Wednesday 25 May 2011

Time to Retreat

We are very excited, as we are going to Brazil today to take part in the BMS retreat, as well as a few days holiday. It should be a great time of relaxation and refreshment, before we come back to begin various groups and activities. Please pray for a great time away and healthiness all round. My tummy especially doesn't fair too well in new climates, so I am hoping not to spend the week on the loo!

As well, when we return it is the weekend of the elections in Peru. Please pray as the Peruvians choose between Keiko and Ollanta.

Thursday 19 May 2011

Football crazy!


Daniel has really embraced life in Peru, and become obsessed with football. When we ask him what he has done at school, the standard reply is that he has played football. He has been to see Cienciano, the Cusco team play twice in the last week and we bought him a new kit. The only problem is that I have to wash it at night, so that it is dry for the following morning! A few weeks ago, when we played football in the park, he always played for England - now it is Cienciano.

A few of the players live near us, and Daniel was really excited earlier to meet Julio Garcia, one of the midfield players. He was really lovely and was quite taken with Sophia - our little munecita (little doll). What a treat!

Tuesday 17 May 2011

The Outsider

One of the things that we have been surprised - and at times amazed about - is the patience that people have shown to us as we have tried to formulate sentences and express ourselves in Spanish and Spanglish. People have shown us much kindness as we have tried to adapt to a new culture and made various mistakes, a few of which we are aware of and others not. One particularly memorable incident involved Neil getting changed after swimming, and discovering that it was just designed for male children. The mum who discovered Neil, may have been shocked but made no fuss!

However, at other times, people have perhaps understandably not been as patient or considerate. A couple of weeks ago, I went to a meeting at Daniel's school. My Spanish is currently at a level where i can understand some of what is going on, but not everything, and a bilingual teacher was translating for me. Then, it was announced that we were splitting into groups to discuss, develop and act out role plays, taking me a way out of my comfort zone, but I was prepared to give it a go.

It was ok, but a joke was made at my expense, and people were quick to point out my lack of understanding. It wasn't a terrible experience by any stretch, but I felt like an outsider. This was partly borne out of my own frustration - I was used to leading these kind of activities, not struggling to make simple contributions, but also partly caused by the responses of others. I felt that people instantly dismissed me because of assumptions they had made. It wasn't a nice feeling.

However, this brief and untypical experience gave me an insight into the lives that some people have to lead every day - misjudged and misunderstood, with people not taking the time to see things a different way. And as I reflected later, I know that all too often in similar situations in the past, I have not sought to empathise with people on the outside, I haven't shown understanding or patience. I don't think - I certainly hope - that this was beccause of unkindness, but normally a result of ignorance and thoughtlessness.

The following Sunday, Scott talked about the well known passage from 1 Corinthians 12, discussing the body of Christ. It is a passage that I have read, heard and even taught many times before, but the words took on a new significance:

'On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. 1 Corinthians 12:22-24

Have I really accepted the full meaning of these words? Have I really believed that those appearing weaker or different should be treated with special modesty? Have I lived in a way that demonstrates that I have equal concern for everyone (v25)?

The honest answer is no and I know that I need to change, with God's help. So many experiences in Peru seem to have a deeper resonance and a greater impact than they would have done back in the UK. I am grateful to God for these opportunities and I pray that they will help me to see the world and people through His eyes.

Friday 13 May 2011

Off to the market




Every Friday morning, me and Sophia grab a taxi to El Molino, one of the local markets and stock up on fruit and veg. It is always an experience, with Sophia attracting lots of attention. It is good for me, as I get to know the stall holders and practise my Spanish. I often find a fruit or vegetable that I don't know, and I am often given a little to taste for free. The market is a lively, colourful place and I enjoy the hustle and bustle. It feels more genuine than the artesan markets in the centre - this is where the Peruvians come to shop, as it is cheaper than the supermarkets. Part of the experience is getting your hands dirty - it is perfectly acceptable to feel the fruit and pick out the best. One week, I said I didn't want the peppers - they didn't look good and the market stall holder ran off and found some better ones. Now, every week , he finds me good veg! And I am learning that if veg looks a bit grotty on the top, there is normally better stuff buried somewhere else. There are stalls for different products, potatoes, fruit, veg, corn... a bit different from Tesco!

Sunday 8 May 2011

Feliz Dia Mama!

Today Is Mothering Sunday in Peru and it is a huge deal. Daniel has been busy at school preparing presents and cards; here is his card with a wonderful drawing of me.

On Friday, lots of schools had concerts and the shops are full of merchandise. Although it always sad to see the commercial side, it is also a great time to celebrate with families. I love the passion and excitement that many Peruvians have at times of festivity. Many people travel to see their mums if they live away, People also give other mother's presents, not just their own. My language teacher and Neil's ex-language teacher contacted me today to wish me a happy day. Unlike in the Uk, there appears to be little thought given to those who may find today difficult - I have mixed feelings about this.

However, I was very happy to be culturally relevant and be spoilt for the weekend. Yesterday, we went to my favourite spot near Cristo Blanco and went to a trout restaurant, where first we fed the trout in the lake and then ate them!


Today, we chilled out and made pizza together. I received some lovely things, although the cake was bought to share with everyone from church.



Scott and Anjanette organised a great service, acknowledging the importance of mums, and included the children singing, chocolate and prayer. And cake, of course.

It has been a wonderful weekend and is always interesting to see the way another culture celebrates festivals. Parents here are often honoured and respected, which is great, although I also remember those for whom today may have been difficult.

Tuesday 3 May 2011

Time with our new friends

On Sunday we went to a gathering/party at a friends house in Cusco. We got to know them through Daniel's school, and it was a wonderful time. There was food, drink, music and dancing on a gloriously sunny day. The best part was that we felt we were making friends. Here are a couple of pictures from the day.




The band were great and played loads of traditional music, including the Lambada, as well as a Spanish verion of Ay Ay Ippy Ippy I. It was fantastic, and I really hope we can develop a friendship with Adam and Xiomara and Daniel's friend Gian Lucca.

Also at the party were a New York family called Adam, Samantha, Erin and Jacob who are in Cusco at the moment. They are travelling and volunteering around the world and it has been great to get to know them. Daniel and Erin spent loads of time together at the party, dancing and hugging!!

Sunday 1 May 2011

Moving to Peru

I have written a short article for the Sophia Network about our early experiences of moving to Peru with a young family. You can access it here.