A Peruvian Getaway

Peru is an extremely diverse country, as we learnt these past few days. We took a (near vomitos) six hour bus ride into the Andes Mountains to Cajamarca. On the way we passed desert (full of garbage...AAAHH!), rice farms, cacti, mango trees, rich green farmland, beautiful mountain ranges with lots of mist, villages parked on the sides of cliffs, random houses in the middle of nowhere, and a lot more green than we are used to in Chiclayo. When looking at a picture of Peru, you would typically be seeing the dress and scenery of mountain villages and people. It was actually a little nippy up in the mountains when we arrived...And it was raining!

We stayed in rooms in a hostel (the water didn't turn off, our door didn't lock and the boys shower didn't have a shower head- hey, we're only young once) close to the "Inca baths" and Hot Springs. One could see the mist rising from our windows. We had a full day of shopping, touring around buildings dating back to the late 15oo's (some very interesting stories there) and finally eating...Guinea Pig!! It comes served on a plate with legs still on. Gross. Everyone else thought it tasted like chicken , but I(Elli) thought it was sick. Yes, everyone tried it.

It rained a lot in Cajamarca, but it was refreshing. We had the royal Inca spa treatment, complete with Jacuzzi baths and massages. It is sure tough work out here. We spent yesterday and this morning feeling quite relaxed.

The bus ride home was worse than the way up...It felt as though the brakes had somehow broke as we rattled down switchbacks... We all arrived safely back though!

It was our final youth group tonight, and (surprise, surprise) twin faucets (Lindsay and I) cried buckets. After Coco's moving and really amazing devotional, we went around the circle and shared how we appreciated one another. It was a night filled with a lot of love and blessing...And laughter! The New Swedish group from a Bible School over there came to youth group too, and at one point we were singing a song in three different languages. God is so amazing in pulling us all together to worship him. It was beautiful, even without much of a melody...or beat...or rhythm...

Please pray that we would have safe travels back home, as well as protection for the last two days. Pray for our dear friends at the church in Las Brisas. We love them so much and are really quite protective of them...We don't want to share! As well pray for the unreached people in Chiclayo. Thanks so much and see you soon!! (Unless we all "somehow" miss the flight)

Elli (TP) heehee