Hola amigos en los estados unidos y el mundo -

We are home. We are all safe, tired, and processing our experiences. Following are a few final thoughts and news from the last day.

We forgot the share the llama story at Machu Picchu on Thursday. We were all admiring the llamas that roam the grounds and trying to outdo each other with close up pictures. The llamas seemed to be getting friendlier and we were sure we each had the right technique to get them to come closer. All of a sudden they were all coming closer - in fact they were ready to run Joy over. So pretty soon we were all in the middle of the pack. Llamas are from the camel family and for those of you that have gone to a zoo recently you know how camels love to spit. Well, llamas spit too! At us! Imagine that....


Friday
We had a change of plans with the Cusco wheelchair distribution. There were some mechanical issues that prevented them being completed in time for us to be involved in the process. The people will get their wheelchairs next week, so none of the recipients one will miss out we spent the time touring the city of Cusco prior to flying back to Lima. Cusco is very beautiful so we all enjoyed the diversion. At lunch Chris had a major breakthrough on the Peruvian Exotic Food Update and tried Alpaca. Most of us had a bite - but certainly not all of us! UNFORTUNATELY the special oven was broken at the restaurant so we were totally unable to have pizza or try guinea pig - what a tragedy! (FYI the overall vote was that Alpaca was better than the cabrita)


Saturday
This morning in Lima we went to a medical clinic in a slum in Manchay, the Southside of Lima. The medical clinic operates out of a "shack style" school on a rotating basis whenever medical volunteers are available. Jennell was the only one of us that had any real skill. The rest of us learned new "skills for the day".

Jennell designed and ran a dental clinic. This was the third step in our dental program beginning with the Nancy Cole Home and the orphanage at Limatambo earlier in the week. The big teeth and toothbrush have had a major workout. Jennell and Jaqueline cleaned the teeth of approximately 200 people. One of the people Jennell worked on probably would have lost their teeth in 2 years if nothing had been done. Juliette was in charge of having them rinse their mouths with a combination of hydrogen peroxide and water *uno, dos...* Shirley conducted many more of her now famous how to brush your teeth groups. After learning how to brush, her students were treated with a sugarless lollypop. After this experience none of our team is thinking of changing their professions.

Stephanie worked in the parasite clinic. There was a course in basic nutrition as well as an illustration of how you get parasites and how to avoid them. The participants were then given oral medication to help eliminate any that exist. There is a series of medications that must be given to be effective so each family is registered to ensure as best as possible that the course of medication is followed.

Chris and Joe were on the machete sandwich team - making sandwiches for all the participants and then worked in the clothing distribution area. Many of the clothes you sent found new homes with people that really needed them. Some of us gave them our shoes when we were boarding our bus. All of us were exhausted but felt we had a direct contribution in enhancing some of God's poorest.

We left Lima at 2AM Sunday, arriving at LAX early Sunday morning. Thanks to volunteer drivers we were all transported home and can now spend a few days synthesizing our experiences.

So, what is a faith adventure/mission trip really like

* You get the opportunity to see your faith in action
* You get a chance to feel God's presence among all of his people
* You are completely humbled
* You have the opportunity to serve where God wants you at the moment
* You are changed forever
* You now have a new family of friends

Camp Cooke is over for now. Thanks to John and Joy for being in charge - for guiding the rest of us through what to do. All we really had to do was show up at the bus at the appointed time and do what we were told to do. They fed us, assisted us when needed, made sure we made the required flights and busses, encouraged us when the tasks seemed insurmountable, filled us with examples of God's love through daily devotionals, and made each of us feel special with our talents. Now we have the opportunity and the responsibility to live our faith in a different way - with a better understanding of what God wants of us today.

Thanks to all of you for being our families, friends and supporters. Without each and every one of you this would not have been possible.

XOXO
We really love you!

Thursday

Today we had the opportunity to witness God’s glory and majesty outdoors. We traveled from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

We traveled by bus for about 1 hour from Cusco to Ollyantambo in the Sacred Valley. On the way we passed through the area of Chinchero which is the major agricultural producer for the region. This 14,000 ft elevation point is the home to many crops among which are many varieties of potatoes - one of the major staples of Peru.

