Peru Trip 2007

Job well done, Team!! It was a pleasure to work alongside you in Peru. You poured your time, energy, and heart into your work. I think the greatest compliments you received were from the translators who said, “Working with you was great! I’ve learned from the way you work with kids, but more than anything, I saw Jesus shining through your lives.” You couldn’t ask for higher praise than that and I want to echo it. I saw Jesus in you as you accepted difficulties (spiritual warfare, cold showers, long hours, all-night bus rides, earthquakes, “kachi-vachis”…) without complaint, rallied around team members when they were down, prayed for each other, and through it all, served with love and joyfulness. I’ve never seen a team that prayed for each other more. At the beginning of the trip, I was a little concerned that with so many talented, capable, outgoing people we might have a group of individuals doing their own thing because you could all have been very self-reliant. Instead, I saw you pull together as a team and rely on the Lord rather than your own strength.

As you each return home and get started with whatever the Lord has on your plate for the fall, know that I will be praying for you. As you consider everything that happened in Peru, may it deepen your love for the Lord, your confidence that He is totally trustworthy, and your security in His love for you.

May you go forward from this experience with a greater understanding of who you are in Christ and with a burning desire to serve and follow the Lord wherever He leads you next. I love you guys!

On behalf of all three of the team leaders, thanks for being an incredible team and for allowing Christ to work through you.

Elizabeth

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Thursday, August 23. Thursday began before Wednesday had officially ended as we said goodbye to 20 of our 24-member team at the airport and hotel. We were all very sad to see each other go. It has been an amazing and memorable three weeks for all of us. We have grown and learned from each other in so many ways and have built close family relationships that will last a lifetime.

When the four of us who were left (Elizabeth, Ruth, Sara, and myself) woke up the next morning, we immediately experienced a big sense of void at the hotel. Rooms, which previously had been occupied by fellow team members, were now empty or being used by someone else. It was weird not being able to go up to a familiar room and either knock on the door or walk in to visit our teammates. How sad!

But for the four of us “leftovers,” we still had one more day in Peru. At noon we met Pastor Miguel in the hotel lobby. He had agreed to be our chaperon and take us to the town square for some last minute sightseeing. Together, the four of us girls managed to squeeze into the back seats of a tiny taxi car (a big change from the bus. Watch your heads! And boy did we feel close to the ground!!) When we got to the town square, we ended up taking a tour of the majestic national cathedral, which turned out to be very interesting.

After lunch we went to the Indian Market close by and do some more last minute shopping. After purchasing a few things, we went back to the hotel to finish packing, and then out again to get something to eat. We spent our second to last meal in Peru over a delicious cup of coffee and fresh cookies in nowhere else but…Starbucks!!! I know, not the most amazing cultural experience you can have during your last few hours in Peru, but we enjoyed it and it was a warm complement to the cold, drizzly weather outside.

Actually, it was my first time ever getting something at a Starbucks. I know - what kind of American girl am I?! I have to go to a foreign country to get something from Starbucks! No wonder I couldn’t stop laughing on our way up to see the hotel roof when a Peruvian guy joined us in the elevator. Too much caffeine! Fun times.

Anyways, after arriving back at the hotel we all decided to take a short nap before going to the airport at 9:30 pm. I don’t think any of us got much sleep, but it was nice to be able to lay low for a little while before embarking on our journey home.

Finally, 9:30 pm came and we were once again on the road escorted by faithful Pastor Salazar and a number of Peruvians who came along as our “farewell committee.” We’re going to miss our Peruvian friends! Other then having to climb to the back of the van while on our way to the airport and count all the luggage to make sure everything was there (we didn’t want to make that mistake again!), checking in and customs went quickly and smoothly for us. Eventually, the time came for us to say our goodbyes, so we boarded our plane and settled in for a 10 hour flight to LA.

And so went our last day in Peru. In some ways our three-week trip feels long, but in some ways it feels really short. As my first missions trip, I can honestly say that it was an experience I will want to repeat in the future. I have grown in so many ways through my time in Peru. I’m sure everyone from the team can say the same. Thank you to all my wonderful teammates: you built me up and did not tear me down. It was a privilege to serve alongside such an amazing group of people in God’s kingdom.

