There have been a few of those this week. Here's a recap.
Monday: After a long, kind of rough day, I was slightly grumpy and my dear friends were kind enough to be patient through this spell. Probably it helped that they knew they were giving me a surprise birthday party that night. A bunch of people came to the office after SALI and surprised me with bocaditos, singing Feliz Cumpleaños, and a delicious chocolate-cherry cake (including the Peruvian tradition of pushing it in your face as you lean down to take the celebratory first bite). It helps when your suprise birthday party is more than a week in advance of your actual birthday. But I wasn't going to be in Trujillo for my birthday, so they wanted to recognize it. I have some great friends.
Tuesday: We had an Amigo Secreto (Secret Santa) party among the staff at the clinic. It was a lot of fun - everyone standing up and giving clues/saying nice things about their secret friend before giving them their gift. It was Daniel's despedida, too, since he's not coming back after Christmas (per continuing dental school), so people said nice things about him too. Then I got a sweet card and a T-shirt from everyone for my birthday, which was a sweet surprise. Plus, Delvith, the lady who sells papas rellenas and tamales outside the clinic everyday, had made me a purse! Very sweet. It's red, which is fun, and quite appropriate for the season.
Wednesday: Instead of having class, I met my basic English class to go eat since it was the last day. Before heading out, I asked Flor exactly the time of my flight from Trujillo to Lima the next day. I thought it was around 10 pm. Turns out it was at 6:25. Good thing I asked.
Thursday: I went with don Jose, one of the clinic's patients, to the hospital to get the pathology results from a biopsy they took Monday at the Ear/Nose/Throat consultorio at the hospital. He'd had a pretty nasty tumor grow in his nose within the past couple of months. Found out today it is NOT cancerous. Hooray! Thank the Lord. Then I got back in time for the chocolatada at the clinic for the patients. Lots of kids enjoying hot chocolate and paneton, the Peruvian Christmas bread. Good times.
Now I'm in the Lima airport. Long night, but it's going ok so far. I took a nap, which was helpful. I'm hoping for some sleep on the plane. It's a little strange... I'm really looking forward to spending Christmas with my family in Tupelo, but I don't want to leave Trujillo. I guess that's a good thing, huh? It'll be a great couple of weeks. There's a lot that doesn't feel like Christmas when it's not cold, no fires, no Christmas tree (although it makes me happy when I see them). I'm looking forward to Christmas music, lights, family, friends, warm clothes, and good food. And heading back to Trujillo in 2 weeks.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Much to be Thankful for
... not one of which, for you guys anyway, is my failure to post recently. But it's been a great - if busy - few weeks. Let me tell you why.
First, I'm in Peru. But you already knew that. Second, Thanksgiving happened. Which you probably already knew, too. But it's a little different (and kind of comes unexpectedly) when there aren't the cues of crisp, fall air, crunchy leaves, pumpkins in the stores, or any general talk of the holiday to clue you in on its impending arrival. Nevertheless, although without the normal atmosphere or pomp and circumstance, we still had a nice day. The gringo missionary families and a few friends celebrated together and, don't worry, stepped up to the difficult task of still eating as much as possible. And it was good. Including my first-ever nibble of fried turkey. Did you know some people fried turkeys?
The other really exciting thing was the beginning of Thanksgiving week. My two dear friends Haley Mills and Katelyn Hancock, who put up with living with me for 3 years of college, came to Peru. We missed the lovely Kristing Hendricks, the other 1/4 that completes our Sweet Suite, but it was wonderful getting to see such good friends and experience some (more) great memories together. They didn't make it to Trujillo, but I met them in Lima about midnight Saturday, and thus began our 4 full days of awesome-ness and very little sleep. This included catching up and falling asleep in the airport, arriving in Cusco early Sunday morning, taking combis and micros through the Sacred Valley (stopping at the really cool market in Chinchero, seeing the salt wells in Urubamba, and taking the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. This was all on Sunday. :)
So, as Aguas Calientes is the tourist trap where everyone going to Machu Picchu has to stay, Monday started REALLY early (don't ask) with the hike up to Machu Picchu. We got there in time for the park to open, at which point it started raining. Undeterred, we entered anyway, waited in a little hut, huddled over our guidebook learning about MP until the rain and clouds lifted enough for us to actually see and enjoy it. This, however, did not happen, so we gave positive attitudes a valient effort, got cold and wet, and then decided to try and wait it out some more. I'll spare you the details, but it's a good story and we met some cool people, and eventually the sun did come out to give us a gorgeous day - quite a blessing. Although, in hindsight (especially after knowing the part about the sun coming out later), it was pretty cool to see this ancient, mystic place shrouded in clouds and mist. And we climbed Huana Picchu, the mountain behind the ruins, and kind of felt on top of the world.
