Research trip part-2
We paid our boat-ride fees to the "Motorista" and got off. We walked a
trail up from the river and there were two or three little huts. I
could feel the sun burning my face! We asked a lady where the leader
was. We had learned that the leader in these communities is also known
as Señor Apu. She gave us instructions and she also said that it was
the town's anniversary. This town in the middle of nowhere had a
concrete-made sidewalk. We followed along this sidewalk and as it
turned right and around a house we heard the music coming from the
distance. As we were walking, I was surprised to see that many people
were walking, talking and the stores were selling things. It seemed
like each house had electricity running from generators. I could hear
them running. How was it possible that every single house had its own
generator? When the town of Santa Isabel didn't even have electricity
a few hours up the river? We also saw a big antenna with cellphone
panels. How was all that possible?
We kept on going following the lead of the sidewalk. The houses on the
left side disappeared and a clearance popped out. The houses on the
right kept going until a stage rose with big speakers playing music
very loudly. There on the left side, was the Marañon River. And there
were peque-peques coming in and out like a space air-port. There I saw
a big sign of what we had come to see. There were metal barrels of
petroleum stack one on top of the other.
We made it to where the stage was and there a soccer field emerged.
The players had just gone into a little break and were sitting on the
left side by the sidewalk. The fields were very muddy. We crossed the
field right through the middle and it felt like almost everyone looked
at us. I don't know why we didn't go around following the sidewalk
that surrounded the field.
Once we were at the other side of the field behind the goalpost, we
spotted the house we were looking for. We entered in this big room
where Señor Apu lived. At the very end of the room was a desk with a
young woman sitting there. We greeted and asked where the leader was.
She said he had left for a different community but should be back at
night time. We asked her if we could keep our belongings there and she
consented.
We walked out and began to explore praying and taking the whole
craziness in. The sidewalk did continue and we decided to go see
where it ended. The same sidewalk cuts through the entire town. At the
end of it was a smaller field and houses on the right. Children played
there in the dirt. On the left was the Cuninico River. We passed the
field and saw where the big cellphone antenna was. We passed by it and
made it to the very last house of the village. There we saw a man, Don
Segundo. He welcomed us and offered us his bench to sit.
We learned that this man has 10 kids which 8 of them live with him at
his house. His house is made of two rooms. Each room is supported and
lifted up about two meters high up by these poles in order to avoid
flooding during the rainy season. In the bottom he keeps his
peque-peque engines and other things when the summer hits. During the
rainy season the Cuninico River water raises up to about two or three
meters covering the poles and reaching almost to the houses wooden
floors where they live. He showed great respect and even though he
shared with us about his need for water and his living conditions, he
was very polite and respectful. He suggested we go talk to Señor Apu
since he was the highest leader of the community.
That night we waited and waited. There with us were about 20 people
who had been waiting on him all day long. Señor Apu showed up very
late. We were so super tired that we only asked him for a place to
sleep, he said we could sleep right there where we were standing on
the floor. There on the left side of the big room were three landline
phones located at a counter on the left side. People walked in and out
all the time. On the right side there were two stacks of green bananas
and big barrel of petroleum. I set up my rolling mat and "passed out"
facing the opposite side of the room. There the men made a line and
waited to talk to Señor Apu.
It seemed like there were parties in each single house. I could hear
different types of music from the right and left side. It was loud all
night. The lights in the room never went off until the morning the
light broke through.
We got up and got moving. There were passed-out people all over.
People still drinking, moving and sleeping. It had been a very crazy
night. Our budget by now was very thin. The Lord did provide in a very
unique way. As we were marching around I saw a house-store and a sign
that read "Se vende gaseosa". This translates to "Soda sold here." It
caught my attention since it didn't say beer or anything else. I told
Javier, let's go check that out. We walked in and almost in unison
asked " S-ñito tiene café?" She served us coffee with two small of
what looked like local rolls of bread. We were finished with our
coffee and about to leave when she called on us saying, "There is more
coffee!" Ha! We agreed for more. What surprised us that morning was
that it cost us 2 soles to have breakfast.
After that, we wandered around until we bumped into Señor Apu and
asked for a few minutes to talk to him. He took us to the back of his
house and there was the kitchen. A table, a bench and a drunk man
sleeping on the it. I'm not sure if Señor Apu was in all his right
senses.
We introduced ourselves and went straight to the point. He seemed to
be content with the fact that we were there interested in offering
help to his village. We got his blessing and walked out.
This was encouraging to us and we went back to Don Segundo's place.
There we talked more about how they were provided two boxes of water
per week from the petroleum's company. How they had been prohibited
from drinking the water from the Cuninico River. Though, they still
did use for bathing, doing laundry and even cooking. He took us around
to his Camucamu fields. He brought a small green plastic container in
his hand. We walked a trail behind his house until Camucamu trees
began to appear. Fruits were still very green but the farther we
walked the more ripe ones we found.
We picked up enough to fill the container and started to walk back,
there Javier tripped over bumps of dirt and as I was strolling the
path my right leg fell in a hole in slow motion. We had a good laugh!
Back at the house Don Segundo sent his younger daughters to prepare
Camucamu drink for us. I felt very humbled. When the drink was ready
they called on us from the kitchen. We walked up the wooden steps and
into the kitchen. The majority of his children left, but he and his
two other daughters stayed to talk more about how they lived. We were
again surprised that the drink they gave us was cold!!! Where did they
get this cold water? Did they have ice making machines in the other
room? Did they go to buy some? How could they afford 10 people living
in two rooms? Where did he get resources to feed that many people?
Where did he get resources to own three peque-peque engines?
We found out that Cuninico, crazy town, was a community like Santa
Isabel. Until several things took place. There was a petroleum leak.
It infested Cuninico River's water. Fish died. People could not drink
from it anymore. The company lost millions of dollars. Don Segundo
could not fish from the river. Suddenly, the company began to hire
locals to clean the mess.
It also brought a bunch from their own not-locals to work. Don Segundo
could not rent his peque-peques to fishermen, but he now rented them
to transport people. Since there is a big need of transportation and
generators, he sells gas as well. Almost every single kid was given a
new bike. People arrived at this town with shows, gifts and things to
give away. Like Don Segundo, villagers used to sell their Camu-Camu
and Aguaje fruits down river to make an income. Now most people have
turned their houses into little stores. A newer phone company has
built its cellphone tower, literally a few feet away from the last
house of this place. They are offering and selling their cellphones
with 30 soles unlimited packages for a few months trial. Yes, it seems
like lots of prosperity has arrived to this town. I question myself,
did they ever think about creating sustainable solutions? What will
happen when the job is done and everyone leaves?
Funny note, there was an electrical wire going from his house to the
cellphone antenna house. We asked and they were not ashamed and even
laughed that no one knew that that's how they were getting electricity
in his house. After talking more about whom we were and what we
represented. He was willing to allow us to give us more details about
the water and sanity conditions of his village. We left that house and
Don Segundo who had become our man of peace.
We met two men that had been observing us. Again, one of them asked
who we were and my now memorized introduction took place. All this
led-up to introducing Javier to him and we were given offered a free
ride to Maipuco, the capital of this entire district. We grabbed our
backpacks and off we were again. The man who volunteered to give us a
boat lift took us straight to the New Mayor. And the same story again,
"We are an NGO based there and we do this and that". To our surprise,
the new mayor told us that he and his team had actually been thinking
about building wells for his community. Javier explained what type of
wells the NGO was actually offering. The mayor said that at the right
time he could provide with transportation for materials and the sort.
Not only that, but that the projects should be done at all of his
communities. Which added up would be more than 30. We were very
cordially dismissed after interchanging info.
We then decided to get to know this new place. It was indeed a very
big community. It had a big school, soccer field, police station,
small hospital, and even several churches with different
denominations. Night came and our free hostel with wood-board beds
was a luxury to have, compared to the floor in Cuninico.
The morning passed by very slowly as we waited for the lancha. It was
very warm and I decided to jump in the Marañon River to cool off. It's
funny to learn these new things. Just the evening before, we had
bathed and brushed our teeth at this river just like everyone else.
Once the lancha got there we were done with our final village. Now
were bound to Iquitos. The lancha ride was super chill. Lanchas go at
about 20 km per hour or maybe slower. Once we made it to Iquitos
Javier knew so very many people. A friend of his, hosted us at his
place providing with food and shelter. I was indeed broke by this
time. So the Lord did provide through the brethren located there. I
got a phone call from a brother based in Lima. It was so very nice
getting to talk to him and catch up just a little. The Lord must have
caused a great burden on him since he provided with resources to keep
on moving. Here in Iquitos, Javier was able to go see his family. He
has several sisters that he was able to go visit after a long time.
Our research trip was over. We boarded a plane and flew back to
Pucallpa. I had learned that brother Brian and others were coming down
to visit communities at a River further south and I so wanted to go
see him. Here is where Javier and I went different directions. I flew
to Atalaya. This place has a super nice park and swimming pools. How
refreshing is to be in a pool at a super hot day! The Lord blessed me
much this day. It was a 2 soles fee entrance and I stayed there the
entire afternoon. My boat was gonna leave at 2am. I was there alone
and I am thankful I had a cellphone I could talk to a friend so that I
didn't feel too lonely that night.
I went to the boat and crashed on a flat board. It was about 145am
when I woke up and looked at my watch that people began to load things
and get in the boat. We are crazy Peruvians!!
I was half sleeping at the completely dark and packed with stars
night. You guys ever been on a combi in Lima, Peru? A combi is a
smaller bus, for those who don't know. You guys been on Arequipa
Avenue? Well this road has like 35 blocks and combis used to stop at
every single corner to pick up or drop passengers. This boat was like
a combi. All through the night and day it stopped to let a passenger
out or pick up more. I think it did more than normal because the
passengers complained at the boat driver. At one of the little
communities, the boat stopped and picked up some older women and one
or two men. Later on as I talked to them, I learned that they were
missionaries on their way back to Lima. The woman, who sat on my left
side, fed me some bananas and was super nice. When I got off the boat,
she called me out! She had in her hands my green taper and money I had
dropped. How much it didn't matter, she was being honest!
Then once I made it to Satipo. I learned that this wasn't the best
time to go and see Brother Brian, so we cancelled that trip off. That
night I visited a church there in Satipo and to my surprise found a
brother whom I had met a long time ago. I was super tired and dozed
off towards the end of the pastor's sermon. Like my friend said, "I'm
glad I didn't fall out of a window." The next morning I was gonna
leave at 3am, so I crashed until the alarm went off at 2am. I walked
out of the hostel that late and made it to the truck stop. I felt
tired and anxious walking alone this early in the morning. The truck
ride was about 8 hours and my butt was so very sore! One of the things
that I well recall is passing through communities on my back to
Atalaya. I saw people from Ethnic groups there in the middle of
nowhere. They had painted faces, wearing traditional clothes. I
wondered if anyone was trying to reach them with the gospel. I was
tired indeed. I was so thankful I found out my boat was leaving the
next day at 8am. I was gonna sleep some more.
I was traveling by boat alone and I was going to my final destination.
Rain totally hit us on the way. I was glad I had brought my green rain
poncho which I let a woman and her child use to cover and keep a bit
warm. I landed, nine hours later, and I walked to Javier's place.
There I was welcomed by him and the family with some friends that have
come to visit. It felt good to be there, but I knew that I wasn't
going to stay there long. The two friends the family was being visited
by had come to set up the electrical wiring on the team members'
house. I helped a little during their stay. I don't know much about
electrical connections so I was simply trying to listen and stay tuned
to anything they might need.
Days flew by and wiring that house was finished. I was also pretty
sure that it was the end of my stay there. I am so very thankful for
the family running Thriving Tribes. They have blessed me so much and
they have an open door there for me. More than anything their very
words that have remained with me are: "We want for you what God
wants!"
There I met two missionaries. Being able to meet up and learn from
their work and ministry plus their lesson and experiences was very
rich and encouraging. A little plane flew in town to pick up these
missionaries. There was just an open seat for me! That saved me two
days of travel and also helped my pocket! They charged me the
missionary rate! God bless SAMair. The plane's pilot was a very cool
lady. I had never seen a woman pilot. We loaded and off we were across
the green jungle.
Thank you for those who have taken their time to read a little. I'm
thankful for those who have dropped notes of encouragement and have
shared from their own lives. It is a huge blessing to hear from you
and your families and what God is doing. I also thank God for those
who have been praying as the Lord forges my way and allows me to see
His guidance day after day. Please continue to do so.
Brother in Christ,
Salomon
"I am the door, if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and
shall go in and out, and find pasture." John 10:9
13 November 2014
02 November 2014
Research trip - Part 1 - Forgot last paragraph!
The chofer and his friend were eating, so we sat in the boat. This
boat was very different. It was a very long one with two super
powerful engines in the back. They were transporting something that
looked like a huge machine's propeller. I'm not really sure. But there
we sat and the sun shone on us! It was so hot! I couldn't stand it
anymore and off went my shirt and I was swimming/bathing in the
Maranion River. I was just having fun and I even felt the current
dragging me a bit, when Javier yelled at me saying that I needed to
get out of the water! As I turned to him I saw some boys close by
around watching! "There is an anguila fish in the water! Get out!!"
Yelled Javier.
haha! Fun times! I was just getting in the boat when the boat drivers
came back from their lunch and off we were again. We sat there getting
sun burnt.
They had told us that Cuninico was right " a la vuelta no ma!" Javier
and I laughed hard at how that translates to mountains " Alla no ma
ta!" or " Allacito arriba no ma!" ( Right over there!) All we saw for
4 hours riding int he boat was pure jungle, until we saw the entrance
of Cuninico. There we were. We had made it to out final destination.
