its 3:40 am, actually 4:40 am your time (as long as your are in the eastern time zone). early days like this make it impossible to go to sleep earlier enough so that I am not completely worthless in the morning.
i cannot wait to get to miami and have SOME CRUSHED ICE. its just the FPC btown team in Peru now.
Dr Pringle, Justin, Genie, Ken, Doris, Mary, Myra, and myself will make the track to the Lima airport shortly for our 7ish flight to miami.
Dr. Pringle and Genie were able to check us in last night and so now that we have our boarding passes, thats one less hurdle at the airport. Everyone received their boarding pass EXCEPT Ken. Im glad its Ken because he has a way with the ticket agents and will probably be able to score a better seat on the plane even though he is checking out later! (im not as jealous as I sound, I promise)
the van is here! its surreal to think soon I wont be surrounded by people speaking spanish, I think I might miss it. Its been neat feeling somewhat out of place language wise for the past 10 days.
hasta luego!
blessings
Morgan
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
hi friends!!
we made it to tarapota on friday and got to wait inside the airport for 4 hours. it was nice to get to hang out with victor and elizabeth for extra time but the taxi ride over was pretty rough. they were fixing one of the roads and the detour was a little bumpy (especially for our sick people).
we arrived in lima friday night and everyone was pretty worn out, EXCEPT for a brave team of us who decided to try and find some food. The flan was amazing and justin and ken enjoyed some smoothies. it was SO nice to be able to sleep in today. we had a great breakfast and everyone set out to explore lima.
everyone enjoyed the market, and then some people went out and took a bus ride to see Lima up close and personal.
it was interesting trying to barter with the vendors inside the market. the people in my group were able to convince a couple of vendors to lower their price significantly if we bought in bulk. at the end of the day, I didnt mind spending a few extra soles because thats really only a dollar in US currency.
the sick people are starting to perk up which is great. we did enjoy some down time today and got to watch several american movies dubbed over in spanish. it was pretty hilarious watching tom arnolds mouth move and spanish words coming out.
the high point group just left and should be at the airport right about now. it was sad to see them go but we know there will be many reunions to come!
OUR GROUP WILL GET UP AT 3 AM AND HEAD TO THE LIMA AIPRORT FOR OUR 6 AM FLIGHT!!!
see you guys in the US
blessings
Morgan
we made it to tarapota on friday and got to wait inside the airport for 4 hours. it was nice to get to hang out with victor and elizabeth for extra time but the taxi ride over was pretty rough. they were fixing one of the roads and the detour was a little bumpy (especially for our sick people).
we arrived in lima friday night and everyone was pretty worn out, EXCEPT for a brave team of us who decided to try and find some food. The flan was amazing and justin and ken enjoyed some smoothies. it was SO nice to be able to sleep in today. we had a great breakfast and everyone set out to explore lima.
everyone enjoyed the market, and then some people went out and took a bus ride to see Lima up close and personal.
it was interesting trying to barter with the vendors inside the market. the people in my group were able to convince a couple of vendors to lower their price significantly if we bought in bulk. at the end of the day, I didnt mind spending a few extra soles because thats really only a dollar in US currency.
the sick people are starting to perk up which is great. we did enjoy some down time today and got to watch several american movies dubbed over in spanish. it was pretty hilarious watching tom arnolds mouth move and spanish words coming out.
the high point group just left and should be at the airport right about now. it was sad to see them go but we know there will be many reunions to come!
OUR GROUP WILL GET UP AT 3 AM AND HEAD TO THE LIMA AIPRORT FOR OUR 6 AM FLIGHT!!!
see you guys in the US
blessings
Morgan
Friday, August 6, 2010
come, all who are weary
how ironic that the last thing I posted was about God being all-knowing and my need to accept my human limitations and then here I was promising to update the blog last night and plans changed once again. We got to spend yesterday evening having a quick worship service with our group plus the vargas family and having communion all together. we have had a few people under the weather (nothing a little cipro and gatorade cant fix) and so some of the group went to the thermal baths last night and some of the people stayed and rested at la casona. sorry I didnt get to update.
