Mission Peru

 

written by: Ashley Stezenko

It was an earlier morning this morning, we were up by 7:00 and began devotional shortly after. It was great to start our day off by connecting with God and the amazing people around us. We were told yesterday it was going to be a busier day and we couldn't wait to see what was in store for us.
 
Our first stopwas churchand we were all excited to see what it was like because we had no knowledge of what we were in for. Walking in was such a different vibe.  It was a much smaller unique place that is truly one of a kind. The first service had just finished and all the people were starting to walk out and they all wanted to meet us. Kids came running up and elders were all excited to welcome us. It was amazing to see the differences and similarities between our cultures and the way we worship. It was an experience I’m so glad I was a part of. The way we were able to unite as one group, and share our faith as a community was a sign of hope. It showed us that it doesn't matter if we can’t speak the same language or if we don't come from the same place, we can unite to focus on one thing. 
 
Our second stop was the beach, and market. Let me just say, this was the best and worst part of my day. I loved seeing all the locals and I got touch the ocean for the second time in my life. I think after this experience I am able to actually have a conversation in Spanish. It took me a while though, the locals laughed at me a lot before I got any good at it. It was also the worst because it was hard telling the people “no I'm not interested” and them still shoving items in my face. I really saw diversity between the people. Over all it was fun going off and exploring the endless market. 
 
The third stop was the Plaza de Aromas. It was a mystery stop. We were told we had 30 minutes to be back at the bus and we were able to walk around and enjoy the beautiful city. So, my trio and I set off on our adventure down the street. We had begun to notice and discuss the differences between the two tourist spots. We knew we had entered a more well off area.  We were sort of in shock of how there was such a drastic change of atmosphere in such a short distance. We were unsure how to react. As my group and I were walking down our hearts broke for this man who was singing his heart out for us on the street and as we got closer we realized he was unable to see. This man did not fit in with the others walking along the street. I had instantly felt that God had put something on my heart. My friends and I gathered as much change as we could and walked up to him gave him the change and said “God Bless” only to realize he probably couldn’t understand us and we didn't know the Spanish translation but we could only have faith. Thats all we can do. Such a basic word but that is what we are here to bring to the communities. 
 
God has started working though our hearts and pushing us to do things that are out of our comfort zone. He is beginning to reveal his plan and I can’t wait to see how I continue to grow and listen to how God uses me.