Big Pink

When my husband Rob and I were married last November, my mom sent us luggage as a gift. But, it’s my mom—so the luggage that appeared on the doorstep of our new home that fall from the L.L. Bean Company were not the typical sleek, black, roller-board cases that most reasonable folks travel with. Instead, we received two huge duffel bags with insane wheeling contraptions that make them easy to wheel through airports but also amazingly squish-able as well. The best part of all—mine is a very discreet bright pink, plaid with my new initials ‘TJW’ embroidered on the side. Mom does not do sleek, black roller board—and so therefore, neither do I.

Currently, the pink, plaid, wheeling duffel bag resides in the middle of our living room floor. It’s nearly empty—and it’s 2 weeks since I returned home from Huanta, Peru. The other night I attempted, for the third time, to finish unpacking my bag. It’s growing mildly ridiculous that there are still dirty clothes in there, all this time later. But this morning as I ran out the door for church, I noticed again, the Big Pink on the floor—still partially full.

I have a major problem—and I guess it’s finally time to admit it. If I finish unpacking the Big Pink, it’s over. If I wash the pungent smell of wood stove, spiced tea, freshly baked bread, and mountain air out of those clothes—then I’m really home. If they remain in that bag, then somehow, some part of me is still with my brothers and sisters in Huanta.

If I wash the blue sweater that I wore to worship on Tuesday night—then I fear I’ll no longer actually be in that tiny sanctuary, singing, praying, laughing—worshipping a God that I’ve never felt so close to before. I won’t be holding hands with sisters who carry their children in brightly colored blankets on their backs and prepare spiced tea and soda crackers and serve them with so much humble pride that it feels as it is a 5-course dinner.

If I un-bunch my yellow paint shirt and throw it in with the Tide, the stains might still be there but the detergent odor will take over and the sweet, sweaty mountain smell from our long days of work will be replaced. Sure, other folks may actually benefit from this shift in scents, but it will mean that we’ve actually completed all of our church pews. It will mean that the pews really have been picked up by Elders from rural churches, in two Presbyteries, who walked hours to come pick them up only to walk hours to carry them to their home churches. It means, too, that now their brothers and sisters will have a place to sit come this Sunday or Tuesday or Thursday night.

I’ve convinced myself that if I wash the brown cardigan currently squished into the side pocket of the Big Pink, then early morning walks through the mountain town, the sweet smell of wood fires burning, the overnight sounds of scrappy dog fights in the back alley, the 3 am rooster call, the garbage man bell, the smell of freshly baked bread, the taste of luscious tangerines, the touch of old, gnarled hands holding mine tightly through evening worship, and the sight of old friends embracing and not letting go—will all actually be finished.

And the truth is… I just can’t bear for these endings to be real.

I’ve resolved to allow the Big Pink one more week in the middle of the floor and then Rob and I have to pack up and move everything from our home—so something will have to be done with the bag’s contents. Each time I walk out the front door this coming week, I will remember to thank my Mom for sending luggage that it’s impossible to miss on the airport conveyer.

I will continue praying each night for the chance to return to Huanta, Peru—but perhaps more importantly, I will pray that I might live each day like I’m still there—to work hard, worship, pray, study in the Lord’s name, and then to enjoy amazing fellowship with brothers and sisters that the Lord has so graciously given to me.

I pray that you, too… will live each day in the humble way that Jesus Christ has called you. How will your actions today define what kind of world we live in tomorrow?

Jesus is Risen-He is Risen Indeed. So what will we do now?

Theresa Wolf
Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries
Port Orange Presbyterian Church

Kaitlin In Perú

Being given the opportunity to travel to Peru this past summer was truly the opportunity of a lifetime. Before the trip, I really didn’t know what to expect, but our time there was better than anything I could’ve imagined! The people we met there and the team from Sharon Presbyterian that we partnered with were just incredible. Each person we met on our “journey” had his or her own story to tell, with a common thread of strong faith that brought us all together.