DAY 7
yesterday (thursday) was our last day of medical clinics. Jay (med student) was going to come guest post for yall today but he is actually under the weather. He had the opportunity to shadown Dr. Pringle yesterday with the children and he just kept telling me how grateful all the mothers were that their children could get treated. Watching Karen and Eileen and Rhonda play london bridge with the children was so refreshing. it takes so little to make these kids smile and they love nothing more than adults to get on the floor and play with them. There were also several small babies that I got to rock and hold and I was happy that the mothers trusted me to hold and cuddle their little ones. Because most of the people we treat at the clinic have so little, family means that much more to them. They really do make their children the priority.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14
After a week of traveling and working hard in Peru, I feel like I should be feeling tired right now. I keep waiting for the feelings of "when am I going home?" "how many hours until I can take a hot shower?" but it hasnt happened yet. Part of me thinks I would give up those things (yes it would be hard!!!) if it meant I could stay here and keep living in community with these lovely people!!
After eating at Arizona Chicken last night (which in my book is a staple when visiting moyobamba) I went with the group to the thermal baths and it was amazing, the water was about 105 degrees and felt soooo good!! after the baths, ken, doris, and I stayed up and hung out with the vargas family. I really am not blowing smoke when I tell you that victor is the most geunine and loving man I have ever had the honor of knowing. I came to moyobamba two years ago and hung out with his two children (leslie and robinson) and spent a lot of time at his house. He treated me like part of the family. Then I got to spend time with him and elizabeth when they came to the states this past spring. I was at the burlington wal-mart with my dad when I look at the car next to me and see victor and elizabeth in the back seat of a car. he jumps out and says "hola ms. moyobamba!!" and was so excited to see me. He was so excited to see my dad and my did didnt even come to Peru 2 years ago. He gave me the biggest hug. After 2 years, he was STILL so excited to see me. I got to see him that night at dinner and he was just so excited to catch up with me. I am so blessed that our work down here has in turn be able to foster a mutual relationship between his family and our church families. I like to think of this as a partnership and not a "mission". I guarantee Victor will be so excited to see each of his new friends he met on this trip when he sees them in the States.
Last night, I experienced a little bit of homsickness toppled with feeling tired and really just needed a hug from a mom (a couple of nights ago Stephanie and April played mom to me when I was feeling puny). Rhonda gave me a big hug, followed by Doris, and then Elizabeth loved on me for 10 minutes in my room at her house rubbing my head (how do moms know that soothes us?!) and speaking in spanish and although I could not understand exactly what she was saying, she spoke right to my heart! It was amazing to feel that love that broke any language barriers. I was listening to Victor talk about the important things in life last night and Leslie was translating for him and he became so moved as he was explaining to Ken and I about 1) giving all your worries to God 2) loving your friends and family and 3) being grateful.
I am not ready to leave Peru, it would be easy for me to stay and live here as "Miss Moyobamba" with this family which I have come to love as my own. I think the challenge will be me coming home to the states and not letting what I have seen and learned in Peru fade away after a week. I head back to college a week after I get back home and really want to hold onto this sense of renewal. I want to remember what I have learned here EACH AND EVERY DAY not just when I am telling my family and friends stories from my trip. And believe me I have hundreds of stories that didnt make it onto the blog. Although I like to think God appreciates a good sense of humor, each time I remember a silly story or moment, I want to remember this verse:
(I know at First Pres we are big fans of the NRSV but for this verse, I really like "the Message" translation)
"Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that!"
Ephesians 5:1-2
Obviously, God has not forgotten these people and they have not forgotten him. I feel so fortunate to have spent this past week having fun AND serving God here in Moyobamba. I am so happy that our church families have Heard the call and agree that we need to Embrace the suffering and do our part.
You have kept record
of my days of wandering.
You have stored my tears
in your bottle
and counted each of them. Psalm 56:8
On a lighter note, the Vargas family received a live rooster as a present from a family member. They have agreed not to kill it until I leave because I got to upset on Tuesday when the elderly lady killed the chicken I was playing with in order to fix our lunch. Although I fully respect and appreciate the culture difference, I sure am glad they are being sensititve and taking care of dinner AFTER I leave.
We will load up and head to Tarapota around 2:30. It takes about 3 hours to get there and then we will head to Lima on a 8:30 flight. Tomorrow we plan to explore Lima and check out the markets.
Keep us in your prayers for the long car ride, the flight, and that our whole team will recover quickly from any illnesses.
We can´t wait to see you guys!!
