Day One in Peru

We made it to Peru late last night and I was able to go to bed by 3:00am. Fortunately we didn't need to be to breakfast until 8:00 so I was able to "sleep in." Today was a more laid back day. We had a few hours to go to the Indian market to shop, then the students went to the Callao Church for a few hours of sports with the Peruvian youth. We played soccer, Peruvians vs Americans. The American boys lost against the Peruvian boys, but the American girls won against the Peruvian girls. Then we had an "adult" game which I was a part of. Though we lost, it was fun to play and enjoy time with our brothers and sisters from the Callao Church. 

Tomorrow the sports/students team will leave from the hotel at 7:00 to head to the Callao Church for the morning service. We do not know what we will be doing. We only know we are involved somehow. It will be an early morning and perhaps another late night, so I'll be taking advantage of our free evening tonight by getting good rest. 

So far the food has been great. Breakfast in the hotel is always my favorite, with eggs, sweet French toast, pancakes, fresh fruit juices, and assorted cheeses. Dinner tonight was a pasta bar, so I had penne noodles with an Alfredo-type cream sauce and chocolate cake for dessert and chicha to drink. 

I was challenged already today with my Spanish. Some of the leadership think I speak good Spanish and have asked me to communicate with the bus drivers. This was a challenge but we were able to communicate fine. There were times I didn't know how to say something but the driver figured out what I wanted to say and finished my sentence or question for me. I also helped some people at the market communicate with the venders about prices. It was hard and a little discouraging that I couldn't communicate well, but was also a confidence booster that I can indeed speak at least some Spanish and have the Peruvians understand me. Hopefully I can continue to see improvements this week!

Please continue to pray for us as more of our team are flying in tonight, No Longer Music is performing at 11:00, and we have several church services tomorrow that we are a part of. Please also pray for our health, energy, and strength going into a full week of activities. So far food has not been a problem at all, which is a HUGE praise!