VIM Peru

Welcome Earilyn

2012-01-13T09:52:00.000-08:00

I am a retired elementary school teacher and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Flat Rock, Michigan, where I have been the choir director for many years. This is my first opportunity to participate in a mission trip – and I’m excited!

Meet Dr. Darcy

2012-01-10T16:03:00.000-08:00

Jeremiah already introduced Dr. Darcy...in the previous blog but here is his picture.

Looking forward to another trip this year.

Welcome Jeremiah

2012-01-03T11:11:00.000-08:00

Hi, my name is Jeremiah and I will be going to Peru this year. This will be my first mission trip outside of the United States. Here are some things about me you should know:
1. I love to eat, laugh and sing
2. I don't speak much as I have Tuberous Sclerosis which has caused me to have seizures. I also have several brain tumors but I don't let that slow me down.
3. I love God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I try to show that every day by loving all those around me even when they choose to not notice me.
4. My parents are trusting God a lot about this trip. First my dad I know he will be nervous about me traveling so far even though he will be with me. Please pray for him. Second my mom she is trusting God about the finances. Since we all are going this will cost us quite a bit of money. Please pray for her.
5. Finally, I give thanks that my Dr....Dr. Darcy is going with us. Mainly because he is very good doctor and I know there are many moms, dads, and friends of people with seizures that are scared. He will help them know they are not alone. I will help them understand God loves them.

Peace!

Team Members Joining

2011-10-31T16:11:00.000-07:00

Soon you will begin to see pictures of new team members to the 2012 Peru VIM. We are blessed to have people with different graces and gifts join us.

We are especially excited about a new youth opportunity teaching other youths in Peru. If you are in high school and interested in joining us we have a lot of fun activities planned and you'll get to meet other teens from Peru!

Give us a shout out soon if you are interested!
Peace!

Are they here yet?

Pastor Georgia

Two in One!

2011-10-22T06:37:00.000-07:00


God has open a window	Will you take it?

Two teams will be going to Peru in 2012 but they will be acting as one; One in Christ, One in love, One in hope. If you would like to join our team please let us know and we will send you information. We are limited in the amount of folks we can take and we do have already 9 people signed up! Peace!

From Alene

2011-07-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

From left to right: Katie, Mark, Pastor Georgia, Alene

It is good to be back home, although I do miss my new friends. I had a good time visiting and traveling with you. When I was asked if I had a good time in Peru the answer was very mixed. I received a blessing as I helped at the school. I loved working with the children and getting to know some of the parents. My heart goes out to the teachers and parents at the school. I had a great time site seeing and climbing Machu Picchu. I made it to the top!! All of the good, different food was great. But-- it is good to be home.

I will be leaving for Washington State on Monday, July 11. My sister and brother-in-law are arriving here on Sunday. We are going to take our time and site see along the way. Our destination is Bremerton, Wa., where our brother lives. i ask your prayers for a safe trip.

May God bless each of you as you go about your daily lives. And may you include Him in your daily lives.
Until we meet again,
Alene Simmons

A word of Thanks from Peru

2011-07-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

Georgia, I thank you for the nice pen and the little and beautiful cowboy picture Denisse gave to me on your behalf this afternoon, it is a nice detail that I will remember while I live. Please, express my gratitude to Donna for providing me with a stretching session that muscles of my upper and lower limbs needed urgently. She made my day then!

Finally, thanks to you and all of your team for the extraordinary work you performed in favor of people with disabilities in my country, God bless you all ever.

Sincerely

Julio Chojeda Torres

--

Still praying

2011-06-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

As we are home and still thinking about our dear friends in Peru, I find myself praying throughout the day. For the child with seizures, or the parent with circles under their eyes from worry. God be with our new friends your children and thank you for letting all of us serve. Amen

Peace!

hello from Peru

2011-06-22T06:47:00.000-07:00

We are leaving Peru at midnight tonight, so Thursday morning. We have had a great time! Working at the school was wonderful. I loved working with the kids & their parents. I hope I was half as helpful to them as they were a blessing to me. The sight seeing in Cusco & surrounding areas was beautiful & the chance of a lifetime. So much history here! I have missed my kids & family, but have had the chance to make many new friends. Excited to get back home & see everyone! Best wishes to all!! Donna C.

´Prayer requests Peru Clinic

2011-06-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Dad with Cancer
Sergio seizures stop
Antoinette peace in her family and new friends, new job
Kory med reduction goes well and that the family has rest, love and peace.
Steffanie seizures stop
Erick sleep better
Andrea seizures to stop
Mercedes pray for all the moms here, staff and Lilliana that she will know God´s help, blessings on her father and mother.
Alavarez new meds will work

Joshua new meds will help
Daniela change in meds will work
Jerson change in meds will work
Claudia seizures will be controlled
Yurico new meds will work
Fanny new med plan will work
David will sleep
Karla new med plan will help
Juan new med plan will help
Hector his family will have peace
Diego healing and more calm, family asks for peace
Nishmal sleep and health improved
Carlo seizures stop, new med plan will work
Aaron med plan continue working
Valerie med plan will continue to work, strength for mom
Carlos sizures will be under control, help with med plan
Andres peace
Cristina New med plan will work
Liliana sleep better
Susana peace
Miquel peace
Huayta sleep better, seizures will stop
Aldrea sleep better
Claudia new med plan will work
Josthin sleep better
Fiorella peace
Bryant new med plan will work
Laura peace
Jahary peace
Eduardo change in med plan will work
Jhon peace
Daniel new drug plan will help
Marco pray for strength for Marco´s mom and family
Gonzalo new med plan will work
Valeria health of her whole family

These are all the prayers from Clinic. Please pray for these persons and families. Pray for us as we continue to travel.

The end to a great week at CASP

2011-06-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

I asked for the opportunity to write today, since it was the last day of medical consultations at Centro de Ann Sullivan de Peru. We were more efficient each day, so that each day we were able to see more patients thant the previous day. First some thoughts about the school and staff, then the people and the patients, then me.

I am amazed by the school and its philosophy. Their motto is ¨Make the impossible possible¨. They believe in teaching parents on how to teach their children, so that their children, who society neither helps nor expects much from, can contribute to the home and society. In many cases, they are successful in helping children and adults gain meaningful employment. I love seeing how patient and caring everyone is with each other and the students. Everyone really feels and acts as family. I said yesterday to the director, Liliana, that I have trouble distinguishing between the teachers and the parents. That is because the teachers love and care like parents, and the parents have become experts in teaching like the teachers. It is a wonderful realationship that I think we all could and should learn from.

The parents have an inner confidence and strength that is remarkeable and wonderful to witness and feel. So many come from humble situations, but they have the same desires, worries, fears that you and I have for ourselves and our families. From a medical standpoint, I know there is so much that could be done or should be tried to improve these children´s lives, and I often became frustrated in my unfamiliarity with the names of medications that are used here in Peru (it is not uncommon for names of medications in different countries to be totally different to those we use in the United States, even if the medication is exactly the same). Also limiting was knowing that some medications are prohibitevely expensive or that some simply weren´t available in Peru. Many individuals have been taught fears about certain medications or quantities of medication that we know are safe from use in clinics back home but it takes time to reteach and reassure that we can do so so that the health of their child can improve. There is a particular need to develop a comprehensive strategy of education, counseling-training, and medications to help with inteferring behaviors associated with autism.

Finally, me. I came to Peru with the expectation that I could give someing back to God for all the blessings he has given me, particularly to opportunity to study and learn medicine and to be in a position where I can travel and do service such as this. That certainly was the case here. But I didn´t expect that so quickly I would form a bond of friendship and family with everyone here -- staff, parents, patients, and my fellow VIM Peru team members. It really has been an experienced that touched me deeply, perhaps because brought to the surface feelings similar to those I had as a missionary in Argentina 20 years ago. I certainly now look forward to being able to return to CASP and continue to help in this small way those patients we were able to help this week.

I close now with the same scripture that I wrote in the guest book of CASP earlier this afternoon: "Inasamuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:40)

Chau, que Dios les bendiga a todos que han sorpurtado a nosotros aqui. Le agradezco a Dios que yo tuveira la oportunidad de servirle en esta manera.

Dr. Darcy

Clinic Day!