To my amazing team leaders: Thank you for always being there for us and for encouraging us to be true sons and daughters of God whether in Peru or at home. You were godly examples for all of us to follow. We learned so much from you guys!

To all our family and friends at home: We could not have done what we did without all your prayers and support. We cannot thank you enough for each moment you spent interceding on our behalf. May God bless every one of you!

And most of all to our Heavenly Father: You are the One who called each of us to go to Peru. You allowed us to go through hard times to shape us more into the image of Your Son Jesus Christ. We praise Your name for all that You did through us in Peru. To You alone be glory!

Rachael, signing off for the team

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Wednesday, August 22. Wednesday morning Hotel Britania awakens to crazy Americans rushing around sorting through their rooms packing and getting ready for the busy day ahead.

Oh, no! Last minute emergency before we head out the door. Dena thinks she may have broken her arm falling over backwards on a bench. Not good. The three team leaders take off for the clinic (play scary music in the background) while the team is handed evaluation forms to fill out. Hmmm… not our favorite either. Can we go to the clinic instead? The fearless three return an hour or so later. Good news! No broken bones! Just a bad sprain that will heal in a couple of days. We all heave a sigh of relief for our favorite violin virtuoso.

For last minute sightseeing everyone jumps on the bus. “Sound Off!” After roll call there is no Pastor Salazar. Missing again? The Master of Vanishing is here one minute gone the next. Finally we make contact with our Pastor who will follow us in a Peruvian taxi.

The show must go on. We leave to find a backdrop for a team picture. “EUREKA” (quoted by a true Californian). Mission accomplished: we found the wall of promise. Scurried off the bus… team shirts collide… “Take your place, don’t move or you die!” Laughter echoes down the Peruvian sidewalk as crazy Americans take over the street. We also draw the attention of two policemen who watch us make weird poses, laugh for no reason at all, and jump in the air. (OK, so we were kind of strange.)

Next on the menu: famous Peruvian empenadas by the fifties. I am afraid we scared the bakers by the hungry look in our eyes.

Off to the fish market! Why the fish market? Because you can catch a really cool boat ride if you’re brave enough. Everyone explores the fish market (that part happens fast… smells not the greatest), pauses for photo ops on the jetty and pier, then piles onto two boats for a tour of the bay.

Now the pace starts to slow down. We gather on the beach for a final team devotional and debriefing. The reality of our departure begins to sink in. We won’t all be together tomorrow. Uh oh - tears are getting close to the surface. Some good final admonitions from Andy… time for everyone to share short testimonies and stories… singing the blessing song to each other… do we really have to go?

Back at the hotel, everyone scrambles to zip up suitcases, haul stuff to the lobby, load onto the bus. We jump back off at the airport. Half the team is checking in for a flight now. Nine others will leave in a few hours. The last four southern Californians don’t leave until tomorrow night. We think the adventure is just about finished… but no… we’ve left Andy’s luggage back at the hotel! Ahhh!!! When the dust all settles, Andy ends up on the early morning flight instead of with the late night crew (Andy’s a good sport, by the way) and eleven of us board the flight to Miami.

It’s hard to say goodbye to Peru, even harder to say goodbye to the rest of the team.

Beth

Feeding the hungry pelicans

A bunch of the team bought these cool sweatshirts and jackets that said Peru. We were starting to look like some kind of crazy sports team.

A great sister experience, even if the colors do clash.

The boat ride

Our friend the boat man. Each team that has come to Peru has gotten a boat ride from this same hilarious boat owner. He remembers the team leaders each time they show up with a new crew of Americans wanting a tour of the bay.

Wait! Who’s driving this boat?!?!

Saying goodbye is never fun. We’ve all made some incredible friendships these past three weeks.

With our bus and bus driver. Carlos (the bus driver) brought his daughter to meet us today. She’s a cutie!

Catching a bit to eat between late night flights. You know you’re in Peru when your three options for dinner after midnight consist of Roky’s, Norky’s, and Bembos and the menu includes fried pig’s ear and snout. Ugh! Some of our senses of adventure were waning this late at night and we voted to skip the pig’s snout.

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Tuesday, August 21. Today we transformed and became the first ever Global Encounters Disaster Relief Team, as we assisted pastor Antonio Rojas and his church in packing bags of cloths and boxes of food for the people who live in the areas hardest hit by the earthquake.

