After a few days on what can only be described as "The Peruvian Weight Loss Plan," my stomach seems to be cooperating once again (
albeit much smaller and more tentative than before). This morning I was standing in the volunteer kitchen area, feeling frustrated over the fact that even just being on my feet seemed to require too much exertion - despite going to bed before 8:15 the last two nights in a row. It was then that I realized this entire sickness has been a tremendous humbling experience - the Lord is reminding me daily that I must rely on Him for strength, and not on my own stubborn pride or limited capabilities. I used to pray daily that He would use me as a channel of His blessings. When did I let that prayer go?
Lord, fill me with Your spirit, that I might be energized and renewed and equipped to fulfill Your purpose for my life here in Peru.
As for the rest, I have a picture post for you all today.
This weekend, the volunteers hosted
una fogata (a bonfire) for the kids, complete with smores.
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| Jhon does not like having his picture taken. |
It was very sweet to see the whole orphanage all cozy around the fire - especially with Nathan playing praise songs on his guitar.
On Sunday, all 9 of the
tesoros (the youngest boys) and a handful of volunteers loaded into the
micro (mini-bus) and travelled into Trujillo for church.
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| Sam is the madre (house mother) for the tesoros. Here she is pictured with Pablo, Alejo, Jhon, Pedro, and Edwin. Can you spot the twins? |
After church, a group of us volunteers enjoyed a special treat at Caramel's - a favorite of David and Courtney (a volunteer couple who has been here for a year and are leaving today).
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| Apparently the milkshakes are epic, but since I'm still not feeling well, I opted for tea instead. BORING! |
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| Peruvian Caesar Salad. |
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| Christy, myself, Estelle, and Courtey all crammed into the back of a taxi. David was up front taking the picture. |
To round out this post: on Monday night, Michi and Nathan (another volunteer couple) treated three girls to hamburgers and ice cream in Salaverry for winning a reading competition. They invited other volunteers to tag along.
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| The burger was MASSIVE, and cost less than a dollar. |
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| Cristina, Marita, and Isabel enjoying their ice cream treats. |
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| Love them! |
Comments
Your massive under a buck burger brought back memories. In Romania, Sarah and I could get a massive individual pizza and soda for under a dollar. Unfortunately, though it was ridicuously affordable for Sarah and I, it was not for our local friends and they often were hesistant about letting us buy for them. But we called it a thank you for translating as we couldn't have gotten to the city nor ordered the pizza without their help. The Magnum ice cream bars I fell in love with (and am very thankful they recently became available in the US) also were a dollar a piece. (Yes a pizza cost the same as an ice cream bar.) We could only eat at restaurants in the "big city" though. The only restaurant in our tiny city was a bar and it would not be proper for missionaries to get food there, so we weren't able to take advantage of the incredible food prices very often.
Oh the joys of international travel, minus the Montezuma's Revenge....
I love you!
But, oh, how I could snuggle up with some of those adorable faces too...
LOVE,
DAD