The next event that was to happen was going to visit the jail for women. Mr. Gothard had a conflicting schedule with ours so he had to leave and head to his meeting. I don't know if you have ever visited a prison before. I never had before this. I can not forget it. In order to even enter the prison you had to make sure to have a valid photo identification. Our passports were collected and we stretched out our arms to receive a black visitor stamp to stain our skin. We were warned not to rub it off, it was our only pass out of the prison once we entered. Next we were lead to the security screening room. We were going to be handing out blankets and gloves, the boxes had to be opened. I won't forget the sight of the prison guard waving around a butcher knife and slicing into the boxes. This wasn't a place to mess around in. We were lead through the metal detector and one by one we entered a small hall with doors on either side to be patted down by a guard. As soon as we were clear we were allowed out to head to the women. A large courtyard was soon in view and filled with many women, we passed by them and came to the mothers section. A small room was lined with chairs along the walls. Each chair seated a mother with her child. One by one we embraced and shared love with them. Soon our arms were filled with bundles of babies. The weight of the child is not even an issue, your arms my grow weak but you hold on tighter. The mothers watch you hold their child, their eyes never leave you as you walk around the room. We sang and shared testimonies along with handing out soft blankets and gloves. One thing you must be aware of in this prison. If you have a baby or toddler, they are kept along with you in the prison so that you may take care of them. However, once the child reaches the age of three, the child is then turned over to the orphanage. You are only permitted to see your child once a year there after. We saw the raw reality of that as we sang to a little girl and she tried to run out of the room. We couldn't understand why she was trying to run out, until they explained to us that it was her third birthday. Today would be the last day that she got to spend with her mother. It was unbelievable to see these children and know that soon they would be considered an orphan and sent away. That knowledge haunted us as we had to leave the room and head out to the courtyard. The masses of women were not your typical women-these women were hard, bitter, angry, sad, desperate, cold and withdrawn. This was to be a 'celebration' day. Music had been playing as singers were on the stage singing words foreign to my ears. We were lead up to the stage and as we turned and faced them a wave of faces hit you. A lady introduced us and we sang for them twice and I was allowed to share with them. As I spoke I looked into eyes, a few looked away but more held my gaze and some filled with tears. Our time was now up and we filed off the stage and hurriedly passed out tracks to the women and embraced them. Many gathered and asked for prayer, David was able to bless them and pray for them and speak love and truth into their lives. As we left the jail and the door slammed shut we were left without words. We were shaken by the lives of women who were locked away. The women we had just been with where drug dealers, addicts, thieves, and murderers. Only words uttered in prayer could come out as we rode along in the bus to our next stop.


Pulling into Lima there was still no set schedule. We had no idea what we were headed into. Teofilo told us that we must not take anything that we couldn't hold on tight to. So, many of us left out cameras in the bus and piled out. Walking was now the choice of transportation. It was such an amazing change to actually be able to walk the streets! All of us were to have a 'buddy' as we paraded around in our suits and high heels. We turned corners and passed shops until we suddenly opened a door and were stepping into the Presidential Palace! This, ladies and gentlemen, was a complete shock. Well, at least to me, cause if they had announced it to us I completely missed out on the memo. We were lead into a room where Mr. Gothard a few other from our team were already gathered around. From the hall we stepped into El Salon Dorado, the place where many guests are received and where the President was going to be doing an event later on in the day. The Salon opened up to el Salon Tupac Amaru, a large room with had a fireplace and a gigantic table lined with chairs. In here were huge windows, as we looked out the windows our attention was captivated by the motocross display out in the streets. Bikers were racing on the track, taking the jump and doing magnificent tricks in the air before they landed. It was told that the President was going to be hosting this event the next day. Come to find out he used to race too! Finally we were pealed away and came into El Gran Hall. This halls doors were the front doors to the palace. The doors were opened and we snapped a picture of us all lined up on the front steps. As we walked inside one of the racers was headed in. His name, we came to soon find out, was Martin. he originally came from the Czech Republic. We talked for a while and got a picture with him. Mr. Gothard shared Jesus with him and Martin prayed and acknowledged Him as his Savior! By this time the rest of the group was in Elgran Comedor. This was a ornate dining room that had even hosted our President Bush when he had visited Peru! It was absolutely amazing to walk in the beauty of it all.

