Mission Peru

by Karin Suwanda, Mississauga Chinese Alliance Church

Hello! My name is Karin Suwanda and I am from Mississauga Chinese Alliance Church. My Peru experience has been amazing so far and I can really see how God is working in myself and in the city of Trujillo, Peru.

 I would like to share with you my experience with the children in Peru. Before this trip, I did not have much experience with children and did not really enjoy being around them. My councilor described me as a social introvert – someone who appears to be outgoing but in reality, likes to be by themselves. This describes me perfectly, however, I knew I needed to work on this aspect of myself. I asked God to help me find patience and compassion for children and that is exactly what I have found through a new perspective.

 During these past two days, our team visited Elim, the garbage dump ministry where many children and mothers worked and lived in. In this time, my heart broke over and over again for how these wonderful, joyful, and Christ-loving children and mothers were living in such conditions. As soon as I got off the bus, there were children jumping to hug me and welcome me. I can’t explain enough how touching it was to see these children happy and content with all that they have. Elim is an amazing ministry and I’m so glad I had a chance to experience how God works in even the most broken of places. Despite the language barrier, we could understand each other through our facial expressions and gestures although; I strongly regret not using my duolingo Spanish learning app enough before the trip. These kids have really blessed me in the short while that I got to play with them and I’m thankful for what I have learned. 

 I am constantly surprised and amazed by what I see each day and what God has revealed to me in the short three days that I have been here. Thank you for your support back home in Canada and please continue to pray for our team’s safety, growth and health. Adios!