Day 24: Thursday, July 22, 2010
Jungle life is never boring, to say the least. Last night the pastor of San Jorge told us to not be worried if we saw men with weapons because the surrounding villages were setting up a blockade on the river down at the next community (which was visible from the bank of San Jorge). Apparently there had been an oil leak upriver and the old company had not properly treated its employees and those affected. So these communities are blocking the oil companies from getting up or down river. I guess it’s like the jungle version of a strike or something.
This morning after breakfast the team held a “children’s service”. This group reminds me so much of my church’s mission trips. I felt like I was in youth group again. They had prepared quite adequately with crafts, Spanish songs led by guitar, skits, and “Shackles” dance. Several kids raised their hand to pray to receive Christ.
I took a very lovely nap this afternoon during free time. After dinner everyone boarded the boat to cross the river to the village that was hosting the blockade, Paradiso. It’s hard to describe what we saw as we rounded the riverbend. Obviously because of the blockade there was a line of boats and rope with flags and torches attached atop stretched across the river. Probably hundreds of people stood along the high bank. Dozens of peki-pekis littered the shoreline, each filled with men bearing rifles and machetes. We docked slightly north of the barrier and waited while Julio went to get permission to show the film from the community leaders. While we waited a large launcha (public boat) cruises up. The protestors won’t even allow it to dock, much less pass through. Peki-pekis rushed the waterfront while the loud crowd of men shouted from the bank. The boat returned to a nearby village down river of the blockade (still with in sight). Needless to say, the environment was not conducive to the work we wanted to do, so we returned to San Jorge, where we were staying, and showed the Jesus film.
The other interesting thing is that the team had planned to dig wells here in this village and another but Clever has not yet arrived with the equipment of materials. We thought initially that he was on the launcha that wasn’t allowed to pass. When Julio returned we learned that he had received permission to cross the border with a peki-peki to obtain the well digging supplies. It turned out all that was on the boat was the gravel and other supplies needed after the well was already dug. No well digging equipment.
As of now, the team has several options as far as itineraries go. It’s possible that Clever and the well digging equipment arrive tomorrow and we begin the well. Or we may pack up and return to Nueva York to do ministry. The plan is to pray overnight and decide at breakfast what to do.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Day 23: Narnia
Day 23: Wednesday, July 21, 2010
It’s been another grueling day and the fact that Sarah and I keep reminding each other that we will be home soon hasn’t helped much. Haha
I think we broke camp around 5 or 5:30 and actually left Nueva York around 6:30. Yola dished out breakfast on the boat.
We didn’t actually arrive in San Jorge until 12:30 or 1. That makes for about a 14 hour boat ride from Nauta (16 hour trip from Iquitos). It’s just ridiculous how tired I am after only sitting on my butt for hours.
We enjoyed a leisurely afternoon. In a small meeting with the pastor who just moved here a few months ago, I learned that this is the first missionary team to ever come to this village (or any surrounding). Juilo and a few other staffers had come one a staff trip to discuss the trip we’re on now. The surrounding villages (including San Jorge) have no churches. How humbling it is to think God would use us to initially represent him to these people!
Tonight the teams set up a projector and screen to show Narnia to the people. It was pretty awesome to watch a movie like that surrounded by Peruvians, close hanging stars, a bright moon and jungle trees in the background. After the movie, they explained the parable and presented the gospel. To end the night, they gave clothes, medicine, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and other items to each family in the village.
It’s been another grueling day and the fact that Sarah and I keep reminding each other that we will be home soon hasn’t helped much. Haha
I think we broke camp around 5 or 5:30 and actually left Nueva York around 6:30. Yola dished out breakfast on the boat.
We didn’t actually arrive in San Jorge until 12:30 or 1. That makes for about a 14 hour boat ride from Nauta (16 hour trip from Iquitos). It’s just ridiculous how tired I am after only sitting on my butt for hours.
