Peru 2012 - Day 5 - Tuesday

Tuesday...1/2 way already in this Learning Opportunity. 

(an editorial note.  The Blog and internet have been acting up today, so I apologize if formatting is not the greatest, or pictures are out of order.....) 

Thanks again for all your comments to us.  The group really appreciates them, and boy, are some of them ever funny!  We especially like all the new things we are learning about John, my fearless leader. 

Thanks for all your support in helping me feel better about my text.....  :)  Hannah, you are awesome...and BTW, comment as OFTEN as you like.  We love to receive multiple comments from people.   I know the text will need some fixing, but I think it only bothers the English purists, so maybe you want to  help correct my grammar AFTER I return.....or Kevin, maybe you want to come in 2  years again and you can be my editor.    : )

If the Kubanek's are reading this blog, I just wanted you to know, that Leah is deeply saddened by your lack of interest in her life here in Peru.  She would greatly appreciate it if you would get off your collective rear ends and pick up your computer and send her a bunch of uplifting and touching comments. 

IF however, you choose not to do this, you need to know that Leah is going to stay in Peru and NOT come home....now you may want that to be the case,  but we would love for her to come home. Also to get her off my back, PLEASE send some comments. 

Now, where was I......  :) 

I managed to get 6 hours of sleep last night.  Thanks John for only giving me 96 pictures to process this time.   : )  I know that you all may be disappointed with that, but I can selfishly say that I wasn't.  : )

Last night was spent video blogging for the group.  They are doing well with this.  Zack and Jeannine are great coaches for the conversation.

I also am getting to know Pastor Steve better.  He's quite a sarcastic Pastor.....usually at MY expense.  He had some great one liners about me in the larger group...almost hurt my feelings and everything...  : )   I think he needs some mentoring when it comes to compassion, but apparently I have none, so maybe I need it too.....we can take a class TOGETHER Steve! 

I wanted to come back to Pepe's conversation with our group last night...I was just too tired to process and talk with you about it, but I'm feeling better now. Pepe shared with us why Frontline does what it does, and how it has evolved into starting long term partnerships with churches here in Peru, and in Canada and the U.S. 

We at Calvin went down that road and decided to continue with Gamaliel church for the long term (however long that is).  We continue to watch the relationship develop  with the church and it has been wonderful to watch how each trip evolves into more and different things.

Pepe also talked about the fact that having our groups come to Peru is a good thing.  Yes, you could send the money instead, but in actual fact, he/they don't want the money.  What they want is the relationship that builds between each group.  Through the building and home visits and VBS and other things, we continue to build relationships.  In that both groups are blessed. 

As we continue to plan these Learning Opportunities (and the plan is to go in 2014 again)  I'm excited about how our two churches are growing together.  There's more work to be done, but Frontline has been a huge help in solidifying this relationship.  So, if you are thinking about coming in two years, start putting money aside so you can go...it will make fundraising that much easier.

If you don't think this sort of this is worth while.....let's sit down and talk about that sometime....in the hopes of letting you see the way people in both countries have grown and are blessed beyond measure.

Enough of my ranting.  : )

We woke up at 6:30 again this morning and did our devo's.  Time for breakfast and then on the bus.  Some people are beginning to get queasy stomachs, but so far nothing too serious.  The sun was not shining this morning...praise God.

Traffic was a bit lighter today, but still heavy.  We arrived around 10:15 am.  The school children greeted us at the front of the church in their uniforms.  A wonderful site to see.  There are LOTS of kids here.   We made our way up to the library and had everyone get into their groups, hold hands, and then sit down.  I learned this technique from the translators who do this with the VBS kids all the time...hey, it worked for my group of 40 kids.....  : ) 

Today for construction work we are putting in a concrete walkway from the front of the church to the steps.  Lots of digging.  Carl was bugging me again for doing "different" work, and asked me if I'd be his water boy.  I gladly complied and have been ferrying water to him while blogging.  He's getting a good kick out of it....as am I. 

So, here's Jeannine sitting beside me, and wanting to comment on the blog, so here she is.....

"Well, I wasn't begging to say anything, really. I was just taking a break after visiting the local medical clinic with my group. We got back a bit early because we were able to see one of the nurses right away for a tour. The doctor was called to a meeting, but I think all of our questions were sufficiently answered :)

They are doing some construction on the clinic this year which I believe will expand the facilities. The clinic serves approximately 11,000 people during the year, mostly for respiratory problems in children and adults or sicknesses like fevers. They have a staff of 3 doctors, 3 nurses and 3 technical staff....and 1 obstetrician. Anything major means the patient needs to go to the hospital. Henry noted that there aren't enough medical supplies in an area where those are very much needed. The nurse allowed Gerry to pray for the clinic, it's staff and the patients while we were there. It was a short visit which we didn't mind because the clinic was very, very busy. And that's my little story for today :)"

Ron back again....

