Peru Compassion Project

Today was a roller coaster ride of a day…our eyes were opened to the realization that our trip is coming to an end and we never thought that we would have so many feelings rush in and out in one day. The people in this group are incredible. The people in this country are amazing. The love shared among people that didn’t even know us, will stay with us for a lifetime. Working so hard for God in another land with our group was an honor and an experience to serve that we will never forget. God is awsome!  God Bless Peru!  - Todd and Lia Scalph

Hello everyone from Peru.  We’ve had another powerful day here, getting more accomplished at Hanna’s Home and on the kids at Hogar.  Jeff purchased two baby beds, four tables and chairs for Hanna’s and we gave the kids at Hogar  gifts bags with some toys and personal items.  The smiles on their faces could have lit all of Fredericksburg.

The week has had a tremedous impact on me.  God is once again  revealing to me that I’m far more self -centered than I imagined.  On Monday, there were several occassions when I found myself whining internally about a slight cold, my back hurting, and a sore knee.  That afternoon God introduced me to a child named Luis whose colon developed on the outside of his body.  Tuesday morning I was asked to lead a devotional.  In preparation for that the Holy Spirit rocked my world.  I stood on the beach with my brother Greg and cried liked a baby.  Who am I to complain?  Who am I to worry about the minor discomfort?  God revealed to me through a four year old boy that even physical limitations cannot steal my joy if I don’t let it.  Luis made me a believer when he smiled and giggled as our group interacted with him.

Mike

Hola! Me llamo Sammo! Today was amazing - I can’t believe it’s already Tuesday.

This morning we had the privilege of waking up by the ocean water again! We had breakfast and headed to Hannah’s Home to continue working for our awesome God. Corinne, Macy, Nathan (our amigo from Kansas), and I all continued to work in the landscaping, and everyone was extremely motivated. We were especially inspired by the amount of work the Guys put in while pouring concrete from 9(ish)am until noon! The Peruvian workers were so focused and hardworking-especially this amazing little old man named Pancho! He has been teaching us so much about God’s love, and even a little spanish

At about 3 pm, we all headed over to Hogar Del Ninos orphanage to grab our kids and take them with us to a public elementary school for VBS(vacation bible school) to teach 200 kids about Jesus. We started by dancing to some songs (the dancing award definitely went to Andrew!), then Mike told a bible story, and we did a bible verse (”Be strong and courageous” -Joshua 1:6.) to match the story of David and Goliath. The kids were so funny and entertained-I can’t wait to come back to virginia so that you all can see the kids faces on Camera! I know you will fall in love with them just like we did <3.

 We dropped off the kids back at Hogar Del Ninos and headed back to the hostel for Dinner. Guess what we had for dessert!!?? Guineau Pig! (I hope I spelleed that right!) It was definitely an experience-and we’ll be showing you the pictures for proof and then for our real dessert, Andrew bought us all Ice Cream.

It was overall another amazing day in Peru, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow Holds. We miss you all, and we’ll be keeping you in our prayers <3

Love,

The Peru Team!

Hola Amigos,

We just returned from an absolutely amazing day at Hannah´s Home and our first VBS of the week at a school in Chilca.

The guys worked like mad men today pouring concrete for the floor of a new storage building…and boy did they work.  Every single one of them were wore out by lunch time, but the Peruvians they were working with just continued on working.  Our guys were amazed at how hard the Peruvians work!!  The girls and Nathan continued preparing the yard for the sod that will be laid.  And, what a great job they did as well!  Jenn, Tia Lia (that´s Aunt in spanish) worked inventoring and organizing the thousands (literally) pieces of clothes that have been donated.  Please, if you are reading this and are planning to come…NO MORE clothes!!!!…just send money :).

I saw the Lord working through so many people today.  First and foremost was the team…everyone worked so well together…and so very hard…each using the skills given by the Lord.  Then I saw the Lord in the 200 kids at the school we did VBS at.  These kids were so well behaved, polite and thankful that we were there…and yet they have so little…but they have so much God given joy!

