Final post

The cover photo for this post was taken the first night of the trip, before the group had left Pittsburgh....boy, what stories that group can tell now!  

Here is a final post from the group, along with a prayer.....

(This was written on Thursday)
Friends and family, 
   We had another incredible day in Cusco after finishing our five day trek to Machu Picchu.  We began our morning with breakfast and our morning devotional.  We then had our final 'hot seat' in which our friend Rebekah shared about how she learned what love was growing up and how God has helped her to understand and experience His love.  
   We then adventured back into the city for the day to have lunch as a group.  We also spent this time brainstorming ideas for our final reflection activity that we will be participating in together.  The activity will involve three groups providing opportunities for everyone to consider how we have grown in and practiced love for God, self, and others.  
   One of the major questions we have discussed as a group through this trip is 'who needs you to go on this trip?'.  We hope to answer this question together through tomorrow's activity and consider how we might begin living out what the Lord has been revealing to each of us through this trip.  
   In the evening, we had dinner together and had the chance to watch a soccer game on a large screen in the town square!  We had so much fun together, standing with hundreds of people, watching the game, and cheering on the team from Cusco.  Some of us bought jerseys and scarves to show our support.  It was an unforgettable night and a privilege for us to see the community of Cusco come together in a moment of unity and celebration.


   We will have one last day in Cusco tomorrow (Friday) and then begin our return to Lima in the evening!
   In Christ, 
-Isaac (Shippensburg) and Rivers (Anderson)

A thought on food:
   We have eaten food of every texture, flavor, quantity, and origin- prepared in grocery stores, home kitchens, and tents in the mountains.  We have had to endure, at times, through long stretches after something as meager as a single egg and piece of bread for breakfast, but for the most part we have had far more than needed.  Peru is famous for its culinary palette.  Combined with Peruvian hospitality, we've exprienced the abundance of food in God's world.  Last night (Thursday) we found a local cafe where all of the dishes- from Peruvian Lomo Saltado to French Toast- were delicious.  


Final Prayer:

Father,
   It is hard to put into words how grateful we are to learn about you.

   Each and every single one of us have been blessed because you allow us to see new perspectives, ideas, and thoughts that we may have missed.

   We come to you with gratitude for all that you have taught us and reminded us during our time in Peru.

   May we each hold on to what you have taught us and take it to the people, communities, and places that you have called us to.

   Let us not forget the tiny details, next steps, or work that you may have whispered in our ears.  

   Help us to stay grounded in the new roots and perspectives you have given us and focus on how we plan to apply what we have learned from you.

   We're thankful Lord for this experience that you have called us to go on so that you would teach us more about you and more about ourselves.

   You're a gracious God and help us not forget what we've learned from you and who you want us to reach with our new found knowledge, for your sake.
 
   Amen.

-Garret (Waynesburg)