2011-06-17T04:56:00.000-07:00

The week has flown by. Each morning we get up and walk the farthest was Wednesday we walked 3.5 miles and went and seen the ocean. Today as I wait for my team members to walk down to the ocean together perhaps one last time as some leave late tomorrow for home, I give thanks for each one and the gifts they have shared. Here are just a few: Donna giving therapy to the children, adults and especially the moms, Darcy listening and paying attention to each parent no matter how tired he is, Mark allowing the children to lead him, Katie taking pictures and helping serve the parents visiting for father´s day, Sharon dancing with the children, Cathy helping lead the dentist in the field to 90 children, Alene listening to a mother´s heart and crying with her, Judy listening with her heart as a mother shares the story of her child´s death, and Georgia taking the time to find the funny, beautiful part of each child no matter how ill, trying to make their lives to be more than the seizures that impact their lives.

Thank you all for praying today,
God´s peace to you.

Team work

2011-06-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

On a walk

Working together for CASP

Clinic day again

2011-06-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

Today we have seen already many children and adults with different abilities. Many come with different concerns but the common blessing is to share as parents, doctors, and friends what concerns we have. There are many prayer requests. We would like for you to know we will be posting them soon so you can see them and pray for all of them. One mom in particular I would like for you to pray. She only gets 2.5 hours to sleep in the evening. She has to care for her 3 children, alone, and one of them who goes to school here takes about 2 hours to get here and 2 hours to get home. She asked for just prayers for her children,but she also needs our prayers. Peace to you, Pastor Georgia

June 14 & 15

2011-06-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome from all of us here in Lima. Yesterday and today we were very busy. Dr Krueger has seen many patients, and they are so greatful to have him here for treatment. Donna has been busy with physical therapy with both children and their moms. Today she had a couple of men in the class as well. Katie and Mark have been busy helping with the children as they go to the park for picnics. They are so much fun to have with us on our mission trip. Sharon has been very helpful in the music department with instuments she brought with her. The children love it. Cathy helped set up the pharmacy and teach how to do blood pressure checks. Today Cathy went to a very poor part of Peru to assist with dental evaluations. Alene has helped in so many areas like the pharmacy, physical therapy and also helped Judy with inventory of the school property. Judy has been busy doing inventory with the help of Mark, Katie, and Alene. Judy has worked on inputing the information on a spreadsheet for the school. Georgia has been so busy with the patients doing paper work to help Dr Kruger. Georgia has also done two presentations for the parents on how to care for oneself as caregivers. Tonight Dr Kruger and Georgia did a question and answer session in the auditorium for the families. We had a very good turn out and again the families were so greatful to have us here. The people we have met with here are so loving and caring, they make us feel very welcomed. Our hosts Gladys and Raul have been wonderful to take us to and from the school and also feeding us. They are so much fun to be with. Lilliana Mayo is the founder of the school and what a wonderful person she is. All of the school personel have made our time here so rewarding with the help they give to us. The children here are remarkable with all they have accomplished. They are truly a blessing to all of us.

Mark's Travels

2011-06-13T16:31:00.000-07:00

The first flight to Atlanta was a bit ruff, I sat next to two women from Switzerland who kept me company during the filght. When we got off the plane at 1:45 we had tell 5:30 till our next flight I felt somewhat quezzy in the stomach but then Georgia bought me some chewable tablets which calmed my stomach. Georiga, Katie and I then ate lunch and waited until our other members arrived. On the second 7 hour flight to Peru suprisingly it went pretty well, I sat next to a woman from Peru who spoke no english but I knew enough to get by. I watched two movies on the plane, Gulligers travels and The Green Hornet, somewhat of a dissappointment but it passed the time. When we landed in Peru and got all of our luggage I luckly got a green light it was basically 50/50, Raul then drove us to our hotel and we went straight to sleep. In the morning Georiga told us breakfeast at 8:00 so me and Darcy came down at 7:45. No one else from our group was their. They accidentaly set their alarms one hour off and didn't come down to eat until 8:30. End day 1

Today's pictures June 13 2011

2011-06-13T16:13:00.000-07:00

Katie, Mark, Georgia, Alene

Juani, Georgia, Joshua

Team on our way to work

Tempe & Montana

Kids at CASP

Mothers of CASP greeting the team

We have made it

2011-06-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let you know we made it safely. Our flight from Atlanta was late but still we made it all well with suitcases in hand! We are busy seeing just 3 patients today. Hoping to see more tomorrow. One prayer request so far from a mother in Florida who called her asking for help for her special need son who was beaten in a Florida school. Please pray for healing and justice.

Meet Rev. Georgia Hale

2011-06-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be in Peru with this team working with children from all over Peru. I am thankful to share our best and I want to go show the love of Christ to all we meet.

My favorite song is "Tu has venido a la orilla".

Paz!

Juana and Georgia Peru 2010

Glacers in Peru

2011-06-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

An Optimist

This article reads through the effects of the climate on Peru's glaciers. Peace!

Meet Katie!

2011-05-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

Hola! I'm Kaitlin (Katie) and this is my second trip to Peru! I am 16 years old and going to be a senior this next year! I play the alto saxophone and flute in the high school band, and am a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Looking Forward: I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know all of the team members and the people in Peru! I'm also excited to expand my Spanish as I am going on four years of formal Spanish, and attending classes at the college level.

Favorite Song: My favorite song is "Con te Partirò" a duet by Andrea Bocelli and Sara Brightman! Why? I LOVE ITALY! I am obsessed with anything Italian! The male singer in this duet is Italian ♥ but he is blind! Andrea Bocelli is a big inspiration to me because he doesn't let his condition stand in the way, and is an amazing singer. I also love the female singer in this song because she played Christine in the original Phantom of the Opera! (My FAVORITE musical ♥)
Why I am going:

I am going to Peru to serve God and the people of Peru. I want to reflect not only my country but myself in a positive light, while I am away. I am also going to learn their customs, culture and their language.

Meet Alene

2011-05-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

My favorite scripture verses are so hard to choose from but guess 1 John 4:19 & John 14: 1-6 would be the pick for the moment. I don't have a favorite poem, but I always like "The Village Blacksmith" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. As far as a favorite song "Never Alone" and "By and By" in the Broadman Hymnal (We Baptist use that book). I am excited now, getting more so as the time draws nearer, about going with the group to Peru. I still wonder just what I
will be doing but am willing to help where ever I am needed. I will work hard to be an asset to the group and pray that the trip will be fruitful and safe. It is always interesting and exciting to meet new people and see new places. Love, Alene

Welcome Mark!

2011-05-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

After completing my Eagle Scout project in 06", I have found that I gain more through the experience of helping others than those I help. I feel I have the gift of being a good role model as well as an effective leader/follower. This opportunity to go to Peru will change my life forever. I am not sure what I will find when I arrive in Lima this June but I look forward to being able to witness not only a different culture but see God's work first hand.

Meet Team Member Judy

2011-05-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

I am going to Peru to serve God in a way I never have before. I cannot think of a better way to do this than our trip to Peru and helping Dr Kruger treating the little children.

I am looking forward to seeing how another part of our world lives. How they farm, grow food, and the type of housing they have as compared to our lives here in America. Their means of schooling the children in Peru. The whole culture.

I have so many favorite songs, it is hard to chose. Everything is Beautiful comes to mind first.

Going home -artifacts

2011-04-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

Listen to NPR story

Artifacts have long been used for gathering knowledge and to search for information about ancient cultures. The link above discus artifacts that had been researched by Yale and how the country of Peru wanted them returned after many years. While many if not most of us would not ever consider taking another countries artifacts for keeping in our own home, we many times 'hijack' culture, music, or religious ideas for our own use. While some would say repeating what others do should be taken as a complement, we must be careful that we do not cheapen the ideas behind these customs. As we travel again to Peru and especially the Inca sites this year let us enjoy and admire their wisdom and grace without the need to take them home and attempt to adopt them as our own.

Food in Peru

2011-04-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

Food in Peru is tremendous and is one of the things I look forward to doing: eating the variety of tremendous food. What many do not realize is how many kinds of potatoes there are. According to Wikipedia there are 3000 species. But according to the International Potato Center International Potato Center Link to learn more: there are at least 5300 varieties.
So for all of us who are traveling to Peru and those of you at home who would like to learn more, take the time to read about the amazing potato and how this tremendous crop helps people across the planet. The center also tracks the cultural influences of the potato and how people have planted, cared, ate and nurtured this beautiful plant.
Peace!