So that was an exhausting but awesome day. And the next morning was really early (again) to head take the train back to Ollantaytambo from Aguas Calientes. But it was worth every hour of sleep lost to see the sun rise over the mountains on that train ride. Rivaled Machu Picchu itself, believe it or not. Absolutely gorgeous.
So, we took advantage of the rest of the day together, enjoying a cool cafe and some more ruins in O-town, then some choclo con queso and a couple of hours exploring the city when we arrived back in Cusco. And Katelyn and Haley tried cuy (guinea pig, for those who might not know) that night for our declared Thanksgiving dinner. His name was Pepe, in case you're interested.
Oh yes... I am blessed beyond belief.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Lost in Translation
Last week was an interesting week - a little different than the normal schedule, and even when I was in the clinic, it was a madhouse with a lot of people around so it definitely kept us all busy. But it's good that way...I mean, not good that people are sick, but good that if they are, they come to us.
So, one reason things were so crazy around the clinic is because there was a short-term team from the Chicago area in town doing construction work in Wichanzao. They took over the top floor of the clinic, leaving us with less space for all the patients while they were there, but also leaving us with a beautiful new tiled floor on the 2nd floor and some improvements to a few things that we had been needing for awhile (e.g. a water heater in the shower - don Jose will be so happy when we bathe him next and don't have to do it in the bathroom!). Part of the group also worked all week on the manse for Pastor Juan (the preacher at the Wichanzao church) and his family. They've been living in the Sunday school rooms at the church, so it will be nice for them to actually get to move into a house soon. Lenin, the mission architect, and his Peruvian crew are working their magic and will hopefully have it ready for them to move in within a couple of weeks.
My schedule was a little off as well because Monday and Wednesday I helped all day at a wheelchair campaign at a church downtown. An organization called Wheelchairs for the World, who distributes chairs all over the world, brought a team down and, with the work of physical therapists and wheelchair mechanics, matched patients to wheelchairs and made sure the chairs were comfortable and appropriate to meet the person's needs. Some were simple and only needed a chair to get around outside or go long distances; other people had been confined to bed, unable to move on their own, and now their families can wheel them around and give them more mobility. It was really interesting to meet and talk with so many people - immobility, like health in general I suppose, does not discrimminate. There was a paralyzed man from a mountain town whose brother brought him; a young man with cerebral palsy whose next-door neighbor and best friend (he's like my brother) accompanied him on the 6-hour drive from the mountains to get his chair; an elderly lady from Trujillo who couldn't get out of the house and can now maneuver her chair by herself; a 5-year-old girl with cerebral palsy; a middle-aged woman who had polio as a child, but now owns her own little shop and gets around on her wheelchair (including in and out of taxis on a home-made slideboard) just fine; and an industrial engineer who had had a stroke a year and a half ago and now can't move on his own at all. This last one really struck me because his brother brought him, and later his wife came after picking up their kids from school. Both of them were very sweet and supportive of him. He and his wife Ana have four kids and, although this has some trouble speaking now, he's still obviously very intelligent, and even spoke some English he remembered to the physical therapist.