We started off by dumping huge bags of mixed clothes onto a table and then sorting into different piles - guys’ shirts, ladies’ pants, kids’ jackets, etc. Of course, all the labels were in Spanish, which created some momentary confusion on the part of the twenty-four Americans, but we added a few words to our vocabulary and quickly had pantalones hombres and polos ninas flying in the right directions.

Once the categories were all sorted out, we set up an assembly line, putting a pair of pants, a shirt, and something warm like a jacket or sweater into each bag. We dropped in a Gospel tract on top, sealed up the bag, labeled it, and threw it onto the ever increasing piles of clothes ready for transport. While some of us were busy with the mountains of clothes, others tackled the piles of food and water, dividing it all into boxes that would be delivered to individual families.

All the supplies were donated by families in Pastor Antonio’s church. We added a few things of our own to the piles, but it was amazing to see how some people who had so little were willing to give so much. Over all it was humbling but also exciting to be able to help the people of Peru!

Next on the schedule was a visit to some friends of Pastor Salazar’s. They have a beautiful home - much different than most of the places we have been in Peru. It was a great time for the team to relax and also bless our hosts with songs and prayer. We finished off the day with a visit to a historic square in downtown Lima.

Daniel Anderson reporting for the team

Downtown Lima at night. The national cathedral is in the background.

Mountains of clothes!

Rachael and a couple others tackled the piles of kids’ clothes.

The overall scene

Bags packed up and ready to go.

It wasn’t all work. These were donated hats, believe it or not.

Fun and games relaxing at Pastor Salazar’s friends’ house.

Sunshine! Yeah!!

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Monday, August 20

Zzz…zz..zzzzzzz…!!

These were the harmonious sounds emanating from the rooms of many Global Encounters team members this morning as we were allowed to sleep in.

Once we were all up and somewhat presentable, we made our way down to the conference room for team devotions. Our study has been on who we are in Christ. Shortly afterward, with cries of hunger and “What’s for lunch?” we all piled into our trusty bus and drove to a beautiful restaurant. Buffet was on the menu with numerous choices of salads, stews, and desserts. The restaurant was a beautiful two-story building with little waterfalls and enchanting sounds of melody flowing out of a piano as it was played. Tunes included “Singing in the Rain,” a special request from one of the team members. Everyone had an adventure in trying new and odd looking dishes; one of which included cow heart! (Needless to say, it wasn’t everyone’s favorite.)

With smiles on our faces and full bellies, it was back on the bus for an afternoon of shopping! We went to the Blue Door Market crammed with everything from clothes to electronics. We split up into little groups and began our treasure hunting. We haggled and bargained, offered prices, and found out that a Peruvian dressing room consists of hanging up a sheet in a corner.

Once we were all back together and had shown off our purchases, we headed back to the hotel with the anticipation of a pizza and movie party in Andy’s room. The pizza was delicious and the movie (The Emperor’s New Grove) was extremely appropriate for being in Peru. We shared many a laugh as we huddled on the beds or sprawled out on the floor.

As I sat watching everyone, I thought about all we had accomplished on this trip. We taught two week-long children’s programs, visited two different shanty villages, handed out food and tracks, and survived an 8.0 earthquake. But as I began reminiscing, I realized that we didn’t do any of that - Christ did. He brought together a wonderful team of 24 people who were willing to be used by Him to make a difference in a country that is so open to receiving the gospel. I’m proud to have been a part of the team chosen by the Lord and pray that He will continue to use me and every single person on this team for His glory

Sara for the team

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The morning started early, off to three church services this morning. We sang at all of them, sometimes sounding better then other times. “Pastor” Andy preached at two services and did a great job. I think some of us seriously considered holding signs that said “#1 Mom” in the back on the sanctuary to support him. People really responded to his message at the first service. It was nice to be able to understand the whole sermon for a change.

Peruvian church services can be very interesting. The two we went to were like shop front churches. The 3^rd service was a baptism service but the baptismal was a blow up kiddie pool (only in Peru). It was neat to see these people publicly declaring their commitment to Christ. We have had the opportunity to sing at multiple services, Dena usually plays her violin and someone gives a testimony. Sometimes it’s hard to tell what type on influence this actually has on the people, but we plod on any way.

