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June 24, 2010, 11:32 a.m.
It has been a couple days since I’ve updated the log. We’ve been busy and haven’t had a great deal of time to update. Currently, we’re on a flight from Houston to Greensboro….at least some of us are, but we’ll get to that in a bit!
The bus finally arrived so we could get to the market. This was a much smaller bus. We didn’t need the big one since we weren’t going a long distance, so it was more economical to get a small one. All of us fit on it, with every seat filled. Jack, Brenna, and Sydney had to sit in someone’s lap though. Everyone has been great with the kids, watching them when needed and letting them sit with them. We got to the market and split up. We only had 1 ½ - 2 hours, so everyone had to hurry. It went well, with most everyone getting what they needed. The only problem was Hoover! The first store he went into had a guitar. Being the guitar guy he is, he started playing it. Unfortunately, one of the strings broke and the store owner wasn’t thrilled about it. Hoover acted as if he didn’t know Spanish and they let him go!!!! He was with a bunch of gringos, so I guess they figured he didn’t know Spanish!!
Back on the bus, and we headed back to the Pace’s. We never are bored watching the traffic in Lima. It is a chaotic dance that seems to work somehow. Every now and then there are issues, but for the most part, everyone assumes everyone else will do something stupid. With that assumption in mind, everyone seems to get where they want without too many issues. We are just amazed at three cars wide in two lanes though. Funny thing happened though. We were sitting at a stop light in downtown Lima (population 10 million?) and a girl in the car next to our bus beeps her horn and waves at Sydney. It just happened to be the daughter of the family where the Hortons were staying! It was just funny that she would pull up next to us 45 minutes from their house.
When we got back, everyone headed back to their host homes. However, Steve had other things in mind for Leslie. Since Wednesday would be her birthday, several family members took her to the bakery to celebrate! Leslie was allowed to pick anything she wanted…she just happened to pick the one that is filled with liquor!!! No Leslie, drinking isn’t allowed in Peru at the age of 15! So, she picked another item. They had fun celebrating with Leslie and it was rather special for her.
The next morning (Wednesday), everyone was going to meet at the Pace’s at 8:00 a.m. And, everyone had to bring their luggage since we would be leaving that evening. Once everyone arrived, the guys were going to head back to the school to finish their project. It was taking longer than planned since we had to salvage as much of the materials as possible and reuse them. The guys got there and made good progress over the next hour and a half. Then, they had to head back to the Pace’s house for brunch at 10:00 a.m. It is a good thing that the school property is close.
Brunch was great! There were three different kinds of breakfast casseroles, all kinds of bread and muffins, fruit, and fruit juices. You just cannot get better fruit and juices…they are simply amazing in Peru. Brunch was great, but the guys had a job to finish. And we had to finish it by around 3:00 p.m. so we could get back to the Pace’s for lupper (lunch/supper!) at 4:00 p.m. Andy dropped by to check our progress and asked if we could throw up a couple walls in the building as well. Sounds easy enough, but it is tough when all you have to work with is really used materials.
We tore down another wall in the old building, cut it in half and started to put it up in the new area. The bad thing was that it was completely eaten up by termites. Every time we beat on the wall to get it in place, we either punched a hole in the wall, or shavings came falling out everywhere. Somehow we managed to get it in place, but we’re not too sure whether it will stay long…at least it is a temporary building. The roof was coming together as well. Chas, Steve, Andrew, and Jonathan were the main ones working on it. Steve’s back was screaming about it by the end of the day! Fortunately, everything was finished with no more injuries (since Zach) other than a few banged up fingers and some blood blisters. Andy was thrilled with it and thanked us over and over.
Meanwhile, the girls had some free time. Since cars were few and far between, Kathy called a taxi and everyone hopped in it or Kathy’s car and they went to Sam’s Club. No, this is not the Sam’s Club we know, but it is called Sam. They have all kinds of items simply stacked to the ceiling like Sam’s. They also headed back over to a few other stores they had been to earlier in the week to get a few more things for family members back home. After another stop at Wongs to stock up on Sublime’s for everyone, they headed back to the Pace’s in time for lupper!