Meet Dr. Darcy Krueger

2011-04-08T15:45:00.000-07:00

The most exciting thing I am looking forward to Peru is that it will be the first time I am returning to South America since I served a two year mission in Argentina when I was 19. I want to go because I loved serving others then and I believe God has blessed me with the opportunity to learn medical skills and expertise and this is a way I can show Him my gratitude and give back to others.

My favorite song is "I am a Child of God". I don't think it is well known outside LDS circles but it is easy to learn and I can bring both English and Spanish versions to share if anyone is interested.

Getting Ready

2011-04-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

By now we have received our packing lists and are checking it over carefully. One thing to note that Peru in June is winter! You will need winter clothing for the temperatures and plan for the average high of 66 and average low of 59. Normally we would think this temperate to be very moderate and rather nice, however you must remember you will be traveling from very warm and hot weather. Your body will need to adjust. I recommend a layer approach with a jacket for the evening.

What I usually do is go to my closet and drawers and put my winter clothes that I am ready to give up and take them to Peru. Then I go to the goodwill or garage sales to buy the rest. This way all my clothes can stay in Peru!
Peace!

Georgia

Ready Set Peru!

2011-03-31T20:24:00.000-07:00

Planning has been in the works and people have stepped forward. This next week I order tickets and pray that all that we are sent to do will be accomplished. Many times people wonder if they should go or not. Here is what I know if you heart is excited at the thought of going somewhere and you are willing to serve at whatever is asked of you to do...you are ready! With God's grace, joy and love we are going to Peru again and pray you can to!

Peace to you Pastor Georgia

Juanito

2010-09-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

A few of us were blessed to be able to visit Juan Carlos at his home during our trip to Lima Peru. Juan Carlos died Saturday September 18 after a very long illness. His mother, friends at CASP and countless others tried to make every day of his matter.

There are many things I could say about Juan Carlos and I have only met him 3 times so I will not try to put into words the special beauty of his life. I will only say that his mother, friends and alumni of CASP need our prayers. His life although fragile was powerful. His smile contagious and his courage was superior to any other. His dear mother never left his side and she will need much support in the coming days, months and years. Please lift her up daily in your prayers as she lived and breathed next to him day by day being his constant coach, caregiver and sole supporter.

Thank you God for allowing me to know Juan Carlos.

In Sympathy

2010-08-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Dave (in yellow) day 1 of VBS in Chincha

Please remember Lynda Trewin and family in your prayers for the passing of Dave Trewin. Dave and Lynda went with a team to Chincha and Lima Peru in October 2008. Dave passed suddenly on August 3, 2010 due to a brain anuerysm. Peace be with Lynda and their loved ones.

Kimberly Pukay

Giving Thanks for all the Agricultural Workers of Peru

2010-07-31T07:09:00.000-07:00

Typical Method of Carrying Supplies

Llama Peru

This morning as I drink the coffee from the high jungle of Peru, I cannot help but think of all the workers we met in clinic. They work so very hard. Some of the women now in their 70s still working the machete for 12 hour days. I pray this morning that I will never again take for granted the gifts they have given me. Not only the food the put on my table, or the coffee in my cup, but the gift of their smiles, encouraging spirit even in illness. God bless the agricultural workers today of Peru and give them peace, wisdom, health and love. Peace to you Pastor Georgia

More Prayer Requests from Nueva Vista & Tarapoto

2010-07-29T06:05:00.000-07:00

Tarapoto Peru Sunrise

Here is the final list of prayer requests please add them to the others already posted. These came from the last clinic day and from the service on Sunday:
Hilton - family and health
Miguel - children & health
Juana - health
Juan -health
Jimena - health
Giam - health & family
Anonymous woman - being abused by husband & for her daughter who is hearing the abuse
Amalia - family
Roberto - health
Julia - health
Raul - family, children, wife who is expecting, and new baby will be healthy
Grimanesa - health, children
Delia - health
Children names: Algia, Nidelto, Jean & Niva may they follow Christ

Jane, Ruth & Edna Evaluating Clinic Clients

Maria - health,

Sunday day of worship!

2010-07-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

July 25, 2010
When we arrived at the church....the congregation was already singing. The man in front
with the accordion was playing and singing. the rhythms was up beat with many clapping hands.
When you are at the door entering the courtyard, picture in your mine, trees as roof, benches are full of people, chairs setting here and there with mother's and babies. There is always a little activity with the younger children that do not set still and move to the rhythm of the music. A lot of clapping of hands.
After Pastor Oscar said a few words, our group went down in front of the congregation to be introduced again. As is the custom, a line is formed and we are greeted with a kiss on the cheek, shaking of hands with hugs and Dios De Bendiga (God Bless You). You are greeted this way and it is repeated when you leave. There were probably close to 60 people including children.
There were several tables set up in the back. When Georgia finished telling the story of Esther, the kids had 3 crafts, crowns with jewels they glued on, Dr George made origami swans and there were plenty of pages to color.
Since this was the last day at the Church/clinic, there were many pictures taken. After returning to the hotel and having lunch, we too the van to Lama. A town settled by the Inca Indians. The language spoken there is Quechua. The statues in the square represented a part of their history. We truly enjoyed the museum as there were fossils, skeleton heads of the jungle animals, insects and beetles. Each room showed the tools they used, and how their daily life was lived. Each case seemed to have music involved. The last case shoe the hand carved figures dancing. Every Sunday after church, they eat outside or eat as a group. Then that evening, the music starts and the dancing begins. Every member of the family is a a part of the celebration.
Just a celebration of being neighbors and celebration of life.
We went up and down some narrow dirt roads and arrived at the El Castillo De Lamas. The Castle is in the process of being built, but can be toured.
Our next stop was the Look Out Mountain. A breath taking view of the mountains in what is considered the lower Amazon The tops were crowned with light fluffy clouds that had the sky blue blended.

As we were returning to Tarapoto, we were going through town when we saw a group of people dancing. The music was loud enough to tell all those close it was time to gather for the weekly dancing. As we passed them and traveled further down the street, we could see many people coming from the side streets to join them. What a privilege to see a tiny bit of the Inca culture.
God Bless

Edna

Jesus in a woman named Juana

2010-07-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

Juana & Georgia

This is Juana a beautiful woman that George and I met today. She is 84 years old and came to see us at the clinic at Buena Vista. Juana just came to share that at 84 years of age she is lucky to be alive and feels well most days. She cannot see very well but has a walking stick that she uses to get around. George and I enjoyed listening to her explain that she knew God was always caring for her because she had enough to eat. I asked her if she had a family and she cried explaining that she does not.
I then asked if she could be my grandmother as I do not have a mother or grandmother and would like to pray for her. This was welcomed with a toothless smile. George and I listened some more and then she went on her way. Yes we were blessed today by meeting Jesus in a woman named Juana. Peace to you, pastor Georgia

This is the day the Lord has made...

2010-07-23T17:42:00.000-07:00

Let us rejoice and be glad in it..No mater what you can rejoice in it. Dear ones Thank you so much for your love, prayers, support and lots of encouragement. Without for this would not be possible. The day went well at the mission with us arriving at 8:30am and getting back to our hotel about 6:00 or so. The people here and at the mission are wonderful people. They are gracious and kind and very appreciative. At the clinic Dr. George sees the patients and Georgia interprets. A young Dr. Carlos from outside of Lima is here also. His parents live in Tarapoto. He is very kind and caring. Kathyrn and Gladys work at the table where the medicine is distributed. Gladys is our wonderful mission guide and also interprets. She also fixes our delicious lunch and brings it to the mission with us. Kathy check their temperature, pulse and also does diabetic checks. Edna is taking their BP and I write it down. All of the 20 volunteers are very helpful and kind. They help help push Edna wheel chair. They help with the people that are their calling their names when they are ready to see Dr. George or Dr. Carlos. They help us in so many special ways. Their pastor is a very special man that always opens with prayers and singing praises to the Lord. The volunteers without their help this mission would be impossible. Ruth continues to do BP and to help with the dentist. Cathy the dentist is extracting teeth and doing check ups. Cathy is from Texas like me. Rita also interprets for Cathy and all of us. The Lord has made this place and everyone here. The people are such a blessing. We pray together and also help one another. We leave them in God's hands and the leave us as well.