By this time we really hadn't eaten at all and were pretty hungry by now. A quick stop at a local burger place held us over as we raced to the bus yet again. This time we would be taken to a local Christian television show. Mr. Gothard was to be interviewed and we were to be recorded as we sang. Hop out of the bus and walk down a hall, enter the building and follow the way to the recording room. All of us were lined up and told NOT to look at the camera, "Pretend there is an audience out there" is what they told us. They had us do two takes of it and then we were lead upstairs to where Mr. G. was interviewing. A few of the girls recorded their testimony before we all had to go stand in the back of Mr. G as he finished interviewing. There was a short amount of time that we had, so as soon as we were finished we had to go into the bus once again and go to dinner!

Another day, this one starting out with a school. Not really knowing what to expect we piled out of the bus and headed straight to the kids. They were lined up in rows according to their grades. Each grade had their own uniform to distinguish them apart. We were introduced and then the music began, classical, and the mimes appeared on stage. The children had prepared a mime for us, not just one but two!

They were absolutely brillant and kept us bent in half from laughing so much. We gave a standing ovation for them as they exited the stage. Mr. Gothard was given the rest of the program and began at once to captivate their attention. David was called to give a story....he began with electric energy and intruige. The children leaned in as the suspense mounted. It was acted out by a few of our team members.

It ended all to soon. as we were whisked away to lunch. The lunch was held at a yach club and we were right out on the water as we ate more fish and Peruvian potatoes :) The place that we ate on was a deck that extended out into the water. THe view was breath taking. For a moment the sun actually peaked out and kissed us with its warmth. It only lasted for a brief moment, but it was thouroghly enjoyed non the less. Meals in Peru last for what seems like eternity. You sit and talk, then appetizers are brought. You eat the appetizers and talk and drink. First course follows and you talk and drink more as you are trying to consume the food before you. Then MORE food is brought (come to find out that this is the main dish) you take a deep breath and dive in, coming up for air only to do more talking and drinking. You can barely move by now and yet you are still expected to talk and drink more! The plates are cleared and then dessert! Usually not just one, but two or three!

"This morning was a riot" (Mr G. quote) It is a bit clearer why Jesus preached from a boat. You may not know the powerful force that people can become. Did you know that you can be forced not to move because of the pressure of bodies pressing against you? Now, you may be thinking adult size mob-no, I am here to say that the mob made up of children is the most powerful. To know beforehand what wouldhappen=lets just say that nothing could've prepared us for what happened. We arrived at a school-as we got out of the bus tromones and cheers danced in the air. A pathway was made out of eager hands waiting to be shook and bodies to embrace. Everything was like crazy chaos=I went down the line and was almost to the end when the assault began. First only a few small bodies reshed out of line to embrace my legs(for that is only what their height would lallow) But then the avalanch hit-I was being pulled, tugged, grasped at-there was literally no way out and that was okay. But finally the gaurd reached through and literally yanked me through as she shouted order back to the children. We were lined up on the front row of chairs. So much beautiful noise rang out that it didn't matter that you couldn't even think straight. We sang the national anthemn while te school band banged out along with us. The presentations began-dance after dance after dance. Colors swirling together in harmony. More arms reaching! This time puliing me out along with other to the dancing coutyard. We were the accesories to these twirling skirts and tapping feet...The rush of it all as we are seated again. Another dance-and another hand pulling out out-this time to actually dance with the one who choose me. There are no words to describe it=none at all. None do justice to what that moment was like.




It ended all too soon. as we were whisked away to lunch. The lunch was held at a yach club and we were right out on the water as we ate more fish and Peruvian potatoes :)

Goodmorning! Wow, just when you think nothing else could happen that could be more amazing than what has already happened, it does! This day starts with 300. 300 chairs for 300 pastors. Pastors from various denominations. Men and women from not just Lima but other citys as well. Some traveled hours to come to the meeting! It was incredible to see them all in one place. People that most likely wouldn't be together for any other reason, but brought together for the same purpose-Jesus Christ. We were given the entire time to minister to them. From greeting at the door, passing out handouts, setting up booksales, to just walking around and speaking to them before it began. So get this though-it was being filmed for their national television station. So not were we just reaching these 300 pastors, Jesus allowed us to reach to the unknown numbers! It was amazing to see them take in all the information that Mr. Gothard was sharing with them. They were in rapt attention as they listened to him share truth from the Truth.




