Peru Venture 2012

PERU SEPTEMBER 5, 2012

I made it!  I found the time to blog, so here we go by picking up where and when it all started and then take you on the journey through today:

Jicamarca: Iglesia Vida 5th Anniversary Services with Pastor David and Ceci Hodges - August 28 -September 2:

TuesdayWe arrived without and major “hitch” with six bags of luggage filled with more than our things like: peanut butter; special coffee creamer; one automatic espresso coffee machine; one “special” toilet lid for a dry latrine; two watches, one cologne; one smart phone battery; one 16 GB USB and other items too numerous to list.  All “special needs” for our friends in Peru. Well almost without a “hitch” except for “Aduana” – better know as the “Tax Department” where we had to pay $37 taxes on the espresso machine.  Then it was off to Jicamarca and an early morning bed time.

Wednesday found us scurrying around to take care of any last minute details of planning so we could head into Lima to get some groceries, find a place to eat, pick up some supplies from a Peruvian Ace Hardware better known Sodimac.  Of course, it is necessary to honor Starbucks, so we paid our dues and then headed back home.  Arriving there Pastor Hodges discovered the “ball” which rises and lowers as the water level varies in the storage tank was stuck at the top and the water was non-existent.  So for two days plus the day of travel we had not shower – did we stink?  No!  There is no such word for such an occurrence.  It is simply “endure” and keep on going. 

Thursday was more laid back for all but David as he ran around like a crazy man checking all the last minute details to be sure everything ready for the upcoming three day celebration.  Marilyn and I, well at least I just stayed out of the way and finished preparation for the speaking engagements.

Friday was the day for visiting pastors and pastoral friends to join in the celebration with lunch and a Pastor’s Clinic which included an inspirational challenge and practical teaching on handling the responsibilities of the pastor and his family – Marilyn did this practical section.  The evening concluded with an inspirational session for the church family.

Saturday began with two session for youth presented by Pastor Agustin Ciccia followed by lunch then a Sunday School Teachers presentation by Lisset Sifuentes, a pastor’s wife from Puenta Pierda and then an evening inspirational time.

Sunday - well it was a big day.  In fact, it was the biggest attendance for Iglesia Vida, 90-95 (it was hard to count do to the special assignments carried out in a professional way by the church people.

Permit me to list some of the highlights: Their worship was the best they have every had.  In fact it was their first real worship team.  Special worship dances done with devotional inspiration.  The “Children’s Band” led by a local pastor who donates his time to train the local children on guitars, violins, flutes, and drums.  They were great.  And then the congregation did all the cooking, all the set up and were on the spot with their ushering.  In other-words – they congregation took responsibility they had never accepted before and were efficient with it.

Monday, September 3rd - 10th: Mision Cristiano Pan de Vida in Talara and Negritos - with Pastor Girogio & Jessica Schiantiareli and Pastor Victor & Viki Nizama

This is where I am with David Hodges as translator, but Marilyn is back in Jicamarca with Ceci and the responsibility of sharing the Word.

The trip here was typical “Peruvian.”  We had to leave Jicamarca by 11:00 AM on Monday, make a couple of stops for business, then while we were on the way to the Lima airport, we received a phone call from Pastor Girogio telling us that our plane was leaving two hours earlier than scheduled.  So we had to hrruy, arrive, check in, and make it to the gate.  We made it only to be informed the plane was now going to be 40 minutes late.  So we arrived in Talara and made our way to our host home. 

We are staying at the home of Jose Chiappe and his wife, Mercedes.  He is an opthomalogist and has as his sideline for his guests, a gift of providing special coffee – for me cappuccino as well as a great breakfast coffee.  The only problem is turning down all the opportunities to drink one in lieu of being able to sleep at night.  (Some problem - huh? I bet you wish you had this problem!)

Tuesday evening at Mision Cristiano Pan de Vida, Talara: The theme was on marriage.  But for lunch we were taken to the home of the couple whose wedding I participated in last year – doing the wedding message.  She wanted to treat me to a typical northern Peruvian meal as a “thank-you” for last year’s participation.  She is in the early days of her pregnancy and is a high-risk for being able to carry the child, but in-spite of her struggle, prepared a delicious meal.  We had dried meat from the jungle mixed with fried plantains with a special sauce – “hen sauce”; rice, cevichie (raw fish with onions in lime sauce).  It was interesting for me, because I did not know she was pregnant but God revealed it to me the night before when told I was going to their house.  So hearing all the problems I was prepared to pray for her and was reminded by the Holy Spirit of the widow who prepared a meal for the prophet Elijah.  I am not an Elijah, but I knew God had planned this meal and I was to pray for peace and for her to carry the child fullterm.  Isn’t God good!

Oh, yes!  The evening service was good and I was told I did not go long enough – but I did speak and answer questions for 75 minutes (for you who cannot calculate fast, that is one hour and fifteen minutes.)

Today, we were hosted by Pastor Giorgio and Jessica for lunch.  The meal was fabulous but the dessert topped it!  Lemon Meringue Pie!! Eat your heart out because I did not save any for anyone!

Wednesday eve at Mision Cristiano Pan de Vida - Negritos: The theme was also on marriage, so we had a repeat of message but with great freedom and I was faithful to the request by the overseeing pastor from Talara and extended my time to 90 minutes.  WOW!  I love these suggestions and the hunger to be instructed. 

And of course!  No evening with God’s people is complete without another meal – this one of natural food.  And we were treated to Peruvian specialities.  I wish I could somehow share the taste of the food with you but since that is impossible, I ate it in honor of you!

Negritos is a small city about 10 miles south of Talara.  This region is a major center of oil production for Peru. 

Thursday: Breakfast is over and I am sipping my coffee and typing and attempting to think – which is tough because I just want to get more sleep.  We did not return from Negritos until about 12:30 AM.

So until I return to the keys of this machine, I bid you adieu.

God bless and remember us in prayer.

Dr D with David Hodges & Marilyn in Jicamarca with Ceci