Blessings
Morgan
DAY 7
yesterday (thursday) was our last day of medical clinics. Jay (med student) was going to come guest post for yall today but he is actually under the weather. He had the opportunity to shadown Dr. Pringle yesterday with the children and he just kept telling me how grateful all the mothers were that their children could get treated. Watching Karen and Eileen and Rhonda play london bridge with the children was so refreshing. it takes so little to make these kids smile and they love nothing more than adults to get on the floor and play with them. There were also several small babies that I got to rock and hold and I was happy that the mothers trusted me to hold and cuddle their little ones. Because most of the people we treat at the clinic have so little, family means that much more to them. They really do make their children the priority.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14
After a week of traveling and working hard in Peru, I feel like I should be feeling tired right now. I keep waiting for the feelings of "when am I going home?" "how many hours until I can take a hot shower?" but it hasnt happened yet. Part of me thinks I would give up those things (yes it would be hard!!!) if it meant I could stay here and keep living in community with these lovely people!!
After eating at Arizona Chicken last night (which in my book is a staple when visiting moyobamba) I went with the group to the thermal baths and it was amazing, the water was about 105 degrees and felt soooo good!! after the baths, ken, doris, and I stayed up and hung out with the vargas family. I really am not blowing smoke when I tell you that victor is the most geunine and loving man I have ever had the honor of knowing. I came to moyobamba two years ago and hung out with his two children (leslie and robinson) and spent a lot of time at his house. He treated me like part of the family. Then I got to spend time with him and elizabeth when they came to the states this past spring. I was at the burlington wal-mart with my dad when I look at the car next to me and see victor and elizabeth in the back seat of a car. he jumps out and says "hola ms. moyobamba!!" and was so excited to see me. He was so excited to see my dad and my did didnt even come to Peru 2 years ago. He gave me the biggest hug. After 2 years, he was STILL so excited to see me. I got to see him that night at dinner and he was just so excited to catch up with me. I am so blessed that our work down here has in turn be able to foster a mutual relationship between his family and our church families. I like to think of this as a partnership and not a "mission". I guarantee Victor will be so excited to see each of his new friends he met on this trip when he sees them in the States.
Last night, I experienced a little bit of homsickness toppled with feeling tired and really just needed a hug from a mom (a couple of nights ago Stephanie and April played mom to me when I was feeling puny). Rhonda gave me a big hug, followed by Doris, and then Elizabeth loved on me for 10 minutes in my room at her house rubbing my head (how do moms know that soothes us?!) and speaking in spanish and although I could not understand exactly what she was saying, she spoke right to my heart! It was amazing to feel that love that broke any language barriers. I was listening to Victor talk about the important things in life last night and Leslie was translating for him and he became so moved as he was explaining to Ken and I about 1) giving all your worries to God 2) loving your friends and family and 3) being grateful.
I am not ready to leave Peru, it would be easy for me to stay and live here as "Miss Moyobamba" with this family which I have come to love as my own. I think the challenge will be me coming home to the states and not letting what I have seen and learned in Peru fade away after a week. I head back to college a week after I get back home and really want to hold onto this sense of renewal. I want to remember what I have learned here EACH AND EVERY DAY not just when I am telling my family and friends stories from my trip. And believe me I have hundreds of stories that didnt make it onto the blog. Although I like to think God appreciates a good sense of humor, each time I remember a silly story or moment, I want to remember this verse:
(I know at First Pres we are big fans of the NRSV but for this verse, I really like "the Message" translation)
"Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that!"
Ephesians 5:1-2
Obviously, God has not forgotten these people and they have not forgotten him. I feel so fortunate to have spent this past week having fun AND serving God here in Moyobamba. I am so happy that our church families have Heard the call and agree that we need to Embrace the suffering and do our part.
You have kept record
of my days of wandering.
You have stored my tears
in your bottle
and counted each of them. Psalm 56:8
On a lighter note, the Vargas family received a live rooster as a present from a family member. They have agreed not to kill it until I leave because I got to upset on Tuesday when the elderly lady killed the chicken I was playing with in order to fix our lunch. Although I fully respect and appreciate the culture difference, I sure am glad they are being sensititve and taking care of dinner AFTER I leave.
We will load up and head to Tarapota around 2:30. It takes about 3 hours to get there and then we will head to Lima on a 8:30 flight. Tomorrow we plan to explore Lima and check out the markets.
Keep us in your prayers for the long car ride, the flight, and that our whole team will recover quickly from any illnesses.
We can´t wait to see you guys!!