Note: This update has been revised.
boat was very different. It was a very long one with two super
powerful engines in the back. They were transporting something that
looked like a huge machine's propeller. I'm not really sure. But there
we sat and the sun shone on us! It was so hot! I couldn't stand it
anymore and off went my shirt and I was swimming/bathing in the
Maranion River. I was just having fun and I even felt the current
dragging me a bit, when Javier yelled at me saying that I needed to
get out of the water! As I turned to him I saw some boys close by
around watching! "There is an anguila fish in the water! Get out!!"
Yelled Javier.
haha! Fun times! I was just getting in the boat when the boat drivers
came back from their lunch and off we were again. We sat there getting
sun burnt.
They had told us that Cuninico was right " a la vuelta no ma!" Javier
and I laughed hard at how that translates to mountains " Alla no ma
ta!" or " Allacito arriba no ma!" ( Right over there!) All we saw for
4 hours riding int he boat was pure jungle, until we saw the entrance
of Cuninico. There we were. We had made it to out final destination.
Note: This update has been revised.
Research trip 1
Salutations dear brethren,
Javier and I set off for our research trip. Due to the fact that
flights in the isolated Peruvian jungle are very unreliable, we had to
leave our ID cards with the lady who runs the flights to make sure we
would get two spots in the plane about a week ahead of time.
It's pretty funny, the airplane company's name is North America. The
day's departure came and we headed to the airport. This is one of the
smallest airports I have personally been to. Why would you have to pay
over 10 soles airport tax when it consists of only one room and there
is no wifi in there? I mean, I don't think there is even running
power.
The small plane landed and as we were walking to board, a sudden
strong wind broke up and everyone hurried to load the cargo and leave
ASAP. Even the pilot and co-pilot were helping with the luggage. As
Javier and I sat down, I looked out the window and saw my borrowed
rolling pad being carried away by the wind. I thought about it for 2
seconds and I was off the plane, chasing after it! I caught up, picked
it up and ran back to the plane against the wind. I had to cover my
eyes and duck my head a little. We were off land a few minutes later
and the engine was winning like a motorbike!
The small aircraft landed safely in Pucallpa. A motorbike drove us
through the crazy traffic you encounter in this big city. Once checked
in at one of Javier's relatives' place, he and I were so hungry that
right after dropping our stuff on the floor we headed to the closest
food place and feasted on bananas, fish and yuca. We were able to
visit family and friends in Pucallpa. A family who lives in the open
fields away from the city area hosted us for dinner one night and we
all had a good visit.( Enjoying the American sarcasm humor and mostly
the unexpected food.) A bit surprised how one can have access to
Internet and Netflix in places like that. They allowed me to borrow a
book called "Spirits of the rainforest" which I have been digging into
so fiercely and has influenced my mindset greatly.
During the days spent in this "red land" I had some very sleepless
nights due to ants and bugs crawling over my body. I didn't have a
"mosquitero" to keep other bugs from me. At some point I thought, "We
are in the city and there are this many bugs here!"
One night, as Javier and I could not fall asleep, we talked about life
all night. It seems like Javier is gonna beat meby getting married
first.
We boarded the plane in Pucallpa and headed off to Tarapoto. The plane
was packed! About half of us got off in Tarapoto but the rest stayed
and moved on to Iquitos. It was a weird feeling to be in a place with
no connections and not knowing where to go. We flagged down a motocar
and had it take us to the "plaza". On our way there, I tried to intake
as many mental pictures of streets, houses, stores and even hostels in
my head. We got off close to the main plaza and began to explore.
Walked around until we found a cheap hostel, walked in and up the
stairs through a very narrow passage, looked to the right as we were
greeted by a lady. She went on asking questions and taking info down
from us.
Lady at the counter: " What's your occupation?"
Javier: "Well-drilling technician". She moved on writing.
Lady at the counter: " And you sir, what do you do?"
Salomon: "Uhmm, I am the well-drilling technician's helper."
Lady at the counter: Gave me a weird look and said "Ok." We were checked in.
We went out looking for food and after a while we found a chicken
place. Guess what? For you who are acquainted with rotisserie chicken
or Pollo a la brasa. The waiter asked if I wanted fried bananas. I
said yes. The waiter brought a plate. In it there was a piece of
chicken with no french fries but with fried plantains. Oh man so good!
I prefer fried plantain 100 times much more than french fries now!
We got up the next morning and like vampires seeking blood, we sought
after coffee. Found it, put it in our veins and off we were looking
for ways to get to Yurimagua. We found the combi-way. The Lord did
protect us on our way to Yurimaguas since we did almost crash on a
very crazy curve as we were going uphill . We were sitting on the seat
that is behind the driver's seat and so we were looking backwards
whereas everyone else was looking forwards and when it happened all we
saw was the passengers' desperation and screaming as they saw the big
truck backing up towards us. We did laugh afterwards since we didn't
know what was taking place since we couldn't see it!
Yurimaguas is a very small and warm town. We went to the local market
looking for food and sat at the counter of this food stand. There we
ate and were nicely surprised with the drink they had to serve, a
weirdly made coffee. It was black but it was so sweet. It seemed like
they had put 2 kilos of sugar on each mug!
The road ends in Yurimaguas. From here the only way to keep moving
north is traveling by river or renting a small-plane. Which we later
found out was way too expensive. So we went to the port and spotted
these huge lanchas ( they looked like big boat-ferries) These travel
on big rivers transporting people, animals and things. We found out it
would pass by the community we had seen in on the map. We bought our
tickets and boarded it. The way they work is that they travel from one
city to the other. Once they get to a city, they unload its cargo and
load new cargo accordingly. This process could take one, two or three
days. They transport all sorts of imaginable things.We saw the sign
that said their target take-off time was 4 pm that same day. This big
boat has three stories. The first one is for the cargo and the
engine-room. On the second story there is a big room with lots of
space for hammocks to be hung, plus a room with VIP cabins (we learned
this actually meant 2 by 2 meter cabins with two bunkbeds and a TV
right in between.)
The third story is usually for passengers too, but I saw saw-dust on
the floor and what looked like a corral. Later, I learned that they
would be transporting chicken with us. So we hung our hammocks and
chilled. As night approached we were told by the captain that the
lancha wasn't going to leave on that day but the next at noon.
Everyone was so upset, but I thought that this wasn't a surprise at
all. Being robbed like that is normal when traveling in this manner :)
As the next day passed by, we talked to some people and here by the
first time, I used my newer title. When this man asked where we were
going and what we were doing. Mr. Well-drilling technician's assistant
now had a new role. I became the official "presenter."
Yes, sir. We are an NGO based in Lima with a branch office based in a
little town up river by the Urubamba River. We are going to Cuninico
to verify the petroleum spill and assess the community's needs. So on
and on. I then made my move that I would use every single time we
introduced ourselves with.
" And now, here let me introduce you the "Drilling technician, Don
Javier." Then I called Javier and had them both become acquainted.
He then would tell them more about the work he did and onto the
technical aspects of well drilling. Javier is a complete professional!
We met this man who turned out to be a community's leader. His
village's name is Santa Isabel which is a town located at the mouth of
the Nucuray river. He did invite us to come to his village to see the
needs there.
The morning light broke in and I walked to the back of the lancha
where there was usually fewer people and I would spend some time alone
with the creator. It was very neat since I could make instant
connection to the creator from the awesomeness created in front of my
eyes. A brown river, trees on both sides, a blue sky and clouds in all
shapes.
The man and his wife, a lady who had given birth to their third son
about 10 days ago, were ready to get off. The lancha went slowly until
it so very gently bumped with the shore and we all unloaded. There, a
peque-peque powered canoe awaited us and this man's wife got in it.
There wasn't much room left so the man saw a smaller, boy- powered
canoe getting closer and called him to aid us. There we hopped on
trying not to fall into the water and sat as the boy who operated the
canoe tied a rope onto the engine powered bigger canoe. We crossed the
Nucuray river to Santa Isabel.
There in Santa Isabel, the man treated us very kindly. He fed us with
the best he had ( fish and yuca) and showed us around talking about
his village's needs. A very small town indeed. About 14 houses in
total. Life standards in this village is so very different. They use
the Nucuray river for bathing and doing laundry. They go down there
with buckets to get water to cook. Most of them do not boil the water
but drink it straight. He told us how the nurse from the small clinic
based at the town across the river gives them chlorine to purify the
water. Some people have or are trying to get used to it. The rest
choose not to use it since they don't like the flavor of it.
This village does not have electricity. The community used to have a
generator but it broke. There is a store and the owner has a smaller
electricity generator. There is also a solar powered phone. He also
has speakers to make announcements. So the leader told him to call on
the town's people to have a meeting. We walked to the school where the
leader gathered everyone to meet and talk. He so very kindly
introduced us and there I was, being the well-drilling technician's
presenter one more time.
" Now, with the technical aspects of the projects, we have... Don
Javier." Oh Javier loved it and cracked up so very hard afterwards
when we would re-tell to each other the stories!
So the entire community met at the school. This school was made of two
rooms but we all fit in one room. They did have questions for the
technician and he so patiently answered accordingly, thus showing that
he well deserved his title. After the meeting, we walked out looking
for well-drilling potential places. The school is located at the south
west side of a soccer field. And there a man suggested a place to dig
a well. The entire community was in full agreement. The community
leader said something that stuck out to me, " We are a small village.
It's easier when reaching full agreements." And he was right. Our next
village was not gonna be the same.
Right after lunch, the leader spotted a boat just arriving to 6 de
Julio right across the river. As we walked to where he was, he turned
and said: "This boat might be going to Cuninico!"
Javier and I turned around and power walked to gather our stuff and
walked down to the river. The man, took his peque-peque engine on his
shoulders down to the river, set it up on his canoe in like 30 seconds
and off we were crossing the river to the other town. Once there, he
enquired of the boat's destination and the boat's chofer said he
could give us a ride there for a fair price. This leader interchanged
information with Javier and off he was peque-pequeying back to his
community.
Javier and I set off for our research trip. Due to the fact that
flights in the isolated Peruvian jungle are very unreliable, we had to
leave our ID cards with the lady who runs the flights to make sure we
would get two spots in the plane about a week ahead of time.
It's pretty funny, the airplane company's name is North America. The
day's departure came and we headed to the airport. This is one of the
smallest airports I have personally been to. Why would you have to pay
over 10 soles airport tax when it consists of only one room and there
is no wifi in there? I mean, I don't think there is even running
power.
The small plane landed and as we were walking to board, a sudden
strong wind broke up and everyone hurried to load the cargo and leave
ASAP. Even the pilot and co-pilot were helping with the luggage. As
Javier and I sat down, I looked out the window and saw my borrowed
rolling pad being carried away by the wind. I thought about it for 2
seconds and I was off the plane, chasing after it! I caught up, picked
it up and ran back to the plane against the wind. I had to cover my
eyes and duck my head a little. We were off land a few minutes later
and the engine was winning like a motorbike!
The small aircraft landed safely in Pucallpa. A motorbike drove us
through the crazy traffic you encounter in this big city. Once checked
in at one of Javier's relatives' place, he and I were so hungry that
right after dropping our stuff on the floor we headed to the closest
food place and feasted on bananas, fish and yuca. We were able to
visit family and friends in Pucallpa. A family who lives in the open
fields away from the city area hosted us for dinner one night and we
all had a good visit.( Enjoying the American sarcasm humor and mostly
the unexpected food.) A bit surprised how one can have access to
Internet and Netflix in places like that. They allowed me to borrow a
book called "Spirits of the rainforest" which I have been digging into
so fiercely and has influenced my mindset greatly.
During the days spent in this "red land" I had some very sleepless
nights due to ants and bugs crawling over my body. I didn't have a
"mosquitero" to keep other bugs from me. At some point I thought, "We
are in the city and there are this many bugs here!"
One night, as Javier and I could not fall asleep, we talked about life
all night. It seems like Javier is gonna beat meby getting married
first.
We boarded the plane in Pucallpa and headed off to Tarapoto. The plane
was packed! About half of us got off in Tarapoto but the rest stayed
and moved on to Iquitos. It was a weird feeling to be in a place with
no connections and not knowing where to go. We flagged down a motocar
and had it take us to the "plaza". On our way there, I tried to intake
as many mental pictures of streets, houses, stores and even hostels in
my head. We got off close to the main plaza and began to explore.
Walked around until we found a cheap hostel, walked in and up the
stairs through a very narrow passage, looked to the right as we were
greeted by a lady. She went on asking questions and taking info down
from us.
Lady at the counter: " What's your occupation?"
Javier: "Well-drilling technician". She moved on writing.
Lady at the counter: " And you sir, what do you do?"
Salomon: "Uhmm, I am the well-drilling technician's helper."
Lady at the counter: Gave me a weird look and said "Ok." We were checked in.
We went out looking for food and after a while we found a chicken
place. Guess what? For you who are acquainted with rotisserie chicken
or Pollo a la brasa. The waiter asked if I wanted fried bananas. I
said yes. The waiter brought a plate. In it there was a piece of
chicken with no french fries but with fried plantains. Oh man so good!
I prefer fried plantain 100 times much more than french fries now!
We got up the next morning and like vampires seeking blood, we sought
after coffee. Found it, put it in our veins and off we were looking
for ways to get to Yurimagua. We found the combi-way. The Lord did
protect us on our way to Yurimaguas since we did almost crash on a
very crazy curve as we were going uphill . We were sitting on the seat
that is behind the driver's seat and so we were looking backwards
whereas everyone else was looking forwards and when it happened all we
saw was the passengers' desperation and screaming as they saw the big
truck backing up towards us. We did laugh afterwards since we didn't
know what was taking place since we couldn't see it!
