teenagers flashed through my mind this whole morning and I kept wondering how we would be received. I could not have been more surprised. The security at the gate (broken glass bottles were made into the top of the entire ten foot concrete wall) consisted of having to knock, slide a permission form through the door, and then finally admittance. Once inside we all gathered in a classroom surrounded by around 30 Peruvian teenagers; ages 14-19. We introduced ourselves with the help of Pepe and Samuel as translators and proceeded to play games with them.
The games we played were a variation of rock, paper scissors, and a game where two body parts (ex: shoulder and hip) were called out and two partners had to run and touch them together. I kept thinking about how poorly American teenagers would have taken those games, probably labeling them as immature or boring. The Peruvians seemed thrilled. Andy then delivered a message about how no matter what good or bad things a person does that God will never love someone more or less. One thing that really made an impression on me is that everyone stood (without being asked) once Andy asked if we could pray for them.
The boys paid very good attention and afterwards exhibited exclamations of joy that we would be playing soccer with them. They were WAY better than us. During the game, I made contact with one's head instead of the soccer ball and we both ended up on the ground but no matter what the situation, nothing seemed to dampen their spirits. Many did not have shoes (they played holding their sandals in their hands.) Some shared shoes, wearing only one of a pair each, and a select few had soccer cleats.
The entire experience very plainly illustrated the difference between the peoples of Peru vs America for me. Other than values (which I would venture to say we could learn something about from them about) they were just like you and me. These teenagers had simply made a mistake somewhere along the lines. The good news is that the center has a very high rate of rehabilitation. It just goes to show that no matter what country you go to, males can, and will, bond over sports.
-Colby York
I was terrified. Images of criminal teenagers flashed through my mind this whole morning and I kept wondering how we would be received. I could not have been more surprised. The security at the gate (broken glass bottles were made into the top of the entire ten foot concrete wall) consisted of having to knock, slide a permission form through the door, and then finally admittance. Once inside we all gathered in a classroom surrounded by around 30 Peruvian teenagers; ages 14-19. We introduced ourselves with the help of Pepe and Samuel as translators and proceeded to play games with them.
The games we played were a variation of rock, paper scissors, and a game where two body parts (ex: shoulder and hip) were called out and two partners had to run and touch them together. I kept thinking about how poorly American teenagers would have taken those games, probably labeling them as immature or boring. The Peruvians seemed thrilled. Andy then delivered a message about how no matter what good or bad things a person does that God will never love someone more or less. One thing that really made an impression on me is that everyone stood (without being asked) once Andy asked if we could pray for them.
The boys paid very good attention and afterwards exhibited exclamations of joy that we would be playing soccer with them. They were WAY better than us. During the game, I made contact with one's head instead of the soccer ball and we both ended up on the ground but no matter what the situation, nothing seemed to dampen their spirits. Many did not have shoes (they played holding their sandals in their hands.) Some shared shoes, wearing only one of a pair each, and a select few had soccer cleats.
The entire experience very plainly illustrated the difference between the peoples of Peru vs America for me. Other than values (which I would venture to say we could learn something about from them about) they were just like you and me. These teenagers had simply made a mistake somewhere along the lines. The good news is that the center has a very high rate of rehabilitation. It just goes to show that no matter what country you go to, males can, and will, bond over sports.
-Colby York
Monday, August 1, 2011
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.
After a hearty meal of pancakes covered in peanut butter and honey and one of my daily glasses of Coca tea, a group of us went to do "construction," but it was really just moving piles of dirt. We shoveled until the wheelbarrows were full and then carried them about 30 feet until we dumped it. Once the moved pile of dirt was high enough, we raked it smooth. Then a tamper, about 30 pounds, was used to pound down the dirt even more. All this dirt moving is the foundation of a new soccer field at a church. It was impressive how the group managed. Being a little more acclimated to the altitude change definitely helped since we were doing something so strenuous. An older Peruvian who was there helping us out was the most humbling person to watch. He must have been at least in his 60s. He was working harder than all of us combined. The only time he wasn't moving from dirt pile to dirt pile was at the end for a group picture. When we were finished, we walked down to where they kept guinea pigs. They had soft music playing for them to keep them calm so that their meat stays tender. Can't wait to double-fist that for dinner tonight. Yes, dinner. Maybe I'll put some mayo on it. It's what all the Peruvians do.
When I came back to the hotel for lunch, I took my socks off and a poof of dirt came out. I guess that means I'd been working hard. We had a traditional Lima meal called Lomo Saltado. It consisted of beef, potatoes, onions, and red peppers all on top of rice. Pretty much stir fry. So yummy. Afterwards, everyone went to VBS. About 4 of us stayed back to go to the hospital and pray for patients that wanted us to. Inside, it was crowded and a chaotic with a lot of people filling the hallways. We asked what section we could go to and ended up in the maternity ward. The rooms could hold up to 10 women. One family we met just had their baby yesterday. It was so tiny and cute. It was exciting to get to celebrate their new arrival. Some others met a woman who was only 15 who just had a baby and a woman who was 17 and ended up miscarrying. It was interesting to see how different the hospital worked but not as challenging to talk and pray to the people I thought.
This experience has been very exciting and humbling so far. The people seem to be so accepting and grateful for the love we have to offer them. I'm also surprised at how well I've been able to communicate with the 10 Spanish words I know. I could say so much more about other things I've seen but I don't want to write a novel.
Love to all the people reading this.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Adios, amigos!
