This Worship Life

Our first ‘Day’ on the Peru Mission trip started early Wednesday morning, July 21 at 2:30 am when the alarm clock went off. The Jenkins family rallied and made it to FBC OC in time for loading and a 3:30 am departure. Traveling in large groups always takes a bit more time, but we made it to Jackson, to Atlanta and then to Miami all in good order without losing anyone or any bags! We arrived in Miami at about 12:30 pm (Florida time) and we didn’t leave until 2:15 AM the next morning. Believe me there is nothing in ANY airport to take up 12 hours of your time. Our flight to Peru was delayed for two hours, but the Lord blessed us with food vouchers because of the delay. THEN we made it into the security zone with our food vouchers only to find that all the restaurants were either already closed or were closing in 10 minutes. (McDonalds simply cut us off and said no more). A nice manager kept his fast food operation open late so we could all get a meal.

We made it on board our Peru flight and arrived in Lima at about 6:30 am – spent a bit of time collecting our luggage, getting through immigration and customs, changing our money and getting some breakfast. We met our hosting missionary, our translators and our van drivers and boarded vans for a three and half ride to our base of operations in Canta, Peru. The world’s best roller rcoaster ride cannot compare to the van ride through the middle of Lima traffic and up the mountain roads which are MUCH in need of repair. I was worried we might get lost in a couple of those pot holes. Our translator (Javier) said that Peru certainly has driving rules and regulations, but only if you choose to follow them. My head is still sore from banging against the side of van from a few of those twists and turns.

Our hotel is a lovely, clean and rustic inn nestled in the Peruvian mountains in the city of Canta. We’re not in New York’s 4 star finest, but it’s a great place for our team. We’ve taken over the hotel and there is a large area for gathering and eating. The village is nestled just below the hotel. It’s smaller with about 2500 or so people, but also safe and sound. The hills around are covered with small plots of cultivated land separated by endless rows of stacked stone. There is an endless supply of stone around the countryside. When you see the vast plots of cultivated land in the lower valleys you appreciate all the hard work over the years that has gone into clearing that land to make it tillable!

After we arrived at the hotel, we spent an intense afternoon of showering and napping. Most of us hadn’t much sleep since the day before!

We took another van ride in the late afternoon to view our valley which God has given us as a mission field for the next few days. In the setting sun, Pastor Jim led us in prayer and reflection for our time together. As we stood at an overlook in the Andes Mountains, they don’t make these in Mississippi, we sang ‘How Great is Our God” and into the chorus of “How Great Thou Art”.  The ‘day’ ended with supper and getting to our rooms! FINALLY Day 1 was over – it only lasted 48 hours! I’m proud to say that the entire mission team (adults and youth alike) came through our extended day with great attitudes and smiling, but tired, faces.

I’ll try to get some pics up as well as more updates.