We left the meeting and went straight to lunch at Teoflios house. Many people were they to enjoy the food, people, and the sun! Yes!!! The sun was shining fiercely as we sat out in their little courtyard. These meal times are becoming just an amazing time of learning from all these people that are hosting us. They are sharing their lives, stories of love and hurt and transformation. Incredible-only Jesus Christ can be glorified in it all.



After eating the fill that could last for the rest of the day, we split the group. About five went to visit an official with Col. Tanner. The rest of us went to visit the woman who is in charge of the womans department. We listened to her as she shared her passion. The passion of protecting those that are abused, used, left alone after becoming pregnant. She told us that their are 190,000 teen pregnancies in a year here. They are trying to offer programs to help these young woman, even the young children that are abused along with them.



Now imagine this-dimly lit street, traffic sounds blaring, haze hanging in the air and 50 boys off the street all together. We really didn't know what was going to come from this next stop. As you step into the open air courtyard there they are, lined up in rows just waiting and not knowing what to expect. Hands extended, you reach out and pour love upon love on them. It shocks them at first, do they accept this? Is it a show or genuine? Yes, genuine Jesus love that loves the unlovely and beraggled. It's like one of those shock waves that explodes and rushes powerfully over the place. That, my friends is the holy power of God. Singing, laughter bounced off the cold walls and flew out into the air. I know that if we could have really SEEN what was happening we would have been blinded by the pure light of His love that was blazing from within. It was so thick with the sweetness of the Spirit of the Lord. The boys were lead to a cry for Jesus to redeem their lives and set them free from sin and acknowledge Him as their Lord and King. It began as a steady prayer and then burst forth into an all out cry! They raised their voices and I couldn't help but lift my hands to praise Him. I watched them as they were speaking to their new Father-I will never forget the one standing just off center. He was being known by Love for the first time, tears poured out and fell into the hands of His King. It was time to leave and we were blown away to say the least. Speechless-no words could come to us, only those of adoration to Jesus. We have all decided that we will come back and see all our new brothers.



The last event for the day was, well what else would it be? Dinner. I must admit that Peruvians know who to eat!!!!! The choice of cuisine- Chinese-with a Peruvian twist. Duck was one of the main courses. Just when you think that you have recieved all the food they could ever put on the table, you are informed that it was only the appetizers!!! Maybe we will learn are lesson some day...... But along with our food we were entertained by the dancers who presented many differenct dances from the regions of Peru. At the end of the dinner we were each presented with a gift from one of the men that was hosting us. We were shocked at the generosity-wow, that word doesn't even describe it. Who are we to be given so much? The only way is Jesus. We have nothing good in and of ourselves-but these people must recognize Jesus. He is good beyond measure.

Destination of the day=Callao. Beautiful city many surprises.




We had NO idea what would be in store for us on this day. NEVER could we have imagined what this day would hold. I don't even understand the significance of all that happened,none of us can even wrap our minds around it.



The first item on our agenda was the visit the city of Callao. We were to meet with various dignitairies (for lack of better word) These people were the ones who rubbed shoulders with the President of Peru to my understanding. Mayors, govenors and other officials gathered in the meeting room to present honor to Mr. Gothard. Never before had this happened. The significance of them all being in the same room was enough to blow you away-they never had come together like that before...ever. After the presentation of a medal and plaque we talked and talked and talked. Do you even realize the importance and miracle that is?! The very fact that we were able to communicate with the 'language barrier' was amazing! All glory and honor belongs to Jesus Christ for allowing us to minister and be ministered to in return.



We were suddenly whisked away to our big SURPRISE! We drove for only a few minutes and arrived at a harbor. Breathe in the salt air with me and hear the sounds of boats tapping alongside the piers. Now, turn around and see the restraraunt-it is picture perfect. We walk inside and massive, long tables are set to perfection. We are seated and then it begins. First the drinks, then the food. Ir begins with a few dishes brought out for appetizers. Well, more and more was brought out.....ranging from yellow pototoes,sushi, sausage, salad, mushrooms, and ocotopus(yes you read correctly) Everything had to be tried and tasted and ultimately, enjoyed! We did so..again and again we were filled. When we thought we could be filled no more we were offered more and more!!!!! Inca Kola and virgin Pina Coladas (se', no alcohol :) So by now you are packed, stuffed, NO MORE ROOM in the inn!!!!! But wait!!!! What is this?! "What would you like for the MAIN course??" NO! This wasn't the main course??!! Well, you need to pick one, either steak or fish. I went all the way and never have had so much fish in my ENTIRE LIFE!!!! And practially raw to boot! Another thing to keep in mind-whatever you ask about or comment on the people here will just give you! So when I asked about somthing that looked curious, it was fetched and brought over. As the plate was lowered down I knew at once that it was NOT what I was originally enquiring about. Behold, squid a' la carte!!!!! Well, now it was rude NOT to eat it.....so insert into mouth and I will leave it to your imagination. Let me say that it was swallowed WHOLE- I couldn't bear to even chew it.....So that is behind us and now we move on to......dessert!!! yes MORE food!!! Trece de Letche....Magnificent!!! Unlike anything ever!!!!