-Suzannah Carroll
When I came back to the hotel for lunch, I took my socks off and a poof of dirt came out. I guess that means I'd been working hard. We had a traditional Lima meal called Lomo Saltado. It consisted of beef, potatoes, onions, and red peppers all on top of rice. Pretty much stir fry. So yummy. Afterwards, everyone went to VBS. About 4 of us stayed back to go to the hospital and pray for patients that wanted us to. Inside, it was crowded and a chaotic with a lot of people filling the hallways. We asked what section we could go to and ended up in the maternity ward. The rooms could hold up to 10 women. One family we met just had their baby yesterday. It was so tiny and cute. It was exciting to get to celebrate their new arrival. Some others met a woman who was only 15 who just had a baby and a woman who was 17 and ended up miscarrying. It was interesting to see how different the hospital worked but not as challenging to talk and pray to the people I thought.
This experience has been very exciting and humbling so far. The people seem to be so accepting and grateful for the love we have to offer them. I'm also surprised at how well I've been able to communicate with the 10 Spanish words I know. I could say so much more about other things I've seen but I don't want to write a novel.
Love to all the people reading this.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Adios, amigos!
-Suzannah Carroll
We have a new brother!
This morning my group was going to do a prayer walk. The area that we went to has a bunch of different brick making factories, and by factories I mean a family makes each brick by hand and bakes them all together in a big oven fueled by eucalyptus branches. When the high schoolers came a few weeks ago, they accidentally knocked over a man's pile of bricks. They helped him work for a bit and then prayed for him. So today Andy, David Lee, Marie Bailey, Lauren, Matt, Zack, and I went back to his little factory to see how he was doing. We brought some clothes and shoes for him and his wife and their two young boys. They boys were very excited when we gave them each a beanie baby. The man, his name was Wilbur Puma, told us that since our last visit he had been feeling uplifted and encouraged and his business has been doing very well.
Wilbur molds each brick by hand and lays them out in the sun to dry. When his area gets full, he stacks all the bricks up and begins the process again. It usually takes him an entire day to stack all the bricks up, so we got to work. There were normal size bricks that took us a little less than an hour to stack. Then we got to the big bricks that, according to Wilbur, weighed 25 pounds each. These bricks needed to be carried around a wall and up a little embankment to be stacked. I can not imagine how long it would have taken him to do it by himself. We formed an assembly line and got them all stacked in about 40 minutes and the best part was how much fun we had doing it. At points we were chanting "si se puede" (we can do it!) and joking about what a great workout it was. After all the bricks were stacked we all sat down in the shade and talked to Wilbur with the help of two wonderful translators-Erica and Mya. He told us that since our last visit he has been reading a Bible and he even went out and bought a dictionary to help him understand some of the words. He said that he had a dream where there was a big beautiful house with light glowing from it and when he tried to go in, he couldn't. That's when he knew that he had to make a decision to follow God. While talking to him we learned that he thought faith meant going to church and being baptized. We explained that faith is about having a relationship with God, repenting of our sins, and believing that Jesus Christ came to save us. That relationship takes place all throughout our lives, not just at church. It can start right here, right now. He said that he wanted that, so we prayed for him and at the end of the prayer he prayed the prayer of acceptance. Tears began to fall down his face and he said that he can not help but weep because that prayer touched his heart and he could feel God's presence. This Sunday Wilbur, his wife, and his two sons are going to Mya's church to profess their faith and be baptized.
I can not begin to describe the feelings that washed over me during that time. It was incredible to witness such a powerful act of God. We are so fortunate that God allowed us to see the fruits of our labor. God used the high schoolers to plant a seed and he allowed us to see it blossom. It's crazy to think that two hours before I didn't even know this man, and now he is my brother, my brother in Christ. Please pray for Wilbur as he is starting this journey of a lifetime. Pray also for his family as he witnesses to them.
We are only half way through this trip and already God has done miraculous things, not only in the lives of the people we are around but in our own lives as well.
Many happy wishes from Peru,
Allison Holland
Wilbur molds each brick by hand and lays them out in the sun to dry. When his area gets full, he stacks all the bricks up and begins the process again. It usually takes him an entire day to stack all the bricks up, so we got to work. There were normal size bricks that took us a little less than an hour to stack. Then we got to the big bricks that, according to Wilbur, weighed 25 pounds each. These bricks needed to be carried around a wall and up a little embankment to be stacked. I can not imagine how long it would have taken him to do it by himself. We formed an assembly line and got them all stacked in about 40 minutes and the best part was how much fun we had doing it. At points we were chanting "si se puede" (we can do it!) and joking about what a great workout it was. After all the bricks were stacked we all sat down in the shade and talked to Wilbur with the help of two wonderful translators-Erica and Mya. He told us that since our last visit he has been reading a Bible and he even went out and bought a dictionary to help him understand some of the words. He said that he had a dream where there was a big beautiful house with light glowing from it and when he tried to go in, he couldn't. That's when he knew that he had to make a decision to follow God. While talking to him we learned that he thought faith meant going to church and being baptized. We explained that faith is about having a relationship with God, repenting of our sins, and believing that Jesus Christ came to save us. That relationship takes place all throughout our lives, not just at church. It can start right here, right now. He said that he wanted that, so we prayed for him and at the end of the prayer he prayed the prayer of acceptance. Tears began to fall down his face and he said that he can not help but weep because that prayer touched his heart and he could feel God's presence. This Sunday Wilbur, his wife, and his two sons are going to Mya's church to profess their faith and be baptized.
I can not begin to describe the feelings that washed over me during that time. It was incredible to witness such a powerful act of God. We are so fortunate that God allowed us to see the fruits of our labor. God used the high schoolers to plant a seed and he allowed us to see it blossom. It's crazy to think that two hours before I didn't even know this man, and now he is my brother, my brother in Christ. Please pray for Wilbur as he is starting this journey of a lifetime. Pray also for his family as he witnesses to them.
We are only half way through this trip and already God has done miraculous things, not only in the lives of the people we are around but in our own lives as well.
Many happy wishes from Peru,
Allison Holland
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