I was translating for this campaign two days and one day in the clinic for a doctor who came with the Chicago group. I decided I like translating. It was pretty exhausting, and I definitely made mistakes and needed help sometimes, but it was need to get to see these different patients, be a part of helping them get what they needed, and, especially in the case of the wheelchair campaign, just being able to talk with and get to know some of these people. Hopefully I'll get a chance to do some more of that soon. Although I don't think I have to worry about that. :)
The other thing last week made me think of was the concept of short-term mission teams. We read a book with the intern group a couple of months ago called When Helping Hurts. It's a very interesting book, and it brought up some potential criticisms for short-term groups that come in, "dump" their help (whether it be money, resources, or a service), and then leave. I'd thought about that before, and I agree there is the risk that short-term teams can take away from the responsibility, initiative, and dignity of a community if they offer what appears to be helpful but in reality is not meeting the underlying needs. Plus there's the issue of commitment and relationship that is often absent if the only contact is built around a single one- or two-week trip. However, I think both of these groups - the team from Chicago and Wheels for the World - demonstrated the right way to do it. They've both been coming continuously, for several years to the same place, and they have established a relationship with the people here. Also, they both worked really hard - definitely had fun, but took their work seriously and effectively accomplished a lot to meet actual needs people had. And finally - one of, I think, the most effective ways to have an impact as a short-term team - they both came down through organizations that are established in Trujillo, that are staffed by locals who know the culture, the situation, and the needs of their community. Instead of working for the people, the groups work with them, resulting in a mutual exchange of blessings, appreciation for one another, and meeting of needs. I think that's the great thing about how God works when we're available for him to use us. Somehow, we all get blessed.
So, one reason things were so crazy around the clinic is because there was a short-term team from the Chicago area in town doing construction work in Wichanzao. They took over the top floor of the clinic, leaving us with less space for all the patients while they were there, but also leaving us with a beautiful new tiled floor on the 2nd floor and some improvements to a few things that we had been needing for awhile (e.g. a water heater in the shower - don Jose will be so happy when we bathe him next and don't have to do it in the bathroom!). Part of the group also worked all week on the manse for Pastor Juan (the preacher at the Wichanzao church) and his family. They've been living in the Sunday school rooms at the church, so it will be nice for them to actually get to move into a house soon. Lenin, the mission architect, and his Peruvian crew are working their magic and will hopefully have it ready for them to move in within a couple of weeks.
My schedule was a little off as well because Monday and Wednesday I helped all day at a wheelchair campaign at a church downtown. An organization called Wheelchairs for the World, who distributes chairs all over the world, brought a team down and, with the work of physical therapists and wheelchair mechanics, matched patients to wheelchairs and made sure the chairs were comfortable and appropriate to meet the person's needs. Some were simple and only needed a chair to get around outside or go long distances; other people had been confined to bed, unable to move on their own, and now their families can wheel them around and give them more mobility. It was really interesting to meet and talk with so many people - immobility, like health in general I suppose, does not discrimminate. There was a paralyzed man from a mountain town whose brother brought him; a young man with cerebral palsy whose next-door neighbor and best friend (he's like my brother) accompanied him on the 6-hour drive from the mountains to get his chair; an elderly lady from Trujillo who couldn't get out of the house and can now maneuver her chair by herself; a 5-year-old girl with cerebral palsy; a middle-aged woman who had polio as a child, but now owns her own little shop and gets around on her wheelchair (including in and out of taxis on a home-made slideboard) just fine; and an industrial engineer who had had a stroke a year and a half ago and now can't move on his own at all. This last one really struck me because his brother brought him, and later his wife came after picking up their kids from school. Both of them were very sweet and supportive of him. He and his wife Ana have four kids and, although this has some trouble speaking now, he's still obviously very intelligent, and even spoke some English he remembered to the physical therapist.