Lunch with Pastor Antonio, his wife Romy, and other pastors and workers from the church at a “Chifa” or Chinese restaurant was wonderful. When people started panicking and running for the stairs at the start of an aftershock, we could see just how nervous people still are about quakes here. A bit of Peruvian shopping, conversation, and tract distribution followed and then off to a fiesta for Nathaniel’s (my little brother) 16^th birthday. The party was anything but boring.

Me: Do something exciting so I can have something to write about

Charlie proceeds to stand on a chair and pretend to dump a huge bag of M&M’s into his mouth and then Tim pretends to throw his cake at Nathaniel. I think they took my suggestion a bit too literally.

The night continues rather smoothly until Drew walks by and accidentally drops his cake on Red’s foot.

“That was my foot!”

“That was my pants”

“That was funny”

“Can we please stop saying ‘that was’?”

Michael Miller and his cast of fearless actors had us rolling with laughter at his skits about tanks and such. You’ll have to ask some random team member what “tankety, tankety” means.

We lulled into a more serious time when Pastor Salazar came in and told us about a Quechua woman for whom he had prayed that night. She had some hearing problems and pain. He prayed and, in Jesus name, she was healed! Praise God. He also shared part of his life testimony. We are so happy to have Pastor Salazar with us.

Speeches and charade-type games added much laughter and entertainment to the night. Laughter is good for the soul and I think we’ve all been medicated tonight. We closed by blessing Nathaniel and then off to bed. We get to sleep in tomorrow. “And there was much rejoicing.”

We’ve had a great time together. But more then just “having fun” I know that we all have been spiritually encouraged and challenged through this whole experience. Praise the Lord for the fellowship that He has given us.

Three more short days. I’m going to miss Peru.

Amanda

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Saturday, August 18.

8:30 a.m.
The day began with a bus ride (big surprise there!). We were on our way to the Ventanilla, the poorest area in Lima. We arrived and were instantly surrounded by beautiful, dirty little children who were excited about what we had brought for them. We grouped the kids together and the show began.

Andy told the epic tale of David and Goliath. Goliath consisted of Nathaniel Forman on the shoulders of Daniel Anderson. David was an unsuspecting child selected at random from the crowd. When Goliath fell all the kids rushed him and not only tried to behead him but to also make him look like a piece of beaten abalone. Intervention was necessary. (What can I say? Andy is a convincing storyteller.) To forestall a riot, we sang, danced, made balloons, gave them food, played violin and guitar, and then, as the grand finale, we broke out the candy. Oh, the chaos that ensued! If you have ever taken American candy to a horde of children in a third world country you will understand how useless it is to try to keep order and how difficult it is to keep from getting trampled. When all the food was gone we tried to get back on the bus. It took a while because everyone wanted ‘un besito,’ a goodbye kiss, from the Americans. (In my case, I think it was a good excuse for them to check my sweater pockets for any last remaining pieces of sticky goodness. Smart kids.) Once the bus got going, we tossed the candy out the windows. I think there were some casualties, but the pain of getting brained by a tootsie roll was over shadowed by the sweetness of the gifts and the knowledge that it was given in love.

I feel that this is what the Lord has been doing this whole trip. We have been tossed many surprises that have left their marks, but I think we all can taste and see the Lord’s goodness towards us. We truly serve a great God. We have been thrown things that are not easily recognized as blessings. When they come flying at us they look like sickness, exhaustion, earthquakes, dirty laundry, difficult people, and cold showers, and when they first smack us in the face we wonder what is going on. But, when closely examined, we can plainly see the impression of our Savior’s loving hand reassuring us that before we were faced with these things they were filtered through the fingers of our great God.

3:00 — p.m. Lunch
3:15 — p.m. Children’s Seminar
11:45 – p.m. Return to the hotel

Grace, peace and truth

Red (Mary Frances) – reporting for the team

The wonderful Pastor Salazar talking to people in Ventanilla.

Look! It’s Ruth! No, she’s still not feeling terrific, but at least she’s on her feet today.

No picture can possibly do it justice, but here’s a small taste of the overwhelming reality of the shantytowns of Lima.

