Peru 2012 - Day 3 - Sunday

Hello everyone.

I trust you are enjoying the blog.  Based on some of your comments you seem to be.  Thanks for the comments.  keep them coming.  I'm learning lots about people back home..... : )  I also am learning that many of you just  love the pictures, in fact 80 % of you do.  I'm taking a straw pole here......what about the TEXT!!!!   : )  No, I'm not bitter.  

As I was doing the blog last night, I noticed that many in our group had gone to bed early, while others were just hanging around and talking.  Nice to see the bonding happening.

I took a brief break from the picture downloading to go out with Erin and Pepe and Samuel for a cold coke.  It hit the spot.  Thanks for that you guys.

I was entertained by Fontana, Leah, Chris, and Megan talking behind me as I sat  doing the blog.  The conversation vacillated between great stuff, and bathroom talk.  : )   Giving birth even entered the fray for a while, and yes, Nancy, your daughter Fontana was the instigator...AGAIN!  The room was alive with people sorting through the donated supplies  

It's now 11:05 am and I'm sitting in the library.  Wilma taped my hand a bit this morning to try to keep my thumb in place, and since I can't do much with it, I'm sitting in the library catching up on things to tell you.

We woke up at 7:00 am ish.  I wanted to get a shower in before breakfast, but for some reason couldn't find my keys to my suitcases.  It took me 15 minutes, but eventually I found them.  My memory isn't what it used to be....

I did manage to get that shower, and then it was time for morning devotions led by Zack, and to read some more of your great comments.  Sorry you can't find anything in your house Daniel.  : )

Breakfast was great again and then it was time to slap on the sunscreen, get a hat for Jackie and fill up those water bottles.  It's going to be another HOT day in Pachacutec.  There is a bit of a breeze today though, so that does help.  I think John might be able to get his kite up again today too.  We weren't that hopeful. 

We readied ourselves to get on the bus, taking the inside route inside the compound.  It was beautiful and huge.  I didn't know there was so much back in behind us in the form of flowers and buildings. 

Finally on the bus by 10 AM.  Things are running smoothly.  Erin is gone to the jungle with a group, and Pepe is out working so it's Janet in charge.  She's doing awesome. 

Wilma found a hat for Jackie  (yahoo!)  but then I discovered that Dianne doesn't wear a hat...and she's getting burnt on the back of her neck.....I've encouraged, but she's a tanner, not pale like me  (and Jackie), so I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt here......(besides, I don't think I could change her mind if I tried.....)  : )

The bus ride was smooth today.  Not much traffic.  People are socializing for the most part, and sitting next to different people on the bus. 

I sat with Jeannine.  We got to talking a bit about the trip, and how it's cool to see so much excitement amongst us.  We also talked about the challenge of getting Calvin a bit more involved/behind/excited about this evolving relationship with Gamaliel church.  Cornwall seems to be doing that (maybe because it's a smaller church), but there are other reasons too.  We do get people helping us through fundraisers, and more and more going over the years, but the traction in-between visits could be better. 

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Yesterday Pastor Sergio talked a bit about the desire to have his church send out missionaries on a mission trip into his country.  He was inspired by the churches that have come to help his church.  That is so cool.  He then mentioned he wanted to talk with me later about what else we are doing in Calvin to be missionaries and reaching out into the community of our church and when that started, etc.  That actually gave me a queasy feeling because I know we could be doing better in that area....

Some things to ponder in the years to come for sure. 

We arrived in Pachacutec and went up into the library to organize ourselves.  Right now we have people hauling dirt up the hill so concrete can be made for a new floor that will house the new building for the feeding program.  They are working hard in this heat.  Others are finishing up the painting, while others have gone into homes to visit.  Still others are walking about inviting kids for VBS. 

I'm sitting right by the door to the library, as there's a breeze there.  People walk past me to get more sunscreen and water...and yes, the odd jab about making sure I don't get sunstroke......always happens, and I'm ok with it. 

I've asked Dianne to take pictures with her camera, as John is out on a home visit.

