Janet and I welcomed the one-hour ride in a comfortable coach to our first stop of the day. We were both feeling emotionally exhausted, with this trip building on top of our daughter’s wedding two days before we left. Our first stop was to pick up one of Cynthia’s sponsored girls, and we were advised to stay in the coach to avoid drawing too much attention in an unknown neighborhood. Then, we continued our journey to Comas, Lima’s most populous district. As we approached the area, we saw how the houses climbed as far as they could up the hill. As we had seen on our first day, higher up the mountain meant no running water or sewer, and a lot more work to get anywhere!
Compassion is gradually withdrawing from Lima as independent poverty measurements assess that it is no longer at the level of extreme poverty. So Compassion only has programs for teenagers, yet the church partners are still thriving. It’s heartbreaking to think they are pulling out, but they have to prioritize. Admittedly, the churches we visited today seemed better equipped than what we saw on the first day, but it’s impossible to assess poverty in a short visit, and we did no home visits today.
On to the photos and videos from the first church:
The hillsides above the church where the Compassion kids live without running water.Cynthia and Jose spent time with their sponsored child and her family.The church’s pastor welcomed us.We were introduced to a class that was making bracelets from beeds. As well as making something they can sell, it also helps develop fine motor skills. However, I could tell the boys would prefer to play football!These three girls were very chatty and gave us bracelets as gifts. This girl had made a lovely bracelet but was very shy because of braces on her teeth. We had not seen any kids with braces at other churches, yet we saw several at this church. It was possible that there was a charitable orthodontic outreach near this church.Next up was a cooking class. In this photo, they are preparing potatoes for French fries.These girls prepared chicken wings. They did not smile or open their mouth, so I expected they had braces too!In the frying pan!Some before and after pictures.This guy proclaimed how he loved the cooking teacher. I think it was a combination of him showing off his English and him being a bit of a player!The view out of the window showed where they lived.They had a computer room! They had started with one computer many years ago and had gradually built this up. Even though it was sad that this church was leaving the Compassion program, we could see how the church was rising out of poverty and bringing kids with it.All classrooms had cabinets full of mugs and toothbrushes. The two cabinets are for morning and evening. As well as making toothbrushing a habit, it was practical as the kids might not have running water at home.This was a fascinating sign that I asked the local Compassion person about. Using the word “sponsor” confuses the kids as they associate that “sponsor” with Coca Cola and the World Cup. With many having a Roman Catholic background, they are familiar with a godparent being like a generous uncle, or someone not related, so describe it that way. We have godparents in England’s Anglican Church too!This class made us some yummy chocolate cookies.I could not take my eyes off the view of the houses crawling up the mountain.The poster on the left celebrates their sponsors, and the flags represent where they come from. The poster on the right is for Father’s Day.Janet could instinctively translate the class rules. Perhaps this is how she can learn Spanish!The next class baked this cake.A couple of the students.The back of the teacher’s shirt.They celebrate birthdays!We got to eat the cake!One of the teachers with a sponsored child.We were given beads.Group photo.Ashley leads a final prayer with the pastor.Back to our bus! Everything outside was covered in dust, as the bush bottom-left illustrates. The leaves are green under the dust! This area is essentially a desert.
The bus took us to the next church where we were greeted again in their unique way. They showed us their activities. We could identify common threads of the curriculum between the churches we had visited, The curriculum allows contextualization which encourages each church’s local flavor and cultural traditions to complement the core messages.
The welcoming committee at the next church.The Compassion program director welcomed us. The pastor was sick at home and they asked us to pray for him.I assumed that these girls would perform!The church was full to welcome us and watch the show.The Compassion staff welcome us.The cooks! The church had started a soup kitchen so had plenty of chefs.
The performance of a traditional dance from the mountains.These girls were ready for their dance.The boys seemed less keen!
Another traditional dance from the mountains.These girls were more relaxed once they had completed their dance.Gotta get a selfie!The next class demonstration was bracelet making.It was another example of developing fine motor skills.The girls embraced the activity.Even the boys were fully engaged.Janet was right in there seeing how this worked.The teacher gave Janet the supplies to make a bracelet, and she was off!
Janet demonstrates bracelet making.We moved onto the next demonstration which was around knitting.These girls demonstrated the craft.Janet was focused on completing her project!The next project had a silk screen machine.Girls were showing off dresses they had made.Attractive fabricThese girls liked their pillow!Next up was a baking class.Looking good.This birthday cake inspired the singing of happy birthday.
Singing happy birthday for Gary and Robin’s grandchild.Next up was a mug decorating demo.They were making Father’s Day mugs and they kindly gave me one!The machine reminded me of the labeling machine we had used for costumes in our warehouse project.This class also spiral binds books including material for Compassion classes.Group picture!With the tour over, the church gave us a fantastic lunch!After lunch, it was time for a photo with the whole team.Ashley gave thanks and led everyone in prayer, including for the pastor to get better.
Meanwhile…. Janet had nearly finished her bracelet project but needed help finishing it off. She was very excited when the teacher found her and helped her complete it!
Janet was very happy to complete her project!Jose and Cynthia wrapped up their visiting with another sponsored child.When I stepped outside, I once again looked up to the housing in the hills.I felt great comfort knowing this church served them.
That was our last church visit. What stood out on this visit was how the classes were focused on activities that would help the children make money.
We got in our bus and headed back to the hotel where we could rest for about two hours, and catch up on sorting out photos. For some variety, we drove to a main shopping area of Lima for a fine dinner at a restaurant called Tanta.
Waiting for our table in a busy shopping mall. Our group for dinner!
Five days of receiving amazingly warm and hospitable welcomes from churches that serve people in extreme poverty had been humbling, resetting many poor assumptions, both conscious and subconscious, and exhausting! I was more tired than I have been in a long time, but I don’t think I have ever been this emotionally tired before in my life. We have a day of cultural visits tomorrow which will be a fascinating change from the rest of the visit.
"Cajunlimeys" combines Lousiana (Janet) and Britain (Peter). British sailors in the 19th century were nicknamed "limeys" as they drank lime juice to prevent scurvy. However, while Janet is a fine cook, she has no Cajun blood, but the name fit.
We love adventures and use blogging to write a photo diary to preserve our memories. Some crazy friends enjoy following us, and my notes might help others plan.
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The Adventures of the Cajunlimeys 