So much has happened since my last post on Saturday that this should prove interesting to consolidate everything into this post. But, I will endeavor to do my best!
We'll start with what really happened Saturday. As you know, I was left behind to help decorate for the Seminary party. What you don't know is what happened to the rest of the team. They went to Los Angeles (Peru) as scheduled, worked with the children, taught a Bible class, and performed a wedding (which the photos of the bride and groom just crack me up b/c the groom looks SO serious, not to mention they are both in their 60's.)
On their trip up there, the bus was having problems, so after they were dropped off, the driver took it to get it fixed. Well, it did not make it back to the village in time, so the team decided to start walking back. The bus finally met them and they were able to travel back. Since there was no cell service, no one was able to contact us to let us know what had happened. For all we knew, they could have gone flying off the side of the mountain. When they finally reached a cell area, Martin was able to call and let us know what happened.
The team went straight to the Seminary party (exhausted and dusty) where we were the guests of honor. I don't think we made it to bed until 1am.
Sunday, Silvi left and Sam, Bill, and Mike all went 3 separate ways to preach at 3 different churches. The evening was the same thing. We were able to go to the street market to get a few things. Shopping in Peru is also another "must" experience.
Monday we left at 5:30am to fly to Lima. We were supposed to take the bus, but it was still having problems from the trip to Los Angeles. So two taxis took us to the airport. After a short flight, we landed and headed to Calvary Chapel Peru where we were greeted by the pastor who was able to put us up for the night. They have rooms available for teams and this worked out great.
Monday was spent talking with the Calvary folks and a first attempt to meet with the Scout Peru office. The person we were supposed to meet with had the wrong day and we did not meet. But it was nice to have a relaxing day.
Tuesday was the day of taxis and meetings. Or the attempt thereof. We (Bill, Mike, Robert and I) were able to make 2 out of the 4 meetings planned. Sam and Chris went to a public school to share the gospel. We were able to meet with the head of the IEP (Evangelical Peruvian Church or Iglesia Evangelica Peruana) and talk about how we can partner to help teach the Quechua. We were all on the same page even before the meeting started, which confirmed this was definitely a God plan.
The second meeting we could not find the building. Just as the frustration started, Bill looked at Mike and said, "Let's stop and see what God has planned for us." Not even 5 seconds after he said this, a gal from Calvary Chapel Peru showed up and asked how she could help!! To make a long story short, we had to cancel that meeting so we could make it to the next one. She helped by letting us use her cell phone and flag down a taxi. God is awesome!!
As the taxi is dropping us off and we all step out of the car, a man comes toward us and Mike says, "Brother Victor!" It turns out this was the man who had set up the meeting and he was on his way to the building (which was good, b/c we weren't sure where that building was either!)
The meeting went well, we were able to make it back to Calvary Chapel, finish packing our bags, hop in the taxi van we had scheduled to pick us up and get to the airport with enough time to spare before our flight back to the USA.
We landed this morning and are on our way to Maryland, where we will be reunited with our other two sons (who are anxious to see us) and spend sometime with Bill's family before we head back to Alabama.
Phew!! What an interesting last 4+ days! I am looking forward to a good night's sleep. Thanks to all who prayed and continue to do so. There's some awesome stuff happening in Peru and with those who want to partner with us in the USA to help those in Peru. Looking forward to some more God moments.
“But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 NIV
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