Ramen Noodles: January 30, 2010

Condevilla from the top of the hill

Oh, an extra hour of sleep! How wonderful! Due to the hazardous conditions in the ocean, our original plans to swim with sea lions were canceled. Instead, we met in the Upper Room before heading back to Condevilla. Bree Peterson led us in a devotional that was perfect for our last day in Peru. She challenged us to consider what we’d take back with us; most of us will be returning to families, classes, jobs, and the responsibilities that go with them. As we pondered what the Lord has been teaching us in the past week, we loaded the bus once again for Condevilla.

Our Peruvian siblings, having said goodbye to them only a few hours earlier, greeted us warmly. There were tears the night before but joy was the overwhelming emotion as we were reunited. At this point, the team split up into two group: the climbers and the flatlanders.

The Climbers: After filling our bags with extra vitamins and other meds, we began our trek up the giant hill separating Condevilla from the next village. Condevilla began as a squatter’s community about 30 years ago and only the poorest of the poor live on the hillside. Many of these people do not have running water and spend many hours each week climbing up and down the hill for supplies.

We soon realized these people had to be in great shape because we were huffing after only a few feet! The hill itself is an Inca burial site and consists of sharp slate-like rocks. As we divided our group to knock on doors, we drew much attention from the locals who were confused by why 15 American care providers and a few Peruvian translators were strolling around their town.

What an incredible experience to meet and talk to these people! They were so grateful for the medicines they received and many considered attending church on Sunday. This was a humbling experience that forced us to think about what is important in life and what we take for granted in our comfortable lives.

The Flatlanders: This group consisted of team members who preferred to serve by packing action packers, walk the streets in prayer, were too sun burnt or were operating on Lucho’s toe.

Many team members walked hand in hand with the Peruvian children to pray for the city of Condevilla. As they weaved in and out of the streets, they met many people who had come to the clinic and were thankful again for the services they received. We saw a few people who were reading the newspaper with their new reading glasses and others who excitedly told us how they had brushed their teeth the night before. What a sweet time to see some of the fruit that come from the clinic.

After our morning in Condevilla, we went to dinner at a Brazilian steak house. We were amazed at the amounts of meat that came on large spears. The waiters would come around to each person and shave off a piece of meat. You would then dip it into some aji sauce and eat it up!

The rest of the afternoon/evening was spent shopping at the markets and grocery stores for last minute gifts. We cleaned up, packed up and headed to the airport. We had another round of goodbyes to make, departing from the Peruvians but a few of our teammates as well. Six people from Woodlands stayed to attend church on Sunday and do some follow up ministry with people from the clinic. They will return on Monday.

As our time in Peru came to a close, we spent time reflecting on our experiences and counting our numerous blessings.


PRAYER REQUESTS:

*For effective ministry for those six team members who will be staying an extra day.

*For the people at Esperanza Viva as they transition from their missions emphasis to follow up with people from the clinic.

*For our transitions as we come back to the U.S. and resume responsibilities while still riding the emotional high.