We enjoyed a leisurely afternoon. In a small meeting with the pastor who just moved here a few months ago, I learned that this is the first missionary team to ever come to this village (or any surrounding). Juilo and a few other staffers had come one a staff trip to discuss the trip we’re on now. The surrounding villages (including San Jorge) have no churches. How humbling it is to think God would use us to initially represent him to these people!
Tonight the teams set up a projector and screen to show Narnia to the people. It was pretty awesome to watch a movie like that surrounded by Peruvians, close hanging stars, a bright moon and jungle trees in the background. After the movie, they explained the parable and presented the gospel. To end the night, they gave clothes, medicine, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and other items to each family in the village.
Day 22: New York
Day 22: Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Whew! What a day! As I write (in my journal) I’m swinging between two tents in some elevated wooden school room in a village called Nueva York (New York).
We left the base in Iquitos at 7:00 am by bus to Nauta, as usual. Because Carlos was slightly delayed in arriving, after we unloaded all our stuff onto the boat, they still had to get gas. So the boat left Nauta about 10, headed approximately 10 hours up river to San Jorge.
We trucked quite steadily along under the overcast sky and with relatively cool temperatures (although thankfully not as cold as the weather lately in Iquitos – that would have been much too cold on the river).
At 6pm we stopped in the village of Nueva York so we wouldn’t have to travel in the dark. Our new approximate travel time is 5 more hours up river.
I saw more dolphins today, they are very different than what is typical. The vegetation along the Tigre is taller because, according to all knowing Daniel, it hasn’t been cut down as much.
Whew! What a day! As I write (in my journal) I’m swinging between two tents in some elevated wooden school room in a village called Nueva York (New York).
We left the base in Iquitos at 7:00 am by bus to Nauta, as usual. Because Carlos was slightly delayed in arriving, after we unloaded all our stuff onto the boat, they still had to get gas. So the boat left Nauta about 10, headed approximately 10 hours up river to San Jorge.
We trucked quite steadily along under the overcast sky and with relatively cool temperatures (although thankfully not as cold as the weather lately in Iquitos – that would have been much too cold on the river).
At 6pm we stopped in the village of Nueva York so we wouldn’t have to travel in the dark. Our new approximate travel time is 5 more hours up river.
I saw more dolphins today, they are very different than what is typical. The vegetation along the Tigre is taller because, according to all knowing Daniel, it hasn’t been cut down as much.
Day 21: "Shackles"
Day 21: Monday, July 19, 2010
It’s been a refreshing time relaxing and gearing up for the next jungle trip.
The team from Baltimore arrived late tonight. It’s mostly young people, some are Chinese, Korean, etc too. So it’s looking like it will be a fun trip. We’re actually going further up river than I’ve been the past 2 times, so I’m interested in seeing what the differences and/or similarities are between villages/terrains that far up river compared to others I’ve been to.
Apparently, “Shackles” is a universal Christian mission trip choreographed dance, because this team has their own dance. I have to admit, though, that it doesn’t compare to ours. After dinner at the base, the team decided to go out to Long Fug to eat again so a few of us went with them just to hang out. Finally some Southern company has joined me! Two of the guys are from the South: John is from New Orleans and Mark is from Florida (which I don’t usually consider Southern, but in Peru it’s close enough). I felt like home when they said, “Y’all” or wore a Bass Pro hat. Haha.
So tomorrow is my last jungle trip. Ambivalent about that fact.
It’s been a refreshing time relaxing and gearing up for the next jungle trip.
The team from Baltimore arrived late tonight. It’s mostly young people, some are Chinese, Korean, etc too. So it’s looking like it will be a fun trip. We’re actually going further up river than I’ve been the past 2 times, so I’m interested in seeing what the differences and/or similarities are between villages/terrains that far up river compared to others I’ve been to.
Apparently, “Shackles” is a universal Christian mission trip choreographed dance, because this team has their own dance. I have to admit, though, that it doesn’t compare to ours. After dinner at the base, the team decided to go out to Long Fug to eat again so a few of us went with them just to hang out. Finally some Southern company has joined me! Two of the guys are from the South: John is from New Orleans and Mark is from Florida (which I don’t usually consider Southern, but in Peru it’s close enough). I felt like home when they said, “Y’all” or wore a Bass Pro hat. Haha.