The sun hasn't been as hot today.  It came out late and it was a bit cloudy today....PTL.  Still hot though.  We had lunch a bit early and relaxed until 2 pm.  Time to play with the children again.  We had 85 today. 

Great action songs, drama,  and a good craft.  Edith, Marsha and Dianne have been VERY focused on their teaching component.  They wouldn't even stop for lunch...I had to intervene....not an easy thing to do with 3 type "A" personalities.  : ) 

VBS is now over and the group is hanging out until 6 pm when the prayer service will start.  Video blogs are now going on with Jeannine and Zack in the upper courtyard, and John is getting pics ready for today's entry.  People are hot, tired, dirty, but happy.....they are such a great group. 

We have the prayer service, then home, supper and to bed. 

Jackie will now type what's going on in her mind.....

.......today I was blessed to be able to see a school for people with developmental delays(for those who don't know me I work for christian horizons). To see the difference was amazing, Peru has a great school system for these guys better then Canada (sad but true). The government here puts more money in educating these guys then in Canada, and after the age of 17 there is nothing for them.

So some differences that one day I hope change. I had a great time playing soccer with some of them and playing outside. This week truly has been a blessing and it made me happy for the things I have back home.

Just in case you were wondering, the food is good! There are a few burnt faces -  not me - and for that I'm thankful.

Oh and Kevin I knew you would love that hat,  Its Wilma's! I forgot  my hat and sunglasses   ooopppssss :) say hi to Camilla :)

This is Brenda Walker now:

Brenda Walker says hi to everyone at home...Weather is hot but who cares...God has been hard at work here and we are soooo privileged to be serving here. So far I've painted classrooms, visited the orphanage and a special needs center for people here in Pachacutec with developmental and physical disabilities.

To my girls at work, got your message, am visiting the medical clinic on Thursday and they'll get your gift! Keep watching the blog...and keep praying for me...Robert and Brit, got lots of God moments to tell you about...Mom, Dad and family, you're always in my prayers. Lindsey, Brad is a kid magnet and is singing and dancing everyday on a stage with other teens, imagine that! I'm so proud! Heather, Nancy, Jackie, ohhh the pictures I have to show you!!! take care all...

I'm not a big talker (ok well typist) so that is all for me. Dear family please comment and Mel's family too WE MISS YOU!!!!!!!! just saying!

Time for the pics....enjoy!  : )

The school children greeting us as we arrived in Pachacutec.  Wonderful children. 

Everyone wanted their picture taken. 

Only a few were able.

Cute kids

More children waiting a near the class rooms.

The sign for the Special Needs centre. 

Walking in the courtyard. 

Zack spending time with the children. 

Ben and Jackie playing with the Children. Jackie loved being here.  She works for Christian Horizons and wanted to see how things were done in Peru.  She was jealous of the facilities.  Very nice.  The Gov't spent a lot of money for facilities, but didn't leave much for teachers to teach the children.

Yvonne playing with a child.

There are children of varying needs here. 

Steve having a great time. 

Who took this picture of you taking a picture John? 

Play seems to be the name of the game here today. 

While others were at various sites, some were working on preparing the dirt walkway to become a concrete walkway.  It required lots of sand removal.  Here's Tobie working hard at it. 

Michael too.  I think Carl, Tobie and Michael started a Wheelbarrow challenge to see who could walk the farthest to get rid of their sand......

The school in session. 

Sorry teachers for disrupting the classroom with some picture taking...but the kids seem to be enjoying it. 

They are great children. 

Various ages in different classrooms.  Edith and Marsha and Dianne got the chance to observe them in action as part of the teacher training program.

Time for some play for the younger ones.

The feeding program building has walls up and the roof.  Should be ready to go before we leave here. 

I was in good form today....

The three amigo's at lunch NOT eating, but working.....pace yourselves ladies!! 

This is the group of ladies who are making place mats as part of an industry for the community.  They work from noon to late in the evening.  Some of us have ordered place mats which we will be taking home.

Time to play more soccer before VBS starts. 

Back at the church for a time of playing with the children who were arriving for VBS.

Brad is having lots of fun here.

We had a couple of small kites purchased and they flew pretty good.  Not as good as John's kite, but the kids could fly these kites and they had plenty of fun. 

