Thursday, January 11, 2007

Welcome to Peru!

Wow, what a challenge! Not many people speak English, so we are on the fast track of learning Spanish. It took two days to get to Trujillo. Then we slept in the Lima airport until our bus at 8:00 a.m. Then it was an 8 hour bus ride to Trujillo from Lima. Sleeping in the airport wasn't too bad, we kicked back in the chairs, but really didn't get much sleep. We met a junior in high school named Sabastian, who has dual citizenship in USA and Peru. He helped us become familiar with the culture and what to expect. Aside from Sabastian, no one spoke English on our trip, which made it a tough two days. I know we will be learning fast, since we will be hearing only spanish for three months! We are excited to learn the language.

The bus was exciting, aside from Kris being car sick the entire time. It was a double decker bus, we sat on top. Sabastian told us that Peruvians make the sign of the cross before they get on a bus because they are so dangerous. Ours was nice and safe, although, we did pass a burning double decker bus on the side of the road... Yikes!

Once we arrived at Hogar de Esperanza (Home of Hope) the children were all waiting inside the gate for us. When we got out of the car they started to sing a bienvenidos (welcome) song in spanish. Then all the children ran up to us and gave us a hug and kiss on the cheek. The youngest is one year and the oldest is 11 years. They were all very excited to see us.

I, Kris, was very overwhelmed listening to everyone speak Spanish. It was very challenging, but I enjoy the challenge of learning the language and making a difference in peoples lives. Not being able to speak the language also challenges me to put God first and rely on Him, for it is in my weakness God gives me strength. I believe we will grow immensley on this trip both spiritually and as individuals. I am also very excited to share this adventure with my husband. God, thank you for this opportunity!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hola chicos!
Es muy emocionante saber lo que Dios esta haciendo en su vida. Gracias por compartirlo.
GBY
Edgar "Magic" from Xalapa ;)

Anonymous said...

Les extranamos mucho! Diverten los viajes y comparitlos cada dia. Esperamos que los cuentos del diccionario son interesantes cada noche. Esperamos que Adan come bastante y Kristen...tienes que abrazar el bebe un dia! No podemos esperar oir los cuentos de adventura!
Con el amor de las dos hermanas- Kim y Meredi

Sarah said...

I guess I am figuring out this whole blog thing. I din't know that I could write back to you! That excites me even more!! Plus I can have access to reading this at school (they told me yes!)
Adam and Kristen, I have already prayed for you so much since you left. I know that this time is going to be amazing for you both. The verse that is really impacting me this week is John 15:5, mainly the last part, "Apart from me you can do nothing." Which not only means you can't do anything with out him, you can do EVERYTHING with him.
I'm so excited to continue to read your adventures and the next time I talk with you! I love you both, Sarah

Sarah said...

Ok maybe I haven't figured out this blog thing...or maybe I have. So since I'm trying to figure it all out, you get to have more than one message from me!
I'm still seeing if I can find a map of where you guys are at. I found a map of Peru but it was old and didn't have all the towns, so next step..different map.
HEY...we can learn Spanish at the same time. I have a new student who doesn't speak English, so....it is a learning process, but it also will help me feel empathy for the two of you and what you are going through. I will pray that you learn quickly!
Ok that's enough for now. Don't want to babble or overwhelm just yet.

Anonymous said...

Kristen and Adam, I am sooo proud of the both of you! You are so brave and trusting God so much and really letting Him work through you everyday. I can tell you are growing so much. I know it will be unbelievable the stories you will come back with. THIS is real life. THOSE are real people. And YOU are making a real, eternal difference that will change the lives of these people for GENERATIONS! I cannot tell you how proud of you both I am.
So when are you going to start writing the blogs in Spanish? Are you still reading the dictionary before you go to bed? Give me a call sometime. I would LOVE to hear from you.
I love you and miss you soooo much! Don't stop let God moving through you!
Your sister, Meredi

Anonymous said...

Hello,
I have recently started looking for a place to volunteer for several months and I found a website about Hogar de Esperanza. Would you mind telling me more about your experiences there?

You can email me at unluckless_13@hotmail.com

Thank you for your time,
Montana