Blessings
Morgan
Thursday, August 5, 2010
we didnt start the fire, it was always burning since the world was turning
yes, all you Billy Joel fans out there, I just quoted a line from "start the fire"
and I forgot to mention that yesterdays title was a reference to justin our translator and literally every other line out of every non-spanish speakers mouth was "hold on, let me get justin" he has been such an asset to our group. he has a great sense of humor and a great heart for the less fortunate.
we are getting ready to have devotions, please check back tonight around 10 pm for the low down on what happened today!!
blessings
Morgan
Job answered God: "I'm convinced: You can do anything and everything.
Nothing and no one can upset your plans.
You asked, 'Who is this muddying the water,
ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?'
I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me,
made small talk about wonders way over my head.
You told me, 'Listen, and let me do the talking.
Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.'
I admit I once lived by rumors of you;
now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears!
JOB 42: 1-6
and I forgot to mention that yesterdays title was a reference to justin our translator and literally every other line out of every non-spanish speakers mouth was "hold on, let me get justin" he has been such an asset to our group. he has a great sense of humor and a great heart for the less fortunate.
we are getting ready to have devotions, please check back tonight around 10 pm for the low down on what happened today!!
blessings
Morgan
Job answered God: "I'm convinced: You can do anything and everything.
Nothing and no one can upset your plans.
You asked, 'Who is this muddying the water,
ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?'
I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me,
made small talk about wonders way over my head.
You told me, 'Listen, and let me do the talking.
Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.'
I admit I once lived by rumors of you;
now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears!
JOB 42: 1-6
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
hold on, let me get justin
HE SAID//SHE SAID
he said: (by Jay Glenn)
Today the entire team was working a medical clinic at calsada which took place in the church. I, Jay Glenn, worked with Apalis who is a local doctor from Moyobamba. As a medical student it was amazing to see him with the patients. He had wonderful bedside manner and a great work ethic. He was able to talk to the patients in spanish, then turn to me and repeat in english. We saw adult patients only because Dr. Pringle was treating children and Dr. Wagner (another doctor from Peru) saw pregnant women. The types of ailments for the adults were muscle pain, sciatica, cataracts, heart problems, skin infections...and the list goes on and on!!! All these problems show how poor the standard of living is down here in peru, and it really makes us appreciate what we have at home. I could hear everyone else working hard, but i was separated from the group for most of the day. I wanted to give my take on the whole day, and morgan is such a wonderful person, i didn´t have to twist her arm too much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The lessons i learned in graditude today far outweighed the medical lessons. The gift of life and love is something that can´t be taught in a classroom but actually has to be seen and experienced. I´m so happy to be here!! Take it away morgan:
SHE SAID
I had a different experience than Jay. I was at the dental clinic we set up. this is something new that our church in burlington has never tried before, typically we hand out toothbrushes and just encouarge all the children to brush and floss at home. we have had the children brush their teeth and then floss them and then stephanie has been giving the kids fluroide. we saw about 105 patients today not that we are counting because i firmly believe it would be worth it to me to come down here and improve the living conditions and health of even one person.
I got to hold the cutest little 8 month old baby named Sandros today. he literally just held onto my fingers and could not stop giggling which in turn made me giggle so im pretty sure we laughed the whole 20 minutes i carried him around. the people here are so loving, i worry i will have trouble once i return to the states. (but dont worry mom, I AM COMING HOME!)
this is pretty much what I feel like God calls me to do, and I hope through time and many more trips to Peru, he will lead me to serve all of his people in whatever career I choose.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Matthew 25:34-36
Blessings,
Morgan
he said: (by Jay Glenn)
Today the entire team was working a medical clinic at calsada which took place in the church. I, Jay Glenn, worked with Apalis who is a local doctor from Moyobamba. As a medical student it was amazing to see him with the patients. He had wonderful bedside manner and a great work ethic. He was able to talk to the patients in spanish, then turn to me and repeat in english. We saw adult patients only because Dr. Pringle was treating children and Dr. Wagner (another doctor from Peru) saw pregnant women. The types of ailments for the adults were muscle pain, sciatica, cataracts, heart problems, skin infections...and the list goes on and on!!! All these problems show how poor the standard of living is down here in peru, and it really makes us appreciate what we have at home. I could hear everyone else working hard, but i was separated from the group for most of the day. I wanted to give my take on the whole day, and morgan is such a wonderful person, i didn´t have to twist her arm too much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The lessons i learned in graditude today far outweighed the medical lessons. The gift of life and love is something that can´t be taught in a classroom but actually has to be seen and experienced. I´m so happy to be here!! Take it away morgan:
SHE SAID
I had a different experience than Jay. I was at the dental clinic we set up. this is something new that our church in burlington has never tried before, typically we hand out toothbrushes and just encouarge all the children to brush and floss at home. we have had the children brush their teeth and then floss them and then stephanie has been giving the kids fluroide. we saw about 105 patients today not that we are counting because i firmly believe it would be worth it to me to come down here and improve the living conditions and health of even one person.
