Condevilla: One of the Most Beautiful Places on Earth

There are two people groups in Peru that are the first to be forgotten: the elderly and the children. Thursday we had an opportunity to love on the elderly of Condevilla.

Our morning started with an intense devotional from Doug Galuk. God had been speaking to him about what it truly means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. He asked some tough questions but assured us that he personally had to process through each one before he asked us.

(Doug Galuk giving medical attention to an elderly woman)

This led into a time of open and vulnerable sharing amongst our team. We shared about why we decided to come on the trip, why we thought God wanted us there and what we had learned so far. Many shared about personal struggles they were dealing with and how they would use what they were learning to make changes. We were sweetly broken.

As we boarded the bus for Condevilla, there was a sense of excitement, relief and sadness. Excitement because we would be reunited with many of our Condevillian brothers and sisters, relief because the schedule of the day was much less taxing than the previous 6, and sadness because it would be the last time we spent at the church.

Upon arrival, we were greeted in the typical Peruvian way- shouts of hello, big hugs and a kiss on the cheek. Though it had only been 12 hours since we last saw some of our family, they greeted us as if it had been years! And, that’s just the way we like it.

Lining the wall of the church were the elderly of the community. They had been given word that they would be given medical attention for no cost. In addition, they would be served a warm meal and be given an opportunity to fellowship with other seniors- an occasion that doesn’t happen often.

(Chris Russell providing care)

Throughout the afternoon, the care providers saw patients and the optical team fitted people with reading glasses. While people were waiting, we talked with them and encouraged them to play board games. It’s quite a challenge to try and explain all the rules of Yahtzee to an elderly woman in Spanish… but she had fun rolling the dice! The church was buzzing with energy and excitement as we interacted with this fun group of seniors.

(Heidi Jackson fitting people with reading glasses)

The afternoon continued with a rousing game of BINGO and many of the gringos got some practice with their letters and numbers by being a buddy to one of the seniors. Shouts of joy and grins from ear to ear were heard and seen as the elderly realized they had won. And they should be excited- they received practical, healthy prizes such as milk, vitamins and soap. Many of us received extra kisses on the cheek as our buddies won!

The next event of the afternoon was lunch- pollo de ahi. Included in this Peruvian dish is rice covered with a creamy chicken sauce and a hunk of potato- delicious! We are constantly amazed at how well the space in the church is used.

During a small service, a member of Esperanza Viva shared his testimony of faith. He had come to a senior outreach similar to the one we were holding and had heard the Good News of the Gospel. As he continued his story, he encouraged his counterparts to begin a relationship with the living God today. What a sweet picture of how God can bring people to himself in late seasons of life and still use them to reach others.

As the afternoon wound down, we said goodbye to these beautiful people. We cleaned up the church and packed up the action packers with the rest of the medical supplies. A few raindrops began to fall as we headed to the bus for the last time- something quite significant in Peru because they only average a few inches a year. As we pulled away, we took our last few glimpses of one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Our bus took ocean view on the way back and our nostrils were filled with the salty air. We saw some interesting sites- cars loaded down with gargantuan fish and trucks piled high with supplies. It’s incredible how resourceful Peruvians are with what they have.

(A truck piled high with supplies)

Upon arrival at the hotel, we quickly headed out to the Indian Market. We spent a few hours doing our best to buy fun momentos to remember our time in Peru and share a bit of it with each of you. When we gathered at the entrance, it was apparent that we knew how to shop based on the number of bags we were each carrying!

By this time, our stomachs were rumbling and it was time to eat! We piled in taxis to make the quick drive to Fogo de Chao, a Brazilian steak house. We celebrated the work the Lord had done through us, as well as the many hours of hard work we put in, with meat- and lots of it. As the waiters came around with swords of meat, it was hard to believe they were making any money off us at all!

We returned to the hotel to drop off our gifts and then walked the 8 blocks down to the ocean for some ice cream. You may not be aware, but you have an extra stomach on the left side of body that is always empty and just for dessert. It doesn’t matter how much food a person eats at the Brazilian steakhouse, there’s always a little room for some gelato.

(Terry and Aleah enjoying ice cream)

Our faces resembled that of children as we attempted to lick the ice cream off the cone before it melted. 7 days in a foreign country bonds people together and our time eating ice cream provided an opportunity to continue processing what God was doing in our lives. We realized the night was getting late and we had to be up early to catch the bus for the baptismal service in the morning.

As we walked back to the hotel, both of our stomachs were full as were our hearts. We were filled with joy and gratitude for the opportunity to serve in Peru and content with how God had used the experience for His glory.

We parted ways and headed off to bed, except for Terry and Doug and myself (Emily). I watched as Terry’s face turned from joyous to concerned to panic. You may know the feeling, it’s the shock of “where’s my wallet?” that permeates your whole body. You begin to retrace your steps in your mind as to when you last had it and paid for something. Terry realized he had it to pay for gelato and he took off with Doug to see if it was turned in.

Long story short, Terry had been pick pocketed and the thief had entered their hotel room. He stole Terry and Doug’s laptops, all their cash and Doug’s backpack (which included his passport). Though this was a disturbing experience, both men kept a positive attitude. They reassured the team that God is sovereign and He even has a plan for this situation.

A sad end to an otherwise happy day, but life will continue.