The in-between
The group is now on the trekking portion of the trip. This means that there will most likely be a communication lag, as both cell and satellite service are not consistent during the next several days. So don't be alarmed if there aren't posts every day.
Here's a summary of how the group has spent the last few days:
~On Thursday, after an overnight bus ride back to Lima, the group spent several hours in Lima most of which was at a park on the ocean called La Punta (the cover photo is from that time). They then flew to Cusco that afternoon where they will start the 'second' portion of the trip.
~ On Friday, they had a down day in Cusco where they rested, spent some group time in discussion, and shopping. Here's a quote from Sam, one the CCO leaders:
"This morning we spent two hours in group discussion on the top floor of an old hostel overlooking the historic district of Cusco, with the mourning sun coming in through large windows all around us. Those two hours were possibly the most meaningful I've ever experienced with a group on this topic. Honesty, depth of vulnerability, and compassion characterized our time and in several cases it was evident that students had truly entered the room. An emotional, sacred time with each other and Jesus."
~On Saturday, the group got up bright and early to start the trekking portion of the trip, which they will be on until Wednesday, when they end at Machu Picchu. They are doing the Salkantay Trek, which is a popular alternative to the Inca Trail. The group will be passing through a variety of microclimates including snow capped mountain vistas and high altitude jungles.
Here are a few more photos from the last day in Ahuac:
(Sharing gratitude with parents and children at the school in the final ceremony.)
(Swinging with some kids from class.)
(How do you get 16 peoples worth of luggage to the bus station? In a VW bug obviously!)
Here's a summary of how the group has spent the last few days:
~On Thursday, after an overnight bus ride back to Lima, the group spent several hours in Lima most of which was at a park on the ocean called La Punta (the cover photo is from that time). They then flew to Cusco that afternoon where they will start the 'second' portion of the trip.
~ On Friday, they had a down day in Cusco where they rested, spent some group time in discussion, and shopping. Here's a quote from Sam, one the CCO leaders:
"This morning we spent two hours in group discussion on the top floor of an old hostel overlooking the historic district of Cusco, with the mourning sun coming in through large windows all around us. Those two hours were possibly the most meaningful I've ever experienced with a group on this topic. Honesty, depth of vulnerability, and compassion characterized our time and in several cases it was evident that students had truly entered the room. An emotional, sacred time with each other and Jesus."
~On Saturday, the group got up bright and early to start the trekking portion of the trip, which they will be on until Wednesday, when they end at Machu Picchu. They are doing the Salkantay Trek, which is a popular alternative to the Inca Trail. The group will be passing through a variety of microclimates including snow capped mountain vistas and high altitude jungles.
Here are a few more photos from the last day in Ahuac:
(Sharing gratitude with parents and children at the school in the final ceremony.)
(Swinging with some kids from class.)
(How do you get 16 peoples worth of luggage to the bus station? In a VW bug obviously!)