Yurimaguas is a very small and warm town. We went to the local market
looking for food and sat at the counter of this food stand. There we
ate and were nicely surprised with the drink they had to serve, a
weirdly made coffee. It was black but it was so sweet. It seemed like
they had put 2 kilos of sugar on each mug!
The road ends in Yurimaguas. From here the only way to keep moving
north is traveling by river or renting a small-plane. Which we later
found out was way too expensive. So we went to the port and spotted
these huge lanchas ( they looked like big boat-ferries) These travel
on big rivers transporting people, animals and things. We found out it
would pass by the community we had seen in on the map. We bought our
tickets and boarded it. The way they work is that they travel from one
city to the other. Once they get to a city, they unload its cargo and
load new cargo accordingly. This process could take one, two or three
days. They transport all sorts of imaginable things.We saw the sign
that said their target take-off time was 4 pm that same day. This big
boat has three stories. The first one is for the cargo and the
engine-room. On the second story there is a big room with lots of
space for hammocks to be hung, plus a room with VIP cabins (we learned
this actually meant 2 by 2 meter cabins with two bunkbeds and a TV
right in between.)
The third story is usually for passengers too, but I saw saw-dust on
the floor and what looked like a corral. Later, I learned that they
would be transporting chicken with us. So we hung our hammocks and
chilled. As night approached we were told by the captain that the
lancha wasn't going to leave on that day but the next at noon.
Everyone was so upset, but I thought that this wasn't a surprise at
all. Being robbed like that is normal when traveling in this manner :)
As the next day passed by, we talked to some people and here by the
first time, I used my newer title. When this man asked where we were
going and what we were doing. Mr. Well-drilling technician's assistant
now had a new role. I became the official "presenter."
Yes, sir. We are an NGO based in Lima with a branch office based in a
little town up river by the Urubamba River. We are going to Cuninico
to verify the petroleum spill and assess the community's needs. So on
and on. I then made my move that I would use every single time we
introduced ourselves with.
" And now, here let me introduce you the "Drilling technician, Don
Javier." Then I called Javier and had them both become acquainted.
He then would tell them more about the work he did and onto the
technical aspects of well drilling. Javier is a complete professional!
We met this man who turned out to be a community's leader. His
village's name is Santa Isabel which is a town located at the mouth of
the Nucuray river. He did invite us to come to his village to see the
needs there.
The morning light broke in and I walked to the back of the lancha
where there was usually fewer people and I would spend some time alone
with the creator. It was very neat since I could make instant
connection to the creator from the awesomeness created in front of my
eyes. A brown river, trees on both sides, a blue sky and clouds in all
shapes.
The man and his wife, a lady who had given birth to their third son
about 10 days ago, were ready to get off. The lancha went slowly until
it so very gently bumped with the shore and we all unloaded. There, a
peque-peque powered canoe awaited us and this man's wife got in it.
There wasn't much room left so the man saw a smaller, boy- powered
canoe getting closer and called him to aid us. There we hopped on
trying not to fall into the water and sat as the boy who operated the
canoe tied a rope onto the engine powered bigger canoe. We crossed the
Nucuray river to Santa Isabel.
There in Santa Isabel, the man treated us very kindly. He fed us with
the best he had ( fish and yuca) and showed us around talking about
his village's needs. A very small town indeed. About 14 houses in
total. Life standards in this village is so very different. They use
the Nucuray river for bathing and doing laundry. They go down there
with buckets to get water to cook. Most of them do not boil the water
but drink it straight. He told us how the nurse from the small clinic
based at the town across the river gives them chlorine to purify the
water. Some people have or are trying to get used to it. The rest
choose not to use it since they don't like the flavor of it.
This village does not have electricity. The community used to have a
generator but it broke. There is a store and the owner has a smaller
electricity generator. There is also a solar powered phone. He also
has speakers to make announcements. So the leader told him to call on
the town's people to have a meeting. We walked to the school where the
leader gathered everyone to meet and talk. He so very kindly
introduced us and there I was, being the well-drilling technician's
presenter one more time.
" Now, with the technical aspects of the projects, we have... Don
Javier." Oh Javier loved it and cracked up so very hard afterwards
when we would re-tell to each other the stories!
So the entire community met at the school. This school was made of two
rooms but we all fit in one room. They did have questions for the
technician and he so patiently answered accordingly, thus showing that
he well deserved his title. After the meeting, we walked out looking
for well-drilling potential places. The school is located at the south
west side of a soccer field. And there a man suggested a place to dig
a well. The entire community was in full agreement. The community
leader said something that stuck out to me, " We are a small village.
It's easier when reaching full agreements." And he was right. Our next
village was not gonna be the same.
Right after lunch, the leader spotted a boat just arriving to 6 de
Julio right across the river. As we walked to where he was, he turned
and said: "This boat might be going to Cuninico!"
Javier and I turned around and power walked to gather our stuff and
walked down to the river. The man, took his peque-peque engine on his
shoulders down to the river, set it up on his canoe in like 30 seconds
and off we were crossing the river to the other town. Once there, he
enquired of the boat's destination and the boat's chofer said he
could give us a ride there for a fair price. This leader interchanged
information with Javier and off he was peque-pequeying back to his
community.
17 July 2014
Latest update
Dear brothers,
ICSL was indeed a blessing of the many kinds. ICSL was my very first official job ever and the time spent there taught me so many things.
Though it was so very difficult when I had to face routine, which is also called "structure," the Lord helped me through and was indeed faithful to pull me out.
Megan Elizabeth Boys Ch. Also known as, Miss Boys, was used by God to provide a very unique kind of training while being there. I was pretty much under her total authority. I did not only help her with classroom control, grading exams, loading scores on the schools's web, taking the kids to recess, playing with the kids at recess, but I was also able to be a brother in Christ, pushing each other in the faith of Christ.
There were days when I did not want to go to work, I so much hated being there inside of a building. But, I had to do it anyway. I did see lots of my own selfishness and also the Lord's mercy and forgiveness offered to us. So, sticking to a regimen helped obtain a grade of discipline. Who knows how the Lord will use all that took place in this one and a half years.
I prayed and had peace about leaving ICSL.
Now, ICSL is the in the past. I do hope to continue to serve those kids when in Lima, or in their retreats.
Now, ICSL is the in the past. I do hope to continue to serve those kids when in Lima, or in their retreats.
On the other hand, I was able to go to El Milagro, Villa Rica, Cerro de Pasco.
Though it was only almost three weeks. I was reminded of the beautiful view of what jungle looks like.
Being submitted to my team leader was tough. I think that the training with Miss Boys did help as far as doing what you're told to do.
My favorite part of the trip was when we went to Santa Maria, a little town about 2 hours truck-ride from El Milagro. Once we were dropped off on the road, we hiked for about 25 minutes into the jungle and finally popped out at a clearance and there was a small house/hut.
We were able to visit a christian family and encourage them in the faith. In order to visit others, we sat on a balsam wood and crossed to the other side of the river.
Once on the other side, we hiked a very steep and muddy uphill path that led us to a small hut. This hut where the other family lives was packed with us, the visitors, and the kids and relatives of the other family. It began to rain and I totally felt the jungle invading my veins. When the rainy season hits, just like in the mountains, then, things get super extreme. I feel like I am ready to go extreme again.
I was not able to sleep that night, my eyes were open all the night enjoying God's creation as it was reflected in the ways of rain, thunder and lightning.
I am back in Lima and I can already sense the restlessness. The super ugly sky of Lima does not make my heart happy.
I will be serving a church in El Callao. Mostly translating and doing evangelism work. From July 25th to August 3rd.
Our God is faithful and merciful.
Salomon Grados
13 May 2014
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30 June 2013
Thoughts
A cup of coffee and milk in it. I have realized that milk softens the
very strong black coffee that I so much crave on a daily basis.
I do have other responsibilities I ought to be taking care of right at
this moment. But, typing calls my name and I can not help it but
transmit my thoughts using a second language it whichever form it
comes.
Trying to put my thoughts in order. Wish me luck. Or like Americans
say "More power to you" or "Good luck with that"
Well, let me point out today's most important events.
I learned, once again, so I guess that is just a reminder and not
something that I actually learned. That God does things His way.
Once I got to Huaycan the Saturday 29. I was not totally aware of the
time. I had arrived early enough to go to Zone S Teenagers meeting.
Being there again felt to awfully, terribly , selfishly different, weird.
The need that zone S presents is totally intense. I think, that one of
the reason my brain has a shock is as I am maturing and getting old in
this life. I see two complete realities. Miraflores-San Isidro and
Zone S Huaycan.
Is Zone S considered a place under extreme poverty standards.
If living in one house 20 m2 with three kids and two parents. Having
just gotten running water. And living on 9 soles a day, that is what 3
dollars a day, is not extreme poverty, at least is very poor.
But Huaycan Zone S is just so unique. I do not think my current
English level would allow me to make justice when describing what it
is like.
Yes, I have heard of worse places. But, I am living this place. And,
sadly to say, I live it only on the weekends.
I had prepared a small verse-by-verse message/Bible Study based on
Matthew 1. I had made my slides and reviewed it before taking off. It
was not the right time for Salomon to get up there and do that just
yet.
But one curious event took place. At Zone S, I was asked to share a
little bit. I thought of myself, I might one Bible verse to share. But
I felt totally convicted to share John. Such a sweet book that I have
been listening off my MP3 player. I have listening to it again and
again. I am not sick of yet. How could anyone get rid one of the
sweetest books of the Bible.
We read and studied verse by verse, John 1:1-5. We went through each
Bible verse little by little. Actually, we went through it by
sentences. We stopped at every single comma or period to analize the
verse. I think it did go pretty well since the kids were actually
responding the questions and following along the reading.
I felt very good about that. Praise God.
The darkness did not overcome the light.
Yes indeed. We are free in His light.
Glup, glup, glup. Warm coffee-milk feels so good going down my throat.
Tasteful.
There are still those time when my belly feels so empty. And all it
wants is to praise Jesus and go after that which He has called me to
be. I still struggle with in-maturity. Complete in-maturity.
I still make very many mistakes on a daily basis. I do have the sense
in life where we are called not to focus on all that which belongs not
to God but on the new creature that we are as his Children.
God is indeed the only one.
It does seem like typing skills have gotten a little bit better. Will
this just be a training season for what is to come. I want to get out
and go back to what I think I was called. Will even be that the Lord
can put in you desires for only short periods of time.
Why would He do that?
Why would He not just called to one thing for the rest of your life?
Does He put desires in your Hearts at all?
I need to go to bed. Maybe none of this made any sense. But if it did.
Know that I am pretty sure I was honest.
Later alligator.
very strong black coffee that I so much crave on a daily basis.
I do have other responsibilities I ought to be taking care of right at
this moment. But, typing calls my name and I can not help it but
transmit my thoughts using a second language it whichever form it
comes.
Trying to put my thoughts in order. Wish me luck. Or like Americans
say "More power to you" or "Good luck with that"
Well, let me point out today's most important events.
I learned, once again, so I guess that is just a reminder and not
something that I actually learned. That God does things His way.
Once I got to Huaycan the Saturday 29. I was not totally aware of the
time. I had arrived early enough to go to Zone S Teenagers meeting.
Being there again felt to awfully, terribly , selfishly different, weird.
The need that zone S presents is totally intense. I think, that one of
the reason my brain has a shock is as I am maturing and getting old in
this life. I see two complete realities. Miraflores-San Isidro and
Zone S Huaycan.
Is Zone S considered a place under extreme poverty standards.
If living in one house 20 m2 with three kids and two parents. Having
just gotten running water. And living on 9 soles a day, that is what 3
dollars a day, is not extreme poverty, at least is very poor.
But Huaycan Zone S is just so unique. I do not think my current
English level would allow me to make justice when describing what it
is like.
Yes, I have heard of worse places. But, I am living this place. And,
sadly to say, I live it only on the weekends.
I had prepared a small verse-by-verse message/Bible Study based on
Matthew 1. I had made my slides and reviewed it before taking off. It
was not the right time for Salomon to get up there and do that just
yet.
But one curious event took place. At Zone S, I was asked to share a
little bit. I thought of myself, I might one Bible verse to share. But
I felt totally convicted to share John. Such a sweet book that I have
been listening off my MP3 player. I have listening to it again and
again. I am not sick of yet. How could anyone get rid one of the
sweetest books of the Bible.
We read and studied verse by verse, John 1:1-5. We went through each
Bible verse little by little. Actually, we went through it by
sentences. We stopped at every single comma or period to analize the
verse. I think it did go pretty well since the kids were actually
responding the questions and following along the reading.
I felt very good about that. Praise God.
The darkness did not overcome the light.
Yes indeed. We are free in His light.
Glup, glup, glup. Warm coffee-milk feels so good going down my throat.
Tasteful.
There are still those time when my belly feels so empty. And all it
wants is to praise Jesus and go after that which He has called me to
be. I still struggle with in-maturity. Complete in-maturity.
I still make very many mistakes on a daily basis. I do have the sense
in life where we are called not to focus on all that which belongs not
to God but on the new creature that we are as his Children.
God is indeed the only one.
It does seem like typing skills have gotten a little bit better. Will
this just be a training season for what is to come. I want to get out
and go back to what I think I was called. Will even be that the Lord
can put in you desires for only short periods of time.
Why would He do that?
Why would He not just called to one thing for the rest of your life?
Does He put desires in your Hearts at all?