Playing Frisbee has been a hoot all week long, no matter the age.

Brenda getting down to the level of the children.

Brad and some others playing volleyball. 

Lucy helping with somersaults. 

I think there was a similar picture a couple of years ago with Wilma smiling beside a VBS child...I'll have to look that up. They both look as happy as when that pic was taken. 

There's the kite in the air. 

Lucy swinging your partner.

Corinne having a blast. 

Carl played Frisbee with just about any child that wanted to.  He had so much fun doing this. 

The sign of the church. 

The sign for the Christian School. 

Henry ( I think that's Henry)  hauling two kids around.  He had lots of practice hauling sand I think. 

Chris with an added appendage to his back. 

The Chew Chew Wa song comes to life at VBS.

Keep up those actions Megan and Jeannine. 

Looks like they are all sleeping standing up, but it's really more actions to the Chew Chew Wa song. 

The kids get into the songs just as much.

Mina having a blast...but when doesn't she!  : )

Hey there sonny boy...having fun this trip.  I haven't seen much of you on this trip......

Different song, more actions.

Lori Ann having a blast...how's the hair holding out? 

Mel and her puppet friend doing the VBS story time. 

Megan helped and Maria interpreted. 

Alyson listening intently with the children. 

I think Tobie actually coaxed this child to go to sleep on her shoulder....really!

Steve getting ready to help the children with crafts.  Steve is a man of few words, but he sure seems to be having lots of fun. 

Yvonne helping the children with crafts.

Teacher training in the classroom. Today went well, and the teachers are all getting familiar with each other.  The teachers of the school are swapping email addresses, and want to know when these 3 are coming back to give them more training.....cool! 

The man of the hour....Pepe!  This actually looks like a great modeling pose Pepe. 

Steve getting into things with the glue.

Lucy went on a marker writing rampage on pretty much everyone's skin. Good thing the stuff comes off with water.

Gerry (or is that Larry)  being a big help to little children. 

The finished craft product. 

Kyle with the smile. 

Samuel sitting with the children.  He loves to do that too. 

Playing games after being let out of VBS.

Lucy with a new friend, and all kinds of temp.  tattoo's.

Blake makes piggy backing look easy. 

Brad all smiles.

So, Annette B....apparently you will be adding a new daughter to your family quite soon. Apparently this young lady just adores Ben and wishes to ask for his hand in marriage...stay tuned everyone!!! : ) I understand there are 4 other young ladies standing in line....what a heart throb that Benny boy is....  : ) 

We move back to the morning time for some reason...maybe the pictures are out of order or something....

Gerry and Gaelen doing dishes after breakfast. They made a great working pair.

On the bus, and into the traffic. 

We are jumping around a bit here today with the pictures.  Here we are arriving at Gamaliel church and the children have met us. 

Work continues on the feeding program building. 

Children at the top of the hill greeting us as well. 

Tobie, Wilma and Alyson waiting for the next wheelbarrow to come. 

Stone needed removal and some of them were BIG!

Edith and Marsha getting ready to observe in the classrooms. 

A smiley face sticker for some reason?

Falicitas with the ladies and Janet, the interpreter, getting ready for today's lesson.

The shovelling continues.


 

Hey, get out of my way Alyson...that's my wheelbarrow to fill...find your own!  : )

I told you I became Carl's water boy for a time.  As you can tell, I made sure he stayed hydrated, inside and out.

Time for lunch.


 

A beautiful picture.

 

Maria Gracia...a wonderful woman of God and an excellent interpreter. 

 

Nice smile sonny boy! 

Our evening Prayer service.  There were a few members of Gamaliel church there tonight.  We outnumbered them, but that was because we were holding the service 1 hour early.  We had a good time though, of prayer and scripture reading and song.  We sang three songs with the church.  Lots of fun.  Pastor Steve and myself got the chance to pray for some people in the church, and I gave a brief message on Prayer.

Falicitas leading us in worship. 

Three churches assembled for prayer.  The body of Christ in action.  : )

So, after the service, it was on the bus for the ride home.  We were home by 8: 15.  Time for dinner and showers and slowly off to bed. 

Tomorrow it's a bit of a restful day.  Getting up for breakfast at 9 am, then some devotional time, finishing off the video blogs we didn't get to do today, and leaving for the church at 11 am. 

Thanks for reading...(if you find any other grammar/spelling errors....hey, let me know, but they are part of the fabric of the blog and won't necessarily be coming out.  : )  )

Until tomorrow........oh, it is tomorrow....12:15 am.....