20 Somethings - Peru

Hello,

There is no way that I can describe or write all that has taken place in the time we have been here. It has been a busy trip -- some of the plans that were made have been accomplished but a lot more has been done as well.

Because of the Hurricane (Tropical Storm) My husband and I along with Carrie, Chase and Ryan went to Miami on Monday night. We spent the night in the Airport -- we were determined to make our flight and we had no problem. It was an interesting night in the Airport and we have pictures of our experience. Chase and Ryan's brother, Nick, met us in Miami and was able to fly "stand-by" with us to Lima. Bethany went to Ft. Lauderdale on Monday night and made her flight with Spirit on Tuesday. James and Paul were able to fly stand-by to Houston Monday night and we all arrived in Lima at our scheduled time.

We are staying at David and Ceci's new house in Jicamarca. Although it is new -- it isn't finished and there were/are lots of things yet to be done. The girls are sleeping upstairs (on air mattresses) and the guys downstairs. It gets cold at night. The temperature may not be under 50 -- but it is damp and the building soak in the moisture. It is a challenge staying warm while sleeping.

They have no refrigerator and their showers are still not working as they should -- it is a true camping experience. Tonight is our first opportunity to be where there is Internet (which is a challenge). I have never experienced as many flies in my entire 62 years under any circumstances. It is winter, and they are swarming and lethargic which is something I have never seen. They and swarming -- I can't imagine what their summer will bring.

Lima is desert - but this particular area has huge boulders and lots of dirt and dust. The only thing "green" you will find is something someone has planted and is watering. It is not like our desert where you find cactus and other growing things. Because this is winter a heavy mist settles down and the result is mud which is tracked everywhere. It keeps a person busy just trying to clean up the dirt and mud.

The guys have been working on electrical things and the plumbing. They came with a plan (and a water pump) and they have done all the right things but the pump (and battery) just aren't powerful enough to pump the amount of water that needs to be pumped. They have spent countless hours working on it. The pump for the septic system has been installed and is working. They put in light in their laundry area and other odds and ends as well as installing a reverse osmosis system so they can have pure drinking water.

My husband, the girls, Paul and James have painted the downstairs and the living room. When that was finished they tried get the courtyard level and they made great progress on that.

They have had a service for adults, one for children and two for youth. Tomorrow they have one for children and one for adults. My husband and I had a seminar for couples last night. My husband speaks for Agustin on Sunday and is going to Chincha on Monday to visit the Pastors and see what has happened since the Earthquake two years ago. Sunday and Monday afternoon and evening we will do some shopping and sight seeing.

Sorry we haven't been able to communicate -- believe me, we like it better when we have daily contact with home.

James and Paul leave Monday night and the rest of us on Tuesday. The group has worked hard and harmoniously - they have been uncomplaining in trying situations. It has been a delight to be with them.

Thanks for your prayers -- we have been mostly healthy and James is extremely happy as this is the first Missions Trip he has taken and NOT been sick. However Paul is sick with stomach cramps. So pray for all.

Marilyn