Mission Peru

written by: Ashlin Maenpaa

Yesterday, Redwood, along with Bramalea, went to sing songs and do skits for the kids. When we first got there, we danced around with the children, and they showed us their dance moves. It was a blast! After that, Redwood sang Father Abraham and Peace Like A River, and had such a fun time dancing with the kids. Then Bramalea did a skit, teaching the children how sin came into the world, and how Jesus died for our sins. It was very well put together! The children at Mana, and at other ministries, are so joyful and grateful, even though they don’t have much and are living in such a poor area of Peru. But it was very difficult to communicate with them, since we speak different languages. 

When we got back, and had a very good lunch. The cooking lady’s are so amazing at making delicious food for us! We finished lunch, and headed out to do some construction in the fields. My job was shovelling out the grass, shaking off the dirt, and moving it to a wheelbarrow. Today, some people planted the grass in another field, so that the children could have a place to run and play. It’s so amazing how one little task can make such a big difference in the long run. We may not think that cutting down some shrubs or moving piles of dirts does a lot, but it’s so helpful for the Peruvians. 

Yesterday was also Canada day! Although we weren’t in Canada, we still felt the need to celebrate. So, after a long day of singing songs at Mana and doing lots of construction, we got ready to go out for supper to Chicken King. I didn’t know what to think of a restaurant named Chicken King, being vegetarian and all. When we got to the restaurant, it was a lot fancier than expected, and for a moment it seemed like we weren’t in Peru. We sat down at a table for about 60 people, and they started to bring out the food. There was salad, fries, and chicken, served with Peruvian mayo and a spicy sauce. They also had Inca Kola and Coca-Cola to drink. Obviously I didn’t eat the chicken, but the fries and salad were incredible. Then we ended our night with worship and our nightly debriefs. 

My favourite part is definitely playing and hanging out with the children. So far I’ve played soccer and volleyball with them, and they are far better than I will ever be. On day two, after doing some construction, we played a game of soccer with the boys from Inka Thakhi. The majority of them are between the ages of 6-12, and they go all out. My team was loosing terribly, but it was still so much fun! And every corner you turn, a soccer game will be going on, and they are intense. 

Overall, I am having such an amazing time helping out and meeting new friends! This trip is a lot different than what I expected, in a good 
way of course, but I am so grateful I came!