I need to go to bed. Maybe none of this made any sense. But if it did.
Know that I am pretty sure I was honest.
Later alligator.
25 June 2013
Practicing writing TITANIC
Titanic
Introduction
Once upon a time there was a gigantic ship that people saw as the most
luxurious floating thing ever in history. We'll find what happened to
it and we'll write down thoughts and opinions on these events from a
personal point of view.
Paragraph One - Successful take off - Hope of glory
Her name was Titanic. She brings power and strength. She was believed
that it could never sink. All the people had expected to make it to a
new land . Land where new life would begin. She left the cold country
of England and the captain made the ship roar in the ocean. There she
was, flying on the water, nothing could stop her.
Paragraph Two - Unexpected Warnings - Fatal Destiny
Huge mountains of ice were floating in her path. They overlooked one
little detail. They did not have a way to communicate a warning
throughout the whole ship. They saw ice right in front of them. It was
too late to stop or veer off. The Titanic hit the iceberg, the destiny
of death. Many died, a ship called Californian did not go to the aid
of the Titanic when they saw the flares in the sky signaling for help.
A ship called, Carpathia came to the rescue.
Conclusion
They should have definitely slowed down when first warning of iceberg
was announced.
We should not over-speed when driving or doing things in life.
When things are done hastily and carelessly, things are more prone not
to end up well.
Thanks for correcting Miss DeGroat.
Introduction
Once upon a time there was a gigantic ship that people saw as the most
luxurious floating thing ever in history. We'll find what happened to
it and we'll write down thoughts and opinions on these events from a
personal point of view.
Paragraph One - Successful take off - Hope of glory
Her name was Titanic. She brings power and strength. She was believed
that it could never sink. All the people had expected to make it to a
new land . Land where new life would begin. She left the cold country
of England and the captain made the ship roar in the ocean. There she
was, flying on the water, nothing could stop her.
Paragraph Two - Unexpected Warnings - Fatal Destiny
Huge mountains of ice were floating in her path. They overlooked one
little detail. They did not have a way to communicate a warning
throughout the whole ship. They saw ice right in front of them. It was
too late to stop or veer off. The Titanic hit the iceberg, the destiny
of death. Many died, a ship called Californian did not go to the aid
of the Titanic when they saw the flares in the sky signaling for help.
A ship called, Carpathia came to the rescue.
Conclusion
They should have definitely slowed down when first warning of iceberg
was announced.
We should not over-speed when driving or doing things in life.
When things are done hastily and carelessly, things are more prone not
to end up well.
Thanks for correcting Miss DeGroat.
25 May 2013
Thoughts on miracles
Why we don't see that many miracles taking place as they did in the book of Acts?
1- One of the reasons, I think is that we would rely more on faith. Not on things that we want to see due to our own unbelief. Not on miracles.
2- Another problem is our ego-centrism. We want/are eager to be praised to receive the glory.
1- One of the reasons, I think is that we would rely more on faith. Not on things that we want to see due to our own unbelief. Not on miracles.
2- Another problem is our ego-centrism. We want/are eager to be praised to receive the glory.
31 March 2013
update
Hello,
Dear brothers and sisters.
I am coming back to you again with my thoughts on life.
Again, keep in mind, that I am an EFL Student, so this text will be
subjected to MANY mistakes in the English Language.
Still, I will try to express myself in the best possible way.
One more weekend in Huaycan.
I woke up pretty late on Saturday morning, thinking about the many
things I needed to do. I also thought about my failures towards God.
My flesh fights against the Spirit in the forms of lust, lack of
discipline, selfishness and others, maybe ALL the others.
Still, I thought how I could not stop right there, needed to be
straight with our Lord Jesus Christ and move on.
I spent part of the morning reading this book for ICSL training on
Philosophy of Christian Education. I remember reading some good stuff
about truth and education related topics, though if you asked me what
exactly is that what I read, I would not be able to tell you. My brain
can not simply remember. I praise God still.
Well, I am trying to think about the priorities, and I think the most
important one is that, Matt and I went to Surquillo Market and bought
some good stuff, food and house utensils.
We ate some ceviche and chilcano. Life is indeed crazy, I could recall
eating ceviche with so many people at that one little spot in
Surquillo Market. I even remember having ceviche with Jessica and her
parents. How crazy!
Anyway, we came back home and put stuff away. I cooked my second batch
of food. This time I made some lentils and chicken. I wanted to make
sure that I had enough for the whole week, I thought, if even possible
for two weeks straight.
Matt was in such cleaning-mood. That was indeed neat to see. He
cleaned every single room in the apartment. When I was finished
cooking I cleaned some of my room as well and sorted out some of my
own belongings.
Then, I was ready to take off and head to Huaycan. I did so. The day
so extremely chill. Walked to the bus stop and got in one bus and sat
till I got off in Lima downtown. I walked to the chosica van stop. Got
in one van. 7 soles to Huaycan entrance is not bad at all, considering
the fact that it is a 45 min taxi ride. Did I sleep? Heck yeah!!
Got off in Huaycan entrance, called Josue and Damaris. They were there
waiting on a bus to pass by. Well, I hung out with them till I see fit
to leave.
I had to go and do Damaris a favor. I went to talk to Daniel, her
brother. I took a combi and got off at sedapal stop. Got off and took
a mototaxi. Once in Parque Industrial, I found out that Daniel had
just left to go play soccer. I walked to the soccer court, I saw him
and asked him if he had bought his father's medicine. He said he
hadn't, As all of this is happening I saw lots of the people that are
right there at el parque industrial. Lots of them are Hinostrozas. A
big family, very big family whom I am well acquainted with.
Anyway, I took off and headed to buy Brother Moises's medicine.
Flagged down a mototaxi. The driver made the engine wine and off we
were, on the corner of my right eye I saw someone familiar. There was
a tall American lady talking with a very small child. Amber Daivis.
I still wonder, how crazy is that that God has called this woman to
serve in Huaycan. Its very awesome.
All that took place in less than five seconds when I had an idea. I
called Pablo and asked him to pick me up, since I was totally sure
he'd come to get medicine for his father.
I called him and got him hooked up to come. I got off in Quince de
Julio. Walked to Jucabeth, and found this young man who likes video
games, I tried to use that to have something to talk about. Video
games preferences.
In the mean time, in the back of my head, I thought , what else can I
use/ say to talk to him?
Jucabeth was super busy attending people. Her hard-ware shop is
located in the middle of Huaycan.
Now, as I was talking with this young man, Jucabeth needed some help
and I said go help her!
Then on the corner of my left eye I saw Pablo pulling out, I said, I
will see you guys later and to Jucabeth, tomorrow! And off I was. It
didn't talk a long walk till I realized that the store where I had
needed to go was closed. I shook hands with Pablo and I got on sitting
right on his left!
Like we do it in Huaycan!
Allright, I was with Pablo now! This dude knows how to ride a
mototaxi! Super nice fast!
Off we were to pick up my cuz Anita, so we went and did that. She was
ready and again we found ourselves flying to Zone S
Once there, there was Sister Cirila and others waiting. We took our
own sweet time to talk, greet everyone and chill waiting for the
children to show up.
At about 7pm we started. I had made my little plan. Managing this
class is super extremely difficult and I feel totally pushed to the
extremest of my patience!
It is totally awesome though! These kids are all in the category of
High risk. They all come from very difficult families!
Still, I saw the interaction with them. They all get distracted, they
all need have behavior problems. I am learning to be chill in very
intense situations, praise God for this type of training.
All these years, hearing about student-centered lessons and views. Has
definitely made an impact in me, which is what I totally agree with.
It is the children that needs to discover, experience and learn, by
doing mostly and there we are to listen, to guide, to correct even in
the ignorance of our capacities.
Well, I am tired as I write this. After this we still, had more stuff to face.
Meeting at Jerusalen.
Pablo took us down to church. There misunderstanding had led to the
playing of an unwanted movie.
I grabbed Daniel, Johnathan, Erick to ask them to meet on the next
day. They all agreed.
There was Eduardo the drummer. Oh this could so much longer again. I
remember all those nights he, JuanPablo and I spent together. I love
him. I miss him. But life must move on. We hung out till after
midnight.
Made it home and hit the books attempting to prepare for Sunday. Read
till about 1am and then finally collapsed.
Got up at 6am. Prayed, got some water boiling, got ready and left.
There were the brothers. About 6. We sang old hymns and I shared from
Acts 3. Praise God for His sweet and beloved Word. God is so super
faithful, we all humans suck! Terribly! God is perfect and loving,
redeeming and merciful!
After this, sister SO AND SO treated some juice right across the
street and then I called Johnathan to see about his clothing. He said
he'd meet me. I went and bought some fruit for the week and met up
with him.
Went to my house and got laundry going on. Got some stuff and
brother!! Black COFFEE does it in the morning!
We read and talked about the lesson that we both were going to teach,
but at different places.
I love Johnathan, he is an example to follow, not the ultimate one,
but his life is another book.
Allright, so then what! what! ! what!!
Pablo pulled out and yelled my name! Off we rode flying to pick my cuz
Anita again. Dropped Johnathan at Jerusalen Church and headed to Zone
S.
There by Alcantara shop, I spotted Judith and Thalia. They both had
just started their way up . We picked them up and off we were.
Alright, made it there and had a super blast.
Children, if well taught can totally direct and lead on their own.
They need to be taught and confronted, it is all about teaching and
passing on.
They know the songs, they can totally take charge and lead on!
The lesson, did not go perfect, nothing goes perfect anyway. I saw,
sensed, felt and totally inhaled the need of more rooms to have more
privacy. I pray that I will remember to write down for or talk with
Damaris about the current situation.
I had everyone read a little something from the books. We need to
separate them by ages. Give them different activities and tasks.
I NEED TO BECOME LESS SELF-CENTERED
Well. I am done. What??? Is there more? Yes, there is more!!
What is it??
uh,,,,. I came down to Jerusalen church and found those whom we were
going to have lunch with. We went outside. There was a lady selling
food for 4 soles a plate. In the middle of the street and in the
middle of nowhere. I am not sure about cleaning environments, let us
say, we ate with faith.
Then we went inside to talk about the current church situation. It was
tough, good, GOOD! Difficult, but it helps us and everyone see that we
are all difficult and have so many different personalities.
I was too tired.
Went home in Huaycan. Took a shower. Mototaxied to 15 de Julio. Got on
a van and passed out. A guy woke me at the last stop.
I am back to this super nice apartment that belongs to God through the IMB.
Tomorrow ICSL classes start back up
BRING IT!!!!
Dear brothers and sisters.
I am coming back to you again with my thoughts on life.
Again, keep in mind, that I am an EFL Student, so this text will be
subjected to MANY mistakes in the English Language.
Still, I will try to express myself in the best possible way.
One more weekend in Huaycan.
I woke up pretty late on Saturday morning, thinking about the many
things I needed to do. I also thought about my failures towards God.
My flesh fights against the Spirit in the forms of lust, lack of
discipline, selfishness and others, maybe ALL the others.
Still, I thought how I could not stop right there, needed to be
straight with our Lord Jesus Christ and move on.
I spent part of the morning reading this book for ICSL training on
Philosophy of Christian Education. I remember reading some good stuff
about truth and education related topics, though if you asked me what
exactly is that what I read, I would not be able to tell you. My brain
can not simply remember. I praise God still.
Well, I am trying to think about the priorities, and I think the most
important one is that, Matt and I went to Surquillo Market and bought
some good stuff, food and house utensils.
We ate some ceviche and chilcano. Life is indeed crazy, I could recall
eating ceviche with so many people at that one little spot in
Surquillo Market. I even remember having ceviche with Jessica and her
parents. How crazy!
Anyway, we came back home and put stuff away. I cooked my second batch
of food. This time I made some lentils and chicken. I wanted to make
sure that I had enough for the whole week, I thought, if even possible
for two weeks straight.
Matt was in such cleaning-mood. That was indeed neat to see. He
cleaned every single room in the apartment. When I was finished
cooking I cleaned some of my room as well and sorted out some of my
own belongings.
Then, I was ready to take off and head to Huaycan. I did so. The day
so extremely chill. Walked to the bus stop and got in one bus and sat
till I got off in Lima downtown. I walked to the chosica van stop. Got
in one van. 7 soles to Huaycan entrance is not bad at all, considering
the fact that it is a 45 min taxi ride. Did I sleep? Heck yeah!!
Got off in Huaycan entrance, called Josue and Damaris. They were there
waiting on a bus to pass by. Well, I hung out with them till I see fit
to leave.
I had to go and do Damaris a favor. I went to talk to Daniel, her
brother. I took a combi and got off at sedapal stop. Got off and took
a mototaxi. Once in Parque Industrial, I found out that Daniel had
just left to go play soccer. I walked to the soccer court, I saw him
and asked him if he had bought his father's medicine. He said he
hadn't, As all of this is happening I saw lots of the people that are
right there at el parque industrial. Lots of them are Hinostrozas. A
big family, very big family whom I am well acquainted with.
Anyway, I took off and headed to buy Brother Moises's medicine.
Flagged down a mototaxi. The driver made the engine wine and off we
were, on the corner of my right eye I saw someone familiar. There was
a tall American lady talking with a very small child. Amber Daivis.
I still wonder, how crazy is that that God has called this woman to
serve in Huaycan. Its very awesome.
All that took place in less than five seconds when I had an idea. I
called Pablo and asked him to pick me up, since I was totally sure
he'd come to get medicine for his father.
I called him and got him hooked up to come. I got off in Quince de
Julio. Walked to Jucabeth, and found this young man who likes video
games, I tried to use that to have something to talk about. Video
games preferences.