I got to hold the cutest little 8 month old baby named Sandros today. he literally just held onto my fingers and could not stop giggling which in turn made me giggle so im pretty sure we laughed the whole 20 minutes i carried him around. the people here are so loving, i worry i will have trouble once i return to the states. (but dont worry mom, I AM COMING HOME!)
this is pretty much what I feel like God calls me to do, and I hope through time and many more trips to Peru, he will lead me to serve all of his people in whatever career I choose.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Matthew 25:34-36
Blessings,
Morgan
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
¿donde?
where? thats the question we have been asking a lot here in moyobamba lately.
where is so and so, where are we eating, where are we working tomorrow, where where where?!?
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Matthew 6:25
oh how I desire to live a life where I can rely on God to answer all of my where questions. I do believe the more I ask God "where?", the more He shows me where He is in all of this.
Today was amazing. Me, alexis, jay, taylor, april, john, and bob went to work on construction. It was pretty intense manual labor. I love being able to do my part but today I just wasnt up to the physical challenge. I was really excited that I had team members who could help mask my weaknesses as I tried to find other ways to contribute to the group. April and I helped the women (who typically arent supposed to do construction, because we are delicate creatures) cook the food for lunch. We witnessed just how hard they work to prepare everything from scratch. The chicken we befriended when we arrived at the site became our lunch a few hours later. April, alexis, and I couldnt enjoy the chicken but the guys seemed to like it. April actually said "if I had to do all this work each time I prepared a meal, my family would starve." haha
We just had devotions and got to catch up about what the folks at the medical clinic saw today. They switched things up slightly today to try to make everything more effecient. They said things seemed to run even smoother. I think we are all realizing as a team it is important to function on our INDIVIDUAL talents and strengths and we are working better as a team. None of us really knew each other before this trip and as we get to know each other, we are discovering the strengths of each other and are able to better encourage each other.
SOMETHING I FORGOT TO MENTION ABOUT SATURDAY:
I forgot to talk about visiting the site of the future university of moyobamba. we took many pictures. lots of crops are growing and it looks even better than when i saw it 2 years ago. they are having to be very patient and the team working on it seems to understand that it will take years to raise the funds to actually hire a staff and maintain a university. they grow a lot of plantane trees, banana trees, pineapple plants, coffee, and pecans. they are using any money they make to buy more crops and expand upon their vision of the university. as someone who tends to thrive on immediate gratification, it is refreshing to hear people talk about long term visions and see how their short term goals are helping them.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Blessings,
Morgan
where is so and so, where are we eating, where are we working tomorrow, where where where?!?
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Matthew 6:25
oh how I desire to live a life where I can rely on God to answer all of my where questions. I do believe the more I ask God "where?", the more He shows me where He is in all of this.
Today was amazing. Me, alexis, jay, taylor, april, john, and bob went to work on construction. It was pretty intense manual labor. I love being able to do my part but today I just wasnt up to the physical challenge. I was really excited that I had team members who could help mask my weaknesses as I tried to find other ways to contribute to the group. April and I helped the women (who typically arent supposed to do construction, because we are delicate creatures) cook the food for lunch. We witnessed just how hard they work to prepare everything from scratch. The chicken we befriended when we arrived at the site became our lunch a few hours later. April, alexis, and I couldnt enjoy the chicken but the guys seemed to like it. April actually said "if I had to do all this work each time I prepared a meal, my family would starve." haha
We just had devotions and got to catch up about what the folks at the medical clinic saw today. They switched things up slightly today to try to make everything more effecient. They said things seemed to run even smoother. I think we are all realizing as a team it is important to function on our INDIVIDUAL talents and strengths and we are working better as a team. None of us really knew each other before this trip and as we get to know each other, we are discovering the strengths of each other and are able to better encourage each other.