In our twelve-day trip, we visited at least six churches, and traveled to three cities. During this trip, we got the chance to work with many different people and build our goal of 150 benches to be used as pews in the churches of the presbytery of Tambo. We worked, ate, laughed, and shared stories together. While I feel that we helped and made a difference with our ministry, I have realized that the people of Cristo Rey church along with the others we visited have helped me in a much greater sense. They showed me what it means to be a true disciple and made us a part of their family in Christ. I miss them already and hope that I will be able to return next year and for many years to follow!

-Kaitlin Lyons

From The Road...

Thank you, Sharon Presbyterian, for helping me to experience Huanta, Peru. Thank you for allowing me to see Christ in a completely new way. The following are a few of my journal entries from the road—in Peru.

August 2, 2010 Day 4 7:15 amYesterday we flew from Lima to Ayacucho. We left our hotel in Lima at 3 am and our flight departed from Lima at 5:30. We arrived in Ayacucho at 7 and squished our 21 suitcases (filled with our luggage and donations) and 18 people all into a van meant for 15—Huanta or bust!

We worshipped at Cristo Rey Church soon after we arrived. It was so beautiful to see some of the members get so excited to see the folks from Sharon Presbyterian—so amazing to watch them smile and laugh together. It felt like a huge family reunion and our little group from Port Orange was like a new wife getting to meet everyone for the first time and feeling like part of the family immediately…

I sensed the spirit so strongly in worship yesterday. We shared the Lord’s Supper together….With all of the people around the table, with translations of the message in Quechua language, Spanish, and English—it seriously seemed like we were really remembering our Lord. It overwhelmed me profoundly and I wept for much of the service—I think it might have been for me, one of the times of my life when I actually felt Jesus—when it actually felt like He was really in the sanctuary.

We stayed and visited with worshippers from 2 years old through 85. We ate an amazing lunch—that Julia prepared in a kitchen that is so humble only truly amazing food come out of it. I feel a deep need to help in the kitchen this week but do not want to be in the way…

After lunch we walked through the street market, and all I could think to do was to smile at the vendors as they stared at us gringos in wonder. The people here truly smile. They smile real smiles that somehow equate hope to me. I pray that I am representing Christ in some small way here. I don’t know how, but I pray that I can….

We ended our long day with an orientation from Rusty and Sara [our PC(USA) Missionary Worker leaders] who are so intriguing…We learned brief history, culture, church stuff—and I was totally captivated. I just can’t fathom that 20-30 years ago this was a place of war and chaos. 60,000 people lost their lives in terrorist vs government struggle. I don’t understand the whole thing but I desperately want to know more. The people of this region have so much to offer, and I have a deep longing to know more….

Supper… a cold shower J and much needed rest.
Today is a day that God made—and what a day it’s going to be!

August 3, 2010 Day 5 7:05 amThe smell of wood fire permeates the air. It is sweet and pungent and makes me long to stay for many days… I’m sitting outside my room on a green couch watching the orange fruit tree in front of me grow, and I’m gazing at the mountain in the background. My feet are resting on the squeaky, wooden slats that are the base of the porch and the air is cool and yet comforting all at once.

There is no proper way to describe the relationship I’ve been observing between Sharon Presbyterian and Presbytery of Huanta…. What amazing people to learn from. I continue to be in awe each moment. It’s hard to get my head around the sense of Christ I feel through this relationship. Randy [our team leader from Sharon Presbyterian, Charlotte, NC] is a man of God, and I so thankful to have the chance to learn from him…

I talked with Orlando [a leader and teacher from Iglesia Presbiteriana Cristo Rey, Huanta] at great length yesterday while we waited for our church pew supplies to arrive. It was amazing to learn about the Bible Institute, of his life coming to Christ, and his work here at the church and at the little Christian radio station next store. I am particularly interested in the Bible Institute and the style of training that they’ve created to lift up lay leaders in the church….

August 4, 2010 Day 6 7:15 amThis morning’s morning walk with Brother Van was so refreshing. He is such an amazing man—and amazing witness for Christ. I love spending time with him and learning from him.

Yesterday we finished building benches for the churches of Huanta and Tombo Presbyteries. We concluded our evening with a moto-ride to worship at another church in our neighborhood. We sang and listened for God’s word… What an amazing experience to simply worship together as one people. It feels just like God intends. I very much want to learn Spanish… I feel so… it’s just unexplainable how overwhelmed with joy I feel.