Okay so now you are full. You feel like you could NEVER eat another thing ever again. So logically you would go for a run eh?! That is what we did :) We spent the rest of the evening touring the city and even going to the coastline....beauty that is indescribable!!!!! Pictures couldn't capture it and words do no justice. But again, I will try to post pictures as soon as I can....but enjoy these few :)




We came back and met to plan the next day. It was amazing to look around and know that the blessing of the Lord Jesus Christ was heavy upon us.



Keep fighting hard.....I know that this is a post about yesterday (Tuesday) but today(Wednesday) has already happened. Yes, I am behind in writing but this in the only time that I was able to. But let me tell you-we are not here without opposition-the Enemy does not want us here and so we need prayer. Keep a covering over us.



Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Continued..




A meeting was arranged for Mr. Gothard to meet with the minister of Construction and Buidling. We was dropped off and we headed out to the nearest supermarket. There was still time left and we needed to still spend a bit more of it before Mr. G was finished. We drove around the city and came upon an art show. The paintings were breath taking and so amazing. TIme flew by too quickly as it was soon time to heada out and pick up Mr. G. After arriving back at the airport we were told that ten minutes was our time frame for us to change an be back in the bus. Guess what?! For what seems like the first time in IBLP history all of us were on the bus with one minute to spare! We were actually able to leave on time. Where were we going? To dinner at one of the ladies from the Peru delegation. Little did we know what lay ahead.... well what immediately lay ahead was TRAFFIC. Traffic here is UNBELIEVABLE!!! No rules, just go where you can and try not to get squashed in between. It took only a bit longer than expected but we arrived at last. I can't begin to describe to you what unfolded in the next hours. If I were to try to explain we would be here for HOURS on end!!! We approached the front door and entered into the most elegant house that you can ever even imagine and begin to dream up. I will just have to post pictures to just show you because there are no words to tell of the beauty. The night was dancing with joy and laughter and oh let me tell you about the food!!! Now, I may have misunderstood but the menu is the following= yellow potatoes with chicken and alvocados, asparagus with cold salad, rice, and the most tasty cow tounge you could ever have! Now, I am not for sure that is what she explained it as but, well lets just say that was the smoothest piece of meat I have ever seen before.... But we were so hungry that we didn't care-we ate and ate and ate....Music was surrounding us as various people spoke. I will have to tell you in detail about how the evening felt and smelled and everything else that I just can't wrap my mind around in the moment. After speeches and singing and hugging and many thanks and promises of seeing each other again-we left and came back to the hotel. I know that I am leaving out so much but l really can't process it all. We have been here for less than 72 hours and it feels like a whole week already! There is so much more to say so I will have to tell more when it is able to come out well enough for people to understand. I can guarantee that if I were to try to write it out it would not make any sense to those of you reading. Let me tell you that He is good and He is being honored and lifted high. If you could please keep praying!!!!!

To see a few pictures and hear a different perspective go to James Staddons family blog and check out the pictures!!!! Staddon Family blog

