We spent the first few days in Lima visiting several placements we worked at last year, as well as some that I did not visit. The shantytown of Las Gardenias was a pleasure to see, because the work that we helped out with has been ongoing. The staircase that we built has been painted, the school yard upgraded with a concrete pad, and a new playground has been built. It was really cool to see that the non-defeatist attitude and the living conditions improving for those who continue to work hard there despite having so little.
The Staircase and School in Las Gardenias
Having fun at a school for disabled children
We also visited a school where 5 students are currently teaching. Again, the vision of the local people and the determination to make the best of what they have is really incredible. With literally zero rain per year, the community has set up a fog-collection system to water the gardens and woods in and around the school ground, and are continuing to expand up the dry, deserted mountain, and hope to add a college for the students in the near future. There are already separate boys (San Pedro) and girls (Villa Caritas- both private) schools; excess money from tuition goes to support the small fledgling schools in the shantytowns run by the Christian Life Movement.
San Pedro/ Villa Caritas
The following Monday we flew into the Andes to the city of Cuzco. Cuzco, the City of Kings is situated in the Sacred Valley, and was the capital of the Inka Empire.
Our view of the Andes from the plane
After spending the afternoon acclimatizing, I spent the next day shopping at the Inka handcrafts market. Early Wednesday morning we set out by train (4 1/2 hours) to Machu Picchu. My dream was to climb Mt. Waynapicchu, the opposing mountain overlooking Machu Picchu. There are ruins built at he summit, with lookouts over the ancient citadel. the train arrived a half hour later that expected, and our guide was skeptical that we would be allowed to climb Waynapicchu because of the time, and there are only 400 visitors per day allowed to climb. Taking the next available bus up to Machu Picchu, we raced to the entrance of the city, only to be told that it didn't seem like climbing the mountain was likely- boy, was I bummed!! Stubborn as I am, I decided to check into it anyway, perhaps even to find a way to sneak past the checkpoint. When we arrived, we found out that there were 4 openings left, and we could still go!!! I was elated.
Machu Picchu, with Waynapicchu in the back
Halfway up, I started to rethink my decision; the climb was arduous to say the least. After 1 hour and 15 minutes, we reached to pinnacle. How can I describe it? You simply have to go there some day! Check out some of the pix:
Close to the summit- check out the road going up to Machu Picchu on the left!
The view was spectacular!
After we had returned to Lima, I was ready to return home. I really missed assembling on Sundays with my church family, and I definitely missed my friends. However, I can testify that the Lord used many events and sights to teach me more about who He is; I've learned to trust Him when there were events happening that were outside of my control.And I believe that He allowed me to be more open about my faith in Him in discussion with others on the trip- i pray that the seeds sewn on this trip will bear much fruit to the honour and glory of His name. If this is so, the whole trip will have been more than worth it!
As an appendix, I found out that my visa to attend Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia is in the mail, and I have also been offered a partial scholarship for studies beginning this fall. God has demonstrated His goodness and leading as doors continue to open for me in this area of my life. I will try to keep you all posted on further developments.
Thanks for welcoming me home!!