The picture is of the main source of transportation in Tarapoto. This is how we return to our hotels with our medicine bags in back. They go very fast and we pray while we ride home! Peace to you, Jane

Prayer requests From Thursday

2010-07-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

Katie, Jane and children jumping rope while waiting for clinic appointments.

Marmita for her husband, children and her health

Amalia for the family Peña Sangama

Roberto for his health

Julia for her health

Raul for his family

Grimanesa health & her 5 children that they will follow Christ

Delia for her family

Milton his health and his family

Pedro for all the churches of Peru

7-22-10 Clinic day, Testimony Day

2010-07-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

Cathy & Rita pulling teeth (ouch)!

Today I Edna had the privledge of sharing my personal testimony with the people at the clinic. Pastor Oscar said an opening day songs and prayer and I was happy to hell them how Jesus has worked in my life. Then our day began as usual..8:30am-we took the clinic (Tarapoto Primera Metodista Iglesia). In that place we felt such a beautiful spirit. There were people already waiting on us. Those of us (Kathy, Ruth and myself) moved to higher ground as the table was wobbly and out of balanced. I might explain the compound is a dirt floor that angles down very close to a 45 degree angle. We are to the left as the covered areas seperating specific needs. The Peruvian people are very resiliant. We have seen adults as well as children have a tooth/teeth pulled and later playing or visiting an hour later. As if it was nothing more than putting a bandaid on a scratch. Every man woman and child that came to us (Kathy, Jane and myself) for blood pressure, etc taken - We discovered another spirit of life. Their practice of kissing the cheek, shaking hands and hugging is a part of their life. One woman in particular stays in my mind. She was approximately 82- Her hands were very strong but you could feel her flesh on her bones. She was so happy to be there. She ask very little of us except to help her as best as we could. Although she explained her illness it was never with a bitter mood, and was more than glad to be there two days if that was what she needed to do to see Dr. George or Dr. Carlos. Some would travel as far as 30 miles out or 4 hours to be here in a dirt floor clinic with a couple of chickens and a rooster, and not to forget a little dog. It is the greatest blessing to be here with the brothers and sisters in Christ who have taught us more than any university degree. Only the tip of the ice berg- this was a very small part of one day. With Love, Edna Williams :)

Tarapoto, Peru - Clinic Wed. 7-21-10

2010-07-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

¡Hola! from Tarapoto, Peru. What a beautiful day it was again today as temperatures have been abnormally cool. We were greeted today, our second day at the work site, by 100-150 people (some returning from yesterday and many new ones). Our day began with greeting, singing, & praising. We completed approximately 75 patients and have about that many more for tomorrow. We have shared laughter, tears, prayers and a part of ourselves. Our dentist (Cathy) was on site today to perform dental checks, answered inquiries, extracted several teeth, showed children how to properly brush their teeth and stressed how important dental hygiene is. Toothbrushes and toothpaste were handed out. We have experienced many new things , met many new friends, and learned much about Peruvian culture.We all give thanks for the opportunity to serve God in this capacity. We pray that our words and works are as much of a blessing to the Peruvian people as it is to us. We look forward to our day in service tomorrow. Blessings and love to all of you who have kept us is your thoughts and prayers. Kathy Vaughan

Prayer requests

2010-07-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

Ananias health
Flor health
Andrea health
Olga her church[Tres Unidos
Luany salvation of her children
Luciola Prayers for her family and health
Maria her family and her health
Ruth prayers for her family
Remigio health
Oclilio health
Leonor Health & her family return to God
Esmith health and her husband is an alcoholic
Claudia physical and spiritual health
Neith for her children
Victor for his spiritual health
Josefa her life, her children and for Jorge who is an alcoholic
Victor health & for children
Patricia for her family, dauther, health, and her husband´s work...also her spiritual life
Requina health and spiritual health
Tony health, family, parents, & her life
Victoria health
Gsleiten prayers family accept Christ
Armendo spiritual prayers
Ezequiel health
Maria health, family, husband
Daniel (baby) needs hernia surgery
Elisabeth health

Blood Pressures, Pulse, and Temperature...oh my!

2010-07-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

¡Hola! First workday in Tarapoto! Katie testing blood pressure equipment on Ruth. We were planning to set up our medical supplies, etc. and start seeing patients at 1PM. but there were 100-200 people waiting when we got there. There was a wonderful greeting ceremony...the traditional Peruvian cheek kiss from everyone there to each of us! The worksite was under some shady mango trees, but a little more primitive than we might have anticipated, what with the chickens and dog running among us. There'll be more people tomorrow! Today we saw all kinds of ailments, found an undiagnosed diabetic, and a case of extreme high blood pressure. Some had come from far away, and had waited since 4 AM to be seen. All that were seen were so appreciative and thankful. We look forward to serving many more tomorrow. Our dentist, Kathy, has arrived and will be on site tomorrow. Yours in Christ, Rita

Prayer requests

2010-07-20T16:46:00.000-07:00

These are the prayer requests we received while at our first day of clinic.
1. Miranda for her health and her spirit
2.Maria for her health
3.Janita for her health
4. Cruzilda prayers for her
5. Hilda prayers for her
6. For the mother of Adriano

Peace!
Pastor Georgia

And the greatest of these I tell you is love.

2010-07-19T09:17:00.001-07:00

While we close this chapter of our journey to Peru I wanted to share some thoughts with you.

I had really hoped to write sooner but we have been so busy that I haven’t had the time until now.

As God would have it, this trip exceeded all of my expectations. The love and support that we have had the opportunity to share with the people of Peru has been returned tenfold. While we were able to offer our hands to help, most importantly, we shared in the spirit of Christ, which offered hope to those in need. I thank God for this opportunity and to be able to share it with my family brought great joy to me.

Besides doing a presentation to over 50 people in the community while in Peru we also were able to perform wheelchair evaluations for around 20 people. Working with the little resources we had available we were able to make modifications, repairs, adaptations and recommendations they needed. With some of the material we had brought we were even able to build a complete seating system for a little girl and installed it in a chair that Becky had transported on the plane. (see photos below)

Thanks to everyone for helping make the trip so special for Becky. While change is sometimes difficult for her she handled a wide variety of changes from the bumpy van rides to various foods to church singing and she made it through it all!

I am also grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with Carol. Most mission trips I struggle with putting into words the overall experience and to have her share in this made it even more special.

To Michelle, for all of her help and friendship, Beth, for her enthusiasm, Steve for his friendship and continual support, Dwayne for his hard work, Rita for her translations, and Georgia for all of her encouragement, for without her, this trip would not have been possible.
Muchas Gracias,

Adios

Dale

Welcome to Peru!!!

2010-07-19T07:49:00.000-07:00

Hola amigos!!! Our flights went great!! (even thought they were super early), and all the luggage made it!!! After arriving late into Lima we met up with our good friends Gladis and Raul, and headed to the Cathlolic House (Catholic Hostile). When we arrived many people in the lobby were singing and praising! It was thier prayer or worship day. They had an ALL night mass service and we could hear them singing until early the next morning! They are so thankful for what they have, and many of those people have nothing. The next morning we headed to breakfast at the hostile and met a wonderfull lady, Sister Maria. She was very kind to us and made sure all of us had what we needed. After breakfast we took a quick walk around Lima. Its quite chilly in Lima during this time of year since it is thier winter time. We were quite suprised. After we headed back we went to a very small and pleasant Methodist church. EVERYONE there was overwhelmed with joy to see us. Many of them came up to us and hugged us and then kissed our cheek. I was kind of shocked at first, but then I realized its normal. :) After church we headed to lunch. The 18th of July is Dia de Pollo (Chicken Day) , so each one of us got a free 1/4 chicken with our already large meal. Next we headed to the market. There was so many things there!!!! After an hour or so we headed back to the hostile for the night. We were exausted. We ate dinner in the hostile and prepared our bodies and minds for the adventure ahead. Today we arrived in our final destination at Tarapoto, Peru. We had to wake up at 3am, and our flight was scheduled for 6:30am. Everything and everyone arrived safely. Tarapoto is BEAUTIFUL!!!! When we got of the plane there was moutains everywhere. Gentlemen from the hotel picked our luggage and transported us to the hotel (which is very nice). They even carried all our luggage to our rooms for us! As a welcoming gift a young women brought us each a glass of grape juice! It was delicious. We are at the hotel, and going to rest for a couple hours before going to lunch and checking out the worksite!
- Katie :)