Lunch will be at 1 pm, and then the first day of VBS happens.  This day is always chaotic.  I like it because I see the gifts of the group rise to the surface and they shine.

I'll comment on all of that on the way home.  We are staying later tonight to meet the congregation.  Steve is preaching as well. 

Until this evening then, or early afternoon.

......Greetings again all.

It's 4:10 pm. VBS has just finished.  The morning went well.  Lots of sand carried and pounds lost.  Painting is pretty much done too.  Those going into the homes had a very good time.  I'll try to get one of them to blog for a bit, in a bit.



Lunch was good once again. It's HOT again today, so lots of water and sunscreen.  After lunch, we got ready for VBS.  At 2 pm we gathered in the front of the church to welcome the kids.  They arrive slowly.  We began with soccer.  It was nice to see the kids playing soccer.  I learned that Ian is quite competitive at the game.  He was playing for keeps, no matter what the age.  : )

As more children arrived, Frisbee's came out, and skipping ropes.  Some of the YP just played with a few kids.  John put his kite up at the front of the building and got some more aerial shots. 

At 2:45 we gathered in the sanctuary for songs.  Lots of songs with actions.  The kids just love it.  After the songs it was time for Mel and her puppet play.  Then it was time for crafts.  We had 107 kids today.  A great start...which could mean we have close to 200 at the end of the week.  YAHOO! 

We are now waiting for church to begin.  It's getting a bit cooler and we are practicing You Tengo Gozo (I've got the Joy)  just in case we need to sing that tonight.  You have to be ready for ANYTHING on a trip like this.  : )

As I close this section, I just wanted to let you know that I'm super duper proud of this team.  As with previous teams this team works hard, doesn't stop, is always happy, and takes the heat.  They are awesome and it's an honor to work with them, and at times even lead them. 

The craft people were amazing today.  The first day is always a bit chaotic. 

Hello, my name is Christopher and Ron asked me to blog about my experience going into people's houses to pray. It was only when we got to the Gamaliel church that we found out that we had to go to peoples' houses; unfortunately we also were expected to have prepared questions to ask people, so that was a little difficult but we managed (Ron had made some questions awhile ago). We had three people that we had to go to. When we got to the persons house they would greet us very cheerfully and welcome us in. We would then ask them questions about their lives and family and then they would ask us about ours. I found out that the people of Pachacutec wanted to buy their homes (Right now most are squatting) but there are many rules and a ton of paperwork that makes it difficult to do so.


We met a family that was better off then most because their son was a police officer and their mother was a teacher so they had a full kitchen and bigger TV etc. but their house was still a little shabby on the outside (I use this word because I can't think of a better one; it was a nice home).  Their son gave a police base-ball cap as a gift. Another family was so close to Christianity but they just couldn't give up what they had been doing before (we never found out what this was). So when we prayed with them we prayed that they would come to Christ. I really enjoyed doing this because it was completely different then anything I had experienced before and it was nice to explore Pachacutec.

Ron back again.  I'm in Pepe's car trying to type amidst the bumps.  Thanks Chris B for sharing your thoughts.  I hope you enjoyed them. 

The evening went very well.  We had a great church service with 59 members of the church coming out.  Great singing with Samuel and then Pastor Sergio shared words from scripture with us.  I then said words of welcome and then introduced Pastor Steve and he preached a sermon on unity and the church.  Nicely done Steve.

We then went into the library while the church members set up tables downstairs in the sanctuary. We came downstairs and I introduced the evening with Pia interpreting. It was neat to watch as I tried to get everyone's attention.  Our group  was showing the pictures of their families already and talking together, some tables without translators. 

We played a game together where a question is asked and you have to answer it.  One Gamaliel church member, one member of our team.  Kyle V got to sing...that was fun. 

Then it was time to share more and serve a meal of chicken and french fries and cola and Inca cola. 

I thought the evening was a huge success.  I think we could have stayed until 10 pm easy, but alas, we needed to get back and get showered and Pepe and I are getting some beer for the adults that desrved it as a thankyou after a hot day of work.