I was translating for this campaign two days and one day in the clinic for a doctor who came with the Chicago group. I decided I like translating. It was pretty exhausting, and I definitely made mistakes and needed help sometimes, but it was need to get to see these different patients, be a part of helping them get what they needed, and, especially in the case of the wheelchair campaign, just being able to talk with and get to know some of these people. Hopefully I'll get a chance to do some more of that soon. Although I don't think I have to worry about that. :)
The other thing last week made me think of was the concept of short-term mission teams. We read a book with the intern group a couple of months ago called When Helping Hurts. It's a very interesting book, and it brought up some potential criticisms for short-term groups that come in, "dump" their help (whether it be money, resources, or a service), and then leave. I'd thought about that before, and I agree there is the risk that short-term teams can take away from the responsibility, initiative, and dignity of a community if they offer what appears to be helpful but in reality is not meeting the underlying needs. Plus there's the issue of commitment and relationship that is often absent if the only contact is built around a single one- or two-week trip. However, I think both of these groups - the team from Chicago and Wheels for the World - demonstrated the right way to do it. They've both been coming continuously, for several years to the same place, and they have established a relationship with the people here. Also, they both worked really hard - definitely had fun, but took their work seriously and effectively accomplished a lot to meet actual needs people had. And finally - one of, I think, the most effective ways to have an impact as a short-term team - they both came down through organizations that are established in Trujillo, that are staffed by locals who know the culture, the situation, and the needs of their community. Instead of working for the people, the groups work with them, resulting in a mutual exchange of blessings, appreciation for one another, and meeting of needs. I think that's the great thing about how God works when we're available for him to use us. Somehow, we all get blessed.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Painting Faces
So, I think I may have mentioned this family with 8 kids who lives near the church and has come into the clinic a couple of times. For some reason this family tugs at my heart. They certainly aren’t well off materially; most of the kids – even 11-year-old Tatiana and sometimes 7-year-old Susana – work selling candy in downtown Trujillo to contribute to the family’s income. But, even though I still don’t know them well, they seem very close, and it’s amazing to watch the kids all pitch in and take care of one other. Part of me wants to do something, to help, but I think for now one of the biggest things I can do is just be there and hopefully get to know them a little more.
And the last few weeks, Tatiana and Susana have shown up during the Sunday school hour with 3-year-old twins Nelson and Janila and baby Kiara in tow. Yesterday, 12-year-old David came as well. They all look just alike – they can’t deny being siblings – and I’ve just been thankful to have the chance to spend some more time with them. They are really respectful and well-behaved, and I’m glad they can come to the church for a time to draw, play, and just be kids. I’ve gotten a chance to just hang out and color with them a couple of times, and actually do a “lesson” (of sorts) with them and the other kids a couple of times. I don’t know what the future holds for Tatiana’s family, my relationship with them, or my work with the kids in Sunday school. But I’m praying that I keep learning, and I’m thankful that God is providing this opportunity for me to get to know His children.
I think he’s answering those prayers in the clinic, too. Last week I went out a few times to touch base with a couple of patients we had not been as consistent in visiting. It’s funny – they notice. Sra. Victoria, the 80-something-year-old, needs pain management for her many aches and pains (probably arthritis and osteoporosis) and really just someone to talk with about being tired of hurting and unable to help her granddaughters (who take care of her) care for the household chores and their children. I saw her Thursday and then took Dr. Julton by Friday after he finished with his patients in the clinic. Hopefully we can see her more consistently to make sure she doesn’t hurt too much and to treat any other ailments that come up.
I also saw Fermin this week. Fermin is probably in his mid-20s, and about a year ago he suffered an accident that left him paralyzed. He’s doing some therapy, but has been very depressed, and his inability to move around has left him with some pretty nasty bed sores that won’t heal. His parents and sisters take him to rehab and try to take care of him at home, but his wounds really need to heal before the rehab, and perhaps eventually improving his mobility, can take off. So, I saw him briefly Tuesday (although he was asleep) with the psychologist who comes in once a week, and the Julton and I went back to see him later in the week. They had been paying for a doctor from the government clinic to come out and treat his wounds, but I think we’re going to take that over. It’s a commitment – needs to be done pretty much every day – but it’s something we can easily do for free, and hopefully it will help ease their expenses as well as provide a presence of emotional and spiritual support. Ideally, the message we want to be sending to the community is, “We’re here. We care. We want to help. And we’re doing it because of Christ’s love.” I hope we can keep transmitting that message, both the patients that come into the clinic and those we go to in their homes.
And the last few weeks, Tatiana and Susana have shown up during the Sunday school hour with 3-year-old twins Nelson and Janila and baby Kiara in tow. Yesterday, 12-year-old David came as well. They all look just alike – they can’t deny being siblings – and I’ve just been thankful to have the chance to spend some more time with them. They are really respectful and well-behaved, and I’m glad they can come to the church for a time to draw, play, and just be kids. I’ve gotten a chance to just hang out and color with them a couple of times, and actually do a “lesson” (of sorts) with them and the other kids a couple of times. I don’t know what the future holds for Tatiana’s family, my relationship with them, or my work with the kids in Sunday school. But I’m praying that I keep learning, and I’m thankful that God is providing this opportunity for me to get to know His children.