Last Day

2010-07-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

The last day at CASP was a hectic but, fulfilling day. It was a day full of emotion as our team knew we were going to be breaking up and leaving to either go to another location or returning home to see family. Rita and Georgia will be meeting another group to travel to Tarapoto and the rest of us left on a 1:00 AM flight to head to the states. I feel I can speak for the group returning to the US that we are glad to go home and see our families and friends but, also a little sad to leave a lot of "unfinished" work (and friends) in Peru. Maybe a few people noticed that I did not blog until after I landed back into the US. That is only because I found myself working feverishly right up the last minute trying to piece together wheelchairs, trying to rob pieces from one or two to make another safe and operable. We made sure that wheelchairs were identified as "safe", "repairable" or "do not use". Dale, Carol, Dwayne and Georgia took the time to visit a mother in her home whose son is in hospice. It was my understanding that they were very touched by the visit. Becky, Rita, Michelle and Beth were busy cleaning up the odds and ends (which there are always many). The school prepared and presented each of us a small gift. I, for one, was very touched. Before entering into the log jam (better known as the highway to the airport) we took the opportunity to visit Circuito Magico del Agua. This is a park in the city of Lima that has 13 unique fountains. At dark they are lighted up.

Thank you to everyone who supported us financially and prayerfully

Steve

Potatoes!

2010-07-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

Good day from Peru! Wow! We´re all doing fine here. The work we originally had in mind is far from finished, but we´ve accomplished even more things and have to leave sometime. Dale thought he would give some individual consultations after the big presentation on Saturday, but he´s been seeing wheel chair clients steadily every single day since then, and there have been two more presentations also. See the link to watch. We did a lot of construction and painting projects, and are leaving supplies that the Maestro (that´s his nickname) can do later. We also have purchased quite a few tools and supplies to leave here at CASP for their use. On Thursday we went to the International Potato Center. They don´t allow a lot of tourists, because they are a research facility. They maintain a seed bank for the thousands of varieties of potatoes in the whole world. We saw the scientists, microscopes, and row upon row of tiny tiny plants in test tubes at a very cold temp. If something were to happen to one of the potatoes that they´d developed over hundreds of yrs., they could go to the seed bank and retrieve their variety. An example is like when the Shining Path terrorists were in Peru a few yrs. ago and villagers were afraid to go out to their fields, therefore losing all their potatoes. Then we had the honor of being invited to Dr. Liliana Mayo´s house for supper. She´s the founder of CASP. I say honor because on her wall she has pix of herself with the Queen of Spain, and the the secr-general of the UN. And she took the time at supper to thank each of us individually for our efforts at the Ann Sullivan Center. She learned our names the first day here! We will all have wonderful memories of this school, and are all planning our next trip back. Paz, Rita

Busy, busy

2010-07-14T14:56:00.000-07:00

Tuesday everyone on the team was busy, busy, busy. I found Dwayne up on the roof--it´s where the students practice their laundry skills--and he was painting the cage that protects a compressor. Beth and Michelle were down in the store room area painting the shaped mats that the physical therapist will use, directing a student to stand on the red square or the green triangle, etc. The girls likened themselves to surgeons, with their white dust masks and big rubber gloves. Dale and Steve were holding a seating clinic, evaluating the needs of various clients, both children and adults. They´re doing the same thing today, but have just about run out of all the wheel chair parts we brought with us. Georgia translated for them. Becky didn´t get to go to the dance class yesterday because the teacher had fallen and broken her foot, so Becky helped supervise the painting and wheelchair projects. Carol, Becky, Georgia, and Dwayne gave a presentation for a parents´meeting. It really meant a lot to those parents that people around the world have the same problems and challenges. As for me yesterday, you can tell I was all over the place--giving Georgia a break at the translating, drawing more forms so that someone could cut them for the girls, and accompanying Dwayne and Steve to the hardware store. The guys stayed late at CASP and the female team members left and attended a UMW meeting at the church we attended Sunday. Sweet ladies, studying the Methodist traditions. They were so welcoming. We sang too, and had snacks (we love those banana chips!) and exchanged gifts. The cheek kiss on meeting and leaving is becoming more natural for us, and the ladies there loved it when Michelle told one she smelled nice! Good-bye for now. We are all well and fine, and we´re trusting God´s taking care of all our families back home! In his name, Rita

Day by Day

2010-07-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

Each day brings new activities, friends and opportunities. Today we worked on 6 wheel chairs so far, fixed a compressor, gave 2 presentations, cut circles, squares, triangles, and moon shapes and painted them. We held hands, cried, laugh and ate a brief lunch. We were inspired by families stories of caring for children with different abilities. What a blessing each child here and family member. We have several hours to go yet today and I am sure several hundred more kisses. Each day we go to bed with tired bodies but full hearts. Peace to you Pastor Georgia

Peruvian Paso

2010-07-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

These horses were brought to Peru from Andalusia Spain during the time of the conquistador. The horses here in Peru are called "Los caballos de Peruvian Paso. . The horses of the Peruvian dance."

Please watch the video below by clicking on the Peruvian Paso and observe their elegant dance steps.
Peace!
Pastor Georgia

Peruvian Paso

July 11 2010

2010-07-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to a very small church where we met many caring people. Although there were about 20 people including us, you could tell that they were very welcoming. At the end of the service they served us tamales and coffee. Then we were off to see the Peruvian horses! We drove through a very poor part of Peru and were amazed to see the conditions in which people were living. Many people were living in shacks along the side of a mountain. After driving on a dirt road for what seemed like 20 minutes, we arrived at a black door. Raul knocked on the door and a man opened the door, which lead to a gravel road. We parked and were greated by a woman in all white, she was to be one of our guides for the day. After walking up a small hill, we were greated by another woman who was predominantely dressed in white which was our other guide. We walked through a canopy of trees to a covered area where we sat in wicker chairs with white cushions. The women spoke about the different stages of training that the horses went through while men road the horses around the courtyard showing us different tricks. After the presention was finished, a woman danced in ethnic dress while a man on a horse danced along with her. We were then lead to a beautifully decorated table where we ate a dinner consisting of chicken, rice, beans, and salad. It was amazing! Dessert included ice cream (vanilla, Lucuma, and chocolate) and papaya. We were able to ride the horses as well! Everyone took pictures with the horses that were shown and also the horses in the stables. The landscape was magnificant! We could see the Andies mountains in the distance and the plants that bordered the area were vibrant. The women were very welcoming and made our stay unforgetable. After we left the horse ranch we went to a Peruvian market. People came up to us trying to sell whatever they could varying from scarves to ceramic pots. After the market we went to the Catholic House and ate dinner with Raul and Gladys who brought cake. We played a few card games and went to bed.

Adios!
Michelle

July 10 Presentation

2010-07-12T11:37:00.000-07:00

Hola. Saturday was a big day for us. The wheel chair/accessibility presentation was very well received. CASP is indeed a school, but don´t "graduate" kids out of the program at any specified age, like we do in the USA. There were more adults in wheelchairs in attendance than I´d ever anticipated. Georgia and Dwayne and Dale and Carol talked about their own challenges in raising children with different abilities. Then Dale talked about the importance of proper seating. For example, you can take a person whose spine is bent so that they´re always looking down, and adjust with a cushion or something like that so he´ll look naturally out & up at the world. Everyone in the question-answer period was so thankful, even emotional. They had never been fitted for their chairs, just using whatever they could get their hands on. I think ALL of them were using foam rubber cushions, which give no support. They really need gel-filled ones. Several couldn´t reach the foot rests--one mans feet rested on a cord stretched between the foot rest supports. One young woman had a youth chair, but she would benefit from putting larger wheels on it so she wouldn´t have to push as frequently to cover distances. Her story was something else! Because of her disability, shed been left to sit at home all day.´They lived in a small village and were quite poor. Not even a wheelchair. Never got to go to school. She had two brothers. One went to Lima and worked as a taxi driver. He delivered someone one day to CASP and found out what they did here, and asked if he could bring his little brother with Downs Syndrome there. Well, she got to come too, and in a very short time got caught up in learning to read and write. Today she works at a bank in the accounting dept. As everyone left Dale´s program, they had to cheek-kiss everyone of us, of course. We´re getting to like this type of greeting / good-bye. Earlier, the director had them sing me happy birthday, and I was so impressed that altho´ everyone had come to this presentation with their own concerns & preoccupations, as they kissed good-bye, they remembered to wish me a happy birthday with true sincerity . Very touching. The cheek-kiss is such a part of the lifestyle here. We sat in on a class, and one boy came in quite late, but still went around the room, kissing every student and also his teacher. I was thinking how I would have reacted if one of my students in Kansas had come in and planted a kiss on my cheek! When we went back to where we were staying, our supper was ready, and Gladys and Raul brought a Birthday Cake! It was a chocolate layer cake with lucuma (a Peruvian fruit) kind of gelatin-like filling and frosting. They´d remembered that when we were shopping that I got lucuma ice cream and made a big deal out of it. Yes, I did have a good day, (we all did), altho´ even with a sweater and jacket, I´m still always chilly!
Por Rita