Our walk home from church… the Milky Way galaxy in the sky… wow!

Monday, August 10, 2010 Final Day 10:00 pmI’m in the airport in Lima waiting to board the flight back to Atlanta and then on to Orlando. Part of me is ready to get back to whatever the future at home holds in store—but another large part of me longs to return to Huanta, learn Spanish and Quechua and remain here for a while to learn and grow in a new way as a believer.

This voyage has far exceeded any dream I could have imagined… This trip has been no small event in my life. I pray that I will allow the people and places of this time to continue to shape my world view. I can’t wait to return to my new family here sometime soon…

Theresa Wolf
Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries
Port Orange Presbyterian Church

Remembering Huanta

As I stepped outside the walls of the Cristo Rey Church in Huanta on Friday night, I realized something. Yet before that moment, I thought that I had experienced the feeling before. I thought that I knew everything there was to know about that emotion. I had no idea.

What the Peruvians of Cristo Rey Church taught me that night was the feeling of love. Yes, I saw examples of it throughout the week, but on Friday, August 6th, 2010, it hit me.

That afternoon, some of the kids went with us to Cristo Blanco. They went, but without their parents. Their parents let their children go with people from another country to Cristo Blanco. To know that the Peruvians trust us like that was breath taking. There is no word to describe how I felt that afternoon.

That evening we had a potluck dinner at the church. It was our last night in Huanta. The thought of having to say goodbye to all of my Peruvian brothers and sisters was very upsetting. We played games, sang songs, and then we had a ceremony. The Peruvians gave us handmade crafts. They even remembered to include Rose, who was unable to make the trip. Then, they passed the microphone around for all of the Gringos to say a few words. I was tearing up the whole time, and when the microphone got to me, I couldn't put my thoughts into words. After that, we ate dinner that the ladies of the church prepared for us. It was amazing. I could not believe that they spent all that time cooking for us. But as I was looking around the room, I knew that we were one family. One family in Christ.

Then, the hard part came. Goodbyes. I was already crying from our mini-speeches, but I couldn't hold any tears back. It was impossible. As I made my way away around the room, I was grateful for every hug and kiss I was receiving. It was truly a blessing. This year, it took me a little longer to say my goodbyes. Most of the Gringos had left by the time I even made it outside. But as I was standing there in a circle that consisted of Brenda, my dad, Millie, Luz, me and a few others, I could feel an overpowering sense of love.

Anthony, a young boy from the church, was standing near my dad. My dad had told Anthony to take care of himself and that he would see him next year. But, Anthony wouldn't look at him. That's when my dad put his hands on Anthony's shoulders and he turned around with tears streaming down his cheeks. I was heartbroken. To know that he was as emotional about us leaving as we were was reassuring. We were in the right place. We were home.

As I walked down the empty streets of Huanta that night, I thanked God for everything-our safe travels, our outstanding Gringo group, and most of all-the chance to meet, worship, and spend time with my brothers and sisters in Huanta, Peru.

Sarita Ross

God's Mission Matters

Just be there!Being, not doing: do we have to “accomplish” anything?February 15, 2010

By Hunter Farrell
“abide in love, abide in God” (1 John 4.16)
I have a confession to make: when I look into the eyes of human need around the world — hunger and domestic violence, child trafficking and racial discrimination, war and corruption — sometimes it makes me feel hopeless.

The first tinge of despair in the face of overwhelming need can quickly push me to my tried and true default setting: “DO!” I shift into overdrive to assess the need, develop strategies, seek allies, and problem-solve — to busy myself so that I don’t sink deeper into the painful realization that the world and all its problems are much more than we can ever change.

Oftentimes, when I’m engaging in mission, I feel this need to shift into “DO mode”: compelled to impose my agenda, to fill in the awkward silence when I don’t know what to say next, and silence the growing voice within me that says I can’t even begin to make a difference in this frighteningly complex and different context. It’s then that I recall Jesus’ example, try to set the tasks of mission aside, and ask myself, “What would Jesus do here?”

