Follow The Shepherd Home: Trujillo, Peru

For those of you that didn't know, I just returned home from a mission trip to Trujillo, Peru. I had an absolutely amazing time and didn't want to leave. About 4 years ago Twin Lakes started a camp in Trujillo through Peru Mission. I know here in the U.S. camp is a very familiar thing, but it's a foreign idea to the people of Peru. I was really worried about the language barrier I would soon face... How was I suppose to share the gospel with kids that cannot understand me? How could I build relationships? How could I even conduct order? I grew more anxious as the trip approached, but God sure did bless our team and camp!

View of Trujillo, Peru from the our hotel's rooftop!

The culture in Peru is so different than here in the States. For starters, Peruvians are so much more relaxed. It was actually really nice and slow paced and I learned to really enjoy it. The conditions of living are so poor... Even the lowest standard of living here in the US isn't much compared to the average standard of living in Trujillo. No air conditioning, no tap water that's safe to drink, very little paved roads, and so much more. It truly made me realize how much I take for granted and how much I don't really need that I have.

Streets on the way to one of the churches we visited.

Camp started on the Monday after we got to Trujillo. I was a group counselor for the group Blanco, the 11-12 year olds! I wasn't too sure what to expect because I'm used to a MUCH younger group at Twin Lakes in the States and I didn't know ANY spanish. Besides "Hello" and "What's your name"... The kids coming were from 4 different areas of town, one of those including the local orphanage. We didn't really know which kids were which though. As the week marched on the days began to run smoother and the kids really began to open up. A typical day at camp began with Assembly Time where the kids would sing and get excited for the day! They would then grab a snack and head on to their first activity. Each day the kids had 5 activities they would go to: Archery and face painting, sports, super fun games, the pool (all the kiddos favorite) and the Evangelism tent where they would here the Story of Daniel and do a craft each day. We would end the day with more singing and Frankie sharing the good news. I grew really attached to some of my sweet kids and was sad about having to leave them the last day of camp... I'm hoping I'll see them again one day! Whether if, Lord Willing, I go back to Peru or if it's in heaven one day! I'm hoping that it will be BOTH.

This trip wouldn't have been possible without Alleen. Alleen works for Peru Mission and helped work out all the details for this trip to happen! Not only did she get everything together, but she is also so much fun to be around and has such a passion for Serving the Lord through Peru Mission! So thankful for her!

Group BLANCO!!!

Estevin

The little guy hiding behind my head is Miguel. He wouldn't ever let me get a picture of him! Right before this one was take he pushed my head in front of his. This is his little brother Jorge. Miguel was great... So full of energy and so happy all the time. He was my dancing buddy during the assemblies.

This is Jorge. He was from the orphanage and had some had some issues that kept him from being able to play sports and get in the pool. I tried to use that as a time for me to hang out with him. Although he was stubborn about it at first, we became buddies. By Wednesday he was giving me sweet hugs all throughout the day. Absolutely loved this kiddo.

This is sweet, sweet Majorie. This child has my heart. From day one she was such a sweetheart and so friendly. She had me playing all kinds of Peruvian games within the first day. She was also so interested during the stories Zack told about Daniel and tried so hard to memorize the daily verses. I was told the last day her story (she's from the orphanage) and found a whole new respect and love for this girl. She knew some english and on the last day when we were all saying goodbye, she kept holding onto my arm and saying "No bye yet.." I hope that I'll be able to see this little one again!

The whole team. There was a group from Savannah, GA that joined us Twin Lakers. So blessed to have spent this time with y'all. Our leaders Tuan, Zack and Frankie were all absolutely wonderful and did a great job keeping things running smoothly and encouraging us.

Sweet notes the kids gave me on the last day.

God really taught me a lot putting me in a different environment. In fact, He changed the whole way I look at ministry. Before this trip I believed that one of the keys to ministry was the relationships I build with the people I'll ministering to. While that is very important, It's not key. I put to much emphasis on me, and my performance. It's not about me or the impact I have on that person. The ONLY thing that can truly change a person's heart is God and His living and active word. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." -Hebrews 4:12. The best thing I could possibly offer a person is the gospel. God used putting me in a place where I was completely inadequate to show me this. There truly was nothing I was capable of doing to change these kids. Even in all of our weaknesses and inadequacies, camp was still successful. This is a testament of how God uses us for His purposes. He is in control. The kids had an awesome time and the gospel was shared at least twice a day, if not more. To GOD BE THE GLORY.

Beautiful sunset viewed on our plane ride from Trujillo to Lima

I wish I would not have had to leave Peru. I absolutely loved every minute of it. I pray that God will open another door for me to be able to go back to Peru and serve Him. Thanks to everyone for their support and prayers!