The living conditions that we were in were less than perfect, but somehow no one complained when we had to sleep on the concrete floor, and no one groaned when there were no toilet seats or running water. And at 4am each day when we had to get up for the mornings adventure people just got up with no grumblings! What a blessing!
Our first stop after spending the night in Chivay was to Coporaque where we went into an elementary school. Can you imagine telling an elementary school in the States that a church group is going to come in and tell the kids about Jesus? We were able to sing songs with them, play games, Fernando (one of New Hope's older kids) told a story of a mean boy who meets Jesus. They handed out goodie bags with keychains that represent the Salvation Bracelets that we have in the States. At the end, the 3rd grade class came out and did a traditional Arequepian dance for us in traditional outfits.
Once we piled back in the bus we headed to the town of Ichupampa. However, before arriving our bus decided to take a little break and break down! So we enjoyed the view, got some sandwiches, climbed up some hills, took some pictures, and then the bus was rested and we headed to the middle school. We once again played games and shared Jesus with the kids.
Onward to the town of Madrigal. Here we walked the streets passing out tracks (one for adults and one for kids) and inviting the townspeople to the evenings festivities. In the auditorium of the town the youth had prepared a skit, we sang praise songs, and showed a Christian movie. About 50-60 people from the town showed up...people that possibly have never heard about the love of Christ. What a blessing to be a part of this group and the work that is happening throughout them.
This night we stayed in the Town Hall of Madrigal. The next morning began our 8 hour hike UP the Colca Canyon. The night before we asked how difficult it was and the elderly Peruvian woman told me that I could do it easily. Man I wish I knew where that woman was now. Haha. It was the hardest thing I have ever accomplished....but I am so blessed to have done it! What an amazing view and experience with these youth!
After the hike we took a bus to Tuti, where we again passed out tracks and invited the town to a movie at the local church. About 30 people came this night. The next morning we hiked up a hill (Oklahoma mountain) and picked aba (lima beans) to take back to New Hope with us. After the farming, we went to church where the singing was in the language of the Incans, Quechuan, and the sermon in Spanish with a Quechuan interpreter. I love the Quechuan singing. I wouldn't say it is pretty, just unique from anything you have ever heard and you don't want it to stop.
Overall, the trip was a huge success! The youth here are so strong and so willing to be servants for the Lord. My prayer for them is that they never lose sight of Christ's love and that they have great success in their lives. That they aren't afraid to follow His will and that they continue sharing the Lord everywhere they go!
Very Cool. God Bless.
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