We will do some short video blogging and then I'll process the pictures and get to bed too. 

So, that was our first long day.  Tomorrow will be a bit shorter, but not any less challenging and rewarding.  Blessings to you, and see you tomorrow......

Just before you take time to see the 117 pictures I received from John....(JOHN!!!!!!!!)  we arrived back at the hostel just behind the bus.  I corralled everyone into the meeting room and thanked them for a great days work.  I blessed them with more Inca Cola, and cold Peruvian beer for those that wanted it.  Many were VERY appreciative and had two because it just tasted soooooo good!  : )  The video blogging began soon afterwards.  I thought it would take only an hour or so, but they weren't done until 11:30.   Got to be some good stuff going on in that room.

So, now enjoy the pics......  : ) 

Madii and Nicole beginning their day with their journals. 

One of the boys rooms....man are they slobs  : )

The youth doing their journals.  They are so obedient. 

 A cool aerial shot of Gamaliel church.

 Making lunches. 

 Good old Inca Cola.  We had that tonight for supper and after we got home.  I LOVE Inca Cola.

 More aerial shots.

 We had to haul dirt up the hill for  a new floor being built for the new Feeding Centre.  The classrooms from the school can no longer house the feeding program. 

 Some people did a walk about telling kids and families about VBS. 

Here is a group in the home of a family they visited. 

More pictures.  There is a funny story about John taking aerial shots.  Some of the women who came for the Bible Study came late because they were taking showers.  Then one of the translators asked if any of them had seen John's kite in the sky with the camera.  The women were appalled because some don't have roofs on their bathrooms and they thought John got a picture of them.  They saw the humour in it though and laughed a great deal.  

  

 Here's Wilma working hard carrying sand.  She never complains, and is always smiling.  I love that in her. 

Here's (BTW, sorry if there's a # where there should be an apostrophe.  The keyboard is being wonky today.....) a picture of the wiring in one of the homes.  Not safe, but it works.  The roof is simply a tarp. 

 Another family visit. 

 Not sure what this is about, but maybe a lady with her sewing machine for a business. 

Some boys on a tractor.   

 Another family visit. 

This woman knits clothes and may sell some to us tomorrow.

 A view from the library to the ocean. 

 Pastor Ron being...well, himself. 

This is Pastor Sergio's daughter.....Genesis.  She's 4 years old, but very mature for her age.  I heard her practicing her singing today.....she's very good.

 Jackie wearing a HAT!   Good for you Jackie, and thanks Wilma for lending her one.  She has doubles of pretty much everything. 

Gaelen with his usual camera pose.  He, as well as many others today, burned pretty good.  Chris, my son, has a face like Bob the tomato now.....some of them have to learn the hard way...not putting on ENOUGH sun screen.  They will pay for it tonight and tomorrow.  

Let the soccer games begin.  Kyle and Fernando battling it out.  

 Corinne making new friends.

 A cute boy watching and wanting to play soccer, but needing inviting in.  It didn't take long.

The children slowly coming to the church.  

Melanie letting others blow bubbles.  We had that and frizbee's and skipping ropes and soccer and other games.  Lots of fun for the kids.  

Fontana with Maria.  Both with a cute smile, but Fontana, you are looking pretty burnt here......

Listening to Chew Chew wa song and doing the actions together.  

Jackie making new friends too. 

Megan and Tobie with human back packs.  

Playing ring around the rosy with the larger group.  

 Time to come inside and get ready for the songs and listen to the puppets. 

 Tobie looks tired.....

Maria Gracia helping Mel translate for the puppet time. 

Each time Wilma does this trip she is amazing on the first day of VBS (well, she's amazing all the time actually!)  She gave each child a name tag, going around the large open area in front of the church and greeting every child.  Amazing! Then she picked up a child needing care, and just loved on her. Cool! 

 Craft time! 

Tobie having fun.  She`s felling better today, thankfully.  