Monday, July 12, 2010- "The Missionaries of the Traveling Toilet Seat"

2010-07-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

Today has been fun so far. We woke up at about 6:00 and 6:30 this morning. A few of us went on a walk through Lima before breakfast while others stayed behind and either slept or took a cold shower. After breakfast we headed to the school we´re working at. We had to take our cameras and water and also a toilet seat. A few places don´t have toilet seats so we bring one for ourselves. We call ourselves "The Missionaries of the Traveling Toilet Seat". :) Right now, Dale is working on two wheelchairs, Dwayne and Rita are cutting out rubber shapes for a physical therapy class, and Steve is helping with a canopy to cover a laundry area. There is an eye clinic going on on the top floor and many of us are heading up there to observe. The eye doctor here is from Salina, Kansas. Michelle and I are going to help paint Dwayne´s shapes once we are done at the eye clinic. Carol, Becky, and Georgia got to go to a dance class right before lunch. They had a really great time there. We´re going to head back to the church we´re staying at at 4:00. We´re going to stop by the store on the way there. Then we have dinner at 7:00, and finally we´re going to have a very competitive game of spoons before bed. Then, before we know it, it will be time to wake up for yet another fun day.
Beth Bolander

This is a baby from the nursery.

Team wheels del peru

2010-07-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

(in the picture Georgia, Carol, Lilliana, & mother's from CASP)

Dear Family and friends greeting from Peru. i write today to tell you that we are well and enjoying the company of many old friends and making new ones as well . Yesterday we went shopping at what would be like the Home Depot with a man we call the Maestro he is in charge of all the maintenance in this facility. we will be painting, and constructing a cover for the laundry area and the washing area, also relocating a compressor and enclosing it from the weather and also doing some upholstery work on the children's bus.

Today we met many of the special families and some of the children. Georgia, Dale & Carol gave presentations today that were well received by all. today we are also going shopping. I would like to thank you for all your prayers for us while we are away may gods grace and peace find you and console you while we continue to do Gods work in Peru, in the name of Jesus. Dwayne Glisson

Blessings in Peru

2010-07-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

Hola to all our family and friends,

After a very enlightening day at CASP, were we learned so much about this amazing school, its history, philosophy and their love for one another we made a stop at "Wongs" (wallmart) and everyone picked up different items from fruit, shampoo to flowers. We were all very tired from our travels the day before so we headed back to the Catholic School for dinner, devotions and a good night sleep. Before dinner we heard band music coming from the courtyard and upon investigation were delighted to be entertained by the Catholic schools all girl marching band practicing for distirct wide compitition this Saturday. The children where delightful and they ranged from six to eleven years in age. Dinner was provided by the Catholic school and it was off to bed. This morning started with breakfast, a happy birthday song and off to CASP for a work day with a variety of plans; some building equipment, shopping for supplies and others meeting and practicing for presentation tomorrow.
Watch for video of band and more later from Peru!
Peace and Love to those at home,
Carol

Our First Day!

2010-07-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

Our flight and airport experiences were amazing. There were no problems with customs and everyone arrived safely. We arrived at the Catholic House, but no one was there so we decided to spend the night at a hotel nearby. The people were very accomodating and made us feel comfortable. Today we arrived at CASP, which stands for Centro Ann Sullivan del Peru, where we met Liliana Mayo and many other staff members. They welcomed us with open arms and greated us with a service dog raised in Salina, KS. The dog´s name is Tempe and Becky is in love with him. We will post soon!
Love,
Michelle

We and all our luggage...

2010-07-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

Made it safely and well. Thank you for praying for our first team. We will be blogging in a little bit about our travels yesterday. Peace to you! Pastor Georgia

Meet Michelle Wheels team mate!

2010-07-06T22:58:00.000-07:00

I am going on this mission trip because I am passionate about helping people. I know that I will change many people’s lives while they are changing mine. My life is going to change significantly as I strengthen my relationship with God. This is the first time I have been out of the country and I am excited to experience another culture. I am also very excited to share this experience with Becky. She is a very important person in my life and seeing how she interacts with people from another culture will be very uplifting.

Max a team member in Spirit - Gives a great gift to the people of Peru

2010-07-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

Max was interested in the success of the Peru trip from the time it was first mentioned and started giving a little extra to the church to help towards the expense of the trip.

When he passed away, I felt it was not only important to keep with the giving plan he had established, but to also speak to the family about possibly using his memorial for the same cause, and they all agreed. Since he had suffered through some serious health problems before his death, I feel he would be very pleased to know his memorial is going to ease the suffering of others or possible even save their lives.

Max was a really fun guy, he absolutely loved funny jokes and stories and could barely retell them without laughing hysterically again. He was very quiet, but loved being with friends and family. He liked to read and travel and being on the computer, also playing computer games with Grayson, his grandson. He liked volunteering and felt it was important to pass on the blessing he had received, and enjoyed working on projects at church with his friends on the trustees.

Packing Packing Packing

2010-07-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

Now the suitcases are all lined up and items are beginning to go in.

While you are packing don't forget to add three key items for your journey otherwise when you arrive in Peru you will find you needed these items the most.

Love- Pack an extra helping of love in your suitcase. A willingness to love whomever is in your path. And in the words of Pastor Rudy pratice saying. "Te Quiero y no hay nada que puedes hacer"
(Translation "I love you and there is nothing you can do about it)

Servanthood- An additude of servant hood that will do whatever you are asked to do. Does not matter how silly or odd, or weird you will do the work you are asked.

Grace- Extend grace to everyone you meet...even if it is not extended to you.

If you go with these three items in your suitcase you will have it made! Peace to you! Pastor Georgia

Dedication Service

2010-07-02T09:24:00.000-07:00

On Monday July 5th from 6:30-7:00 Oakland United Methodist Church will be sending off the Peru teams. Please come if you are able and send us off. If you are unable to join and wish to let us know you are praying for us please comment on the blog. Peace!For churches location click here :)

Suitcases & Help

2010-07-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

"Waiting"

Team needs the following items: old suitcase could use at least 2 more. Old meaning you don't want it back ...large ones would be great. Also any financial donations so we might can some additional local Peruvian doctors to help. Send checks to Oakland United Methodist Church 801 NE Chester Ave. Topeka KS ..Make ...them out to Oakland United Methodist Church in the comment line Peru.

Pray: Suitcases make it safely to work site
Action: Consider making a small donation today -every dollar counts.

Black Dance and Drumming of El Cajon

2010-06-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

Below you can listen and watch the drumming and dancing practiced in parts of Peru. We were there in 2008 and the experience was wonderful.

El Carmen Peru - Black Music and dance

Potato more than food in Peru

2010-06-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite's mashed potato

Many do not realize that the potato is a key and native part of the culture of Peru. It is more than just food, it is their life and culture. Due to climate change some potato species are suffering which is a struggle for the potato farmers. Please listen to the short presentation about the potato and interview with local farmers..
Pray: for farmers around the world especially in Peru that God will give them wisdom, courage and encouragement.
Action: Consider making a visit to a local farmer in your neighborhood ask them how farming is going for them. Also consider buying from a local farmer throughout the summer and try some different veggies!http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=87811933

Say hello to missionary Katie!

2010-06-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

Hello! My name is Katie Vaughan and I will be traveling this year to Peru along

with my mom, as apart of the medical team (I want to be a Doctor when I grow up…).