Machu Picchu is amazing. The clouds literally cover and blanket the top of the mountain peaks and provide a 360 degree view of probably the most magnificent scenery that anyone had witnessed prior. The true effect of the area is hard to really explain in words or pictures because it is so incredible. The mountain peaks seem endless and it almost seems like you can touch the sky. In fact you feel like you are a part of the sky - kind of hard to explain. All the superlatives you can think of were represented there. It is truly a wonder.

Our major trekker and trooper, Jenell, ensured that we had medical care even at the top of the Sun Gate trail - never leaving the first aid bag behind. Without a doubt we were the best prepared group there that day.

Speaking of the Sun Gate trail here we are at the top. This is a true testimony to our team philosophy of “no person left behind" and sheer will for some - in and of itself a major accomplishment.

Exotic Peruvian Food update:
Cuy - so sorry didn’t get the time to try it - maybe next time......(guinea pig)
Alpaca - say what....oops didn’t get the time to try this either
Platano Frito - everyone’s breakfast treat (fried plantains)

Special Medical Tips learned from the road:
* Always travel with charcoal (thanks Jenell)
* Don’t forget Altoids
* Drink Coca tea when available

XOXO
We love all of you!

Cusco

Wednesday in Cusco
Today we went to Casa Del Aguila (House of the Eagle) orphanage in Limatambo, approximately 2 hours from Cusco. We were met by Pastor Kenny, the onsite director and shown the grounds. We also spent some time with Pastor Ralph, one of the founders who happened to be visiting from Texas with his granddaughter. The orphanage operates family model structure. There are 7 houses for orphans. Each house has a married couple with 1 or 2 of their own children and 8 orphans. This format provides a family environment for the children and helps them establish a firm family foundation for their respective futures.

The orphanage is part of the Association Casa Del Aguila compound. A school (with about 200 students), an infirmary, agricultural fields, machine shops, wood shops, and many other features are included in the association.


Exotic Peru Food Update
Cocoa Tea - 100% agreement that we couldn’t live without it.

XOXO
Love to everyone

Day 3

First before the Tuesday update - an editorial comment - Where in the world is Joe Hollett? Based on yesterday’s blog you would think he was sleeping all day or out shopping - no, of course not, he was working hard and in return for all that hard work I called him John. Nice. Joe was the master footboard adjuster for the wheelchairs in the morning and he was Team 5 - maintenance at the Nancy Cole Home. Sorry to all his supporters and family - but of course you would know better - if there is anything to fix Joe will be at the head of the pack.

Tuesday -
This morning we were given a great opportunity to experience a new twist to the wheelchair distribution program. We went on follow up visits in the area of Callao to see recipients who had been given wheelchairs during the last several months. This was the first time a mission group was given this opportunity and I can say for all of us that it was incredibly helpful with putting the whole picture together. The first house we visited was that of Luis Angel, a 6 year old boy. Pastor Shelly’s team did the original distribution last year so we were pleased to help complete the circle. He has some sort of brain paralysis that basically left him crippled on a bed for most of the day. His 10 year old sister and mother welcomed us into their home and there was Luis sitting in his chair. He has had some motor functions return and was able to grasp the candy when it was given to him. (Of course we are distributing sugarless lollypops as part of our overall dental health program!) He was smiling and his mother said he understands what is going on. They think he will be able to attend school shortly.

The next house was that of Jampier, a 5 year old. His mother had been promised wheelchairs many times in the past and nothing was ever delivered. To say she was skeptical when Paola first approached her is the ultimate understatement. Finally, Camino de Vida and the local church were able to convince her that this time it was real and a chair would be delivered. When we saw him he was alert and also could demonstrate some fine motor skills. Our visiting let the family know that they are still in our hearts and that there is genuine concern for his well-being.

I think there was an "aha" moment for the team today when we realized what a wheelchair could actually do for someone. Of course we saw their joy and the joy of their families but other than mobility I did not realize what could happen when someone is stimulated - all of their senses improve! All the people we have seen will be far better off in more ways than we can imagine.

Tuesday afternoon we flew to Cusco (altitude 12,000 ft) and Wednesday we will be going to an orphanage about 2 hours out of Cusco - more on that tomorrow.


Exotic Food Update #2.
Maraccuya - Great - Orange Drink
Melon Drink - Great
Tacu tacu - Very Popular rice dish - expect to see this recreated at home
Cabrita - those that tried it liked it - those that didn't try it don’t want to talk about it (baby goat)

XOXO
We love you all!

