Day Seven

¡CONSTRUCTION!  Today we worked to help pour the foundation of the vocational school that will teach abandoned children how to make shoes.  We made bricks that will be the walls of the school and leveld the couryard so trucks can come in with supplies.  Today we (as a Ridgeway family) changed someones life!  You should praise God!

One of our favorite Inca Link interns Annie is working on a project to build a church right inside the garbage dump.  She is looking to raise money.  Part of the project is to provide these people with clean drinking water via a well (wink wink)...  Please pray about how you can get involved...

incalink.org --> Click Here to Donate --> fill out info and choose 'Dump Building' from Ministry drop down menu...

Prayer...

We are doing great!  Please praise God!

Tomorrow we are doing a half day at the school and then heading to the market (Please pray for continued safety!)

“This trip has been exactly the opposite of what I expected. In the weeks prior to coming to Trujillo, I was prepared for a lot of manual labor which I was thankful for but I didn't quite know if our group would be able to come together as a team, and once again I'm incredibly happy to say that our team has gone above and beyond as a cohesive unit under Christ. Our team is encouraging and inspiring and I'm so grateful to be surrounded by such a great support system of believers. Yes, our group is hysterical and we always have a great time together but I was surprised to see how well we'd blend and get work done on site. Seeing God’s love move through The Well is a true testament to His faithfulness. 

We have all been given different gifts and talents, none more superior than another. Throughout the past week I have both been challenged to try new things and encouraged and acknowledged for what I bring to the group. I started the week with brick making but switched over to cement (mainly a 'guys' task). At first the guys were a little thrown off with a couple of girls helping with cement, but they welcomed us and taught us how to balance wheelbarrows of cement across the worksite on a series of wooden planks. Even when I spilled about half a wheelbarrow, the guys still supported me and pushed me to do better. Just as support is important, challenge is also necessary for growth. It was my turn to lead a small group devotional this morning. I would definitely say that this was out of my immediate comfort zone but the positive feedback really helped me have more confidence for the rest of the day. I started to take just a bit more cement in my wheelbarrow and took a few less stretching breaks. The atmosphere we have here is the perfect combination of challenge and support for me and I'm sure everyone here will leave knowing that we have truly become one family, united under christ seeking to change each other and the world whether it be one wheelbarrow of cement or a simple high five at a time. Thank you to all of you back home for your prayer and support, see you guy soon!” - Kelly L.

"Facts About Peru:

-Cars here replace there horns with ambulance sirens/car alarms.

-Churros are the real deal here. Fried dough balls covered with sugar and filled with amazingness manjar (some kind of carmel/apple/something). Deliciouso!

-It apparently never rains here, only mists. Awkward…

-I haven’t seen the sun yet except when it sets.

-It’s chilly here. YEAH!

Experiences of the Week:

-We now know how to make legit bricks.

-I saw a donkey head carcass.

-All the locals working here are so fantastic here that they serve us (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner...Already had breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner AGAIN!)!

-Everyone has been so encouraging towards everyone. ^__^” - Hunter and Nikki

"The week so far has been absolutely, positively, without a doubt the best week of my life  so far. It has been a life changing experience for me. We've done a lot of construction and loving n kids and i've made a lot of new friends!

We started out our first day with VBS at the day care center (which was my favorite part of the week without a doubt!) and had and awesome time dong worship, a lesson, a craft and games with all the kids. They were so ready to just hug and jump on us and love us when we walked through the mini door! Some of them were rather dirty, and yet had the biggest, brightest smiles on their faces. It was really a great way to start the week.

The most emotional experience for me so far was the garbage dump ministry that we did. Hearing the people there tell us their stories and hearing that some of them had been working there throughout their childhood was really tough to hear and really got me thinking about hoe good I have it back home compared to these people. And yet they were just genuinely happy to see us and talk to us. It's cool that they find us so interesting.

I also had an awesome time at the beach! It was my first time and it was so much fun even though the water was kind of really cold and not many people stayed in except for me.

I'm gonna wrap it up here by saying a few things. One, the streets are never boring here. It's like walking in rainbows because the houses are so many different colors...it's awesome!! Two, thank you all so much for your prayers and financial and spiritual support. None of us would be where we are right now without all of you so thanks a million!! Three, I want to challenge you to make the most of everyday you have no matter what the circumstances because it could be much, much worse than it is. And last but not least I wanna let you guys know that I miss you and can't wait to see you all when we get back!

Until then, stay happy and healthy!!

~Kyra (: 

“This week so far has been great, spiritually and joyfully. Everything from playing with kids, constructing buildings and translating for people has been awe-some. I believe that everyone connected with each other and got closer. These experiences that we share, will stay with us for the rest of our lives. 

What really encourage me to give me 111% during working in constructing was the smiles of the orphans and the humbleness of the people in Peru. Every time I struggled, I would just remember those people, and out of no where I would just get strength to push me through. Those kids really need a place to live and to learn. I thank God that this mission is striving to change to lives and I'm happy to be a part of it. Not only that but I am also glad to be sharing the will of the lord and sharing his love to all places, even in the garbage dumps of Trujillo. The happiness that I have shared with people made me stronger as a servant if the lord. Just being able to share Gods love made me heart be filled with joy.

Ultimately this trip was extremely eye opening and great. I love it and I love God.”

-Daniel R.