New Beginnings

We have been called as children of God to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, comfort the hopeless and care for the sick. This trip has already given us many opportunities to provide a light in an impoverished and often dark place, and we would first, like to thank those you reading this blog for your constant prayers. Thus far, they have been answered, and lives have been touched in marvelous ways.

Early Morning Plane Ride

              We arrived in Lima Friday evening after an otherwise uneventful trip. For some, this was their first experience on a plane. However, after being driven across Lima in a Taxi, we realized that being 40,000 feet in the air catapulting across the sky at 500mph, is far safer than driving in South America. White lines are a suggestion, horns are a constant means of communication, and red lights mean stop….if you have time. Thankfully, we made it safely to the catholic nun’s retreat center where we will spend our first week, and immediately went to bed.

First look at the Pacific

             

 The following morning (Sat), was a free day that gave us time to organize our materials, go to the local market, and get to know some of the other team members that have joined us on this adventure. In total, there are 16 people helping the first week.

Our First Peruvian church service.

              Sunday was used to prepare our first location for the clinic and mold our hearts to better serve those in need. After breakfast, we hopped on the bus and road across Lima to Shalom. Shalom is the name of the organization/clinic/church, where the first clinic would be established. After our first Peruvian church service, we set up the equipment and then returned to our hostel. During the clinic preparation, I was fortunate enough to be asked to accompany one of the clinic directors Pat, to the market; this was a very interesting experience. First, we took a taxi van to the market. At first glance, that might sound normal, however, when there are nearly thirty people sitting/standing in a van the size of a dodge caravan (and I take up 20% of the space) it becomes an adventure. Once we exited the bus, we searched the market for foam and paper clips. Again, this sounds common place. However, the market itself easily spans ten blocks in all directions, and the shops are not organized in any discernable way.  Fortunately, after 45min of searching and a couple of miles of walking, we were able to find our items and head back to shalom; however, yet again the ordinary became exciting. Because we had to get back quickly, we decided to take a mototaxi (part motorcycle, part taxi). This involved forcing my 6’5” frame, two pieces or 4”X18”x5’ foam, and Pat into an enclosed trike. Luckily, we both made it back safely, and the rest of the day was free time, which we used to play the locals in a game of football. Surprisingly enough, USA took home the world cup!!!

              Monday, was our first day in the clinic. It was a whirlwind of wheelchair and orthotic fitting, evaluations, and continual ingenuity. In all, we provided care to 24 local Peruvians of all ages (mainly children). It is amazing to see the look on people’s faces when they receive their first wheelchair, or when they finally understand how to relieve their unbearable pain. As Americans, it is difficult to comprehend the lack of healthcare or the abysmal living conditions. Many of the people’s homes look no better than an abandoned building in the States. There are no carpets, little furniture, and only the bare essentials.  The roads and sidewalks are covered in feces from the thousands of stray dogs and the houses are stacked upon one another with no room to move, but this is where we have been called to serve. To the “least of these”. To those who are ostracized because of their physical or mental handicaps, to those who cannot afford proper health care, to those who have no one else to turn to.  We were able to pray with them, counsel them, and then treat their physical needs.  

 With every child we treat, I see the face of my little adopted sister. She has been a constant blessing to our family for the past three years, but could she have been one of these children before our family took her in? It is far too easy to become cold and clinical and forget how many people desperately need help. How many children simply need a loving home or a hug? My prayer is that more people will open their hearts and homes for these children.  Please prayerfully consider either giving to, or opening your homes to a child in need. Although you may think that you are blessing them, you will quickly realize that you are the one who has been blessed.

              We are all excited to see what God has in store for the next two weeks. Please continue to pray for our team and for those who we are serving.

               

                                                                                                 Benjamin Lowry