 I am 15 years old and LOVE to travel. I have traveled to South Korea three times

and have also visited Australia! I am excited to travel for the first time to South

America!!!! :)   I love learning new languages and experiencing different cultures.

In fact, I am going on my third year of Spanish at the high school level, so I am super

excited to test out my

Spanish skills. Throughout my life I have watched my mom on many accounts travel to these

South American countries on mission trips, and have admired her greatly for it. She’d always tell

me “When you’re older.” I was always sad, but I now realize experiences like this are life

changing, and sometimes you just need to wait until God calls you.  And finally my time has

come to experience this amazing opportunity, and I couldn’t be more thankful for it. If you know

me I am a kind hearted person who loves to help people. I would love nothing more than to know

that I could make such a big impact on a person’s life…

It makes me get that warm and fuzzy feeling inside when I know that I

did something not for myself, but for God and those who really do need it.  I want to be not

only a role model for them but I want to set a good example for my country and the people

who live in it as well. I am so excited! I am counting down the days!!! See you then!

Peace & ♥

-Katie

Music for your Soul

2010-06-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

Afro-Peruvian music has a rich history and varied depending on who is telling the story. Whichever version you hear (story that is) one thing is true the music is beautiful! This link will take you to the interview of one of the Afro-Peruvian singer who is trying very hard to preserve the music as well as develop a museum. Take a moment and listen to her interview and her music - Susana Baca "The Soul of Black Peru"

Pray: Afro-Peruvians that their culture will be heard and learned.
Action: Consider visiting a black history event in your area and learn more about how black culture is being preserved in your community.

Peace!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5485803

Oil spills in the Amazon

2010-06-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

While we are mourning over the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, our brothers and sisters of the Amazon are also mourning. Spills are happening in the Amazon and in the area of Peru where we will be providing medical care. The link attach shows you more information about the problems experienced in this region. Pray today for the oil spills across the world and especially for this area of Amazon. Action: Consider helping the team plant a total of 7 trees to offset the carbon cost of the mission trip. Peace!http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127992348

Items needed for Peru

2010-06-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

Our Peru teams are almost ready to leave and need a few more things in order to help those at the school for children with different abilities and to assist the medical & dental team. Please check to see if you might be able to donate these items.

Band aids
Velcro
Duct tape
Compound W
Toothbrushes
Color crayons
Markers
balloons
zip lock bags
candies individually wrapped

Financially we have a few team members that still need assistance:
Team member Michelle recent college graduate from KU needs $571
Team member Rita retired high school Spanish Teacher needs 801
Pastor Georgia Hale needs 701
Steve Bolander 200
Also additional funds to help those which will come to us either to the medical or dental which will need to be sent to the hospital. Any donation to help those in the Tarapoto-Amazonia area would be greatly appreciated.

Finally If you would like to write a note to a team member to say "Thanks" and to encourage them on the journey - Email or write it out and send to oaklandumch@aol.com or mail to 801 NE Chester Ave. Topeka KS 66616

Peace!

Folks from Oakland United Methodist Church

2010-05-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

Friends....
We have a need to now form a prayer team for the Peru team. This can be anyone willing to dedicate intercessory prayer (praying for others). Here is what we need:

Prayer Peru Team

1. Willing to dedicate 15 minutes a day in prayer for the Peru teams
2. Will receive updates weekly or more often if needed.
3. Will begin June 1st and continue through July 31st.
4. Access to email is prefered for prayer communication.

If you are interested in this send me your email. Also will need two volunteers for captain and co-captain, Captain will send out prayer requests to prayer team. Co-captain will be copied in case captain needs assistance.

Paz guapos!
Rev. Georgia Hale

Team Meeting - May 16, 5:00 - 7:30

2010-05-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

May 16th Team meeting 5-7:30pm
Dinner included please let Georgia know if you are coming.
------------------------
Items to cover:Spanish lessons (beginning spanish)
Paper work!
Flight Schedule
Packing rules
Preparing your mind!
Roles & Responsibilities

Rev. Georgia Hale

Totals and Important Dates

2010-04-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

The amount you have paid in or we have received was sent out to you today (4/26). If you did not receive it please email me. Also please note the HOT lunch money has not been added yet. I will send you an email later this week hopefully once I have received word all has been received.

Please note these important dates: May 2 two fund raisers one at Lawrence Centenary and one at Barry Christian Church in MO. Both are posted on the blog. Please review to attend, help or encourage others to go. Note: The fundraising dinner at Barry Christian Church in KC MO was cancelled.

Also our next meeting is May 16th 5:00 pm. Please plan on attending and bringing your completed forms. Dinner will be made for us so confirm that you are coming. It is at Centenary UMC and we will also be getting a spanish lesson. If you could not print the paper work I sent you, email me and I will have them mailed to you. Please send me your address as I will ask for help from the church office. (Jane I already know you need them!) We are getting closer every day!

Peace!
Rev. Georgia Hale

Practice Your Spanish

2010-04-26T16:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.trinitypresbyterian.net/vida.asp

The link above is a place where folks in Topeka can practice their Spanish. If you are able to attend, a month of practicing Spanish goes a long way!

Peace,
Rev. Georgia Hale

Prayer for Peru Missions

2010-04-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

Prayer for a Blessed Journey
by Matt Powell

Loving God, you are perfect power, perfect truth, and perfect grace;
we trust in you and find true rest in your perfect peace. We ask for
your blessing on this journey and seek with thankful hearts to be part
of what you have blessed. Give us a willingness to go where you would
have us go, grant us the capacity to embody your abundant mercy and
compassion, and guide our activities as we strive to do not our will
but yours. May our desires be your pleasure, may our stories be your
story. In all we do may your love shine as light to illuminate our
path, and through it all may your living presence be a balm of healing
in a needful world. May we be able to respond, to give and to receive
all that you would have us share. We abide in you, our loving God, as
you abide in us, one fellowship in communion with all the Saints
through the Covenant of the One: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

2010-04-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

April 10th...making 450+ lunches at 1:30 we need as many hands as available. Topeka - Oakland UMC 801 NE Chester AVE 66616

April 11th: 10:30-11:30 hand out lunches at Lowman UMC church in Topeka. Lunches will be ready just need to collect money if they have any to give you and give lunches to coordinator.

April 11th: 3:30-5:00 pm sit and set up table at event sell prayer beads, answer questions about Peru trip. Take names of those interested in learning more about us.

Paper - Write up an info sheet to put in each of the lunches. Something short and sweet. Send it to me by tomorrow morning. I will print them at the church.

Beads- anyone have any beads for me to take to HOT event on APRIL 11th please let me know.

Peace,Rev. Georgia Hale

Tickets are ordered!!

2010-04-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

I will be ordering the medical teams ticket on Friday.

Those just going on the medical team I will be asking for you to validate your passport names later this week.

Peace!

Rev. Georgia Hale

Important Dates!!

2010-04-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

April 10th Making box lunches for Hands On Topeka at Oakland United Methodist Church

April 11th - Lunch distribution for Hands on Topeka

May 2nd Potatoe lunch for Peru -Fundraiser 12:30-2:00 Centenary UMC Lawrence KS

May 2nd Potatoe lunch for Peru - Fundraiser 12:15 - 2:00 Barry Christian Church KCMO

May 16th 5:00 - 7pm Peru Mission Team Meeting (all welcome)

Next team meeting

2010-03-21T19:04:00.001-07:00

March 27th 10-12 at Centenary UMC

Saturday March 27th: Get Set! Topics include: Roles and Responsibilities, preparing your spirit, prayer, Medical & Emergency prepardness, Updates to schedule.

Please look to the first february meeting there is listed the Centenary building with pics.

Thanks!Rev. Georgia Hale

Fundraising Idea

2010-03-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

If any of you are interested in putting together some prayer beads to sell for the Peru team let me know. We have a basic pattern we used from last time and once you get started it is hard to stop. I also need someone willing to write out a prayer to go with it. I can send you and example of what we used last time.

Peace! Rev. Georgia Hale

For the Adam God's Beloved Readers!!

2010-03-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

Read chapters one From Adam God's Beloved
Bible: Luke 2:6-7 &Adam God's Beloved Chapter 2, and Matthew 4:1-11.
Journal any thoughts or questions that come to your mind during the week. Visit or observe someone with different abilities. Take time to adjust, just sit and talk with them. Later write down how that made you feel. Talk with someone who is a friend about special persons and what you have observed.