SOMETHING I FORGOT TO MENTION ABOUT SATURDAY:
I forgot to talk about visiting the site of the future university of moyobamba. we took many pictures. lots of crops are growing and it looks even better than when i saw it 2 years ago. they are having to be very patient and the team working on it seems to understand that it will take years to raise the funds to actually hire a staff and maintain a university. they grow a lot of plantane trees, banana trees, pineapple plants, coffee, and pecans. they are using any money they make to buy more crops and expand upon their vision of the university. as someone who tends to thrive on immediate gratification, it is refreshing to hear people talk about long term visions and see how their short term goals are helping them.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Blessings,
Morgan
LOVE like that.
hi friends!!
yesterdays blog got cut short because of the internet.
our first clinic day in yontalo was amazing. i think we saw around 80 people. one of the sweetest moments was when I saw a little girl come grab Bobs hand and hold onto it while they walked around outside. genie was explaining that most of the little children here are in shock that "important white men" would take time from America to simply come down to Peru and play futbol with them. I think its amazing that people like Bob come to Peru and show these kids the love of God.
yesterday, I kept remembering all the times in the new testament where Jesus went to places that werent necessarily popular but he knew they were places that Gods work was being done. I truly believe sometimes the place I am needed MOST is the place where I am least likely to want to be. God calls us to listen to the cries of His people. I am so happy that I am with a group of people who all agree that this week we will NOT ignore the suffering that surrounds us.
sure, yes sometimes it would be easier to write a check and monetary support is certainly something that is necessary for our partnership with Peru. the kids at the clinic yesterday valued our time with them more than anything they recieved. they valued our genuine smiles and hugs.
more about day 4 to come later
blessings
morgan
PSALM 139
yesterdays blog got cut short because of the internet.
our first clinic day in yontalo was amazing. i think we saw around 80 people. one of the sweetest moments was when I saw a little girl come grab Bobs hand and hold onto it while they walked around outside. genie was explaining that most of the little children here are in shock that "important white men" would take time from America to simply come down to Peru and play futbol with them. I think its amazing that people like Bob come to Peru and show these kids the love of God.
yesterday, I kept remembering all the times in the new testament where Jesus went to places that werent necessarily popular but he knew they were places that Gods work was being done. I truly believe sometimes the place I am needed MOST is the place where I am least likely to want to be. God calls us to listen to the cries of His people. I am so happy that I am with a group of people who all agree that this week we will NOT ignore the suffering that surrounds us.
sure, yes sometimes it would be easier to write a check and monetary support is certainly something that is necessary for our partnership with Peru. the kids at the clinic yesterday valued our time with them more than anything they recieved. they valued our genuine smiles and hugs.
more about day 4 to come later
blessings
morgan
PSALM 139
Monday, August 2, 2010
no hablo espanol
day 3 (monday)
hey friends!!
today was another great day in the wonderful city of moyobamba. we headed to yontalo for day 1 of our clinical work. it was rainy but we made the best of it.
its a known fact that ken is NOT a morning person and he likes to keep the lights off as long as possible, doris (being the loving mother she is) kept the lights off this morning as she was getting ready. she arrives in yontola with two different shoes on her feet, one black and one brown. we are so lucky to have someone like doris on our trip to teach us its okay to laugh at ourselves.
we thought that was funny until we realized we had left sara and eileen (aka my two adopted grandmothers) back at la cosona. if ANYONE knows how to make lemonade out of lemons it is these two ladies. they were still in good spirits when they showed up an hour later.
we saw 75 people at yontalo today. jay and taylor (he wants to be called tayter tot and im only appeasing him because he is standing over my shoulder as i write this) were in charge of triage. they took blood pressure and asked basic questions. alexis stephanie and I were on team dental. genie and ken and doris managed the pharmacy while myra handled patient care. erin rhonda mary and karen did the glasses. eileen sara and bob played with the kids. john did his thing. april helped with everyones station and then ofcourse dr pringle was the amazing pediatrician. justin was our lifesavor and translated everytime he heard someone utter the words ¨"no hablo espanol".
it goes without saying (but ofcourse i will because i am blogging) that victor and elizabeth were amazing helpers. they took care of everything from getting us to yontola to translating and setting up the clinic. Leslie helped with translating and much, much more.
more later
xoxoxoxoxoxoox
hey friends!!
today was another great day in the wonderful city of moyobamba. we headed to yontalo for day 1 of our clinical work. it was rainy but we made the best of it.
its a known fact that ken is NOT a morning person and he likes to keep the lights off as long as possible, doris (being the loving mother she is) kept the lights off this morning as she was getting ready. she arrives in yontola with two different shoes on her feet, one black and one brown. we are so lucky to have someone like doris on our trip to teach us its okay to laugh at ourselves.
