Niños y Besos

On Sunday morning, the beautiful Peruvian hosts greeted us with a delicious breakfast and plenty of smiles. Before mass we had a little bit of downtime; here are a few silly pictures of how we pass time!

Alex, Anna, Genevieve, Lauren, Sarah

Sarah showing off some workout moves. 

This is the view from our rooms and little hang out balcony where we enjoy minimal downtime. 

The rest of the morning was spent at mass and touring the areas we may be working in throughout the next few weeks. When we arrived at the church for mass, it was as if celebrities had just pulled up. Children lined the sidewalks and held out little banners with our names on them. It was the most precious invitation ever and I'm pretty sure my heart is still melted on that sidewalk. In the photo below you will be able to see part of the flood that welcomed us to mass. :)

When that was finished, we got a tour of the new school that was recently built for adults seeking additional education, the elementary school, and the hospice center in which we will be working with patients. Today is Kerry's birthday so one patient sang her best "Feliz Cumpleaños" while we all clapped along. The hospice center was our first real encounter with mosquitoes and boy, were they hungry!  The photo below is of the center garden area of the hospice center in which the patient rooms open to. 

This next photo had me smiling alone as I'm traveling amongst Packer fans. :)

Here's most of our crowd after a little afternoon shopping outside of Piura. Many of us found fun handicraft gifts (for others and ourselves!) for very great deals. (L to R: Lauren, Tobin, Anna, Stef, Gen, Meghan, Asmita, Sarah, Chris, Kerry, Darlene)

The afternoon and early evening were spent at a Girl's School/Orphanage. The young ladies are not orphans, but their families live elsewhere while the girls are in school. These beauties took hold of our hands and gave us the warmest welcome. From popcorn to hair-dos, we were cared for with tender love. 

Some of the chicas and me after they redid my hair, topped off with two gorgeous flowers. ¡Qué bonita!

Here is a group of students and girls playing some volleyball. I'm almost positive that's the first time I've played in a skirt and sandals--great learning experience! 

And because it is Kerry's birthday, she had the privilege of dancing for us while the girls sang. 

I think the thing that amazes me the most is how we are able to connect with these people despite significant differences. I love seeing the children smile from ear to ear while dragging me around their little village with pride. Despite my dusty Spanish, the people are still willing to laugh with me as I search for words in my mental files. After talking with the girls a bit, they would start asking questions like, "Cómo se dice el brazo en inglés?" (how do you say arm in English?) or "¿Y en inglés?" (and in English?--this became more generic after many questions). I'm feeling so blessed to be here and so thankful for each opportunity we are presented with. Thank you for all of our supporters and for everyone who has been praying for our safety and health! 

We send our biggest hugs to you...xoxoxo 

Alex & the gang