Day two

Really big day, lots to talk about.
In the morning we went to the area of Comas again but this time for a community wheelchair distribution. This event was held at a school and about 20 individual chairs were given to the proud new owners. It was quite a community event with families and neighbors joining to see the happy faces of the recipients. The first one given out was to Fernando, a darling 3 year old who couldn’t stop smiling and certainly stole all our hearts. Many individual talents of our team were revealed. Jacqueline, for example, now has super muscles from pumping all the tires. Juliette became famous for her "uno, dos" prior to taking Polaroid pictures of everyone along with their families providing a terrific record of the event.

Jenell became an English teacher to her friend Diego improving her Spanish at the same time. Shirley is now becoming known throughout the country as the candy lady as she passes out lollypops to all the kids wherever we go. Chris, John and John are the heavy duty maintenance team and tightened all the screws and adjusted the footplates of all the chairs at this event. It was absolutely amazing and some of our feelings are a bit hard to describe. One of the women who received a chair actually crawled to the event because there was no one to carry her and there was no way she was going to miss out on anything.

After we finished with the distribution we went to the Nancy Cole home in the La Victoria portion of Lima. We travelled through the downtown area of Lima by the capital area which is very impressive. Greeting us at the Nancy Cole home was Pastor Lilliam. Her love was all over the facility and she certainly welcomed us with open hands. Pastor Dale was with us again as we brought pizza for lunch and shared with the girls. After lunch we conducted our 4 part afternoon of meetings. The Group class was about Healthy Living. This class was handled by Jenell and Shirley and focused on nutrition, dental health, exercise and the keys to increased self esteem through healthy living. Group 2 was a sewing lesson conducted by Joy and Stephanie. The girls chose fabric, learned to cut patterns and increase their awareness of using their sewing machines. They left with new, fancy pillowcases and various individually styled hair items. Group 3 was a craft workshop conducted by Jacqueline and Chris. The girls decorated small fabric bags which they filled with small bottles of shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste. Salsa lessons were also part of this session. Group 4 was a Bible Study discussion and reflection conducted by John and Juliette where a lot of sharing on what’s important and how to achieve your goals in life. Group 5 was maintenance which John handled solving many of the current issues around the facility.

After the learning sessions there was a shared worship session. The girls sang and danced and 2 shared their individual stories. There was a powerful feeling and the girls were very energetic. We all parted close friends.

That’s it for today - more tomorrow.
XOXO to all. We love you!

Day One

Hola - It is now Sunday night and our first day in Peru is winding down. We arrived late last night and after a few hours of sleep we met for a morning devotional. Led by Jennell the focus was on expectations, which became the theme for the day. We then attended the morning service at Camino de Vida. Other than John and Joy this was everyone’s first time at the church and we were all amazed at the worship. Pastor Robert’s message was about wisdom and working towards become wiser throughout our daily lives. www.caminodevida.org

We spent the afternoon delivering wheelchairs house to house throughout the area of Comas, a little over an hour outside Lima. Working with Paola the Director of Donations, we delivered wheelchairs to 5 children and were able to see first hand what a miraculous gift these wheelchairs bring. Not only for the recipient but also the entire family and neighborhood. The excitement would most remind you of our kids when they got bikes for Christmas or birthdays. Each child was excited and laughing and the mothers and grandmothers were crying. It was an incredibly emotional experience that played itself out every time. The grandmother of one of the girls, Melanie 16, said that now they could take her places outside ÷ imagine not being able to go outside because your family could no longer carry you.

Tomorrow we are attending a large distribution of wheelchairs in the morning and then will be spending the afternoon at the Nancy Cole Women’s Home. We have several learning sessions planned with the girls including a dental clinic and sewing lessons. Our crack repair team will also be fixing many things. Accompanying our group tomorrow is Pastor Baird from Ebony, VA. He has been instrumental in carrying the message of the Nancy Cole home to various Christian churches across the US. He will post a picture of our group tomorrow at www.projectrestoration.net

The poverty in the here is far greater than you can imagine from a Discovery Channel special or viewed from a tour bus. There is dirt, rocks and more dirt and rocks. In the team review this evening almost everyone commented that when you enter these homes and see the dirt floors and what they don’t have you can’t help but appreciate just how much we have.

Exotic Peruvian food update:
Inka Kola - OK, tastes like bubble gum
Chicha Morado - black corn drink, OK tastes like candles smell
Beef Heart - no comment

Hasta Manana
We love you all