Mission Peru

Today was a great day; I did not get defecated on by a pigeon. For those who don’t know the whole story, here’s where your imagination comes into play. The Thunder Bay team was standing on the roof having a discussion about the occurring day, as we were coming to a conclusion, Paul asked the cliché “Any more questions?” At that moment, an airborne pigeon decided to poop on my forehead. The fecal matter landed in mid forehead, and dripped down into my eyes, and even my mouth. My immediate response was to ask what was on my face, although I clearly knew that it was what it was. As the whole team was laughing at my misfortune, I ran to Paul thinking that his “Degree In Nursing” brain could aid me in the situation. He apparently didn’t want to, because he just took a picture of it. I then repeatedly asked “What do I do? What do I do?” No one had sufficient advice, so I ran downstairs and scrubbed my face in the shower. It’s only been brought up about 40 times since.

Now onto my experience so far. This trip has truly been a life changer for me. Seeing the poverty stricken Lima and Trujillo has really opened up my eyes. I see so many pictures of countries like this, but until you’re actually there with all your senses do you consider the reality of it. There are actually families with children living in dumps here. I feel ‘inconsiderate’ and almost ‘arrogant’, if you may. I take so much stuff for granted, such as water, and even life, while children here are living off literally nothing. But they still manage to stay happy and optimistic. I pondered and pondered last night just deeply saddened by the poverty paradigm. God has really blessed us all. We haven’t really spent much on construction yet but I do believe that it will be a blessing to the city. God has really worked through me, and I am giving 110% towards Him. Today, we went to Huanchaco beach and I went surfing kinda. We spent 4 hours there, and we shopped the market, and bought a bunch of useless stuff. Paul bought a ginormous turtle shell for his office? We then had a delicious dinner and played more soccer with the locals. It’s really a challenge, and I’ve learned how bad my reaction time really is. It’s been a really, really great trip so far and I’m looking forward to doing more work on the site, and seeing God work through the team. To my famjam and friends, miss you all.

John

P.S. Thunder Bay, step it up with the comments! All the comments are from the other teams parents, none from Tbay. Come on guys