Welcome to Peru!
After a long and arduous journey, we have safely arrived to our destination of Arequipa, Peru. It is almost 11am here in Peru and we have been traveling for over 24 hours. Needless to say, it feels good to get a chance to stay put, at least for the time being. Logan, Beth, and myself (Evan) started the day yesterday with a long drive and even longer flights. Every flight we had along the way had some form of delay and Shawn and Emily (who traveled separately) unfortunately had even more flight troubles and missed a connecting flight. They were forced to catch a later flight from Lima to Arequipa but have now just safely arrived.
We have certainly had a forced opportunity to work on our Spanish throughout our travels. Even in the Washington, D.C. Airport, the primary language of the airline was Spanish. We also had some troubles with our luggage that we brought. One of our pediatric walker that we have brought with us got severely damaged along the way in the cargo hold. On top of that, our bags got soaked during a downpour in a connection in San Salvador. So after a long discussion with the airline about the walker and with some clothes hanging up to dry, all is well and we are happy to be here safely!
Among frustrations and sleepless travels, we find it so important to focus on God and remain open to whatever he has in store for the day. We have a lot of blessings to count and praises to be had. Shawn and Emily were blessed with a quick follow up flight to make it here on time and we are blessed with good company. The landscape of Peru is beautiful and the hotel is warm and welcoming (literally). We are excited to get to know the fellow students who have journeyed from Canada and Arcadia that are here with us and the great experiences ahead!
Be sure to stay posted for more!
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Sunday, August 3, 2014
It's the Final Countdown!
The final countdown to departure has begun! We are all set to fly out for Arequipa, Peru this Friday, August 8th leaving less than a week until we start our great adventure. We have been left to our own devices over the last few weeks with school having ended in late July and everyone parting ways to spend some time at home. It's been a much needed recovery period from the onslaught of exams, competencies, assignments, research studies, and fundraising efforts that have been the bane of our existence throughout the summer. The brief time off has also given us a chance to turn our focus to the horizon, the southern horizon that is. All of our flights and travels are booked, our equipment is gathered, and our personal packing lists are being checked off.
As we polish up the details and batten down the hatches this week before take-off, we can't help but look back at everything that everyone has done for us in preparation for this trip. Thanks again to everyone who has donated equipment, made a financial contribution, sent up some prayers for us, or helped in any way during all of our preparations! We were able to collect a van load full of equipment that was taken o the MMI warehouse to be donated in addition to the suitcases full of donation items and some medical equipment that will be traveling down with us! Thank you all so much!
With time winding down and all preparations set, it is safe to say that now is a time for the power of prayer. We pray that our trip may be abounding in love, filled with service for others, and wrapped up in a bow of safe travels. We ask you to continue praying for us in our travels. It is through God's grace alone that we are given such amazing opportunities like this and it will be through the love of Jesus Christ that we can touch the lives of others in our service.
We will be sure to continue posting on our blog throughout the two week trip, granted we have internet availability which we are told can be spotty, so please stay posted! We want to share our journey with you, especially if you contributed (if you have then this is your journey too!)
God Bless
SRU in Peru Team
As we polish up the details and batten down the hatches this week before take-off, we can't help but look back at everything that everyone has done for us in preparation for this trip. Thanks again to everyone who has donated equipment, made a financial contribution, sent up some prayers for us, or helped in any way during all of our preparations! We were able to collect a van load full of equipment that was taken o the MMI warehouse to be donated in addition to the suitcases full of donation items and some medical equipment that will be traveling down with us! Thank you all so much!
With time winding down and all preparations set, it is safe to say that now is a time for the power of prayer. We pray that our trip may be abounding in love, filled with service for others, and wrapped up in a bow of safe travels. We ask you to continue praying for us in our travels. It is through God's grace alone that we are given such amazing opportunities like this and it will be through the love of Jesus Christ that we can touch the lives of others in our service.
We will be sure to continue posting on our blog throughout the two week trip, granted we have internet availability which we are told can be spotty, so please stay posted! We want to share our journey with you, especially if you contributed (if you have then this is your journey too!)
God Bless
SRU in Peru Team
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Counting our Blessings
It has always been said that time flies when you are having fun. There is quite a bit of truth to that. The past few months of preparing for our trip has certainly brought our team a mixed package of emotions as we work towards our goal, but there certainly has been plenty of fun along the way and not a moment of regret. The time we have spent working towards the trip has been amazing as we have been able to watch so many great people come together. It has been a short few months of team collaboration and help from friends, family, organizations, and even complete strangers. It is truly a time for us to count or blessings as the pieces continue to fall into place.
We are not just 8 weeks until our departure to Arequipa! We want to take this time to thank everyone who has helped us along the way so far. With all of your prayers and donations, we have taken one step closer towards our mission. Although there is still more to be done, we are so blessed to have such great help.