we thought that was funny until we realized we had left sara and eileen (aka my two adopted grandmothers) back at la cosona. if ANYONE knows how to make lemonade out of lemons it is these two ladies. they were still in good spirits when they showed up an hour later.
we saw 75 people at yontalo today. jay and taylor (he wants to be called tayter tot and im only appeasing him because he is standing over my shoulder as i write this) were in charge of triage. they took blood pressure and asked basic questions. alexis stephanie and I were on team dental. genie and ken and doris managed the pharmacy while myra handled patient care. erin rhonda mary and karen did the glasses. eileen sara and bob played with the kids. john did his thing. april helped with everyones station and then ofcourse dr pringle was the amazing pediatrician. justin was our lifesavor and translated everytime he heard someone utter the words ¨"no hablo espanol".
it goes without saying (but ofcourse i will because i am blogging) that victor and elizabeth were amazing helpers. they took care of everything from getting us to yontola to translating and setting up the clinic. Leslie helped with translating and much, much more.
more later
xoxoxoxoxoxoox
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Im lovin it...more than a mcdonalds slogan
Hi friends!
we made it here to moyombamba. (and so did our 36 checked bags, is that a record?) i apologize in advance for any spelling, grammar, or capitalization problems. the keyboard here is much different than the ones in the states.
i had the most clever blog post all typed out yesterday and before i hit publish the power went off in the internet cafe. so im afraid you all will be forced to read this one instead.
id like to first introduce you to the team
highpoint tea:
alexis
stephanie
april
rhonda
jay
sara
eileen
erin
karen
john
taylor
bob
burlington people:
justin
dr pringle
genie
ken
doris
myra
mary
day 1
we arrived in lima late friday night about 11 pm. we spent the night at the golden towers and got up at 4 am for our flight to tarapota. we arrived inb tarapota around 10 am and then made the 2 hour ish drive to moyobamba. we spent that afternoon (saturday) catching up with the vargas family and resting. that night moyobamba did a power ration and the power was off from 6 to 11. part of our group went for pizza and part of them stayed at la casona and enjoyed fellowship. it definitely made the night more interesting with no lights. alexis (my new bff and roomie) and I had fun doing basic tasks by candle light.
day 2
today we rested and enjoyed moyobamba. we woke up early and got ready for church in casalda (im pretty sure I´m spelling that phonetically) and then headed out to the university site. we enjoyed a lunch where taylor and jay were brave enough to try the guinea pig. they said it tasted like chicken. haha
we then headed over to the water hole. it was a great place to get great photos, slip and slide on the rocks, and laugh (a whole LOT!)
our group already seems to be in sync with each other. tonight alexis and I walked into la casona (the hotel) and everyone was sorting through several bags of medical supplies trying to get ready for tomorrows clinic. it was lovely to see everyone doing their part and working as a team.
tonight, as we did our devotional, we decided that instead of waiting until the end of our trip to decide if we felt like we had given more than we had received, we wanted to make it a point from this point forward to give. give give give, and love love love. the vargas family is so welcoming and would give anyone the shirt off their back. when I saw victors face light up as we arrived at the airport, it was a look of pure joy. he LOVES us. I want to love like that. I cannot help but see Gods love when I look at the vargas family and how they have completely opened up their home to us. ken, doris, alexis, and I are actually staying at the vargas household. today as we were heading to meet up with the group, victor asked me to ride with him on his motor bike, and without a second thought I hopped on. my mom always told me not to ride on the back of a motorcycle, but I know she makes an exception for victor. I have complete trust in him and know that he cares for this team as if it were his own family.
this trip is about building a partnership with the people of peru. i have never once felt like we were just putting a quick bandaid on the suffering we see. I like to think of this as a mutual relationship. we have been reading Luke 16 and talking about Lazarus and the poor man. God chose to reward the poor man. Gold and riches dont mean anything to him. We also talked about how the people have nothing smile because they know something is bigger than material things. I have the highest hopes for this trip already!
now along for a few funny stories:
ken and doris miscommunicate about one of their bags. everyone was seperated on the flight from miami to lima and ken had done a good job of securing his moms luggage a spot near him in the back of the plane. when the flight is over just as doris is finished telling genie how glad she is that ken is taking care of her this trip, doris sees ken lift a bag (she knows this black bag that rolls MUST be hers) out of the overhead bin. ken and doris arrive at the baggage claim and doris asks ken where her bag is. ken says he doesnt have it. doris laughs and thinks he is pulling a prank on her. ken immediately runs back to the plane. WE DID EVENTUALLY GET THE BAG!
