Today was our last day in Trujillo. Yesterday and today we visited an orphanage in Laredo called Nuevos Pasos (New Steps). Seven girls currently live there along with a few staff members. We did some painting, purchased some new items, and played with the girls.
In conversations with the director of the orphanage, we learned that the orphanage had been supported by a church in Spain that has since been unable to give them the same level of financial support with which they began. One of the permanent buildings is completed, which is where the girls live. There is a second building which is still under construction, but which has not had any progress since 2008.
This trip has been overwhelming in so many ways--there are lots of needs to fill, and it is difficult to know what is the best way to help. We brought a number of items that were requested--shoes, pajamas, a new television, and other things. It was great to get to know the girls--they were reluctant to talk with us at first, but soon warmed up to us. This was quite a contrast to the kids at Hogar de Esperanza, who attach themselves very quickly to new visitors. Although this was the first time David and I visited Nuevos Pasos, I hope it will not be our last.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Friday, June 19, 2015
The More Things Change the More They Stay the Same
We've been in Peru for four days already! We made our connection from Houston to Lima with a whole one minute to spare, and then spent the night in Lima airport, but we got here safe and sound. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were days at Hogar de Esperanza. In the mornings we worked on projects doing some cleaning and maintenance, and then in the afternoons we did at VBS-type program that Courtney was a big part of planning. Today, we went and watched a school program of some of the girls from the orphanage, and then in the afternoon we went out to help with ministry that works with people who live in the garbage dump outside of town.
It's weird seeing how much some things have changed. There are buildings, stoplights, bridges, and all kinds of other things that weren't here last time we were here. Over half of the kids who were at the orphanage 3 years ago are gone, and there are a few new kids too. The orphanage is also in much worse shape--there are far fewer staff workers, the entire second floor is completely unused, the garden is gone. And yet, our favorite restaurant still has the same waiter (who remembered Courtney), Jessica still pulled my ears when she sat on my shoulders, and Edwin still hummed while he was on the swing. Some of the hard things about being here are also the same--it is physically and emotionally exhausting, and we end up feeling raw in a lot of ways.
It's impossible to describe all of the thoughts and feelings that we have coming here three years after we left. It was heartbreaking to leave the first time, and the kids started pulling those heart strings almost immediately. Within the first day of being there, we were getting questions like "are you staying here with us" and "are you going to leave again" and "WHY can't you stay." It was really great, though, to have most of the kids remember us, and be happy to see us. We've kept up with most of the older ones on Facebook, but had basically no contact with the younger kids.
We are glad to be here, and so glad to be with these kids again. Tomorrow, we are going on an outing with them to a camp-type place where there is a pool, soccer field, and apparently even some horses to ride. I could try to say more about all the things we've been doing, but it's past bedtime, so I'll just post a lot of pictures, mostly of cute children, which is probably why you're reading this in the first place :-)
And........on second thought, after a variety of attempts, the internet seems to be refusing pictures uploads, so you'll have to wait a bit longer for them.
Cheers!
-David
It's weird seeing how much some things have changed. There are buildings, stoplights, bridges, and all kinds of other things that weren't here last time we were here. Over half of the kids who were at the orphanage 3 years ago are gone, and there are a few new kids too. The orphanage is also in much worse shape--there are far fewer staff workers, the entire second floor is completely unused, the garden is gone. And yet, our favorite restaurant still has the same waiter (who remembered Courtney), Jessica still pulled my ears when she sat on my shoulders, and Edwin still hummed while he was on the swing. Some of the hard things about being here are also the same--it is physically and emotionally exhausting, and we end up feeling raw in a lot of ways.
It's impossible to describe all of the thoughts and feelings that we have coming here three years after we left. It was heartbreaking to leave the first time, and the kids started pulling those heart strings almost immediately. Within the first day of being there, we were getting questions like "are you staying here with us" and "are you going to leave again" and "WHY can't you stay." It was really great, though, to have most of the kids remember us, and be happy to see us. We've kept up with most of the older ones on Facebook, but had basically no contact with the younger kids.
We are glad to be here, and so glad to be with these kids again. Tomorrow, we are going on an outing with them to a camp-type place where there is a pool, soccer field, and apparently even some horses to ride. I could try to say more about all the things we've been doing, but it's past bedtime, so I'll just post a lot of pictures, mostly of cute children, which is probably why you're reading this in the first place :-)
And........on second thought, after a variety of attempts, the internet seems to be refusing pictures uploads, so you'll have to wait a bit longer for them.
Cheers!
-David
Monday, June 15, 2015
We're off on an Adventure!
This morning, we woke up at 5:45am to leave for Peru! We will be taking a bus to O'Hare and then fly to Lima, making a stop in Houston. After spending the night in the Lima airport, we'll take another short flight and arrive in Trujillo on Tuesday morning.
Thank you all for your support for our trip--both financially and through prayers. If you get a minute in the next day or so, please pray that we get enough sleep on our journey--once we arrive in Trujillo, we will be briefly unpacking and then heading to Hogar de Esperanza, where Courtney will be leading the VBS program.
We will try to post pictures throughout our time in Peru on Facebook. We should be able to check our email and Facebook pages in the evenings, so please send us your thoughts and encouragements that way! We are traveling in a group of 14 people, some of which have never been out of the country on a mission trip before, so please pray that they have a positive and powerful experience.
Even as we're on our way, I have mixed feelings. I am beyond excited to see the kids again--Pablo and Pedro (who were in my homework group), Jessica (who stayed with David and I for a month), Cristina, Jenifer, Alejandro, Rosita, Edwin, Abel, and Italo. However, I'm scared of the big feelings that are waiting for me in Peru. Leaving the kids behind is so hard, and I'm setting myself up to do this again. Our year-long stay in Peru brought some of the most difficult experiences of my life, and I don't feel prepared to revisit those struggles and emotions.
That being said, Jesus is taking this trip with me, and I know that I can rely on Him for the big stuff I wrestle with. I am so thankful to also be going on this trip with a great group of brothers and sisters in Christ, and also to have your prayers and encouragement along the way!
-Courtney
Thank you all for your support for our trip--both financially and through prayers. If you get a minute in the next day or so, please pray that we get enough sleep on our journey--once we arrive in Trujillo, we will be briefly unpacking and then heading to Hogar de Esperanza, where Courtney will be leading the VBS program.
We will try to post pictures throughout our time in Peru on Facebook. We should be able to check our email and Facebook pages in the evenings, so please send us your thoughts and encouragements that way! We are traveling in a group of 14 people, some of which have never been out of the country on a mission trip before, so please pray that they have a positive and powerful experience.
Even as we're on our way, I have mixed feelings. I am beyond excited to see the kids again--Pablo and Pedro (who were in my homework group), Jessica (who stayed with David and I for a month), Cristina, Jenifer, Alejandro, Rosita, Edwin, Abel, and Italo. However, I'm scared of the big feelings that are waiting for me in Peru. Leaving the kids behind is so hard, and I'm setting myself up to do this again. Our year-long stay in Peru brought some of the most difficult experiences of my life, and I don't feel prepared to revisit those struggles and emotions.
That being said, Jesus is taking this trip with me, and I know that I can rely on Him for the big stuff I wrestle with. I am so thankful to also be going on this trip with a great group of brothers and sisters in Christ, and also to have your prayers and encouragement along the way!
-Courtney
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