Once the guys got to the Pace’s, every one of them had to get a shower! Between two showers at Steve’s parent’s house and two and Andy’s house, everyone was showered and feeling (and smelling) much better in short time. All of their dirty clothes were thrown into the extra suitcase we had brought. If that bag is searched at the airport, the inspector is going to regret it!!!!
Lupper was great…as usual. There is a lady in the Pace’s church that owns a catering company. She supplied several meals for us this week and all of them have been great…this one was no exception. Rice, broccoli casserole, and turkey (or was it pork…not sure, but it was good!). After lunch, a birthday cake was brought out for Leslie, and we all sang happy birthday to her. Then, those that spoke Spanish sang to her Peruvian style.
The bus had already arrived to take us to the airport, but we didn’t have to leave until 6:00 p.m. We had a little bit of time to say our goodbyes to everyone, and we had several “thank you’s” to make. First, we started with Hoover. He had been so great during our trip. He was an unbelievable help to us especially when we left Lima. We had an extra lime green mission trip shirt which everyone signed and gave to him. Next, Ricky said a public thank you to all of the Paces and Andersons. He thanked them for going out of their way to help us during our stay. They went way above and beyond. Ricky choked up as he thanked them for their graciousness. We were able to give each of the families some money as a thank you for putting up with us. They certainly had extra expenses while we were there, and we wanted to take care of them.
Steve’s dad then thanked us for coming and encouraged us to come back and to continue living for the Lord. They were all such good examples to us, and we really respect what he has to say. After the tears were shed and speeches were made, a few in our group got together an impromptu offering for Hoover. We gave it to him as the start of the “Hoover Coming to America Fund!” He wants to come to the U.S. to go to college and wants to stay with us over the Christmas holidays. He is not sure where the money would come from for college or to come to the States, but he (and we) is earnestly praying about it.
It was just about time to hop on the bus. Everyone went around snapping pictures with different family members and saying their goodbyes. We will really miss them. As we all loaded the baggage up, we were happy to see that Felix was driving us to the airport again! He had been with us the whole trip, and it was fitting that he would take us back to the airport. Everyone hopped on the bus, we did a final head-count and pushed off. All the Paces and Andersons and Hoover were lined up on the street waving to us. We’re not sure, but we think we heard a huge sigh of relief from them!!!!
One hour, and we should be at the airport…or so we thought. Traffic was horrendous. Ok, it always is in Lima, but it was worse than normal. Ok, there isn’t a normal in Lima, but traffic was really backed up. Or was it that Steve was at the front talking to Felix and we just were going in circles?? Regardless of the cause, we were on the bus for two hours! This was not good, because you need to allow three hours to check in, pay your tax to get out of the country, and get to your gate. Now we were down to two hours.
We all lined up and got to the Continental counter. Problem! Our flight from New Jersey to Greensboro was cancelled because of weather. Why weather when it was not for another 12 hours or so??? Not sure why, but we were going to have to catch a different flight. They had another one going out from NJ at 8:00 p.m. and we would have to take it. Next problem…there wasn’t enough room for everyone on that flight! They said they could route some of us through Houston and then to Greensboro, but we would have to split up. So, the Hortons, Chas, and Jonathan, got tickects for Houston while everyone else went to New Jersey. Funny thing is that the Houston group would get back to Greensboro about 2:00 p.m. while the other group wouldn’t get back until 10:00 or 11:00. This was all we could do!
We finally got back to where we could pay our tax to get out of Peru. It was $31 dollars each (cash), or you could not leave! We paid up, and went to the next check in. It seemed like we went through 25 check points, had our bags checked 8 times, got frisked 2 or 3 times, and had an MRI or two in the process!!! Wow! The security going out is much more thorough than when we came in. We finally got through and the New Jersey group had to sprint for their gate. They didn’t even sit down, but got right in line and boarded. The Houston group didn’t leave until 11:45 p.m. They got a snack and were able to breathe for a bit before leaving.