I think he’s answering those prayers in the clinic, too. Last week I went out a few times to touch base with a couple of patients we had not been as consistent in visiting. It’s funny – they notice. Sra. Victoria, the 80-something-year-old, needs pain management for her many aches and pains (probably arthritis and osteoporosis) and really just someone to talk with about being tired of hurting and unable to help her granddaughters (who take care of her) care for the household chores and their children. I saw her Thursday and then took Dr. Julton by Friday after he finished with his patients in the clinic. Hopefully we can see her more consistently to make sure she doesn’t hurt too much and to treat any other ailments that come up.
I also saw Fermin this week. Fermin is probably in his mid-20s, and about a year ago he suffered an accident that left him paralyzed. He’s doing some therapy, but has been very depressed, and his inability to move around has left him with some pretty nasty bed sores that won’t heal. His parents and sisters take him to rehab and try to take care of him at home, but his wounds really need to heal before the rehab, and perhaps eventually improving his mobility, can take off. So, I saw him briefly Tuesday (although he was asleep) with the psychologist who comes in once a week, and the Julton and I went back to see him later in the week. They had been paying for a doctor from the government clinic to come out and treat his wounds, but I think we’re going to take that over. It’s a commitment – needs to be done pretty much every day – but it’s something we can easily do for free, and hopefully it will help ease their expenses as well as provide a presence of emotional and spiritual support. Ideally, the message we want to be sending to the community is, “We’re here. We care. We want to help. And we’re doing it because of Christ’s love.” I hope we can keep transmitting that message, both the patients that come into the clinic and those we go to in their homes.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Saying good-bye
Flor is one of the secretaries at la Casa Amarilla, the headquarters for SALI and the Peru Mission offices. She’s in her late 20s, one of the sweetest, gentlest, most genuine people you will ever meet, and has already become a good friend in these few short months. Her open heart touches others easily, and I hope to continue getting to know her better in my time here.
Anyway, Flor’s been in and out of work some lately because of health issues her mother has been having with her diabetes. However, none of us knew her illness and its complications had progressed to such a serious stage, and we (the interns, at least) were all shocked to receive news that she had passed away Friday morning. We were out of town at the time, and it was really hard knowing our friend was going through this tragedy – one that I can’t, and don’t want to, even begin to imagine – and not be in Trujillo to comfort her. I suppose people never really know what is best to do when a loved one dies, but you still just want to be there for those left behind.
I think Flor and her family have received visits and support from a lot of people associated with the mission, including pastors, clinic staff, the jóvenes from SUSA, and friends in general. Flor actually goes to a different church, and if she is any indication, I’m sure her mother and their family have touched many lives in their own congregation and in each of their many spheres of influence. It’s uplifting to know people like that and even harder when you see them suffering.
We got to go to the funeral service yesterday. My first Peruvian funeral. Not that I would’ve chosen it…and hopefully I won’t have the opportunity to go to any others. But I went with Heidi, Rachel, Karina, and Maresa, and we met Lennin and Elva, a couple at Cristo Rey church, there. Even just getting to give Flor a hug and quick word of cariño made it worth going. It was moving to see the crowd of people proceeding slowly down the street, following Flor, her father, and her six sisters weeping behind the beautiful white coffin held aloft and draped with flowers. Buses carried everyone to the cemetery, where there was a short service before the burial.
I guess we never really know how to react to death, how to comfort or be comforted. Even with the hope of salvation and resurrection, we’re left with memories, tears, and questions. I never even knew Flor’s mom, but she must’ve been special. I suppose it’s fitting to remember her today, on All Saints Day. I hope that the Lord comforts Flor and her family right now and that, in whatever way possible, we can be there for her as she finds which way is up.
Anyway, Flor’s been in and out of work some lately because of health issues her mother has been having with her diabetes. However, none of us knew her illness and its complications had progressed to such a serious stage, and we (the interns, at least) were all shocked to receive news that she had passed away Friday morning. We were out of town at the time, and it was really hard knowing our friend was going through this tragedy – one that I can’t, and don’t want to, even begin to imagine – and not be in Trujillo to comfort her. I suppose people never really know what is best to do when a loved one dies, but you still just want to be there for those left behind.