In the mean time, in the back of my head, I thought , what else can I
use/ say to talk to him?
Jucabeth was super busy attending people. Her hard-ware shop is
located in the middle of Huaycan.
Now, as I was talking with this young man, Jucabeth needed some help
and I said go help her!
Then on the corner of my left eye I saw Pablo pulling out, I said, I
will see you guys later and to Jucabeth, tomorrow! And off I was. It
didn't talk a long walk till I realized that the store where I had
needed to go was closed. I shook hands with Pablo and I got on sitting
right on his left!
Like we do it in Huaycan!
Allright, I was with Pablo now! This dude knows how to ride a
mototaxi! Super nice fast!
Off we were to pick up my cuz Anita, so we went and did that. She was
ready and again we found ourselves flying to Zone S
Once there, there was Sister Cirila and others waiting. We took our
own sweet time to talk, greet everyone and chill waiting for the
children to show up.
At about 7pm we started. I had made my little plan. Managing this
class is super extremely difficult and I feel totally pushed to the
extremest of my patience!
It is totally awesome though! These kids are all in the category of
High risk. They all come from very difficult families!
Still, I saw the interaction with them. They all get distracted, they
all need have behavior problems. I am learning to be chill in very
intense situations, praise God for this type of training.
All these years, hearing about student-centered lessons and views. Has
definitely made an impact in me, which is what I totally agree with.
It is the children that needs to discover, experience and learn, by
doing mostly and there we are to listen, to guide, to correct even in
the ignorance of our capacities.
Well, I am tired as I write this. After this we still, had more stuff to face.
Meeting at Jerusalen.
Pablo took us down to church. There misunderstanding had led to the
playing of an unwanted movie.
I grabbed Daniel, Johnathan, Erick to ask them to meet on the next
day. They all agreed.
There was Eduardo the drummer. Oh this could so much longer again. I
remember all those nights he, JuanPablo and I spent together. I love
him. I miss him. But life must move on. We hung out till after
midnight.
Made it home and hit the books attempting to prepare for Sunday. Read
till about 1am and then finally collapsed.
Got up at 6am. Prayed, got some water boiling, got ready and left.
There were the brothers. About 6. We sang old hymns and I shared from
Acts 3. Praise God for His sweet and beloved Word. God is so super
faithful, we all humans suck! Terribly! God is perfect and loving,
redeeming and merciful!
After this, sister SO AND SO treated some juice right across the
street and then I called Johnathan to see about his clothing. He said
he'd meet me. I went and bought some fruit for the week and met up
with him.
Went to my house and got laundry going on. Got some stuff and
brother!! Black COFFEE does it in the morning!
We read and talked about the lesson that we both were going to teach,
but at different places.
I love Johnathan, he is an example to follow, not the ultimate one,
but his life is another book.
Allright, so then what! what! ! what!!
Pablo pulled out and yelled my name! Off we rode flying to pick my cuz
Anita again. Dropped Johnathan at Jerusalen Church and headed to Zone
S.
There by Alcantara shop, I spotted Judith and Thalia. They both had
just started their way up . We picked them up and off we were.
Alright, made it there and had a super blast.
Children, if well taught can totally direct and lead on their own.
They need to be taught and confronted, it is all about teaching and
passing on.
They know the songs, they can totally take charge and lead on!
The lesson, did not go perfect, nothing goes perfect anyway. I saw,
sensed, felt and totally inhaled the need of more rooms to have more
privacy. I pray that I will remember to write down for or talk with
Damaris about the current situation.
I had everyone read a little something from the books. We need to
separate them by ages. Give them different activities and tasks.
I NEED TO BECOME LESS SELF-CENTERED
Well. I am done. What??? Is there more? Yes, there is more!!
What is it??
uh,,,,. I came down to Jerusalen church and found those whom we were
going to have lunch with. We went outside. There was a lady selling
food for 4 soles a plate. In the middle of the street and in the
middle of nowhere. I am not sure about cleaning environments, let us
say, we ate with faith.
Then we went inside to talk about the current church situation. It was
tough, good, GOOD! Difficult, but it helps us and everyone see that we
are all difficult and have so many different personalities.
I was too tired.
Went home in Huaycan. Took a shower. Mototaxied to 15 de Julio. Got on
a van and passed out. A guy woke me at the last stop.
I am back to this super nice apartment that belongs to God through the IMB.
Tomorrow ICSL classes start back up
BRING IT!!!!
09 February 2013
Little update
Dear Brethren,
It must feel so weird not getting any updates. I thought the other
day, man, I have not sent anything since before Christmas 2012. When
in the mountains, I used to send updates every weekend, now I have
access to fast Internet and I have not sent anything at all.
So I wanted to share a little bit on the things that have taken place
ever since I returned from the mountains in Southern Ayacucho.
I spent Christmas with my parents in Huancayo, then, I came back to
Lima and spent New Year on my own watching the Fireworks. Lima folks
do like to celebrate the receiving of a new year with food, parties
and lots of colorful and noisy fireworks. Very cool stuff. I thank God
for the family that has been hosting me allowing me to stay with them.
January 2013 kicked off with two trainings. Training for English
teachers which I had started back in February 2012. It was supposed to
last for 6 months, but I made it last for about 1 year. I took months
off to travel and do ministry. Alongside this, I decided to enroll in
French Training. I can share with you that I had wanted to dig into
French for a while, since the opportunity was given now, I went and
took that up.
In the back of mind, was the desire to continue to do ministry
regardless of the place. When I came back, my home church in Huaycan
which is about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from the main/nice area of
Lima city, took me back in and manifested its full spiritual support.
So, I simply decided to continue to help with the discipleship of
youth on Saturday nights and the sharing of the Word on Sunday early
morning service. We meet at 7am on Sundays. My church is very small,
we are about 30 people. My church is helping this even smaller church
at a different zone in Huaycan. So after morning service we go and
help the Sunday Bible school for Children with even crazier kids!
These kids fight, cuss, misbehave and run! I do lack a specific
training to be with these kind of kids but I understand the Holy
Spirit guides me. Show Christ to these kids through my own actions.
Anyway, this is how my weekends have been used up till the current date.
Now, January and my Teachers training finished and two days later I
started my new job and mission field at ICSL which stands for
International Christian School of Lima.
Yesterday was the last of my very first week facing and interacting
with Bilingual and some times trilingual kids. I feel like my brain is
still processing all of this in all honesty. It is a tremendous
blessing from the Lord. To be able to minister with and to
internationals in a Christian Educational setting is very intense.
This week I was able to meet 1st, 2nd, 4th and 4th grade children.
These kids are so excellent!! The teachers that I am helping are so
great and godly! The director full support is wow. See, I could go on
and on. I am overwhelmed by how the Lord has blessed me. My brain is
fried already and its like 9:14am. ha,ha.
I do have a little extra something to share, we were in chapel one day
and there were two Asian kids sitting next to me. The teacher who was
leading chapel asked us to bow our heads to end the session in prayer.
It seemed like the two kids told me in unison : "We don't believe in
God. We are Buddha" I know this is not grammatically correct. They
are learning English.
I said: " Just talk to God. He is your friend. Tell Him what's up and
whatever you feel like telling him. You don't have to talk to Him in
English. Talk to Him in Chinese or Korean"
Please, pray as I myself am immersing in this Teaching world and this
new mission field. Pray for ICSL Staff, they are the only Jesus Christ
these many kids get.
Will be back to you later.
"... but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon
you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea
and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."
Acts 1:8
Brother Salomon
It must feel so weird not getting any updates. I thought the other
day, man, I have not sent anything since before Christmas 2012. When
in the mountains, I used to send updates every weekend, now I have
access to fast Internet and I have not sent anything at all.
So I wanted to share a little bit on the things that have taken place
ever since I returned from the mountains in Southern Ayacucho.
I spent Christmas with my parents in Huancayo, then, I came back to
Lima and spent New Year on my own watching the Fireworks. Lima folks
do like to celebrate the receiving of a new year with food, parties
and lots of colorful and noisy fireworks. Very cool stuff. I thank God
for the family that has been hosting me allowing me to stay with them.
January 2013 kicked off with two trainings. Training for English
teachers which I had started back in February 2012. It was supposed to
last for 6 months, but I made it last for about 1 year. I took months
off to travel and do ministry. Alongside this, I decided to enroll in
French Training. I can share with you that I had wanted to dig into
French for a while, since the opportunity was given now, I went and
took that up.
In the back of mind, was the desire to continue to do ministry
regardless of the place. When I came back, my home church in Huaycan
which is about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from the main/nice area of
Lima city, took me back in and manifested its full spiritual support.
So, I simply decided to continue to help with the discipleship of
youth on Saturday nights and the sharing of the Word on Sunday early
morning service. We meet at 7am on Sundays. My church is very small,
we are about 30 people. My church is helping this even smaller church
at a different zone in Huaycan. So after morning service we go and
help the Sunday Bible school for Children with even crazier kids!
These kids fight, cuss, misbehave and run! I do lack a specific
training to be with these kind of kids but I understand the Holy
Spirit guides me. Show Christ to these kids through my own actions.
Anyway, this is how my weekends have been used up till the current date.
Now, January and my Teachers training finished and two days later I
started my new job and mission field at ICSL which stands for
International Christian School of Lima.
Yesterday was the last of my very first week facing and interacting
with Bilingual and some times trilingual kids. I feel like my brain is
still processing all of this in all honesty. It is a tremendous
blessing from the Lord. To be able to minister with and to
internationals in a Christian Educational setting is very intense.
This week I was able to meet 1st, 2nd, 4th and 4th grade children.
These kids are so excellent!! The teachers that I am helping are so
great and godly! The director full support is wow. See, I could go on
and on. I am overwhelmed by how the Lord has blessed me. My brain is
fried already and its like 9:14am. ha,ha.
I do have a little extra something to share, we were in chapel one day
and there were two Asian kids sitting next to me. The teacher who was
leading chapel asked us to bow our heads to end the session in prayer.
It seemed like the two kids told me in unison : "We don't believe in
God. We are Buddha" I know this is not grammatically correct. They
are learning English.
I said: " Just talk to God. He is your friend. Tell Him what's up and
whatever you feel like telling him. You don't have to talk to Him in
English. Talk to Him in Chinese or Korean"
Please, pray as I myself am immersing in this Teaching world and this
new mission field. Pray for ICSL Staff, they are the only Jesus Christ
these many kids get.
Will be back to you later.
"... but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon
you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea
and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."
Acts 1:8
Brother Salomon
08 December 2012
Update from Paucar del Sara Sara Ayacucho
Saturday December 1st 2012
At lunch time we had met a guy named Diego. He is about 16 years old.
He opened up to us and so we used that time to get to know him. He is
originally from San Javier, but has come to Marcabamba to study with
his sister.
After lunch we took a small walk with Diego till we made it to his
home where we split.
In the afternoon, we rested some and tried to prepare for the weeks to
come. Our dear Pastor Daryl called us. It is so sweet to hear a
familiar voice. It is very encouraging and uplifting.
Then we had a soccer game at a paved court up the road. We got to see
some familiar faces.
After the game we talked with Diego some more and we agreed to meet up
again to hang out or play soccer or whatever.
For dinner we went to see Fanny and had a very healthy sort of drink
made of cereal, it was very thick. We asked Paul to pray and to our
surprise he did, Fanny was not there when he did. She is always going
crazy talking and doing about thousand things at the same time.
Reminds lots of myself, super ADD.
As conversation went along, we told Fanny that Paul had prayed over
for dinner and she laughed hysterically. She could not just grasp that
fact.
Sunday December 2nd 2012
Got up a bit late. About 6am :)
The both us did have a good time in prayer and reading scriptures. Our
brother Stephen Reams had given us a very convenient-size electric
stove. I brought it from Lima not really expecting to use it much. It
has proved me wrong. In Marcabamba, we have been boiling water tons!
And this morning I made breakfast. A very thick meal made of oatmeal,
sugar and milk. Later on I was told that I could have boiled the water
with cinnamon and clove to boost its flavor.
We have a very tiny pot and a skillet. I made scrambles eggs and since
we did not have any salt I cut small pieces of mountain cheese and
stirred it all together.
Was not bad at all. A bit too sweet but it was thick still!!
Went to Fanny's and she like always gave us her time. We hung out
talking about our lives. Encouraging us tons. Providing words of
affirmation. She shared with us that she misses busy, city-like type
of life. Marcabamba is super way too chill so many times. She is
praying for direction. Please pray for her. She might leave Marcabamba
at the end of this year for good. Still, nothing has been said on
stone.
We also listened to some of her music. She has very varied likes from
Indian , to Italian solo opera classic, Rock, Huayno etc. Very cool
stuff.
Paul, who at first seemed at bit cold toward us is opening little by
little. He loves soccer. So every single time we talk about it he is
into it. Pray for him, as I sense he does understand the gospel very
well but are some things in his life that are way too strong for him
to let go.
We went back home and rested for a while.
A very special prayer request that I have is for Pedro. A while ago,
we found out his father has cancer. I apologize for not mentioning
this any earlier. This, I am pretty sure has been very hard on him.
Back in Huancayo, he mentioned to us how hard it was taking off from
where he lives, leaving his family behind.
The day we departed for this trip. Pedro was already late and since he
does not live too far away from where I live, I walked to his home and
I was just getting close when I saw Pedro and his brother Pablo coming
out. They both had tears in their eyes. I had never seen any one of
them cry like this. I gave Pablo a hug. And walked away with Pedro.
