Bus ride to Huancayo
*This entry was written after the group arrived in Huancayo on Wednesday.
Hola from Huancayo!
Yesterday (Tuesday) we left Lima and took a taxi to the bus station where we enjoyed Peruvian pastries and coffee. We boarded the bus at 10am and didn't step foot off until 7:30pm. We slept, ate snacks, played games, and got the privilege to be a fly on the wall into the traditional way of life for Peruvians.
As we have been learning about loving our neighbors, we had the opportunity to love one another on our bus ride. It was evident that our group practices "what is mine is yours" and are quick to help when others are in need.
The views as we traveled were magnificent: snow capped mountains, red rocks, erosion, sheep, alpacas, lakes, and more.
We arrived at the bus station and were surprised with a loving welcome from Elizabeth (our host for the week and Tino's daughter), Haydee (Tino's sister), and Mari (Tino's wife). [*Side note: Tino is our original contact in Peru. He started the original after school program where we have served on our previous trips. He currently has a cancer diagnosis, so is unable to host us this year.] They welcomed us with hugs, kisses, and gifts.
Our ride to Elizabeth's home in Ahuac (30 min outside the city-the village pictured in the photo) was an adventure! We traveled like traditional Peruvians. We packed into a combi (think of something like a 15 passenger van) with our bags and all. LED lights illuminated our entertaining conversation with Elizabeth.
Walking into Elizabeth and Nilton's home was a celebration. The table was set and we were ready to eat after a long and tiring day of travel. Hot soup and lots of bread. Their home is a blessing to us more than we expected.
Thank you for your prayers! We are having a great time!
-Alice (Eastern) and Heidi (Geneva)
Below is a field of quinoa- a traditional Peruvian grain.
Hola from Huancayo!
Yesterday (Tuesday) we left Lima and took a taxi to the bus station where we enjoyed Peruvian pastries and coffee. We boarded the bus at 10am and didn't step foot off until 7:30pm. We slept, ate snacks, played games, and got the privilege to be a fly on the wall into the traditional way of life for Peruvians.
As we have been learning about loving our neighbors, we had the opportunity to love one another on our bus ride. It was evident that our group practices "what is mine is yours" and are quick to help when others are in need.
The views as we traveled were magnificent: snow capped mountains, red rocks, erosion, sheep, alpacas, lakes, and more.
We arrived at the bus station and were surprised with a loving welcome from Elizabeth (our host for the week and Tino's daughter), Haydee (Tino's sister), and Mari (Tino's wife). [*Side note: Tino is our original contact in Peru. He started the original after school program where we have served on our previous trips. He currently has a cancer diagnosis, so is unable to host us this year.] They welcomed us with hugs, kisses, and gifts.
Our ride to Elizabeth's home in Ahuac (30 min outside the city-the village pictured in the photo) was an adventure! We traveled like traditional Peruvians. We packed into a combi (think of something like a 15 passenger van) with our bags and all. LED lights illuminated our entertaining conversation with Elizabeth.
Walking into Elizabeth and Nilton's home was a celebration. The table was set and we were ready to eat after a long and tiring day of travel. Hot soup and lots of bread. Their home is a blessing to us more than we expected.
Thank you for your prayers! We are having a great time!
-Alice (Eastern) and Heidi (Geneva)
Below is a field of quinoa- a traditional Peruvian grain.