I joined the trip to explore overseas missions and learn more about this part of the world I’ve never seen. Having moved away from Montgomery in June, I missed out on the last meetings with the team and literally joined in with them at the Atlanta airport. My worries of being an outsider vanished immediately. Even though I was new to this team, I was given tasks and included in the plans. I was amazed at how focused everyone was in getting the job done.
The children’s carnivals proved to be a great testimony in the communities of Trujillo. I was amazed at how something so very simple could bring so many children and mothers out to participate. I kept seeing everything through two sets of lenses…My “American” lenses saw the bare dirt, blank walls, and gray sky decorated with a few paper streamers and balloons that we could barely keep taped up! And our 6 little games: bean bag toss, ball toss, putt-putt, go-fish, ring toss, and Velcro “darts” seemed almost sad in those eyes when I thought about American parties held in well decorated homes or manicured parks with elaborate theme decorations, and over-the-top entertainment. But then, when the children entered those courtyards, I saw things through “Peru” lenses. I saw the faces of every child light up and anticipation filled the air. The lines for the games were long, but everyone was excited to play, willing to wait. They all seemed genuinely happy to be there and truly desired each and every gift no matter how small. It was in great contrast to the many times I’ve given out small trinkets to children in America and they barely even acknowledge it!
The prizes I handed out for the beanbag toss were plastic Mardi Gras necklaces. I had a variety of colors and enjoyed allowing each child to choose their color. It was fun watching them carefully decide on a particular neckalce. The most fun was watching the little girls alongside their best friend play, choose a necklace and do a little “happy dance” afterwards when they were able to get the same color. In that moment I saw that despite the bleak circumstances of their surroundings, there remains a strong sense of community there. Perhaps that is enhanced by the presence of the church that Martin Reeves and his team bring.
Several times during the events I was able to stand back and just watch for a moment. It was powerful to see both Americans and Peruvians wearing this year’s mission Trujillo shirts serving together in unity. I saw it in how the young team members from Peru would help interpret for us. I saw it in the kitchen as both Americans and elder Peruvian women scooped food onto plates. It was there as one of the mothers in the crowd jumped in alongside us to to help serve the crowd. She was determined to take part! It was apparent in the way the folks from AL recognized how much the children have grown since last year, thus highlighting the long-term relationships being built over the years. It was shown in the creative way Antonio interpreted Diane’s tooth brushing lesson complete with sound effects. I saw it many times as Martin interacted with all the people of Peru. He truly has become part of the communities he serves. I saw it in the moment we were asked to pray with the parents at the praise service after each carnival. Not even the barrier of language seemed to be in the way of community. Praying with the local women was a powerful moment for me. I lost all fear of doing it “right” and just trusted God would hear me.
So now instead of seeing things with different lenses, maybe I should start looking at things with my “God” lenses. I see now how all of us are more alike than different and how looking at the material side of our existence merely distracts us from the things God wants us to focus on. I don’t think we were called to Peru to just bring stuff and fix stuff and give stuff. We are called to bring a new perspective; to show the lost the God’s gift of salvation. To point out those brothers and sisters in Christ who live among them in Peru that are able to show them what a Christian life is all about.
So it was a great adventure. Exhilarating to visit a new culture, learn a bit of the language, meet locals, taste the food. But more exhilarating was working side by side with fellow followers of Christ; to be included into their community even if only for a week and become one of them for that time.