Kids were waiting for us as we arrived from age 3 up to 13, around 30 kids in all. I helped one of the ladies butter some bread & make hot chocolate for the kids while Titus went with the pastor's wife into the community to invite children. One thing we see a lot of is children having to work to support their families so their parents won't allow them to participate. It's really sad. Apparently it's a big problem in the region for the parents to be alcoholics & just let their children raise themselves. It shows when we see these children, not even preschool age, with unbrushed hair, filthy clothes & empty bellies.
They have a pretty neat set up in the small one room center. They bring a laptop & projector & do some really cute songs with lyrics/video & movement. My fav was "Jesus is my Superhero"- he's better than Batman & Spider-Man :) There was a time in the singing where they put on a worship song & asked the kids to pray quietly while the leaders went around laying hands on the children & praying over them by name. I could only standby & watch through tears as I as some incredibly godly individuals show love to these children in such a tangible way. It was such a beautiful expression of love.
Afterwards, they split the kids into 3 age groups & I got to be with the preschoolers. We played with different toys & colored pictures together, talking abut where Jesus lives (in our hearts!). The older children did a bible lesson & played some bible trivia games. They do a really good job of engaging the kids & heavily interacting. Although I got snot wiped all over me & had dirty hands all over my face, it was my favorite morning that we've had in Cusco. Look forward to seeing them all one more time this weekend! I so enjoy getting to see little girls- little Maryioria stole my heart
After our time in Calca, we took a taxi to Huycho to see the Scripture Union Girasoles boys home (same organization that we work with in the jungle). It was so different than jungle life! It was really neat to meet some of the boys & see the home there.
On Sunday we joined Mario & his wife at church. It was definitely an experience :) Many of the children & women waved around flags & shouted with praise for the hour & a half time of singing & worship! There was also a really neat time of testimony where church members shared about answered prayer & then we listened to a message. At the end, they made announcements & celebrated birthdays with a cake. Everyone was so kind & welcoming to us. We really enjoyed the experience & it just neat to be in another country speaking a completely different language but serving the same mighty God who is the same in America as he is in Peru.
On Sunday's it's not common to cook; so we got us some Popeyes chicken & biscuits & enjoyed it in our room for the afternoon 😊 Last week in Cusco- tomorrow is Titus' 26th birthday, his second time celebrating it in Peru. Attempting to make a pound cake today without a measuring cup & some very different milk- will see how it goes but figured I better do it today in case I ruin it 😁 He's not big on celebrating but I'm about to go shopping for a few fun things. We're just so ready for some warm jungle weather, awaking to the sound of sweet Spanish voices singing praise, & warm hugs & giggles shining in those dark brown eyes!
Covered by His grace alone,
kb
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