Peace!Rev. Georgia Hale

Hooray!!

2010-03-09T16:24:00.000-08:00

Good news hearing from other doctors & three more sign up for wheel chair team total now up to 8. We need 2 more for the wheels team to secure that they can go.

This week at the ham and bean dinner we had a Peru Quilt that someone prayed over multiple times over the day that she might get to have the quilt for her sister. When we pulled the name out of at least 300 she won! Then when we told her she was very surprised...why are we surprised when prayer works? Friends pray we fill the teams with who God calls!

God answers prayer.
Peace!

2010-03-02T12:37:00.000-08:00

Friends, As I indicated in the meeting in February there isn't probably any money for scholarships. They have asked me to apply anyways but they weren't hopeful.

Here is who I can apply for:

First timers over seas, and those that have paid their deposit. I am limited to 3 per team.

If you want me to apply for you, I need this information:

Your churches' address, pastor's email, and phone. Also if your church is doing any fund raisers to help you pay the cost of your trip I need that too.

Please hurry in sending me this because if there is any money found under a rock somewhere we need to get the request in quickly.

Peace!

Bible Study

2010-03-02T08:51:00.000-08:00

Additional thoughts to review from the book. Pages are approximate from the version you are reading:
>>Page 15: Does everyone have a unique mission? If so what happens when we don’t include all in our community discussions?
>>Pg 17 Who is your Adam…who speaks to you about God?
>>Other action items:
>Visit or observe someone who is special in your community. Take time to notice how others acknowledge them (or don't).
>>Add this to your list of items to learn to do: Take time to say hello to everyone you meet today. Take time to say goodbye to everyone as you are leaving your school or place of work.

Peace!

Are you coming?

2010-03-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

Can you come and help us?
This picture was taken in the Andes Mountains of Peru. We ask today can you come in July and help with the children and wheel chairs in the busy city of Lima? Or can you come and help the children, men and women who need medical care in the area of Tarapoto, Amazonia? We are praying that you will share your skills, gifts and talents. We still need medical personel and those willing to give so others can go. Will you help?
Peace!Pastor Georgia

2010-02-28T10:29:00.000-08:00

Read Adam God's Beloved: Intro, Forward and chapter one.

Also read from the bible: Genesis 1:26-28, Matthew 1:18-24+ 2:1-15. According to the bible we are all created in the image of God, so what does this mean for persons who are “disabled”? More questions to follow on Tuesday.

Please use the comment section on the blog to post, or if you want to email Pastor Georgia your response she can post your answers on the blog if desired.Peace!

2010-02-25T20:08:00.000-08:00

Beginning February 27th we will be having a blog book study of Henri J. M. Nouwen book 'Adam, God's Beloved'.

If you would like to study with us please purchase the book and come to the blog each week to receive your reading assignment and questions. The book can be purchased for 4-12.00 on line at amazon.com or found in your local library.

Peace!Pastor Georgia

2010-02-25T19:35:00.000-08:00

My name is Beth Bolander and I am 15 years old. There are many reasons that I want to go on this mission trip. The first reason is to experience something new. I'm looking forward to experiencing a new culture and improving my spanish.This will be my first visit to South America and I'm very excited. Another reason is that I love to help people. One of my greatest joys is helping people and seeing their happiness. I hope to reach out and help as many people as I can in any way possible. I am very fortunate to have all of the things that I have. I want to help those who do not have the luxuries that I have like having a nice house and having access to food all of the time. Hopefully, this mission trip will allow me to help many people and to learn more about them and their culture. This will definitely be an eye-opening experience for me and for everyone else going to Peru.

February 20th Training Meeting

2010-02-08T16:41:00.000-08:00

Our re-scheduled training meeting will be Saturday, February 20th at Oakland UMC from 10am-12:00. The address is 801 NE Chester Topeka KS 66616. The topic will be 'Get Ready'.

The "back" door where deliveries are made will be open and it is accessible. Once in the door come into the sanctuary we will be meeting in one of the classrooms off of the main sanctuary building. I will do my best to find you if you get lost :)

Peace guapitos!

Rev. Georgia Hale

Oakland United Methodist Church

Jane Hext

2010-02-06T12:53:00.000-08:00

One of the reasons I am going to Peru is to help Edna on the journey. I know she is capable without me and with the help of others, as you know. She has asked me before about going and so this year I look forward to being in Peru with all of you, getting to know each of you and the wonderful people of Peru, to share the gospel of Jesus with others and to be His hands extended in any way He sees fit for me to. I know I will grow in the Lord from this mission trip. I know I will be blessed and I pray I will be a blessing to others. I want to help in any way I can. You all have been so wonderful and so gracious to help Edna on your mission trips. Thank you for allowing her to go and for helping her on the journey. I also know of her love for the Lord and for others and what a great help and blessing she is. What I'm looking forward to the most is doing what the Lord wants me to do on this mission trip. Helping in any way I can and sharing His love with others. I have been encouraged by being accepted to go. Thank you so much for accepting me.

ATTENTION EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-06T07:06:00.000-08:00

The team training scheduled for today in Lawrence has been postponed due to the weather. The training is rescheduled on Saturday, February 20th. Please confirm with Georgia that you are aware of the update at gnhale@sprintmail.com.

2010-02-02T15:55:00.000-08:00

Why do Carol and Becky Huffman want to be part of the 2010 VIM Trip to Peru?
To experience God’s love and presence in unfamiliar places, to share the love God placed in our hearts by following his calling. We believe God has blessed us all with gifts to share and if we trust him he will show us how to use them. For many years Carol’s husband and Becky’s father Dale has joined others in these journeys offering his gift of giving to God’s people and has been blessed richly by doing so. Becky and I have always lived the experience through Dale’s sharing of stories about the people, the events, the power of giving and receiving. When Georgia let us know arrangements could be made for Becky to participate in a mission trip I was in awe…………I as Becky’s mother know she has a way of always bringing the best out in others with her smile and pure love. But never dreamed Becky would have the opportunity to share this in unity with a mission team. Becky has challenges and finding ways for her to express her spiritual gifts and share them with others in fellowship has been a mystery until now. To be able to do this as a family and discover what it is God has to reveal to us is awe-inspiring.

George Wright

2010-02-01T15:57:00.000-08:00

I'm very fortunate in so many ways. I'd like to share my abilities. This really came into focus for me as a result of several experiences. Our family hosted an exchange student from Colombia. This gave us the opportunity to meet many international students. I think this helped us to have a larger world view. We saw the US through their eyes. Most of all, I've been inspired by my son, a Peace Corps volunteer serving in West Africa, and our visit to his village. I see the extreme difference between our expectations for health care here compared to those of much of the rest of the world. I realize the there is great need. To whom much is given, much is expected. I want to help in some way. My wife and other sons have participated in VIM trips around the country and found their service both useful and meaningful. I think I can serve in this way.I look forward to being intruduced to another culture.My wife and family have encouraged and inspired me to do this.

George Wright

Training - Saturday, Feb 6 at 10:00 AM

2010-01-31T11:57:00.000-08:00

Our first training meeting will be next Saturday, February 6th from 10:00 am - noon at Centenary United Methodist Church 245 North 4th St (4th and Elm) Lawrence, Ks 66044 785-843-1756 (see pictures above). Call Dale 785-749-1094 if you need directions.

The topic will be Get Ready including budgeting & fundraising, preparing your body, cultural awareness, preliminary schedule, and packing slips.

Pam Mullins

2010-01-29T19:59:00.000-08:00

Why are you going to Peru? to work on wheelchairs for the school for special children -- working with and for children is one of my life's greatest rewards

What are you looking forward to the most? serving God through this ministry and seeing Peru for the first time

How have you been encouraged on this journey so far? email encouragements from Pastor Georgia and discussion with my friend

2010-01-23T13:22:00.000-08:00

3 Training events are set up.

If you are going on the trip at least one is required!!!

Saturday February 6th: Get Ready!: Topics include - budgeting & fundraising, preparing your body, Culture awareness, preliminary schedule, and packing slips.

Saturday March 27th: Get Set! Topics include: Roles and Responsibilities, preparing your spirit, prayer, Medical & Emergency prepardness, Updates to schedule.

Sunday April 18th: GO! Topics include: Preparing your mind, Spanish, Final Forms, craft activities and lists for churches to begin collecting items for our trip.