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