Both groups had tough first flights. It is not fun flying overnight on a plane. There is no room to move and it is hard to sleep. Everyone managed to get at least a couple hours though and arrived at their respective airports. Then the picking up at the airport shuffle began. Steve was able to change their second flight to an earlier one into Charlotte. They would get back around 5:00 p.m. there while the Houston group would arrive in Greensboro around 2:00 p.m. Who would pick everyone up since we were split up?
Pam Edwards and Craig Moran figured it out for us. Pam and Chip would pick up the Greensboro group in the church van while Craig, Justin, and Matt would pick up the other group in a Suburban, truck, and car (and a partridge in a pear tree!). So that is the plan right now. We (the Greensboro group) are on our descent as we speak (type). So hopefully there will be a church van there with some Edwards in it. And hopefully our luggage will be there as well!
It has been a great trip! The Lord has blessed, and we have been changed. There will be another posting or two so that the final arrival is documented. There might even be some closing thoughts.
June 25, 2010, 10:22 p.m.
Well, we’ve been home at least 24 hours. The New Jersey group apparently made it in fine as well without any further glitches. Hopefully everyone got a little sleep last night and is recovering from the tough flight.
I thought I’d end the log with a summary of sorts. God was so good to us in so many ways on the trip. First, God provided financially for the trip. Our church was so generous in their giving, and we were so thankful that God burdened them to help us. God also provided in other miraculous ways such as providing almost the exact dollar amount Amy and Bubba needed for plane tickets in a manner in which was totally unexpected. Taking it even further, God provided for our church members so that they were able to give towards the trip. Every gift meant so much to us, and we thanked God for them all.
God kept us safe while we travelled, even teaching us patience by having us sit on the runway for at least 2 hours. He continued to teach us patience when we traveled two hours towards Jauja only to turn around and go back, yet He was looking out for our safety and showing us that He knew what was best! We learned that when God changes our plans, there are others that need to hear of Him along the way. He taught us to be generous and help fellow Christians in need when He gave us the opportunity to help the deaf school with some of their expenses when they were running short.
God showed us how much he has blessed us. Our trip to Calente opened the eyes of everyone to how blessed financially all of us really are. We have clean water and nice houses….many people in the world do not. Yet we are blessed spiritually as well. How many Bibles do each of us have? How many churches are there in our cities? How many resources do we have for Bible study and learning? God taught us there to be compassionate for those that are less fortunate for us, and He taught us that many people in countries such as Peru are very open to the Gospel…50 people saved in one day?!! How often do we see that happen? And to be used by God in some manner to introduce them to Him is an added benefit!
We learned that God has already prepared us to introduce others to him. A soccer ball in the street will bring kids in so that we can present the Gospel to them. The color of our skin can even be used by God. A set of speakers on top of a hill can be used to call out to a town to come to a special meeting or to get medical help so that someone could witness to them. A $.02 silly band that we take for granted can make a child’s day and possibly bring a little smile to his face. A high five, a pass on the soccer field, giving them a balloon or man other small things can all be used for the Lord. Amy Johnston was able to use her medical training to help some that didn’t even have access to the most basic of care. God has already equipped us, and He knows exactly where we are needed!
God also taught us not to be bitter. Even though a referee made a dumb call that negated a U.S. goal, causing a tie instead of a win for the U.S., we got through our bitterness and moved on. Ok, maybe we’re still a little bitter, but the U.S. moved on in the World Cup anyway!!!!
We learned not to be afraid to tell others about what God has done for us. Almost everyone had a chance to give a testimony in front of a group. And it was a special treat to hear those from Bali’s youth group give their testimonies. Andrew had the opportunity to speak, and so did Ricky. Steve had the honor of preaching in his dad’s church on Father’s Day and also spoke a couple other times in our trip south of Lima. God gives us opportunities to praise Him and tell others of Him, and we must grasp every opportunity.