Many of the residents of the shantytowns have immigrated in from the mountain areas of Peru in search of a better life. Around 70% of the families in Ventanilla are led by single moms. There are very few men to provide Godly examples for the boys growing up here.

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Friday, August 17. HELLO EVERYBODY!!! This is Leanne!!! This is kinda cool because I don’t think I have written a blog before, so here it goes… We woke up at about 9:00 to go play soccer with the group of pastors that we met yesterday. They pretty much smoked us… But it was fun! The score was like 12-10 or something like that. After playing for about 2 hours we headed back to the hotel for showers and lunch. After lunch we headed to our favorite ice cream place and Starbucks. Kinda weird, I know, but some crazy Americans wanted Starbucks over cultural ice cream!!! Gringos…

We didn’t have CI that night but we went to the seminar to sing and play and share some testimonies for a few minutes. We then drove to Pastor Antonio Rojas’s church, which was about one hour away, for their ninth anniversary! On the bus ride, Ruth started feeling really bad; so bad that Elizabeth thought about flying her home! We met a doctor at the church, they took her to a clinic. She is doing better now but if you could continue praying for her that would be great!! Andy preached at the mission conference/ anniversary celebration and did a great job. Towards the end of the evening Joanna Tyrrell got sick so we decided to get out of there as quick as possible before anybody else could get sick. Joanna is doing better today as well (I’m writing this on Saturday morning), but continue to pray for her. So that is Friday.

As for me, so far, I have really enjoyed the trip.

I just want to thank you all for all of your prayers and encouragement!!! To end it all I will have to say… it all started with the mayonnaise.

God Bless you all!! - Leanne Conzatti

Those not inclined to play intense Peruvian soccer made another trip to the Inca Market.

A frequent sight for us - the streets and traffic of Lima.

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My sister Ruth has been sick for much of the trip. The last couple of days especially she has not been feeling well. We are doing everything we can treat the physical symptoms and the team has really rallied around her with prayer and support (as they have for each team member who has not felt well or just had a difficult day or challenging assignment), but we would appreciate your prayers for her as well.

Elizabeth

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Thursday, August 16. In addition to the evening children’s program, we had a special invitation today to visit a school that trains young men from remote parts of Peru for ministry among their own people. They spend six months studying here in Lima and six months putting it into practice in the mountains and jungles. A short tour of the school left us awed at the amazing providence of God in providing the necessary funds and tools to keep the school moving. We then spent time with the students – men whom God has raised up to serve Him among the forgotten people of Peru. Many of the men work among children and young people, so we taught them the “Las Armas de Dios” (Armor of God) song and the “Hockenstock Story” for them to use in their ministry. Some of the team gave testimonies and Dena displayed her wonderful God-given talent on the violin.

The time of prayer that followed was incredible. Each of the guys prayed one-on-one with the students. I prayed for a brother named Marcos. Even though he prayed for me in Spanish and I prayed for him in English, it was still a moving experience. The girls had a time of prayer for the lady who founded the school.

The children’s program was challenging this evening. We had a chance to live out some of the patience we were teaching as the kids were kind of rowdy and disobedient. On the armor of God, we taught about prayer. Specifics of the night included the story of the Ecuadorian missionaries, creating prayer journals and patience pencils, and adding prayer torches to the clay men craft. Dena taught another Bible verse, despite Elizabeth’s crazy distractions, and Andy gave rousing renditions of the “Hockenstock Story” and the “Whale Story.”

I think most of the team has recovered from the earthquake, although sometimes I wonder if a distant roar is just a car engine or the beginning of another earthquake. Please pray for the families of the (last I heard) 510 people who were killed, the thousands injured, and the many more left homeless. Aftershocks continue to occur very frequently, but most are mild at this point. Personally they don’t scarce me; just make me a bit more alert to my surroundings. It’s pretty cool to be in bed and watch the water in the class on the beside table swish about or the Inca Cola tremble in the bottle on the floor and just meditate on how this awesome show of power is extremely small compared to the awesome power of God!

Charlie Johnson

P. S. The sun came out again today!!!!!!!!!!

Tiffany and Daniel’s team creating their prayer journals.

We have a smaller number of kids this week so we are able to give them more individualized attention - and boy did this little guy need it! Way to go, Mary Frances!

Craft time

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