 Colin with Fernando.

 Megan looking content and happy to be here.

Gamaliel church hires workers to do much of the heavier work.  Here they are laying the floor for the new feeding program room.  They worked well into the evening to get the floor finished.  

Genesis wearing a new dress.  

One of the fathers who came to the service tonight.  

 We are gathered in the church and ready to start the service. 

Pastor Ron and Linda.  I'm giving words of welcome and introducing Steve.  

 Coco translating for Steve. 

Steve preaching. 

Pastor Sergio sharing with us scripture as well.  

Singing songs in the service.  

Samuel leading us in song.   

After the service we were up in the library waiting, and it was time for a massage line.  

 The church and our group mingling.  It actually came so natural it was amazing to watch. 

Alyson sharing the pics of her family. 

Ben sharing pics of his family.  The family he's sharing with has 4 daughters....a chic magnet that boy!  : )

We are playing the get to know you game.

 A view of the whole group. 

 Smiling faces all around.  I think this evening was a huge success and glad we did it. 

Pachacutec in the evening. 

Marge and Zack and Kyle getting to know Sergio's family. 

We are now back tracking to pictures from Diane's camera.  Lori Ann, you are STRANGE!  : )

Gathered for morning devotions.

Doing morning  devotions.

 Dianne and son Steven doing devotions.

Dianne is a machine when it comes to these trips.  All kinds of energy.  Love to watch it. 

 I think this is Henry.  He just loves to work and he works hard. Tomorrow though, it's time to visit in some homes for you Steve.  Need to get that holistic experience.

This too is Steve.  He worked hard lugging that sand. He told me he was going to be loosing some pounds by the end of the week.  I believed him.  : )

Carl worked hard today too.  He really enjoyed all aspects of the day, which made me feel good. 

 Filling up the pails with sand. 

Go Michael go! 

 Gaelen carrying the bag and Samuel watching him work...hmmmm

Leah painting.  That white shirt ended up very dirty by the end of the day... I think Leah rolled in the dirt during soccer or something.  BTW, glad you could make it for the trip Leah.  I know you thought about it a lot. 

You take the high road...and I`ll take the low road....

 Tobie painting

Jackie painting...in the shade....good!

 Hey Lucy....you are doing a GREAT job BTW! 

 The outside wall being finished off with paint. 

Alyson working hard. 

Don`t miss a spot Leah. 

 Gaelen is   concentrating well here. 

 Gerry got to roll, which suited him just fine due to his bad back.  He also spent several hours cleaning up paint off the floors....that was nice Gerry. 

More sand filling, and then sand dumping.

 Go Carl Go!  He just loves this heat....he can have it.  : )

 These Cornwall boys are like machines.  They didn't stop once, just for the odd drink of water.

 Warriors Jackie and Lucy.

 Time to relax after all that back breaking work. 

 Michael still looks happy after all that work.

 This is my favourite spot...right by the door, with a breeze, and being able to blog to save some time...though John's 117 pics today shot that theory out the window!  : )

Precision work by Carl. 

A great assembly line. 

Samuel took some of the boys to the store across the street and they got ice cream and a coke.

 A cute boy loving to pose for the camera.

 Kyle and Chris talking with me.  Kyle and Chris have grown a great deal.  Apparently Chris is the talk of the church because they remember him as a much smaller person. :)

 Nicole and Lori Ann. 

 Dianne and her friends in Pachacutec. 

Almost done Leah! 

Gerry and Steve ARE done.....

 So, Ben's now 2 for 2 in the injury department.  DON'T make this your goal while here Ben!!! 

 Brenda found her old pals back again today.  She was very happy about that.

 Colin getting some well deserved rest.

 Kids going home after VBS with their new crafts. 

Playing outside before VBS time. 

Various VBS Pictures.

So, this brings us to the end of day 3.  I hope you enjoy the pictures and READ the text....!!!  : ) 

Blessings to you all, and good night....it's now 12:30, but feels like 3 AM.  A long, but fruitful and wonderful day.