Often, the answer is right in front of me: he’d be playing soccer with the kids, listening to the recently fired workers grieve the loss of their jobs and livelihood, sitting beside the mother whose son has gone off to war: he would embody Emmanuel, God with us, and invite me to be that presence in the world. Jesus would just be there; being, not doing or trying, to necessarily, “accomplish” something.

Tuesday / Perú & U.S.

The experiences and memories on a mission trip are as varied as the people that participate. We get to know each other in a different atmosphere and a different country. While some members thrive on the camaraderie, some are reserved and stoic. Some are excited in the moment and a few relate and share their emotions after contemplation. If we enjoyed the trip or not, we all are better for participating. We understand that we can't change the world with just one trip or two or even nine. But, we hope that we have created a relationship with others that will spread the love and understanding of Jesus Christ through churches in Bryson City, Port Orange, Charlotte and a few special churches in Peru.

We just talked to Donna Ketchledge of Port Orange Presbyterian Church. Everyone from the POPC team has arrived safely back home. After some much needed rest... I'm sure the stories of our recent trip will begin!

Praises be to God for a wonderful trip!

Thanks to ALL!

wvd

Monday / Perú & U.S.

Our apologies to everyone for not posting more often. It seems that Peru is a country that is very much in transition. Using and accessing the Internet is no exception. Each and every Internet cafe was overwhelmed with people that were wanting to connect with friends, loved ones or play online games. So, the bottom line is... We just couldn't get online much of the time... or at least we were not able to create a post.

Thank you and may God bless everyone for a wonderful trip.

Sunday / Ayacucho & Lima

Sunday was the time of our trip that was bittersweet. We were going home soon but, sadly we would be saying goodbye to many of our good friends. A few, we would not be able to see for whole year.

We had to get up very early for our flight from Ayacucho to Lima. The flight was rather uneventful. But, the beautiful views of the Andes in the early morning are always breathtaking.

We arrived in Lima and boarded our bus to take us to the Amen Presbyterian Church. As we arrived at the church, the anticipation and excitement of both groups was apparent (even the local dogs began barking). The mission team was greeted warmly with hugs and kisses all around. A wonderful brunch was served to everyone before worship began.

I must apologize about the mixup with the Skype call to Sharon Presbyterian. It seems that with the differences in languages, scheduling and in time... it just didn't work out. We will be ready next time.

After church, the mission group returned to the city for lunch and a few hours of shopping.

With the early evening came the time that most knew was coming but no one dared talk about... The 2010 Peru Mission team had to split up and go their separate ways. First, the group from Port Orange needed to be dropped off at their hotel. They would be staying in Lima an extra day before their return to the U.S. From the moment we met the POPC group, we knew we would grow to love them... and we did.

After a brief stop for Chinese food came the next time for sad goodbyes. Our bus dropped off Sara Armstrong and Rusty Edmondson near their apartment. We had depended on Sara and Rusty to guide us though another spiritual journey to Peru. And once again they did not disappoint us. Every time we travel to Peru, we meet friends and confidants that we hope we will never lose track of. Sara and Rusty have been a inspiration to us and we all are better people for meeting them.

Finally we had to say goodbye to our friend, sister, and daughter Brenda. Departing was very sad because once again we saw the differences in cultures and the cost of security. Brenda and her family were not allowed to join us inside the airport because they did not have airplane tickets. Because of security no one is allowed in the Lima airport without tickets. So, with all of the excitement, confusion, bags, and people, we were not able to say our proper goodbyes to our dear Brenda. Quick hugs and quick goodbyes gave way to the hustle and confusion the airport interior. Tickets were searched for and bags zipped up to get ready for our flight home. All the while, tears were in our eyes for having to leave wonderful Peru again.

Thank you.

Saturday / Huanta, Quinua & Ayacucho

Up early for a morning walk. This morning I walked by myself through the streets of a city that was just beginning to wake up. The streets were clean and empty. The air was cool, fresh and dry. Actually the air was too cool for the shorts that I was wearing because my laundry was not yet dry from the day before. But, it was a good walk and it gave time to reflect and think about the week that we all had just experienced.
We were treated to an early breakfast and were joined by the Montes family. Sadly, now was the time to say our final goodbyes with tears and promises of our returning next year.

