Mission Peru

by Michael Whynot

So far, amidst construction, we have visited a local garbage dump (also a place of daily occupation for some locals), a daycare (mostly for sponsored kids who are children of the families in the garbage dump) and a small soccer pitch close by where we were able to play, sing, and dance with some of the kids and teach/show them more of God's love.  

We don't speak much Spanish, so the interns and the few fluent do most of the talking, but we know the basic phrases to start a small conversation. All around me, all I hear is "Como estas" over and over (which means "how are you" in English).  As funny as it is to think of thirty-something Latinos asking me how my day was, even more fascinating is their responses. I've never heard one person, playing soccer or scrounging for "valuables" admits trash, say they are having a bad day.  At first I was confounded.  These people, living inn barely nothing surrounded by fifth, are having a good day? How is that possible? What does that say about how I live; how we all live? These questions have been circling my brain these past few days.  I've had a lot of time, in work and in rest, to spend time with God and reflect on these experiences, and my life.  I'm so happy that I have been given this amazing opportunity to serve and do God's work, and I know my presence here will have a positive impact on Trujillo, my growth in my faith, my relationship with God, and the way I live, missionally, wherever I am.  

Christ is all we need; all we will need. I'm so thankful for all the gifts I've been given, and I realize now more than ever, that God needs to be the center of my life.  His will and his direction should be my guiding cloud in the sky.  He has blessed me in so many ways and I hope to use his blessings he has given for His will, in all that I do. I am so very thankful. My eyes have been opened.  This verse was given to me by my Dad a long time ago, but I've never really taken it to heart until now. Philipians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." I would like to thank everyone for the prayer and support. It is really appreciated and is doing amazing things.  Thanks.

In other news, I'm also growing a mustache.