this morning rhonda was enjoying her second cup of coffee from la casona when genie pointed out the sugar she had been using was filled with ants. so the rest of the day rhonda joked that if she was wiggling around, it was all the ants she had swallowed.
various people (including yours truly) will stand up and annouce they have lost their bag or a passport and then it will be right in front of their face. I think its what we call the tired travelers syndrome.
im sure ive missed some things but i will be back tomorrow.
psalm 4
Blessings,
Morgan
we made it here to moyombamba. (and so did our 36 checked bags, is that a record?) i apologize in advance for any spelling, grammar, or capitalization problems. the keyboard here is much different than the ones in the states.
i had the most clever blog post all typed out yesterday and before i hit publish the power went off in the internet cafe. so im afraid you all will be forced to read this one instead.
id like to first introduce you to the team
highpoint tea:
alexis
stephanie
april
rhonda
jay
sara
eileen
erin
karen
john
taylor
bob
burlington people:
justin
dr pringle
genie
ken
doris
myra
mary
day 1
we arrived in lima late friday night about 11 pm. we spent the night at the golden towers and got up at 4 am for our flight to tarapota. we arrived inb tarapota around 10 am and then made the 2 hour ish drive to moyobamba. we spent that afternoon (saturday) catching up with the vargas family and resting. that night moyobamba did a power ration and the power was off from 6 to 11. part of our group went for pizza and part of them stayed at la casona and enjoyed fellowship. it definitely made the night more interesting with no lights. alexis (my new bff and roomie) and I had fun doing basic tasks by candle light.
day 2
today we rested and enjoyed moyobamba. we woke up early and got ready for church in casalda (im pretty sure I´m spelling that phonetically) and then headed out to the university site. we enjoyed a lunch where taylor and jay were brave enough to try the guinea pig. they said it tasted like chicken. haha
we then headed over to the water hole. it was a great place to get great photos, slip and slide on the rocks, and laugh (a whole LOT!)
our group already seems to be in sync with each other. tonight alexis and I walked into la casona (the hotel) and everyone was sorting through several bags of medical supplies trying to get ready for tomorrows clinic. it was lovely to see everyone doing their part and working as a team.
tonight, as we did our devotional, we decided that instead of waiting until the end of our trip to decide if we felt like we had given more than we had received, we wanted to make it a point from this point forward to give. give give give, and love love love. the vargas family is so welcoming and would give anyone the shirt off their back. when I saw victors face light up as we arrived at the airport, it was a look of pure joy. he LOVES us. I want to love like that. I cannot help but see Gods love when I look at the vargas family and how they have completely opened up their home to us. ken, doris, alexis, and I are actually staying at the vargas household. today as we were heading to meet up with the group, victor asked me to ride with him on his motor bike, and without a second thought I hopped on. my mom always told me not to ride on the back of a motorcycle, but I know she makes an exception for victor. I have complete trust in him and know that he cares for this team as if it were his own family.
this trip is about building a partnership with the people of peru. i have never once felt like we were just putting a quick bandaid on the suffering we see. I like to think of this as a mutual relationship. we have been reading Luke 16 and talking about Lazarus and the poor man. God chose to reward the poor man. Gold and riches dont mean anything to him. We also talked about how the people have nothing smile because they know something is bigger than material things. I have the highest hopes for this trip already!
now along for a few funny stories:
ken and doris miscommunicate about one of their bags. everyone was seperated on the flight from miami to lima and ken had done a good job of securing his moms luggage a spot near him in the back of the plane. when the flight is over just as doris is finished telling genie how glad she is that ken is taking care of her this trip, doris sees ken lift a bag (she knows this black bag that rolls MUST be hers) out of the overhead bin. ken and doris arrive at the baggage claim and doris asks ken where her bag is. ken says he doesnt have it. doris laughs and thinks he is pulling a prank on her. ken immediately runs back to the plane. WE DID EVENTUALLY GET THE BAG!
this morning rhonda was enjoying her second cup of coffee from la casona when genie pointed out the sugar she had been using was filled with ants. so the rest of the day rhonda joked that if she was wiggling around, it was all the ants she had swallowed.
various people (including yours truly) will stand up and annouce they have lost their bag or a passport and then it will be right in front of their face. I think its what we call the tired travelers syndrome.
im sure ive missed some things but i will be back tomorrow.
psalm 4
Blessings,
Morgan
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