Not only this, but he is not even 20 years old. So he has his times
when he misses people his age. People that talk like him. Friends and
all that. I am very sure this is a super good time for him to grow and
mature. He has already shown his good skills and God-given gifts. When
he does focus on sharing His Word, he does an outstanding job. He is
teaching me lots as well.
Anyway, back to Marcabamba. We walked around a little inviting people
to meet in the evening.
Pedro was not feeling well. I suggested to take a cold shower and rest
some. So he did. At some point I heard people kicking the ball and
looked through the window. I knocked on Pedro's door and there was no
response.
I went to the soccer field and played for a while. Came back, showered
and got ready for the evening meeting. Pedro was still sleeping. I had
to come in his room and wake him up.
Only Ruth, a lady who has a leg problem, came to the meeting. Her
presence was very encouraging. We talked a little bit about our week.
Prayed and read the scriptures in Colossians.
After that, we prayed for in very specific ways, that the Lord would
give us humility, peace to our hearts and patience. That we would bear
with one another, and the hardest of all, that we would forgive one
another. This church is made of like 5 people. Please. Pray for this
church, that they would make amends and that the forgiving love of
Christ would take control of their lives. These are the just few
people supposed to the be the light of Christ in this town. They need
to be united.
Monday December 3rd 2012
Were awakened by a knock on the door. The van is here!! Hurry! We
rushed and packed what was left in less that 5 min. Got on the van.
And off we were for Ushua. We made it safe and sound. Fairly smooth
ride. Walked to Florencia and Adalberto's. Were very welcomed as
always. Had breakfast after Pedro prayed for the meal.
Checked in to our Ushua house, rested a little, spent some time
reading some of the Scriptures and did laundry.
We can notice that clouds are gathering faster and faster. Please pray
that rain would hold off for at least one or two more weeks. When rain
comes life is much, much harder.
After laundry we prepared some on our plans and Bible stories. Then,
we went to have lunch. As conversation went by we got into talking
about their believes. They said that they no longer hold their Incas
believes but now they have their own believes. We talked about several
things that affect their views on their income. As the offering of
food, alcohol to the earth. Sra Florencia said something about having
faith that it would give you a good produce. The offering of animals
and money to the mine. And the pact "dialogue" with the devil for
prosperity.
Please pray for these two people again. Nothing can change their views
on putting their trust and faith alone on Christ but God himself.
After lunch, we read some more of the stories and then we went to see
Bill and his brother.
Ronald's motorbike had been fixed so he was not home. Bill came out
and we all went down to the school court to play soccer. A little
later, Ronald, Jonathan, Pizarro and a new guy named Carlos came and
joined. After the match we went to see Teacher Nancy.
At her store, Teacher Nancy and her husband Don Percy talked to us for
a little bit. They have customers here and there so it is hard to have
privacy to be with them alone. Still, Teacher Nancy shared with us she
has a super strong gastritis and a 2cm stone in one of her organs. She
is going to Lima very soon since she needs to be treated as soon as
possible. She might have to go through surgery.
Please pray for Teacher Nancy's health. And for their understanding of
scriptures. We told them we would come visit for the next two Mondays.
At dinner time, Don Adalberto and Mrs Florencia shared the meal with
us. We talked about several things, always trying to bring Christ to
the topic. We are coming closer and closer. Please pray for this
couple's salvation and understanding. They are very catholic.
Tuesday December 4th 2012
Had a good night of rest. Got up with a good time in prayer and in the
word. Had breakfast with our adopted grandparents, Florencia and
Adalberto.
It is neat that things have come to be in a way that we are allowed to
pray very openly and out loud at every single meal with them. So in
our prayers we always make sure we make a total focus on Christ and
His provision for us. When we pray with them, we have also used the
Lord's prayer, which is very well known to our catholic partners. Not
only that, we recite scriptures in our prayers since we have not been
able to Bible story with them.
We have definitely broken through a big catholic barrier. Since we are
becoming more like family. Mrs Florencia is confiding in us more and
more sharing her very life and issues, so we do, I make it reciprocal
and share from my own struggles bringing Christ to the center of it.
After breakfast Pedro and I decided to rest. We went down to the hot
springs in Ushua. We had a sweet time talking about our very issues as
guys. We had a that which you call heart-to-heart talk. We brought up
topics in our current daily struggles and we were able to share in the
presence of God.
Hiked back up to town and as soon as we started walking through the
first houses it started to grizzle. When we made to Florencia's it was
raining. Ran home and took my clothes back inside and then went to
Florencia's for lunch. By now its pouring down. Well, let me just
share that I do hope it is only for today. The sky is black and the
fog is super thick. I can barely see house across the street.
We were supposed to go see Yeni and Maria in Pampachacra. Instead we
resolved to sent a letter with a local high school student who had
come to Ushua.
We were able to visit Saul. The man in charge of the hospital (
Health-center) in Ushua. We had visited him back in October. Then he
had shared with us his marital issues. Now he seemed to be doing
better with that. We encouraged and gave him a Bible. He asked us to
pray for his daugther Azumi, about 5 years old who lives in Pauza with
her mom Yovana. Azumi has some weird problems with her legs.
Pray for this entire family, for their salvation first and then for
their marriage. Pray that Saul would actually be burdened by God to
read his new Bible.
At dinner time, we asked Mr Adalberto to pray over our meal and he
did. It was a very unexpected non-catholic prayer but it was more like
a conversation he had there with God. Please continue to pray for this
couple. Other than that, we are simply sharing life with them.
One more prayer request, it is not a surprise to see kids drinking
here. So please pray for Manuel and Wilder who are high school
students and drink like horses here. ( I wonder if that makes sense in
English) We leave for Oyolo in the morning. Should get up at 4am so
good night.
Wednesday December 5th 2012
Well, today was a very unusual day. We got up a bit too late to catch
the combi to Oyolo. So we missed it. As I walked back I sensed my
spirit very tense thinking what would become of today. I can not deny
that I have felt very restless thinking about how things are NOT going
our way, our plans ARE not taking place. Our schedule changes all the
time and we are pushed to be more flexible than ever.
Back at our place, I told Pedro :
"Let us have a time to pray and to meditate in His Word on our own" He agreed.
So I prayed for that which has been bothering and annoying me some
these days. My plans are definitely not His plans, and my selfishness
blinds me to accept it and with a humble heart say, Thank you Lord,
Praised be your name.
Still after we had our time. We went to have breakfast with Florencia
and Adalberto. Mr Adalberto said, maybe God wants you to stay longer
here for a reason.
Kids about 11 and 12 years old are usually in their 6th grade Primary
School. This is the last year for primary school . They are a "
promocion". The 6th grade school prom from Oyolo is here . They were
going to the hot springs. The teacher invited us.
I was a bit reluctant to go again. I could just not see going down
there twice in a week.
Having peace about doing something is still very hard to discern when
there are many plans made before hand.
So these kids left for the hot springs. Pedro and I decided to go with
them. So we went and bought some small snacks for lunch and off we
were down the zigzagged path.
When we arrived they were already enjoying the warm water. Most of
these kids did not know how to swim. So I got in the water and helped
the teacher to teach them basics on swimming as paddling and floating.
It was a very nice and busy morning and afternoon teaching the kids
how to swim. Now, I want to mention here that they do not ever, ever
get a chance to go a swimming pool. There is none anywhere in the
region. The weather itself is way too cold for anything of that matter
to take place. So these hot springs were probably there chance in a
super long while to learn and get acquainted with how being in water
feels.
I can not believe that 2011 Ginny Chandler's one hour lesson was
paying off now. She took me to these very nice underground swimming
pools about one day before I took off back to Oyolo in 2011. Then when
I came back to this region, I would come to these hot springs on my
own to exercise and practice what she had taught me about swimming.
Thanks Ginny. It was not wasted.
It was fun. Being with those kids. One at a time. I know this does not
have anything to do with preaching, Bible story telling or anything of
that type. That way I felt it was more like, human to human
interaction. Children to adult like. The trust they pour on you when
they jump off in the water believing you will catch them and won't let
them drown.
Something more cool than that was that it started raining while we
were there. It is 9pm. It has not stopped since then. Welcome to the
rainy season again. Our hike back was nice. It was very soaking wet.
These kids reminded me of ICSL kids when I would go and spend a week
with them. Trying to sow God's seed in their hearts. I felt the very
opened door that a teacher has to influence his kids around him.
So, back home. Dry and warmly clothed, plus a full nalgene of hot
barley drink Pedro and I had the idea to treat the kids some jello. We
knew Mrs Florencia had made some today. So we went, got what she had
left and took it to the kids. We were all watching a movie when we
realized every single one had passed out. We left.
Well, it is still raining. So I am hitting the sack. I do not want to
miss the combi tomorrow morning again.
Thursday December 6th 2012.
I was soundly asleep but I could somewhat still hear hear the rain
drops hit the tan-roof all through the night. At some point I heard a
very strong voice yelling my name telling me to get up! It was Pedro
who had actually awoken at the alarm signal! He is a heavy sleeper so
I was surprised he was up. It was about 4:14am. I did not get up right
away, I laid there trying to pray half-sleep fighting a fall back into
sleeping. I got up, packed and went to Pedro's room. We left. Went
down the road and got to where there is cellphone signal. It is about
5am. Pedro made some early phone calls. I was laughing the whole time.
Who in this world call at 5am? Those who picked up were not mad at
all.
Then we saw some of those students from Oyolo coming our way. We hung
out with them walking with them to the stores. Then we went back with
them to where they were staying and stayed there till the combi showed
up. I like these kids a whole lot. They are full of energy.
Got into the combi. It is still raining. The driver worked fixing the
plastic tarp to cover my backpack on the roof of this small van. It
was packed. I was going to have to ride standing till Oyolo. On the
way there were several who got sick and threw up in plastic bags.
As I had expected there were several sections where rocks had fallen
that the driver and its helper had to get out to move the rocks
throwing them on the side which usually its a drop off down to the
river.
Once in Oyolo. All of these kids got off. We told the teacher we
should be back next week. And off we were to Marcabamba. We were doing
just fine till Pomacocha, a small village. We stopped and the driver
turned the engine off.
I was somewhat asleep when I realized I had to go to the restroom. I
got off and walked to a clearance and peed there.
It is still raining, but this time the rain is more like a thick
grizzle. I decided to walk to see what was actually going on. There
were lots of people working, men and women.
There are long wholes along the road. People were digging ditches to
put in the PVC pipes systems to connect them later to their houses for
waste draining.
The problem was that there was mud everywhere. Incredible adverse
conditions to work in. I kept walking and realized that the van was
going to have very small room to pass. Made it to this house where I
knew the owner and greeted her warmly. Then I turned and saw what was
actually causing the delay. There was a truck stuck in mud. The rear
right wheels were at a hand away from the ditch. The whole road is
full of mud. All the wheels are covered in mud. There are two men
working with shovels and pickaxes. I went to the local public restroom
this time. Came out and walked back to the store. Where I met Pedro
and Mrs Teresa. There we had very hot coffee. Rain makes the weather
miserably cold. After that, we decided go help. We started cleaning a
section of the stuck truck. We poured some dry dirt to help all along
the front and back wheels. After a while they were confident the truck
could come back out and so it did. By now there were three vans in
line waiting to pass by.
We plus others cleaned the mud off the road making it smoother and
drier. The first van passed by with no problem. The second one did a
bad move and sunk in mud. I saw half of the up front wheel sunk in
mud. The driver called on more men and we lifted the van towards on
side. Then it maneuvered its way out. Finally our van made it through
without a problem.
Praise God, we were on the road again. Rain does not have mercy on
these roads. At some point the road was so steep that we had to get
out again to push it. We got it going again, it did not stop for a bit
and we had to walk.
We passed by lots of places where mud made it very risky to drive
through. We passed several trucks with goodies/cargo which had to go
very carefully and slowly, especially on curves.
Thank God, we made it to a section where the road was fairly dried and
finally made it to Marcabamba.
We cleaned off all the mud in our shoes and clothes.
Mrs Teresa, her daughter and her granddaughter were passing by
Marcabamba. We visited with them at lunch time. It was neat having
lunch with a family whom we would normally eat at their store in
Oyolo. Now we both were at a different place, neither of us belongs to
Marcabamba but still we were eating at the same table.
Pastor Antonio arrived not too soon afterward. He got to meet Mrs
Teresa and Lizet, too bad they were on their way out to Pauza. It
would have been neat to have them come to church tonight.
Later on, we visited Nelly, she is always willing to talk if she has
time. We are often trying to find excuses to go see her. Sometimes we
just go to buy a little goodie or something small in order to steal
from her a few seconds.
Before the evening meeting began, Pastor Antonio and I had a good
talk. We talked lots on his experiences as a missionary to this
region. People whom he has met, struggles and difficulties.
Please do pray for Pastor Antonio as he considers moving down to
Marcabamba for a period of time. He said he would like to buy a piece
of land to build a church in Pauza. After that happens, Lord's
willing, he would like to come and live here for a few years and then
move to Cora Cora a bigger town.
At the evening meeting we were five people, Hernan, Fanny, Pedro,
Pastor Antonio and I. A good time to sing some Christmas-spiced songs
and a time in the Word in the book of John.
Friday December 7th 2012
Today our expectations were, I guess, focused on an arranged meeting
at the high school. After we had breakfast and spent some time praying
we planned some on what we were going to say and do at the high
school. Then we walked to the school to see if they were actually
going to let us be with the students. The principal was not there,
instead, a very kind coordinator-man helped us out. He told us to
come back at 1:05pm. We would have 45 min to do whatever we were going
to do.
So we left the school and walked back home to finalize our project. We
had prayed and we had decided we would talk about on why sex should
wait till marriage. This came due to the massive teenage pregnancy
taking place in this region.