I think Flor and her family have received visits and support from a lot of people associated with the mission, including pastors, clinic staff, the jóvenes from SUSA, and friends in general. Flor actually goes to a different church, and if she is any indication, I’m sure her mother and their family have touched many lives in their own congregation and in each of their many spheres of influence. It’s uplifting to know people like that and even harder when you see them suffering.
We got to go to the funeral service yesterday. My first Peruvian funeral. Not that I would’ve chosen it…and hopefully I won’t have the opportunity to go to any others. But I went with Heidi, Rachel, Karina, and Maresa, and we met Lennin and Elva, a couple at Cristo Rey church, there. Even just getting to give Flor a hug and quick word of cariño made it worth going. It was moving to see the crowd of people proceeding slowly down the street, following Flor, her father, and her six sisters weeping behind the beautiful white coffin held aloft and draped with flowers. Buses carried everyone to the cemetery, where there was a short service before the burial.
I guess we never really know how to react to death, how to comfort or be comforted. Even with the hope of salvation and resurrection, we’re left with memories, tears, and questions. I never even knew Flor’s mom, but she must’ve been special. I suppose it’s fitting to remember her today, on All Saints Day. I hope that the Lord comforts Flor and her family right now and that, in whatever way possible, we can be there for her as she finds which way is up.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Enjoying the joys and walking through doors
So, in my post-writing reading of this blog, I realized it’s a lot more introspective than I’d planned. Oh well…
So, a couple of happy things this week. I’ve gotten to play a couple of games of Sunday afternoon football and ultimate Frisbee after Sunday lunch with the missionary families, which was lots of fun, especially since the weather has been really nice. And last night fulbito (our Saturday night small-sided soccer game) was great, with a big group of people and several really good players. I’m still a soccer/sports-nerd at heart…just makes me happy getting out there and playing, especially now that I get to do it for fun.
Another fun thing was getting to have coffee and catch up a bit Friday with Rosa, a friend I haven’t seen in awhile. Well, that in itself was good, but the happy thing was that, about halfway through our conversation, she said, “You know, your Spanish is a lot better than it was last time I saw you.” Since I’m around my Spanish every day, I can’t really tell if I’ve improved, so it was really exciting to hear her say that it seems to have gotten better in the last 6 or 8 weeks.
Also, I’ve decided for sure that I’m staying through July next year. I was trying to figure out if I should come back at the end of May when the fellowship program officially ends or stay through the summer. After doing some thinking, praying, and talking with Dale (the clinic administrator) and Alleen (the fellowship director), it looks like it’s going to work out. I’d wanted to make sure I’d be able to stay practically, be able to be of help at the clinic and translating for short-term teams, and frankly that I’d be staying for the right reasons. But it looks like the Lord has opened up the door, and I think I’m gonna walk through it.
It’s funny – I feel like, at least for me, a lot of times the doors open slowly. The door rarely bangs open or is blown open by an explosion, leaving a hole big enough to walk through. It’s more like, little by little, the door creaks open…or after awhile, after taking some steps backwards, forwards, twisting and turning, I realize it’s open. I hope that happens with what I should do next year. I spent about three hours in front of a computer this morning beginning to look at some grad school possibilities, and it kind of fried my brain. And afterwards I didn’t feel like I’d made much project figuring out my life or future. But since when have I known what I’m going to do? There are certainly some ideas floating around, but they still seem pretty nebulous, amorphous, and idealistic. So for now, I’m just praying that God continues to do what he does – leading me step by step, opening the doors at the right pace, at the right time.
Now if my racing mind and every-so-often anxious heart would just get on board. But, at the same time, it’s nice not to have anywhere to be in any time in particular. So, I’m not in a hurry. And right now I’m in Trujillo, Peru, and hopefully, wherever I end up, I’ll really BE there in every sense of the phrase.
So, a couple of happy things this week. I’ve gotten to play a couple of games of Sunday afternoon football and ultimate Frisbee after Sunday lunch with the missionary families, which was lots of fun, especially since the weather has been really nice. And last night fulbito (our Saturday night small-sided soccer game) was great, with a big group of people and several really good players. I’m still a soccer/sports-nerd at heart…just makes me happy getting out there and playing, especially now that I get to do it for fun.
