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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