We had about 15 students plus one of the teacher gathered in one
class. Things went very smoothly except by one of the ice-breakers
where we did not have the materials needed.
We used two christian reggeaton songs to catch their attention on the
lyrics and their message. We extracted lots of the students
previous-knowledge on the topic. We heard their many reasons and
answers to the questions we posed. And finally we presented Biblical
passages supporting the main theme's ideas.
Diego was in the class, he came to us and said, yeah it was not too
bad. We thanked him and laughed. He asked us if we were going to have
lunch at Anitas's, we nodded and arranged to have lunch together.
There at Anita's we had a good time talking about our class, and many
things. He seems interested in learning more about the Creator. Please
pray for him as he is the first high school male student whom we have
just started to develop a friendship with. At lunch time, we explained
very widely what the gospel was and meant to us. He was thinking and
listening very intently.
After lunch, Pedro and Diego came home and hung out some while I was
doing some errands trying to find ingredients to make jello and flan.
A bit afterward I came back and Diego was gone.
This afternoon was different. I simply felt weird with not too much
energy. Maybe lazyness or lack of spiritual strength. Pedro and I got
a movie and watched it.
After this we went to see Teacher Ruth whom we understand is a
believer. She opened her door and fixed some dinner for us. A hot
drink, bread and two fried eggs. There we saw the different reality in
her house when her husband is not home.
Her husband works lots on the mine. She does have a hard time working
and raising her two daughters. She feels sad since her daughters do
not understand her and make her mad. She has had surgery and when she
gets mad she gets sick.
Hirka, the oldest daughter is entering into her teen times, so her
behavior is changing.
Please pray for Ruth, her two daughters Hirka and Cindy. Pray the Lord
would help them in times where the man of the house is far away
working. Pray for their salvation . We have found out that Ruth, who
is looked as a Christian believer in the town, has recently accepted
to donate a bull for 2013 yearly festival in November along with
fireworks. I personally do not find anything wrong with this.
It has to do more with how outsiders and local christians look at
this. Bible tells us we should not be a stumbling block and so local
believers feel very bad about this since they see this as part of
idolatry or idol-worship. It is for love to those that we need to
choose how to act accordingly.
Right before the night time. I had the same feelings. The devil has
been attacking with thoughts and feelings of failure and incapacity.
The evil one has been trying to tell me that we are not doing much.
That which we are doing is not enough. That there could be done so
much more. I can not deny that I have felt overwhelmed by how much
there is and how huge the work of Christ is.
This creates anxiety in me. Since I have been feeling like I have been
lacking passion and extreme desire to go and share Christ.
Right before I went to bed, I put on my headphones and started
listening one of David Platt's sermons. One of lines went like: " I
was on my way back on the plane, I could barely stay seated, I was so
eager to be home and share what the Lord has been telling me to share
with the church. There was a guy next to me who did not speak English,
'cuz if he did, he would have had to listen an 8 hours sermon"
I felt like, why is there not that desire in me? To share Christ for 8
hours? I prayed and slept.
Saturday December 8th 2012
Did not sleep too well. I wonder if my body is becoming weaker and
weaker and can not stand the floor like it used to.
Talked to the Father, felt the urgency to get up and get going with
the day though there was nothing planned. Read the scriptures some and
had to repent from my sins.
Went out and talked to Mrs Irene. She asked who I was and what I was
doing in Marcabamba.
I responded with the truth. Then she started sharing with me a bit of
her life, how she was a christian when she was fifteen. She came to
Christ at that very young age while she was living in Lima. Years had
passed and she had come back to the mountains. Where she stopped
attending church and obviously spiritual life drops. At her store I
saw a man ( I assumed it was her husband) coming out with two bottles
of beer. She does sell alcohol and beer.
I still felt somewhat weird from the day be fore's events and so I
shared from my own struggles and how what Christ does in times like
these.
Since the local believers testimonies are not the greatest, which is I
believe truth in every single church in the world, I went on shared
what Christ does for the church, the body of Christ on a daily basis,
cleansing us, forgiving us and justifying us for His own glory. How we
ought not to focus on our neighbor's sin but that scriptures tells us
we should have our eyes fixed on Jesus.
She asked if we had Bibles. I said I would see about that. Left her
store and walked back home. Found that the power was gone. So we
decided to go see Fanny. Maybe she would want to share breakfast with
us and I thought I would do laundry there since we do not have lots of
room to do it here.
Grabbed a Bible and walked to Mrs Irene's store. Waited till she came
out. Gave her the Bible, she asked how much she owed us. We said,
nothing. Fare-welled and walked to Fanny's. Knocked the door and Paul
opened it. Just like every single time we talked to him about current
things, there standing at the door. It is very difficult to read him.
His behavior is very unpredictable.
There was Fanny who seemed a bit annoyed. We explained what we wanted
to do. She allowed us to use her big sink to do laundry. I hand-washed
my clothes and Pedro's jeans. Hopefully it will not rain today.
Had breakfast and she told us how this person had failed to come see
her. She had been waiting very eagerly. I do know how that feels. I
said nothing but tried to keep a calmed spirit.
That is it for this week. Before I forget, let me share what I read
this morning. It does express how my heart has felt not and so I had
to make amends with our Father.
Love from your brother Solomon.
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
And He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your judgment as the noonday.
Psalm 37:3-6
At lunch time we had met a guy named Diego. He is about 16 years old.
He opened up to us and so we used that time to get to know him. He is
originally from San Javier, but has come to Marcabamba to study with
his sister.
After lunch we took a small walk with Diego till we made it to his
home where we split.
In the afternoon, we rested some and tried to prepare for the weeks to
come. Our dear Pastor Daryl called us. It is so sweet to hear a
familiar voice. It is very encouraging and uplifting.
Then we had a soccer game at a paved court up the road. We got to see
some familiar faces.
After the game we talked with Diego some more and we agreed to meet up
again to hang out or play soccer or whatever.
For dinner we went to see Fanny and had a very healthy sort of drink
made of cereal, it was very thick. We asked Paul to pray and to our
surprise he did, Fanny was not there when he did. She is always going
crazy talking and doing about thousand things at the same time.
Reminds lots of myself, super ADD.
As conversation went along, we told Fanny that Paul had prayed over
for dinner and she laughed hysterically. She could not just grasp that
fact.
Sunday December 2nd 2012
Got up a bit late. About 6am :)
The both us did have a good time in prayer and reading scriptures. Our
brother Stephen Reams had given us a very convenient-size electric
stove. I brought it from Lima not really expecting to use it much. It
has proved me wrong. In Marcabamba, we have been boiling water tons!
And this morning I made breakfast. A very thick meal made of oatmeal,
sugar and milk. Later on I was told that I could have boiled the water
with cinnamon and clove to boost its flavor.
We have a very tiny pot and a skillet. I made scrambles eggs and since
we did not have any salt I cut small pieces of mountain cheese and
stirred it all together.
Was not bad at all. A bit too sweet but it was thick still!!
Went to Fanny's and she like always gave us her time. We hung out
talking about our lives. Encouraging us tons. Providing words of
affirmation. She shared with us that she misses busy, city-like type
of life. Marcabamba is super way too chill so many times. She is
praying for direction. Please pray for her. She might leave Marcabamba
at the end of this year for good. Still, nothing has been said on
stone.
We also listened to some of her music. She has very varied likes from
Indian , to Italian solo opera classic, Rock, Huayno etc. Very cool
stuff.
Paul, who at first seemed at bit cold toward us is opening little by
little. He loves soccer. So every single time we talk about it he is
into it. Pray for him, as I sense he does understand the gospel very
well but are some things in his life that are way too strong for him
to let go.
We went back home and rested for a while.
A very special prayer request that I have is for Pedro. A while ago,
we found out his father has cancer. I apologize for not mentioning
this any earlier. This, I am pretty sure has been very hard on him.
Back in Huancayo, he mentioned to us how hard it was taking off from
where he lives, leaving his family behind.
The day we departed for this trip. Pedro was already late and since he
does not live too far away from where I live, I walked to his home and
I was just getting close when I saw Pedro and his brother Pablo coming
out. They both had tears in their eyes. I had never seen any one of
them cry like this. I gave Pablo a hug. And walked away with Pedro.
Not only this, but he is not even 20 years old. So he has his times
when he misses people his age. People that talk like him. Friends and
all that. I am very sure this is a super good time for him to grow and
mature. He has already shown his good skills and God-given gifts. When
he does focus on sharing His Word, he does an outstanding job. He is
teaching me lots as well.
Anyway, back to Marcabamba. We walked around a little inviting people
to meet in the evening.
Pedro was not feeling well. I suggested to take a cold shower and rest
some. So he did. At some point I heard people kicking the ball and
looked through the window. I knocked on Pedro's door and there was no
response.
I went to the soccer field and played for a while. Came back, showered
and got ready for the evening meeting. Pedro was still sleeping. I had
to come in his room and wake him up.
Only Ruth, a lady who has a leg problem, came to the meeting. Her
presence was very encouraging. We talked a little bit about our week.
Prayed and read the scriptures in Colossians.
After that, we prayed for in very specific ways, that the Lord would
give us humility, peace to our hearts and patience. That we would bear
with one another, and the hardest of all, that we would forgive one
another. This church is made of like 5 people. Please. Pray for this
church, that they would make amends and that the forgiving love of
Christ would take control of their lives. These are the just few
people supposed to the be the light of Christ in this town. They need
to be united.
Monday December 3rd 2012
Were awakened by a knock on the door. The van is here!! Hurry! We
rushed and packed what was left in less that 5 min. Got on the van.
And off we were for Ushua. We made it safe and sound. Fairly smooth
ride. Walked to Florencia and Adalberto's. Were very welcomed as
always. Had breakfast after Pedro prayed for the meal.
Checked in to our Ushua house, rested a little, spent some time
reading some of the Scriptures and did laundry.
We can notice that clouds are gathering faster and faster. Please pray
that rain would hold off for at least one or two more weeks. When rain
comes life is much, much harder.
After laundry we prepared some on our plans and Bible stories. Then,
we went to have lunch. As conversation went by we got into talking
about their believes. They said that they no longer hold their Incas
believes but now they have their own believes. We talked about several
things that affect their views on their income. As the offering of
food, alcohol to the earth. Sra Florencia said something about having
faith that it would give you a good produce. The offering of animals
and money to the mine. And the pact "dialogue" with the devil for
prosperity.
Please pray for these two people again. Nothing can change their views
on putting their trust and faith alone on Christ but God himself.
After lunch, we read some more of the stories and then we went to see
Bill and his brother.
Ronald's motorbike had been fixed so he was not home. Bill came out
and we all went down to the school court to play soccer. A little
later, Ronald, Jonathan, Pizarro and a new guy named Carlos came and
joined. After the match we went to see Teacher Nancy.
At her store, Teacher Nancy and her husband Don Percy talked to us for
a little bit. They have customers here and there so it is hard to have
privacy to be with them alone. Still, Teacher Nancy shared with us she
has a super strong gastritis and a 2cm stone in one of her organs. She
is going to Lima very soon since she needs to be treated as soon as
possible. She might have to go through surgery.
Please pray for Teacher Nancy's health. And for their understanding of
scriptures. We told them we would come visit for the next two Mondays.
At dinner time, Don Adalberto and Mrs Florencia shared the meal with
us. We talked about several things, always trying to bring Christ to
the topic. We are coming closer and closer. Please pray for this
couple's salvation and understanding. They are very catholic.
Tuesday December 4th 2012
Had a good night of rest. Got up with a good time in prayer and in the
word. Had breakfast with our adopted grandparents, Florencia and
Adalberto.
It is neat that things have come to be in a way that we are allowed to
pray very openly and out loud at every single meal with them. So in
our prayers we always make sure we make a total focus on Christ and
His provision for us. When we pray with them, we have also used the
Lord's prayer, which is very well known to our catholic partners. Not
only that, we recite scriptures in our prayers since we have not been
able to Bible story with them.
We have definitely broken through a big catholic barrier. Since we are
becoming more like family. Mrs Florencia is confiding in us more and
more sharing her very life and issues, so we do, I make it reciprocal
and share from my own struggles bringing Christ to the center of it.
After breakfast Pedro and I decided to rest. We went down to the hot
springs in Ushua. We had a sweet time talking about our very issues as
guys. We had a that which you call heart-to-heart talk. We brought up
topics in our current daily struggles and we were able to share in the
presence of God.
Hiked back up to town and as soon as we started walking through the
first houses it started to grizzle. When we made to Florencia's it was
raining. Ran home and took my clothes back inside and then went to
Florencia's for lunch. By now its pouring down. Well, let me just
share that I do hope it is only for today. The sky is black and the
fog is super thick. I can barely see house across the street.
We were supposed to go see Yeni and Maria in Pampachacra. Instead we
resolved to sent a letter with a local high school student who had
come to Ushua.
We were able to visit Saul. The man in charge of the hospital (
Health-center) in Ushua. We had visited him back in October. Then he
had shared with us his marital issues. Now he seemed to be doing
better with that. We encouraged and gave him a Bible. He asked us to
pray for his daugther Azumi, about 5 years old who lives in Pauza with
her mom Yovana. Azumi has some weird problems with her legs.
Pray for this entire family, for their salvation first and then for
their marriage. Pray that Saul would actually be burdened by God to
read his new Bible.
At dinner time, we asked Mr Adalberto to pray over our meal and he
did. It was a very unexpected non-catholic prayer but it was more like
a conversation he had there with God. Please continue to pray for this
couple. Other than that, we are simply sharing life with them.