On the bus ride to Ayacucho we were taken on a side trip to the obelisk memorial of the Battle of Ayacucho near La Quinta. (The memorial of the 1824 Latin-American battle of independence of Peru and South America over Spain). The harrowing road was rough, narrow, high, long and unforgettable.

After visiting the memorial we visited the small and picturesque town of Quinua, Peru. It had small shops, stone streets and on this day... a wedding reception. With the celebration and inviting nature of the local Peruvian people, we all were invited to the reception. A few of us visited the wedding for just a few minutes to send our well wishes. (videos are in the picture album).
After our visit to Quinta, we were back on our way to Ayacucho. After arriving in Ayacucho, our group split up to visit different places and eventually all met at the local Indian Market. While walking to the Indian Market, among all of the cars, trucks, horns blowing, people, and musicians... someone seemed to be yelling specifically at us. As we turned, we noticed it was the family that owned the Hostel in Huanta! They were in Ayacucho visiting! Small world... even in 35,000 people!
While returning from the Indian Market, Theresa and I were almost hit by a MotorKar! It was the closest I think that I have ever been to a moving vehicle. I think the driver literally brushed the back of my pant legs as he went by! Whew!
We enjoyed an early, light dinner at the Via Via Cafe on the Plaza de Armas before returning to our rooms. We had to get up very early the next morning for our flight to Lima.

Friday / Huanta

Friday was a "light" day since the benches were completed and taken to their respective churches.

After lunch at the Cristo Rey Church, most of the group retired to a quiet area to sort all the donations. After sorting and then repacking, we had 14 full suit cases! The donations were given to each church in the Presbytery.

The soccer match was this day for the bragging rights to retain the Huanta Cup! We are sorry to report that the that the "Galloping Gringos" lost. So, the La Copa Huanta will remain in Huanta!

We enjoyed a late afternoon visit to Cristo Blanco and we celebrated Sarah Dolatowski's 16th birthday (again) with a surprise party with cake and Coke-a-Cola when we returned. A special thank you to Sarita Ross for the idea of the party, the card and "quietly" getting everyone's autograph. And thank you to Sara Armstrong for helping aquire the birthday cake. The cake was so good... we might have to get one every year!

The celebration atmosphere continued at the Cristo Rey Church in the evening with games and a wonderful potluck dinner.

Finally, what we all had been dreading since the beginning of our trip to this wonderful place. We had to say some heartfelt and very sad goodbyes to our friends at the Cristo Rey Church... until next year!

Thursday / Huanta

Theresa and I had another early morning walk that was culminated with coffee and pastries with Sara Armstrong. All of us had been lax in keeping our journals and wanted desperately to catch them up. The early mornings were a great time to sit, be quiet, think, and be thankful. Down time for reminiscing and reflection was at a premium this year.

Thursday was our final day of work and we were prepared to complete our task of assembling, sanding and painting. We only had 41 benches to left to paint and we completed them before lunch.

I must say that this day was one of the most spiritual days in recent memory. Connie had been suffering back pain since before we left Charlotte. The pain seemed to be getting worse with the walking, standing and working on the benches. This day, in fact, she was hardly able to walk and was transported by MotoKar to the church by our very good friend Gamaliel Berrocal. She didn't want to stay away from the "action" at the church. Once there, she was able to just lie on her back and watch the work going on. Many in the group were concerned of her pain and a few from the church actually wanted her to go to the hospital. I and a few others were fortunate to be asked to join the group that would pray for Connie. I couldn't understand the language from Pastor Vlado Massón but, I could feel the love, passion and spirit that was transmitted on that glorious day.

The emotional dedication and presentation of the benches to the Presbytery of Tampo was done in the late afternoon. Each church in the presbytery had a representative present. Some churches received as many as 10 benches for their church and some as few as only one. The number of benches awarded was based on the number of members. It was during this time that the members of the mission team had the honor to present to the Presbytery a number of prayer shawls on behalf of the Prayer Shawl Ministry of Sharon Presbyterian Church. The Prayer Shawl Ministry has provided shawls for warmth to those that need a special prayer. The shawls reinforce the feeling of compassion and love. They also remind the wearer that someone, somewhere is praying for them in their time of need.