So tomorrow is my last jungle trip. Ambivalent about that fact.
Day 20: Carolina
Day 20: Sunday, July 18, 2010
It is COLD in the jungle today. I was afraid it would warm up from yesterday, so I slept all night in a room with only a sheet in a room with open windows. Even with sweatpants, sweatshirt, and socks I was cold. Never expect that in the jungle.
I got dressed in my one dress, which was of course cool. Church was suppose to start at 9:30 but I’m in Peru so things got rolling around 10:15. Just to be honest, I didn’t get much out of the Spanish only service. However in the middle of David’s sermon, Carolina passes a me a slip of paper with Isaiah 55: 5; 54:2,3,4,5,10 written in hot pink ink. Initially I thought it was the passage the preacher was referencing but later she told me that it was just for me and that I should ask the Lord what it means for me.
It is COLD in the jungle today. I was afraid it would warm up from yesterday, so I slept all night in a room with only a sheet in a room with open windows. Even with sweatpants, sweatshirt, and socks I was cold. Never expect that in the jungle.
I got dressed in my one dress, which was of course cool. Church was suppose to start at 9:30 but I’m in Peru so things got rolling around 10:15. Just to be honest, I didn’t get much out of the Spanish only service. However in the middle of David’s sermon, Carolina passes a me a slip of paper with Isaiah 55: 5; 54:2,3,4,5,10 written in hot pink ink. Initially I thought it was the passage the preacher was referencing but later she told me that it was just for me and that I should ask the Lord what it means for me.
Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not
know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of
Israel, for he has glorified you.
Englarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations
be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your
stakes. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your
offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities. Fear
not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be
disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your
widowhood you will remember no more. For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the
whole earth he is called.
For the moutains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love
shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed," says
the Lord, who has compassion on you.Isaiah 55:5; 54:2-5, 10
I don’t think I’ve fully described Carolina yet. She is a precious girl, who loves the Lord and her joy is always shining through an ever present bright smile. Her family is here learning how to run a YWAM base before heading to Chiclayo to start a new base. Her dad, Miguel, went with us on my first jungle trip and Carolina and both of her parents went with the last group. Sweet family. God has big things in store for them. Actually Carolina kinda reminds me of one of those Chinese anima characters.
I spend the rest of the day contemplating her words and trying to stay warm.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Day 19: Cristo ama a los ninos
Day 19: Saturday, July 17, 2010
Blasting Spanish children’s music floated up into my room at magnified decibels around 7:30. I drug myself to the kitchen for instant café before heading downstairs to help with the children’s ministry.
Last night Becky and Sarah explained some of the issues concerning the youth and children of Iquitos – the street kids. Many families don’t have jobs with steady incomes, which isn’t a major problem in the jungle because there’s always some type of fruit tree nearby by which they can survive. There isn’t a need for money because they have no bills (water comes from a well or the river, no electricity, free access to lumber), money is more or less a luxury.
Life in the city is not so simple. If you want to eat, you need money to buy your food. Many of the kids here are forced into prostitution (especially homosexual) because they were hungry and wanted money to buy food with.
The girls told me the story of one of the kids now in the YWAM youth group:
As a child this boy’s family worked for a private individual, an older woman (not exactly sure what kind of work they did). This woman employed the whole family. When the boy was young, the boss lady took a fancy to him. So she brought him to live with her and do whatever she asked. This went on for several years with the family’s full knowledge.
I was appalled as they told me this child’s story. How on earth could a mother possibly allow such injustice to come to her own child? But once again, Becky gave me some perspective. Although this child was forced to do shameful things, the boss lady provided all his food, clothes, lodging, and education. The parents kept their jobs, a steady paying work that is difficult to find. If they had refused the woman to take their son, they would have lost their everything and all of their children would be at risk of the same fate or worse. Nothing could ever justify the decision they made or the lack of proper parenting that they exhibited but how unfathomable it is that someone would ever even have to be out into such a situation! Our world is in desperate need of accepting our Savior!
