Team Departure

I saw the team off on Wednesday.  I think they were ready to go home after a very full two weeks. 

They were busy from sun-up to late evening every day with various projects and outings.  There can be ups and downs emotionally and physically being in a poorer culture with both beautiful things and also very sad and difficult to see things.  Various minor stomach and health ailments also made the last few days difficult for some of the group.  However, all-in-all it was a productive and enjoyable time for them here.  Despite some crazy rain in Sept/Oct, the weather has been really beautiful for the past month, getting hotter in the past couple of weeks.  (Love it!)

On the weekend Pastor Bill, Walter and I joined the rest of the team for the two hour bus ride to their train station departure to Machu Picchu.  We stopped in Chinchero to enjoy a short Artesenian presentation that I have seen before, on how they make and dye the wool in Peru.  There was a bit of time to scope out the markets afterwards, too.  The handicrafts are so beautiful.  The colors and artestry of Peru are so varied and are one of the many things I love about this country.

 On Tuesday, after the team returned from Machu Picchu, some of the them came with me to the orphanage to see where I spend my time, meet the kids and staff, and to help with a painting project.  I had told them that there was one small wall to paint, and that it wouldn't take more than a couple of hours.  However, a Young Adult team from Sweden beat us to it just the day before.  There was one really tall wall that they started after finishing the smaller one, but much of it was hard to reach.  A tin roof made it hard to access from the neighboring property, so there were only a couple of good vantage points to work from.  With much appreciation, our guys got innovative and finished the job!

Getting innovative

 It was great having my church team here and to be able to join the group a fair amount, and to share some of my Peru experiences with Ryan. 

Using Four Extensions

Getting 'er done- Alberta-style!

Thinking back to last year, when I returned home to Canada after my first trip here, I remember the -35 C getting off the plane.
I can't say I'll miss having a cold, white winter this year!

Of coures, I do miss my family, friends, and church family back home. 

Come visit any time!