WWW – Whirl-Wind Week
In my last blog, I told you about a TEAM coming in for a few days and the anticipated schedule of work facing us. Today I am glad to report that they have returned safe and sound to the USA, forever changed! And, we are taking it easy after a whirl wind week, forever grateful.
The TEAM was small, but great things were done! In a debrief session, the following two activities tugged at the hearts of the TEAM members, so I thought I would share them with you.
The medical clinic had about 50 patients and each one was seen and attended to. The medical clinics are merely offering a cup of cold water to those who comes seeking it. We provide them with a listening ear. If there are serious problems there is a Peruvian Doctor with us who can write them a prescription. They other patients receive a 30 day supply of much needed meds which all have been donated by friends from the USA. At this clinic, there was an unexpected addition – Bridgeway Christian Academy sent several gently worn school uniforms down and every single child who came to the clinic with their parent received a new outfit. The children were all smiles, lining up for me to take their photographs. Finally, before leaving the clinic, each person is counseled and prayed with. What a neat opportunity, to love on these people and to pray for them.
One of the TEAM highlights was delivering a mattress to a single mom with 4 children who live in the hills of Casablanca. They were all sleeping on a cot mattress, and then the 2 school age girls moved to the cot springs with a blanket over the springs, to make a little more room. It was such a privilege to have the funds to purchase the double bed mattress for this family. Our driver, Edgar, and our translator, Martin, hoisted the mattress up over their heads and climbed up the hill without any problem. We Americans picked each step carefully as we ascended the hill, huffing and puffing! The mother shared her story with us and it was hard to hold back the tears. But today she is healthy emotionally, physically, and spiritually. She is providing a simple home for her children and has managed to begin life anew. Praise God!
Today, the trip is over. The week flew by. But the memories and the experiences for the Americans will last a life time. More importantly, their demonstrating God’s love in such practical ways has impacted the lives of the Peruvians.
Have you ever considered being part of a TEAM? Shoot me an email if you have an interest. I can connect you with those who organize such opportunities. I promise, life will never be the same once you participate in a short-term mission trip. About a year ago, I saw the following statement on a t-shirt….
Missions: serving short term, thinking long term!