Stories such as these are all too common among Iquitos young people. Young men struggle with homosexuality because foreign men come and pay for sex. It all began with, “I would like to eat today…”
The work at YWAM is encouraging because they are mentoring and discipling these children who want to change. This morning kids come for songs, a message, Bible study, and a free hot meal. At night the youth are invited for a service as well.
The team that returned from the river the very first day I arrived had actually taken the youth with them up river for a mission trip.
“But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14
Blasting Spanish children’s music floated up into my room at magnified decibels around 7:30. I drug myself to the kitchen for instant café before heading downstairs to help with the children’s ministry.
Last night Becky and Sarah explained some of the issues concerning the youth and children of Iquitos – the street kids. Many families don’t have jobs with steady incomes, which isn’t a major problem in the jungle because there’s always some type of fruit tree nearby by which they can survive. There isn’t a need for money because they have no bills (water comes from a well or the river, no electricity, free access to lumber), money is more or less a luxury.
Life in the city is not so simple. If you want to eat, you need money to buy your food. Many of the kids here are forced into prostitution (especially homosexual) because they were hungry and wanted money to buy food with.
The girls told me the story of one of the kids now in the YWAM youth group:
As a child this boy’s family worked for a private individual, an older woman (not exactly sure what kind of work they did). This woman employed the whole family. When the boy was young, the boss lady took a fancy to him. So she brought him to live with her and do whatever she asked. This went on for several years with the family’s full knowledge.
I was appalled as they told me this child’s story. How on earth could a mother possibly allow such injustice to come to her own child? But once again, Becky gave me some perspective. Although this child was forced to do shameful things, the boss lady provided all his food, clothes, lodging, and education. The parents kept their jobs, a steady paying work that is difficult to find. If they had refused the woman to take their son, they would have lost their everything and all of their children would be at risk of the same fate or worse. Nothing could ever justify the decision they made or the lack of proper parenting that they exhibited but how unfathomable it is that someone would ever even have to be out into such a situation! Our world is in desperate need of accepting our Savior!
Stories such as these are all too common among Iquitos young people. Young men struggle with homosexuality because foreign men come and pay for sex. It all began with, “I would like to eat today…”
The work at YWAM is encouraging because they are mentoring and discipling these children who want to change. This morning kids come for songs, a message, Bible study, and a free hot meal. At night the youth are invited for a service as well.
The team that returned from the river the very first day I arrived had actually taken the youth with them up river for a mission trip.
“But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14
Day 18: Smallville in Peru because Jesus loves Brandi
Day 18: Friday, July 16, 2010
Praise the Lord for Skype. It’s so incredible to see and hear from family and friends. Such a blessing! At this point in the journey especially, I’ve been gone for quite some time.
The weather in Iquitos today is worth mentioning because it was considered a “cold” day by the locals. It was somewhat chilly (low 70s). I actually wore jeans and a sweatshirt and didn’t break a sweat all day. Awesomeness. AC from heaven! Haha
Sarah and I were expecting a boring day but Beth actually us to housesit for a bit while we they were out and the maid was cleaning. While we were there, we got to watch TV in ENGLISH! Also, she is a huge Smallville fan and let me borrow her entire collection! Yay!
Praise the Lord for Skype. It’s so incredible to see and hear from family and friends. Such a blessing! At this point in the journey especially, I’ve been gone for quite some time.
The weather in Iquitos today is worth mentioning because it was considered a “cold” day by the locals. It was somewhat chilly (low 70s). I actually wore jeans and a sweatshirt and didn’t break a sweat all day. Awesomeness. AC from heaven! Haha
Sarah and I were expecting a boring day but Beth actually us to housesit for a bit while we they were out and the maid was cleaning. While we were there, we got to watch TV in ENGLISH! Also, she is a huge Smallville fan and let me borrow her entire collection! Yay!
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