There are opportunities to be of service everywhere, and God was good to give us many. Bubba’s construction skill was of great benefit since La Molina Christian School needed a guard shack. The guys enjoyed it and it was fulfilling to know that we could swing a hammer in His service. They also needed a bunch of books covered and the ladies were able to serve in this manner. Thank you God for the areas in which we can help.
God watched over us and worked things out during our trip home as well. Thankfully there were alternate flights so all of us could get home at a reasonable hour. Thankfully, there was more than one set of adults to go with the teens as the group split up. God was good to get everything worked out just in time even though we were already late arriving to the airport. God knew what He was doing.
God showed us that His creation is magnificent. The stars in the sky are much more amazing than any fireworks show. They were especially bright in Calente. And to think that people thousands of years ago could see the Southern Cross just like we could in Peru…it takes a powerful God to hold that in place. And God also has an immaculate variety of foods for us to enjoy. The fruits were simply incredible in Peru, and the breads were a treat every time we sat down. Even the cow heart is pretty good. And we can’t neglect the fact that God blessed the earth when he allowed someone to invent Inca Kola!
God protected us in many ways as well. Sickness was almost non-existent other than a few queasy stomachs here and there. Brenna was bitten by a bunch of ants, but was better the next morning with few lingering effects. Several people received some scrapes and bruises from soccer and from working at the school, but nothing significant. And we can’t forget about Zach. He taught us how to bounce off of concrete! God was so good to protect him when he fell. We were really scared that he would be in the hospital after a fall like that. Yet God was so good to keep him from any injuries other than a cracked head and some soreness. He also protected us from going into the mountains and facing the miners. Who knows, they might have wanted to keep a bus full of gringos just to get some additional press time. It is comforting to know that our God is in control.
We met so many great people in Peru. Two in particular were particularly special to our group – Bali and Hoover. Though they did not know any of us, they spent a lot of their time to help us. And Bali did this even while his wife was pregnant and even though he would be leaving for Romania for two months. He encouraged us and was a great example. Hoover was tremendous as well. He forced us to learn a few phrases in Spanish so we could cover more grown and invite more people. It took us out of our comfort zone, but that is a good thing. He is a great example of a teenager that loves the Lord and wants to live for Him.
And we can’t forget the Paces and Andersons. They are such wonderful people. They sacrificed a lot of time and exerted a lot of energy for us even though most of our group were strangers to them. They were such great examples of not only hospitable and gracious people, but perfect examples of what Christians should be. They encouraged us to be burdened for missions and to come back one day full-time! And they didn’t even complain when we were loud, sometimes obnoxious, and invaded their houses 24 hours a day. How can we say thank you enough? Only the Lord can repay them in a manner that is worthy of the many things they did for us.
We also had great families (other than just the Paces and Andersons) that housed us while we were there. The miraculous thing is that we were strangers to every one of these people yet they opened their homes to us. At times, we came back late and left early yet they were flexible and always welcomed us with a smile…and food!
God blessed us by allowing us to fellowship and worship with other Christians. Though we couldn’t even speak with many of them, it is a wonderful thing to be able to sing and laugh with them. The singing in the youth group was great because they would sing one verse in Spanish and the next in English. At times, the song was being sung in both languages at the same time. Thankfully, we have a God that could understand both languages at the same time!
There are so many more blessings that unfortunately I may have forgotten. Yet, there are probably many things God did that we will not even know about until we get to Heaven. How many of the hundreds of tracks that we handed out did God use (or will He use) to bring someone to Him? Many of these were handed out by the smallest of us – Jack, Brenna, and Sydney. We pray that God will continue to burden us for others and for missions. Maybe He will send some of us back to Peru or some other country. But we are so thankful for the opportunities He gave us this trip. Yes, it cost financially to get there, but the benefits cannot be numbered. We serve a great God!
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Mission Trip 2010: Peru