So, first stop was dropping Mr. Gothard off for his meeting with the Principle of Education. While we were waiting what could be done better with our time than to spend it belting out "Somos Libres, se amos..." aka the Peruvian national anthem. Once the meeting was over we piled into our van to take the long trek to the College of the President of Peru (pretty much the literal translation for what it said in Spanish) After we piled out of the bus we headed straight to a convocation that was to be lead by us! I wish I could describe for you the beauty that we were in. Basically it was set in a valleyish place...the mountains were shooting straight up in front of you. The air was hazy-I couldn't tell if it was the fog of the mountains or the pollution. I think I will choose to go with the fog. But picture bright and bold little houses open air buildings, courtyards connecting the buildings were even painted on the ground with a 'game'. But back to the convo....Mr. G told them the story of how he went from being a poor and terrible flunk student to being able to reach grades that had never even been in sight before. He pulled out an American $20 bill and told the eager faces that it would be the reward to whomever could tell him what is was that he did to make it happen. I was amazed and was only able to sit back in awe of the answers these kids were giving! [[Just a bit of background- this was a project that was put on by the President of Peru. Apparently the schools were doing so bad in this area that they were not even passing the required tests they had to do for the education people. So this school was born...only the BEST of the BEST go...you have to be the in the top 1-2 of your entire school before you are even an option to attend. Once you are choosen you are sent directily to the school per the government(the government pays for everything)]] Okay, so where were we? Ah, the answers....yes, they were not silly answers that kids would normally give. You knew by what they were saying that they were thinkers and were taught how to answer intellegently. we went on what seemed like only five min with them trying to crack this mystery......in reality it was much longer than that, it had to have been because Mr. G was running out of $1 bills fast. He took a break from the gussing game and introduced us all to the crowd. We sang "How Great Thou Art" in Spanish and English. I couldn't tear my eyes away from them as we were singing....their eyes were glued to us. They watched every move we made and noticed everytime we breathed in or out, their eyes never left us. It was as if they were drinking it all in and had been dying of thirst. Natalie and I shared testimonies to the group and then the guessing continued. After many more guesses it was finally decided that he was just going to taunt them a bit more but then finally tell them the answer. Want to know the answer? Well.......that will have to be for another time. Lunch time arrived quickly and we were sent off on a tour of the grounds and then to the cafeteria. We couldn't go an inch without being greeted with "Buenos tardes" or "Hola!" or a favorite " Como se llamas?!" So many wanted pictures and couldn't get enough of just being around the 'Americans'. The cafeteria was ahead of us and we entered to the best sounds your ears could ever hear-laughter, joy, excitement was like electricity in the air. Nothing could be contained. It was decided that each of us would sit at a table of the students to mingle and interact one on one with them. I wish you could have seen what I did. Every table with hungry eyes and ears just drenched in eager anticipation to see who would sit at their table. <> All of the sudden as we were sitting there the music blared out of the speakers and it began-the most amazing traditional dance that you have ever seen. Again, all eyes were on us to see if it recieved our approval. When we gave it with enthusiasm they were ecstatic! Our group got together and sang songs for them as they gathered around us. We were pressed on everyside as they just wanted to be near-they especially crowded around for picture time!!! It became the crazy love mess around us as it was announced we had to leave. Arms wrapped so tightly around you, faces touching yours, and broken english goodbyes. As we were trying to leave we passed out our business cards....holy cows........it was a mad rush to whoever had them. Cries rang out for them and desperate voices asking you to sign them and 'picture, picture please?!' We had to be ripped away from them seeing as we were already late for out next meeting.......(to be continued)

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Well, we made it!!! After many hours of sitting and three airports later we arrived in Peru around 12.30 am this morning! The welcome we recieved was unbelievable-it was like all of Peru was hugging and kissing us as we came from the baggage claim :) It was a flurry of Spanish, English, flashes of cameras, and laughter as we paraded through the airport. Outside we were greeted with a line up of people that were cheering and clapping madly for us. We piled into the bus with all of our luggage and headed to the hotel. Even at 1am there were people still in restraunts and walking the streets that we passed. Never could I repeat the steps on how we got to the airport-so many twists and turns and snippets of buildings zooming past. Once we arrived at the airport we were greeted again with some of the Peruvians as well as members of our group that had already arrived. Again, hugs and kisses all around!

We finally managed to retreat to the room with good intentions of going to sleep while it could still be considered that. After a while when we settled in and finished talking to people we fell asleep. After what seemed like pretty much only five minutes we were rudely awakened by our alarms. My room mate was going to take her shower first and that was fine with me! (more time to just lay there telling myself that I really did have to get up) As I was laying there a shriek from the othe wall pealed out. Unfortunately she found out that the hot water just isn't so hot, in fact it's pretty amazingly freezing!

So now that I am officially up and ready to go I am just trying to process eveything that is going to be taking place- we are in Peru! That one still hasn't sunk in-but soon enough it will. Keep praying for us, may He b glorified in all that we say and do. May love win out today.

Carpe Diem!