If you still wish to help our cause, it is not too late! First of all, prayers are always appreciated! Please consider praying for our team as we continue to prepare for this trip. We pray for continued success in our efforts and that they may be a blessing to the people of Arequipa. Second of all, monetary donations are still appreciated. Online donations can be made here. Just put "Donation for SRU PT, Arequipa, Peru trip" under "How did you hear about MMI?"
There are also some items still needed:
Baby wipes, school supplies (crayons, markers, etc), stickers, bubbles, beanie babies, matchbox cars, playdough, beach balls. We also need rechargeable AA batteries. We have chargers and tons of toys that need batteries!
Please consider making a contribution if you are able. Once again, thank you for your continued support. Be sure to stop back here again soon to track our progress!
Feel free to contact us with questions:
eba2411@sru.edu
We are not just 8 weeks until our departure to Arequipa! We want to take this time to thank everyone who has helped us along the way so far. With all of your prayers and donations, we have taken one step closer towards our mission. Although there is still more to be done, we are so blessed to have such great help.
If you still wish to help our cause, it is not too late! First of all, prayers are always appreciated! Please consider praying for our team as we continue to prepare for this trip. We pray for continued success in our efforts and that they may be a blessing to the people of Arequipa. Second of all, monetary donations are still appreciated. Online donations can be made here. Just put "Donation for SRU PT, Arequipa, Peru trip" under "How did you hear about MMI?"
There are also some items still needed:
Baby wipes, school supplies (crayons, markers, etc), stickers, bubbles, beanie babies, matchbox cars, playdough, beach balls. We also need rechargeable AA batteries. We have chargers and tons of toys that need batteries!
Please consider making a contribution if you are able. Once again, thank you for your continued support. Be sure to stop back here again soon to track our progress!
Feel free to contact us with questions:
eba2411@sru.edu
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Meet the New Crew!
We're still very excited as we continue towards our mission! Fundraising is underway and we thank all of you who are visiting our blog. If you want any more information on our trip scroll down a couple posts. But right now we want you to meet us so here is who we are!
Left to Right: Emily Gatesman, Evan Andreyo, Shawn VanderBrook, Logan Curry, Beth White
Left to Right: Emily Gatesman, Evan Andreyo, Shawn VanderBrook, Logan Curry, Beth White
Saturday, March 22, 2014
New Mission Video
Check out our new video with a little bit from some of the members of our team about our mission! Enjoy and please spread the word!
Monday, March 17, 2014
New Beginnings!
Hey everyone!!! SRUinPeru is back again with a new group of
volunteers! This blog site will serve as a great way for everyone to check up
on our progress leading up to the trip and for us to show you everything that
we’re doing when we’re on our mission trip!
A little bit about
us:
We are a group of five physical therapy students who feel called to serve God by serving those in need, not only using our education but by serving others with compassion. In our search for ways to do just that, Medical Ministries International (MMI) has blessed us with the means to show the love of Christ to Arequipa, Peru by serve the under-privileged in the surrounding community for a two week service project. MMI is an organization that specializes in providing spiritual and physical healthcare to those in need around the world. Throughout the two weeks we will be in Peru, we will be working alongside a team of licensed Physical Therapists to treat people that otherwise may not get access to healthcare and rehabilitation. We will be evaluating and treating patients to help them increase their level of function and independence. We will also be fitting patients with much needed medical equipment that has
We are a group of five physical therapy students who feel called to serve God by serving those in need, not only using our education but by serving others with compassion. In our search for ways to do just that, Medical Ministries International (MMI) has blessed us with the means to show the love of Christ to Arequipa, Peru by serve the under-privileged in the surrounding community for a two week service project. MMI is an organization that specializes in providing spiritual and physical healthcare to those in need around the world. Throughout the two weeks we will be in Peru, we will be working alongside a team of licensed Physical Therapists to treat people that otherwise may not get access to healthcare and rehabilitation. We will be evaluating and treating patients to help them increase their level of function and independence. We will also be fitting patients with much needed medical equipment that has
been graciously donated to those who need it. Click here to find out more about our mission.
How can you help?