One more prayer request, it is not a surprise to see kids drinking
here. So please pray for Manuel and Wilder who are high school
students and drink like horses here. ( I wonder if that makes sense in
English) We leave for Oyolo in the morning. Should get up at 4am so
good night.
Wednesday December 5th 2012
Well, today was a very unusual day. We got up a bit too late to catch
the combi to Oyolo. So we missed it. As I walked back I sensed my
spirit very tense thinking what would become of today. I can not deny
that I have felt very restless thinking about how things are NOT going
our way, our plans ARE not taking place. Our schedule changes all the
time and we are pushed to be more flexible than ever.
Back at our place, I told Pedro :
"Let us have a time to pray and to meditate in His Word on our own" He agreed.
So I prayed for that which has been bothering and annoying me some
these days. My plans are definitely not His plans, and my selfishness
blinds me to accept it and with a humble heart say, Thank you Lord,
Praised be your name.
Still after we had our time. We went to have breakfast with Florencia
and Adalberto. Mr Adalberto said, maybe God wants you to stay longer
here for a reason.
Kids about 11 and 12 years old are usually in their 6th grade Primary
School. This is the last year for primary school . They are a "
promocion". The 6th grade school prom from Oyolo is here . They were
going to the hot springs. The teacher invited us.
I was a bit reluctant to go again. I could just not see going down
there twice in a week.
Having peace about doing something is still very hard to discern when
there are many plans made before hand.
So these kids left for the hot springs. Pedro and I decided to go with
them. So we went and bought some small snacks for lunch and off we
were down the zigzagged path.
When we arrived they were already enjoying the warm water. Most of
these kids did not know how to swim. So I got in the water and helped
the teacher to teach them basics on swimming as paddling and floating.
It was a very nice and busy morning and afternoon teaching the kids
how to swim. Now, I want to mention here that they do not ever, ever
get a chance to go a swimming pool. There is none anywhere in the
region. The weather itself is way too cold for anything of that matter
to take place. So these hot springs were probably there chance in a
super long while to learn and get acquainted with how being in water
feels.
I can not believe that 2011 Ginny Chandler's one hour lesson was
paying off now. She took me to these very nice underground swimming
pools about one day before I took off back to Oyolo in 2011. Then when
I came back to this region, I would come to these hot springs on my
own to exercise and practice what she had taught me about swimming.
Thanks Ginny. It was not wasted.
It was fun. Being with those kids. One at a time. I know this does not
have anything to do with preaching, Bible story telling or anything of
that type. That way I felt it was more like, human to human
interaction. Children to adult like. The trust they pour on you when
they jump off in the water believing you will catch them and won't let
them drown.
Something more cool than that was that it started raining while we
were there. It is 9pm. It has not stopped since then. Welcome to the
rainy season again. Our hike back was nice. It was very soaking wet.
These kids reminded me of ICSL kids when I would go and spend a week
with them. Trying to sow God's seed in their hearts. I felt the very
opened door that a teacher has to influence his kids around him.
So, back home. Dry and warmly clothed, plus a full nalgene of hot
barley drink Pedro and I had the idea to treat the kids some jello. We
knew Mrs Florencia had made some today. So we went, got what she had
left and took it to the kids. We were all watching a movie when we
realized every single one had passed out. We left.
Well, it is still raining. So I am hitting the sack. I do not want to
miss the combi tomorrow morning again.
Thursday December 6th 2012.
I was soundly asleep but I could somewhat still hear hear the rain
drops hit the tan-roof all through the night. At some point I heard a
very strong voice yelling my name telling me to get up! It was Pedro
who had actually awoken at the alarm signal! He is a heavy sleeper so
I was surprised he was up. It was about 4:14am. I did not get up right
away, I laid there trying to pray half-sleep fighting a fall back into
sleeping. I got up, packed and went to Pedro's room. We left. Went
down the road and got to where there is cellphone signal. It is about
5am. Pedro made some early phone calls. I was laughing the whole time.
Who in this world call at 5am? Those who picked up were not mad at
all.
Then we saw some of those students from Oyolo coming our way. We hung
out with them walking with them to the stores. Then we went back with
them to where they were staying and stayed there till the combi showed
up. I like these kids a whole lot. They are full of energy.
Got into the combi. It is still raining. The driver worked fixing the
plastic tarp to cover my backpack on the roof of this small van. It
was packed. I was going to have to ride standing till Oyolo. On the
way there were several who got sick and threw up in plastic bags.
As I had expected there were several sections where rocks had fallen
that the driver and its helper had to get out to move the rocks
throwing them on the side which usually its a drop off down to the
river.
Once in Oyolo. All of these kids got off. We told the teacher we
should be back next week. And off we were to Marcabamba. We were doing
just fine till Pomacocha, a small village. We stopped and the driver
turned the engine off.
I was somewhat asleep when I realized I had to go to the restroom. I
got off and walked to a clearance and peed there.
It is still raining, but this time the rain is more like a thick
grizzle. I decided to walk to see what was actually going on. There
were lots of people working, men and women.
There are long wholes along the road. People were digging ditches to
put in the PVC pipes systems to connect them later to their houses for
waste draining.
The problem was that there was mud everywhere. Incredible adverse
conditions to work in. I kept walking and realized that the van was
going to have very small room to pass. Made it to this house where I
knew the owner and greeted her warmly. Then I turned and saw what was
actually causing the delay. There was a truck stuck in mud. The rear
right wheels were at a hand away from the ditch. The whole road is
full of mud. All the wheels are covered in mud. There are two men
working with shovels and pickaxes. I went to the local public restroom
this time. Came out and walked back to the store. Where I met Pedro
and Mrs Teresa. There we had very hot coffee. Rain makes the weather
miserably cold. After that, we decided go help. We started cleaning a
section of the stuck truck. We poured some dry dirt to help all along
the front and back wheels. After a while they were confident the truck
could come back out and so it did. By now there were three vans in
line waiting to pass by.
We plus others cleaned the mud off the road making it smoother and
drier. The first van passed by with no problem. The second one did a
bad move and sunk in mud. I saw half of the up front wheel sunk in
mud. The driver called on more men and we lifted the van towards on
side. Then it maneuvered its way out. Finally our van made it through
without a problem.
Praise God, we were on the road again. Rain does not have mercy on
these roads. At some point the road was so steep that we had to get
out again to push it. We got it going again, it did not stop for a bit
and we had to walk.
We passed by lots of places where mud made it very risky to drive
through. We passed several trucks with goodies/cargo which had to go
very carefully and slowly, especially on curves.
Thank God, we made it to a section where the road was fairly dried and
finally made it to Marcabamba.
We cleaned off all the mud in our shoes and clothes.
Mrs Teresa, her daughter and her granddaughter were passing by
Marcabamba. We visited with them at lunch time. It was neat having
lunch with a family whom we would normally eat at their store in
Oyolo. Now we both were at a different place, neither of us belongs to
Marcabamba but still we were eating at the same table.
Pastor Antonio arrived not too soon afterward. He got to meet Mrs
Teresa and Lizet, too bad they were on their way out to Pauza. It
would have been neat to have them come to church tonight.
Later on, we visited Nelly, she is always willing to talk if she has
time. We are often trying to find excuses to go see her. Sometimes we
just go to buy a little goodie or something small in order to steal
from her a few seconds.
Before the evening meeting began, Pastor Antonio and I had a good
talk. We talked lots on his experiences as a missionary to this
region. People whom he has met, struggles and difficulties.
Please do pray for Pastor Antonio as he considers moving down to
Marcabamba for a period of time. He said he would like to buy a piece
of land to build a church in Pauza. After that happens, Lord's
willing, he would like to come and live here for a few years and then
move to Cora Cora a bigger town.
At the evening meeting we were five people, Hernan, Fanny, Pedro,
Pastor Antonio and I. A good time to sing some Christmas-spiced songs
and a time in the Word in the book of John.
Friday December 7th 2012
Today our expectations were, I guess, focused on an arranged meeting
at the high school. After we had breakfast and spent some time praying
we planned some on what we were going to say and do at the high
school. Then we walked to the school to see if they were actually
going to let us be with the students. The principal was not there,
instead, a very kind coordinator-man helped us out. He told us to
come back at 1:05pm. We would have 45 min to do whatever we were going
to do.
So we left the school and walked back home to finalize our project. We
had prayed and we had decided we would talk about on why sex should
wait till marriage. This came due to the massive teenage pregnancy
taking place in this region.
We had about 15 students plus one of the teacher gathered in one
class. Things went very smoothly except by one of the ice-breakers
where we did not have the materials needed.
We used two christian reggeaton songs to catch their attention on the
lyrics and their message. We extracted lots of the students
previous-knowledge on the topic. We heard their many reasons and
answers to the questions we posed. And finally we presented Biblical
passages supporting the main theme's ideas.
Diego was in the class, he came to us and said, yeah it was not too
bad. We thanked him and laughed. He asked us if we were going to have
lunch at Anitas's, we nodded and arranged to have lunch together.
There at Anita's we had a good time talking about our class, and many
things. He seems interested in learning more about the Creator. Please
pray for him as he is the first high school male student whom we have
just started to develop a friendship with. At lunch time, we explained
very widely what the gospel was and meant to us. He was thinking and
listening very intently.
After lunch, Pedro and Diego came home and hung out some while I was
doing some errands trying to find ingredients to make jello and flan.
A bit afterward I came back and Diego was gone.
This afternoon was different. I simply felt weird with not too much
energy. Maybe lazyness or lack of spiritual strength. Pedro and I got
a movie and watched it.
After this we went to see Teacher Ruth whom we understand is a
believer. She opened her door and fixed some dinner for us. A hot
drink, bread and two fried eggs. There we saw the different reality in
her house when her husband is not home.
Her husband works lots on the mine. She does have a hard time working
and raising her two daughters. She feels sad since her daughters do
not understand her and make her mad. She has had surgery and when she
gets mad she gets sick.
Hirka, the oldest daughter is entering into her teen times, so her
behavior is changing.
Please pray for Ruth, her two daughters Hirka and Cindy. Pray the Lord
would help them in times where the man of the house is far away
working. Pray for their salvation . We have found out that Ruth, who
is looked as a Christian believer in the town, has recently accepted
to donate a bull for 2013 yearly festival in November along with
fireworks. I personally do not find anything wrong with this.
It has to do more with how outsiders and local christians look at
this. Bible tells us we should not be a stumbling block and so local
believers feel very bad about this since they see this as part of
idolatry or idol-worship. It is for love to those that we need to
choose how to act accordingly.
Right before the night time. I had the same feelings. The devil has
been attacking with thoughts and feelings of failure and incapacity.
The evil one has been trying to tell me that we are not doing much.
That which we are doing is not enough. That there could be done so
much more. I can not deny that I have felt overwhelmed by how much
there is and how huge the work of Christ is.
This creates anxiety in me. Since I have been feeling like I have been
lacking passion and extreme desire to go and share Christ.
Right before I went to bed, I put on my headphones and started
listening one of David Platt's sermons. One of lines went like: " I
was on my way back on the plane, I could barely stay seated, I was so
eager to be home and share what the Lord has been telling me to share
with the church. There was a guy next to me who did not speak English,
'cuz if he did, he would have had to listen an 8 hours sermon"
I felt like, why is there not that desire in me? To share Christ for 8
hours? I prayed and slept.
Saturday December 8th 2012
Did not sleep too well. I wonder if my body is becoming weaker and
weaker and can not stand the floor like it used to.
Talked to the Father, felt the urgency to get up and get going with
the day though there was nothing planned. Read the scriptures some and
had to repent from my sins.
Went out and talked to Mrs Irene. She asked who I was and what I was
doing in Marcabamba.
I responded with the truth. Then she started sharing with me a bit of
her life, how she was a christian when she was fifteen. She came to
Christ at that very young age while she was living in Lima. Years had
passed and she had come back to the mountains. Where she stopped
attending church and obviously spiritual life drops. At her store I
saw a man ( I assumed it was her husband) coming out with two bottles
of beer. She does sell alcohol and beer.
I still felt somewhat weird from the day be fore's events and so I
shared from my own struggles and how what Christ does in times like
these.
Since the local believers testimonies are not the greatest, which is I
believe truth in every single church in the world, I went on shared
what Christ does for the church, the body of Christ on a daily basis,
cleansing us, forgiving us and justifying us for His own glory. How we
ought not to focus on our neighbor's sin but that scriptures tells us
we should have our eyes fixed on Jesus.
She asked if we had Bibles. I said I would see about that. Left her
store and walked back home. Found that the power was gone. So we
decided to go see Fanny. Maybe she would want to share breakfast with
us and I thought I would do laundry there since we do not have lots of
room to do it here.
Grabbed a Bible and walked to Mrs Irene's store. Waited till she came
out. Gave her the Bible, she asked how much she owed us. We said,
nothing. Fare-welled and walked to Fanny's. Knocked the door and Paul
opened it. Just like every single time we talked to him about current
things, there standing at the door. It is very difficult to read him.
His behavior is very unpredictable.
There was Fanny who seemed a bit annoyed. We explained what we wanted
to do. She allowed us to use her big sink to do laundry. I hand-washed
my clothes and Pedro's jeans. Hopefully it will not rain today.
Had breakfast and she told us how this person had failed to come see
her. She had been waiting very eagerly. I do know how that feels. I
said nothing but tried to keep a calmed spirit.
That is it for this week. Before I forget, let me share what I read
this morning. It does express how my heart has felt not and so I had
to make amends with our Father.
Love from your brother Solomon.
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
And He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your judgment as the noonday.
Psalm 37:3-6
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