We had a light early dinner at Pastor Orlando's home before returning to our hotel to get ready to visit more churches within the Presbytery of Huanta.

Wednesday / Huanta

Theresa Wolf and I got up early for a walk. We walked early and we were treated to the experience of the city "waking up". The air was cool and crisp, the morning was clear and the streets had been swept clean during the night.

The whole mission group was invited to the home of Samuel Montes for breakfast. It was a warm and inviting home filled with love. The breakfast was wonderful with danish, fruit, coffee, and juices. The only thing better than the breakfast was the fellowship and hospitality of the Montes family.

We all worked hard at the Cristo Rey Church assembling, sanding and painting all of the 150 benches (except 41). We will have to complete the remaining benches Thursday by lunch because everyone will be coming to the Cristo Rey Church to pick up their benches at 3:00.

We all have had a wonderful time here in Huanta bonding with other churches and seeing our old friends. Everyone's health is fair, but a few have some bug bites and sunburns.

We hear from Luz that Pricilla wakes her siblings in the mornings by saying "THE GRINGOS ARE COMING... THE GRINGOS ARE COMING!"

Tuesday / Huanta

We found a few computers with the speed that will allow us to post. But, we were still trying to get used to a Spanish keyboard (with the lettering on the keys worn off too). Everyone's health is OK (so far) except for working too hard at 8500 ft and 20% humidity. No rain yet!

We were quickly getting to know our partners from Port Orange Presbyterian Church and Bryson City Presbyterian Church. We were honored to have them join us and share this journey together.

We completed assembling the rest of the 150 benches with sanding today! We had 2 full days of painting to do ahead of us.

In the evening, we separated into 2 groups and visited 2 different churches. These are outlying churches that we had not visited before.

Monday / Huanta

As we woke Monday morning:

• The morning sounds of the rooster crowing, the clanging of the trash men, and the church bells ringing.
• The smell of fires burning to heat water and wood stoves for warmth, the faint smell of coffee and the aroma of the orange tree just outside our door.
• The feel of the chill in the air and the very low humidity.

All help us remember the Huanta, Perú that we missed so much.
This day was a big step in the spiritual journey for each of us. As we had our morning devotions, many of us thought of the planning and dedication that has gone into this trip. We all are fortunate and blessed to have leaders Randy Ross, Sara Armstrong and Rusty Edmondson that are so devoted to these mission trips. This trip and the following days of our week would be a culmination of a year of planning.

The day progressed into the afternoon and as we finished our workday, we had completed assembling 43 benches. On my way back to the hotel, I reflected on how much everyone had put their lives on hold to accomplish our goal. As I walked quietly and with my eyes tearing up, I gave thanks to God... it's great to be back.

Sunday / Lima, Ayacucho & Huanta

I must thank Gemetta Stanford for sending a post to let everyone know we had made it to Lima safe and sound. I was not able to post on the hotel computer because of firewalls. We were able to check and send emails, but when we tried to post, we were shut down. Also, adding to my predicament were my limited amount of sleep, the complications of travel, the computer in Spanish, the computer keyboard in Spanish and most of all... my lack of Spanish.

Up at 2:30AM! We needed to be at the Lima airport by 3:30AM! We flew from Lima to Ayacucho and then a 1½ hour bus ride to Huanta for Sunday services at the Cristo Rey Church. We were blessed for Brenda to be able to join us on the flight to Ayacucho and on to Huanta. Our thoughts and prayers were still with Rose Boelke and her mother's health. We missed her terribly.

When we arrived at the church in Huanta, it was so wonderful to be back with our Peruvian brothers and sisters. It was almost as though we had never left. All of the planning, packing, traveling, and aggravation had been worth it. We joined our brothers and sisters with hymns in Quechua, the Sermon in Spanish, English and Quechua, and we received the bread and the cup of Communion. We were home again... with God's people... in God's house.

After the spiritual morning of seeing the sun come up over the horizon of the Andes and worshiping with our hosts, we returned to our home away from home the Hostal "La Posada del Marques" to rest and unpack. A few returned to the church later to play volleyball. In the early evening the group got together to talk and receive an orientation.

Good Pizza for dinner.

Theresa didn't have any hot water in her shower... he he... I had plenty.