Mission Peru

by Justine Stehouwer, Bolton Alliance Church

As I walked around Huanchaco with some students on Monday, I recognized an artisan market that I had enjoyed on my last trip with Mission Peru in 2015. I was hoping to see a shop that I remembered, as I regretted not purchasing a painting from this gentleman last time and hoped I could this time. I visited a few shops, getting quick greetings from the owners, while I looked for a gift for my niece. I soon arrived at the shop I had remembered – the beautiful paintings of the beach were on display. One of my students was speaking with the owner, and I said a quick ‘hola’, while browsing the jewelry and sweaters. The owner, Tito, came over, and asked how I was, and somehow we had a small conversation though each had very little knowledge of each others’ languages. Then he asked the question that changed my day – “you’ve been here before, right?” I laughed and said yes, but it was two years ago. He said no, I remember you! And we continued talking, he shared that he knows of Inca Link and the work in El Porvenir that is being done, and that his father is a pastor in Huanchaco. We talked about his art, and he showed me it proudly as I picked one to buy.  We kept talking, in some form of Spanglish, and after a while Alex joined us and was able to fill in the missing parts of our conversation. I felt so welcomed and so appreciated and the connection was so simply human and kind. I bought some lovely souvenirs; he was so fair with prices and enjoyed talking about his work and the friends whose work he also sells. I think that my interaction with Tito stands out so much because it was only possible because each of us were open to making a conversation work, despite the difficulties of our language differences making. Tito’s approach to his work was so different from many of the other shops in the market, who were not unkind but were direct and all business. Tito was willing to take the time to connect, to ask questions and engage. The difference one person’s attitude can make blew me away, and it was a unique highlight of my trip.

Similarly, a few of us were invited into a woman’s home for a Bible study on Tuesday. The rest of our group ran programs for neighbourhood kids, and as part of the Amijai ministry that runs here, there is also a program for the moms. Sarah from Bramalea and I went with four students – Rachel from MCAC, Jasmine, and Megan and Sam from Bolton. I can’t quite put into words how it felt to enter a family’s home, complete with dirt floor, thatched walls of woven grass, a small window, and little furniture. The room was initially quiet as this group of foreigners stood awkwardly in the corner. We began by praying, and then with each successive testimony, the perceived space between us grew smaller and smaller. From small laughs when the story was relatable, to nods when a vulnerable moment seemed to hit home, it was becoming clear that there were less differences than we had thought. As we each made efforts to connect, again the humanity came through, and the knowledge that these were our sisters and friends. The women had a birthday party and offered us so much food, serving us diligently and kindly, it was such an honour to be there, yet we were treated like royalty. I was welling up with pride at the vulnerability the students and leaders showed, knowing we had little picture of how our words were being received. Yet, as our friend Patti prayed for us, I couldn’t deny the feeling that our words were being directed by the Spirit. Patti prayed and reminded us that despite the differences in our cultures, our countries and homes, we have the same need for God in our lives, for His work in our circumstances. This thought helped me a little bit as I processed the dump, and as I begin the processing work of this whole trip. It’s hard, it doesn’t make sense, and I don’t always understand how it all fits with God’s love. Yet – here I am, excited to see family but aching to bring the complexities of this journey home with me. Through it all, I know that God is in the business of love, and He is showing that in so many ways, including this essential connection between people. I pray that more people are willing to go through the uncomfortable process of wading through differences and barriers to seek the life affirming and heart warming ministry of relationships.