The First Full Day
This entry is from the group's first full day in Huancayo, which was Thursday:
We started Thursday off with a breakfast prepared by Elizabeth and her incredible family. The leaders did not share with the group what our plans were for the day, purposely, which prepared a mystery for us all.
Our first surprise was a beautiful, but tough hike along the mountain behind Elizabeth's house. We learned about "Mata-Puquia"- the healing stream- and came across the "stations of the cross" that led to a statue of Jesus pointing over the village. The placement of this statue seemed significant, representing the hope and faith that the people have. (*Side note: this hike is also designed to help the group accilmate to the high altitude that they are now at. For reference, the Statue of Christ is at 11,000ft.)
(This is at the top of the hike)
After lunch, our second surprise was cleaning the school to prepare for teaching the kids english. At first, we were all nervous about the barrier language being an issue, but we were able to connect with the kids simply by playing and laughing with them. It was amazing to see how the kids were kind and welcoming right off the bat. Experiencing their willingness to express love onto us despite their hardships was truly a life lesson.
Finally, we finished the day with a plentiful meal and our last surprise....a DANCE LESSON! We were blessed to learn "Tancus" by a teacher that Elizabeth and Nilton know. Everyone had a blast learning a new dance as well as teaching the family the "church clap".
This day was filled with many blessings that were revealed through the mystery of our itinerary. Such as working hard to hike the mountain that diminished our tiredness once we saw the view. Also tidying and preparing the classroom to later experience them being filled with inspriring children. They mystery of the day gave us an adventure that we will cherish forever. We thank the Lord for this community and opportunity!
-Kendra (Washington and Jefferson)
**From Kendra- Hey Mom! Do not worry, I am in great hands. The Lord is so bountiful! Love you to the moon and back! Share my love with the boys please! God Bless.
We started Thursday off with a breakfast prepared by Elizabeth and her incredible family. The leaders did not share with the group what our plans were for the day, purposely, which prepared a mystery for us all.
Our first surprise was a beautiful, but tough hike along the mountain behind Elizabeth's house. We learned about "Mata-Puquia"- the healing stream- and came across the "stations of the cross" that led to a statue of Jesus pointing over the village. The placement of this statue seemed significant, representing the hope and faith that the people have. (*Side note: this hike is also designed to help the group accilmate to the high altitude that they are now at. For reference, the Statue of Christ is at 11,000ft.)
(This is at the top of the hike)
After lunch, our second surprise was cleaning the school to prepare for teaching the kids english. At first, we were all nervous about the barrier language being an issue, but we were able to connect with the kids simply by playing and laughing with them. It was amazing to see how the kids were kind and welcoming right off the bat. Experiencing their willingness to express love onto us despite their hardships was truly a life lesson.
Finally, we finished the day with a plentiful meal and our last surprise....a DANCE LESSON! We were blessed to learn "Tancus" by a teacher that Elizabeth and Nilton know. Everyone had a blast learning a new dance as well as teaching the family the "church clap".
This day was filled with many blessings that were revealed through the mystery of our itinerary. Such as working hard to hike the mountain that diminished our tiredness once we saw the view. Also tidying and preparing the classroom to later experience them being filled with inspriring children. They mystery of the day gave us an adventure that we will cherish forever. We thank the Lord for this community and opportunity!
-Kendra (Washington and Jefferson)
**From Kendra- Hey Mom! Do not worry, I am in great hands. The Lord is so bountiful! Love you to the moon and back! Share my love with the boys please! God Bless.