I would love to write more, but it´s time for dinner..and I think it´s guinea pig night!!!

Buenos Noches!

Penny 

Today was a great day! We started off with working at Hannah’s Home. Corinne, Sammo, Nathan, and I all worked on the yard work. We had to level out the ground around where they are going to plant the grass. It was so hot. But it was so amazing because everytime one of us needed a break, we walked over and read a verse from the bible out loud so the rest of the team could hear us. It gave everyone an extra boost. Because I know without God, today I would have been out! We were all just so exited to be there and willing to work. Everyone had a servants heart today! I feel like I bonded more with Pancho, the hardest working man I have ever met in my life! He was so amazing to watch. The day got even better when we got to go across the street to see the kids. We played and had a great time. Soon after, we got to go to this village a few minutes away. There was this little 5 year old boy, Luis, who has a colostomy, which means he was born with his colon forming on the outside of his body. So his family has to provide him with bags to tie around his hips for his waste. The bags are three dollars a bag and have to be changed every other day. So it gets very expensive. We went out and bought him a couple weeks worth of bags and took them over to his house. He came out, and this little boy is the cutest thing I have ever seen. He came right into my arms and hugged me. He looks as if he has nothing wrong with him. ChildReach is waiting to arrange a surgery, but it’s very difficult because of the cost. When we arrived back at the hostal, Corrine, Nathan, Sammo, & I all went out to the beach and watched the sunset, shared some verses, and journaled. It was a blast. Today was amazing and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow has in store!

    I also just want to thank all of you guys back at home who are supporting me. I couldn’t have gotten this far without me. I’m so thankful for all of you guys and I miss you all! I can’t wait to share all my stories with you. I’ll see you soon.

                                                                Love,

                                                                   Macy

Hey Guys it Corinne!

HAPPY EASTER BY THE WAY

I just want to share with you how incredible God is in his purpose for my being here. He truely works in the most mysterious ways! We woke up and left at about 9:00 and arrived at a small church in Chilkua. (sp?) Peruvian men woman and children greeted us with hugs and kisses as we walked in, something that, so simple, meant alot. We’re complete strangers  and yet they welcome us with such kindness. We sat down and began worshiping before Pastor Jorge began his sermon. Diana translated the message he gave which jumped around in topic from not klinging to worldly possesions to the importance of prayer. I honselty found myself getting tired and wanting to doze off until he brought up the importance of parents. From that point on every word he said was like hearing God speak to me himself. I was fully awake and completely touched at what he had to say. He asked who, from Virginia, (teens) had their parents there with them. Macy raised her hand. He told her to stand up and hug them and tell them how much she loved them and was greatful for them. When she did I started to get a little overwhelmed. Macy, Penny & Greg hugged and kissed each other with such happiness in their faces. I couldnt controll my emotion from that point on. Pastor Jorge continued preaching the importance of a parents prescence to a child but took a significant interest in me crying in the front row. I lifted my head up to find Penny standing over me for a hug. Pastor Jorge had asked her to hug me and tell me that she was my mother and she was there for me. I cried hysterically. If you know me personally, you know my experiences with my mom have been a struggle. Just before leaving for Peru I was hit with another blow that hurt me pretty bad. Penny and i stood hugging and crying before the whole congregation as everyone clapped and thanked God for that moment. It was unbelieveble. I came here with such a pain in my heart but God used Pastor Jorge to relieve the weight I broght with me. He knew nothing about my situation but said everything i needed to hear. I came into this trip expecting less of an outcome than i got from my last trip but was blown away in my first day. I truely feel like i had purpose in being there at that moment.

I love you guys and i hope everything going great there!

-Corinne

The group left this morning. They will be traveling all day today, they should get in to Lima just after midnight. Click on the link below to see their picture.

Getting ready to go. 

We had a great Celebrate Peru fundraising event last night.  There were over 130 people in attendance.  The team is ready and making final preparations for the project.

We are excited and ready for all that God is going to do!  Keep reading for future updates and photos!