We have arrived! Chicago to San Salvador to Peru in one day can take your breath away. We left head quarters at about midnight (Sunday morning) and flew out around 3 am!!! I have to say that nothing can beat the birds eye view of the sunrise. I was struck speechless as the captivating beauty arose right in front of me.
Once we arrived in Peru we were greeted by old friends and taken to our hotel. We had some time to wash our sleep depraved faces and breath for a bit before we headed out. Meeting in the lobby is a hilarious sight, I know that it must be. All of us being coralled together as Mr. Maddix shouts out our directions above the chaotic clamor. The hustle and bustle of it all is enough to engergize you for a week straight. The rate my adreneline has been pumping, I think I should be good for the rest of the month!
We went to the Missionary Alliance church and were welcomed by the beat of little feet on the pavement. The children perfomed a traditional dance for us and decorated our suits with hand made pins. We were embraced and welcomed like the best of long lost friends. The service began and the air was thick with anticipation of what was going to happen. We were all called up to the front as Mr. Gothard proceeded to share his heart with the people of the church. It was an amazing sight to see-the entire building looked as if stuffed any more it surely would burst at its seams. A few of us shared our testimony and the entire group sang a couple of the old favorites :) After the service ended (two hours later) we were once again emersed in a sea of arms hugging us and faces lit up with smiles. Dinner was provided for us there in a tent set up outside the church. We laughed and talked, each action filled with uncontainable emotions of joy and excitement.
This morning we woke up and enjoyed a fresh cup of Peruvian coffee before we headed out the door to the Presidential school. Ont he way we prepared for what was fast approaching-teaching character. By preparing I guess you could actually say, praying. It was something we could only 'prepare' for so much and the rest was up to God. We usually fly by the seat our pants and that is exactely what we did today. We met in a large assembly with kids ranging in age from 13-16. The first lesson of the day was about attentiveness. we taught the definition along with a song and other attention grabbing pointers. We broke for lunch and met back around 2 something. (I don't even remember the hours that flew by today) The kids grouped back up after eating and we introduced the quality of forgiveness. We reviewed the first part of the day and then we gave a chalk talk about how bad things in our life can be ment and used for good. From there we were seperated into small groups that had about 45 min to teach more in depth and personalize it as well. It was INCREDIBLE! Being able to spend that time with the kids up close and personal was absolutley priceless! It was hard when it was time to go, even though we had spent literally the entire day there, it just didn't seem like enough time. But we have an open door to come back when ever we are able to! Is that not amazing?!
So, of course dinners here are never just dinners, they are more like an event. 'Chino' was the food of choice this evening. It may surprise you that there is an abundance of chinese food here in Peru. It's amazing in every single way you could ever imagine!
Well, seeing as it is incredibly not the earliest bed time hour, I should probably go. It has awesome sharing with you just a glimpse into the first day of our time here in Peru. Sorry that there are no pictures yet, that will have to be for another time. Don't worry, I have taken plenty just today :)
Be blessed and continue praying!!!!
Specifics-
Alisa Price is very sick
Meetings tomorrow with Minister of Women
Health conference
Praying. :)