Another fun thing was getting to have coffee and catch up a bit Friday with Rosa, a friend I haven’t seen in awhile. Well, that in itself was good, but the happy thing was that, about halfway through our conversation, she said, “You know, your Spanish is a lot better than it was last time I saw you.” Since I’m around my Spanish every day, I can’t really tell if I’ve improved, so it was really exciting to hear her say that it seems to have gotten better in the last 6 or 8 weeks.
Also, I’ve decided for sure that I’m staying through July next year. I was trying to figure out if I should come back at the end of May when the fellowship program officially ends or stay through the summer. After doing some thinking, praying, and talking with Dale (the clinic administrator) and Alleen (the fellowship director), it looks like it’s going to work out. I’d wanted to make sure I’d be able to stay practically, be able to be of help at the clinic and translating for short-term teams, and frankly that I’d be staying for the right reasons. But it looks like the Lord has opened up the door, and I think I’m gonna walk through it.
It’s funny – I feel like, at least for me, a lot of times the doors open slowly. The door rarely bangs open or is blown open by an explosion, leaving a hole big enough to walk through. It’s more like, little by little, the door creaks open…or after awhile, after taking some steps backwards, forwards, twisting and turning, I realize it’s open. I hope that happens with what I should do next year. I spent about three hours in front of a computer this morning beginning to look at some grad school possibilities, and it kind of fried my brain. And afterwards I didn’t feel like I’d made much project figuring out my life or future. But since when have I known what I’m going to do? There are certainly some ideas floating around, but they still seem pretty nebulous, amorphous, and idealistic. So for now, I’m just praying that God continues to do what he does – leading me step by step, opening the doors at the right pace, at the right time.
Now if my racing mind and every-so-often anxious heart would just get on board. But, at the same time, it’s nice not to have anywhere to be in any time in particular. So, I’m not in a hurry. And right now I’m in Trujillo, Peru, and hopefully, wherever I end up, I’ll really BE there in every sense of the phrase.
Monday, October 18, 2010
LenninTours - al toque no mas!
October 8th was a holiday (they happen pretty frequently, with which I am perfectly fine), so we didn’t have SALI classes, and the clinic was closed. Therefore, we – the interns and Alleen, our “boss” – decided to take advantage of our long weekend to travel to Moyobamba. Moyobamba is a town in the high jungle, and we actually have a lot of friends and people involved in our churches and ministries here who are from Moyobamba. Therefore, it’s built up a certain amount of fame, and I was excited to get to finally see it. Plus, it would be the first big trip and opportunity to see another, very different area of Peru.
Some things here seem to make perfect sense, and I look back and think, “In the States, I’d think that was crazy.” For example, leaving at 3:00 on a Thursday afternoon, driving 16 hours in a bus, and returning three days later. I mean, that’s a really, really long time in a bus, and I’m generally not that big a fan of long car rides. But I will say it was definitely worth it. Lennin, one of the members of the Cristo Rey church, is from Moyobamba and was there a couple of weeks doing some work. He met us as we emerged, stumbling and bleary-eyed, from the bus at 7 am Friday, and we didn’t slow down much until we got back on the bus to return to Trujillo Sunday evening. Lennin took pride in taking us on the premier way to see the best of Moyobamba: “Una experiencia inolvidable. ¡Diversión al máximo! LenninTours – ¡al toque no más!” “An unforgettable experience. Maximum fun! LenninTours – “…and I’m not sure how to translate this part. Basically, “just a taste of as much as possible.”
And he lived up to his self-appointed slogan. He took us to some lovely hot springs baths to wake up a bit and then showed us a real jungle breakfast from the market, complete with juanes, cecina, tacachones and maduras con maní (bananas with peanuts and cheese). We all loved the beautiful waterfalls and the hike to get there, and everyone jumped off. It was about a 30 foot drop and a lot of fun, and Seth and Tyler probably jumped from every surface and in every way possible. Lennin also showed us various different sites around the town, some with the personal service of his moto(rcycle), which none of us complained too much about. I’m pretty sure Heidi is plotting to buy one for Trujillo, or maybe to take her back to Moyobamba…I’d tag along! It’d be a great way to see Peru.