Although August can seem far away, we have a lot of preparing to do. The gears are turning but we could really use your help! We would appreciate your prayers so that we can have safe travels and make a lasting impact on the people that we will serve as we embark on this exciting opportunity. We also ask that you pray for the people of Peru that we will be serving. If you would like to support our trip financially we would greatly appreciate it. The trip will cost around $3,300 dollars per person including project fees and airfare so every little bit helps. The link previously included about our trip provides a breakdown of the expenses for the trip fees. If you want to join our team by helping in this way, you can make a tax-deductible gift via check payable to ‘Medical Ministry International’ and send it to MMI at the address below along with this slip:
Although August can seem far away, we have a lot of preparing to do. The gears are turning but we could really use your help! We would appreciate your prayers so that we can have safe travels and make a lasting impact on the people that we will serve as we embark on this exciting opportunity. We also ask that you pray for the people of Peru that we will be serving. If you would like to support our trip financially we would greatly appreciate it. The trip will cost around $3,300 dollars per person including project fees and airfare so every little bit helps. The link previously included about our trip provides a breakdown of the expenses for the trip fees. If you want to join our team by helping in this way, you can make a tax-deductible gift via check payable to ‘Medical Ministry International’ and send it to MMI at the address below along with this slip:
Medical Ministry International
P.O. Box 1339
Allen, TX 75013-0022
P.O. Box 1339
Allen, TX 75013-0022
You can also donate online by clicking here. This will take you to a general donation page on MMI's website. If you choose to make a donation in this way, type the name of the project "Arequipa, Peru 2 week project" and the name of the person you wish to designate the donation towards. You can type this in the text box that is headed "If you would like to designate this gift...."
We are also accepting donations of medical equipment that we will take
with us and give to those who need it in the community of southern Peru. Below is
a list of items that are needed with greater priority:
Pediatric posterior
walkers and gait trainers
Adult wheelchairs that are in good condition or children's convaid
Special needs strollers
Children's sneakers
Orthotics
Forearm crutches
Baby wipes, school supplies, beach balls, children's vitamins
At this time there is less need for adult walkers and canes.
Adult wheelchairs that are in good condition or children's convaid
Special needs strollers
Children's sneakers
Orthotics
Forearm crutches
Baby wipes, school supplies, beach balls, children's vitamins
At this time there is less need for adult walkers and canes.
If you wish to donate
any items, please let a member of our team know or bring your items to the PT
building at the donation boxes. You can also email eba2411@sru.edu.
Thank you for joining
our team and be sure to stop back and visit us on our blog!
God bless!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Top 41 Peruvianisms.... and a FB link to photos
In keeping with tradition, this year, with the help of a few Arcadia students, we came up with the top 41 Peruvianisms experienced on this trip... enjoy!
1.
Right is Wong, go left
2.
Stoptional signs
3.
Daddy Yankee –enough said
4.
Fernado Chicken’s
5.
Rules of the road are not rules in Peru, they
are more like guidelines
6.
Peruvians are not in a hurry unless getting on or
off a bus or plane
7.
Essential bus items: TP, plastic bags, wet
wipes, and a good friend
8.
You can only flush the TP at the hotel
9.
When squeezing into a taxi, put your bags in the
back because it makes you skinnier
10.
Llama tails point up and alpaca tails point down
11.
Maggie is the chocotejas master “Voy a llorar”
12.
Don’t start a conversation in Spanish unless you
are willing to finish it in Spanish
13.
Take a chance and fly – someone will end up dead
14.
Never stick 3 white chicks and an Indian man
together on a street in Peru
15.
Angela’s guide to speaking Spanish: add an “el”
to the beginning and an “o” to the end of any English word and you will be
speaking Spanish
16.
If you go to Peru, check out the man on Pichu
Pichu, he may still be belaying
17.
Lawn chair wheelchairs are not all they appear
to be
18.
A French movie, dubbed in Spanish, with English
subtitles can still make you cry
19.
“Do you have a pen?” –Jodee
20.
Total curb count=6
21.
Ha Ha’s Christmas card is all set thanks to
their photogenic natures and all of our cameras!
22.
Han’s had a little girlfriend that followed him
around, until she met Sara and followed her around!
23.
Rabbit holes are dangerous because at the first
sign of interest, the vendors will suck you in!
24.
Más pequeño
wieners!
25.
If a meal doesn’t have papas, it is not complete
26.
Drinkable yogurt & fresh squeezed strawberry
juice – life is good
27.
Midnight symphony in room 10
28.
If you lose your vasoline, just look in the AFO
box
29.
PE, in fact, stands for Peru – not pulmonary
embolism or personal equipment
30.
“Only one?...Oh yeah, he’s an amputee” (in
reference to wheelchair footrests)
31.
When building a wheelchair, make sure you build
it right side up
32.
You never know when a circus can turn into an
igloo and then a taco
33.
Starting the day with prayer and song
34.
“ah-uno por favor”
35.
Americans think Peru changes seasons throughout
the day but Peruvians will wear 3 pairs of socks regardless
36.
You will look immaculate each day if your name
is Lilia
37.
No te llamas physical therapist!
38.
“Don’t ask questions, just let it happen.”
–Brittany as she eats ketchup from a bowl
39.
Street performers in Peru really do perform in
the street
40.
Don’t worry when you have to cross an
intersection, the walking man on the street light will tell you how fast to
walk to cross safely
41.
TODO ES POSIBLE!
Also, here, you can find the first album of our Peruvian pictures. I believe they consist mostly of the clinic... enjoy!
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