My favorite part of the trip was taking the boat along the Río Mayo out to the Tingana Reserve. It’s a 6000 hectare jungle reserve that does a little tourism on the side, but it was rustic and real enough to feel very legitimate. After the boat ride, we walked about half an hour through the beautiful jungle and came upon the open-air main bungalow, flanked by cabins and a couple of treehouses for people to sleep. We were the only people there, along with the people who live and work there, so it was cool to just step into their lives for a day. They were very welcoming, let us relax in the hammocks under a pavilion, and served us some delicious food. (Note: if you ever get offered a yucca empanada, eat it. It could change your life). The next morning included an early morning walk through the jungle, including several sightings of monkey communities swinging through the trees, a couple of swings for us gringo monkeys on a swing our guides Juan and Tito had rigged up at the end of the hike, and canoeing back to the lodge along the river. It was pretty awesome.
Unfortunately, my camera had a run-in with a rock when we were on the way to see some caves later that day and didn’t come out so well. So I have some pictures from the trip, but I’ve had trouble uploading them, so I hope I don’t get too much hate mail for not posting pictures yet. ;) If I get it figured out I will. But maybe you can imagine a little until then… Peru is a beautiful place and people, and this was a great way to get to taste another piece of it.
Some things here seem to make perfect sense, and I look back and think, “In the States, I’d think that was crazy.” For example, leaving at 3:00 on a Thursday afternoon, driving 16 hours in a bus, and returning three days later. I mean, that’s a really, really long time in a bus, and I’m generally not that big a fan of long car rides. But I will say it was definitely worth it. Lennin, one of the members of the Cristo Rey church, is from Moyobamba and was there a couple of weeks doing some work. He met us as we emerged, stumbling and bleary-eyed, from the bus at 7 am Friday, and we didn’t slow down much until we got back on the bus to return to Trujillo Sunday evening. Lennin took pride in taking us on the premier way to see the best of Moyobamba: “Una experiencia inolvidable. ¡Diversión al máximo! LenninTours – ¡al toque no más!” “An unforgettable experience. Maximum fun! LenninTours – “…and I’m not sure how to translate this part. Basically, “just a taste of as much as possible.”
And he lived up to his self-appointed slogan. He took us to some lovely hot springs baths to wake up a bit and then showed us a real jungle breakfast from the market, complete with juanes, cecina, tacachones and maduras con maní (bananas with peanuts and cheese). We all loved the beautiful waterfalls and the hike to get there, and everyone jumped off. It was about a 30 foot drop and a lot of fun, and Seth and Tyler probably jumped from every surface and in every way possible. Lennin also showed us various different sites around the town, some with the personal service of his moto(rcycle), which none of us complained too much about. I’m pretty sure Heidi is plotting to buy one for Trujillo, or maybe to take her back to Moyobamba…I’d tag along! It’d be a great way to see Peru.
My favorite part of the trip was taking the boat along the Río Mayo out to the Tingana Reserve. It’s a 6000 hectare jungle reserve that does a little tourism on the side, but it was rustic and real enough to feel very legitimate. After the boat ride, we walked about half an hour through the beautiful jungle and came upon the open-air main bungalow, flanked by cabins and a couple of treehouses for people to sleep. We were the only people there, along with the people who live and work there, so it was cool to just step into their lives for a day. They were very welcoming, let us relax in the hammocks under a pavilion, and served us some delicious food. (Note: if you ever get offered a yucca empanada, eat it. It could change your life). The next morning included an early morning walk through the jungle, including several sightings of monkey communities swinging through the trees, a couple of swings for us gringo monkeys on a swing our guides Juan and Tito had rigged up at the end of the hike, and canoeing back to the lodge along the river. It was pretty awesome.
Unfortunately, my camera had a run-in with a rock when we were on the way to see some caves later that day and didn’t come out so well. So I have some pictures from the trip, but I’ve had trouble uploading them, so I hope I don’t get too much hate mail for not posting pictures yet. ;) If I get it figured out I will. But maybe you can imagine a little until then… Peru is a beautiful place and people, and this was a great way to get to taste another piece of it.
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