Well then

So... I'm back in Britain. Goodbyes all said, flights completed without a hitch. I now have a mountain of things to sort through: six months backlog of university documents, for example. I'll also be trying to get re-accustomed with Britain and British culture.

Mainly I'd just like to thank everyone for all the support and prayers I've received, it's been amazing.

So all that's left is one final lot of prayer requests, and then the blog is going dark.

• Firstly, that I would be able to re-enter British life easily
• Secondly, for the ongoing medical ministry in Lima
• Finally, for all those who have helped me in the last 6 months, who are too numerous to name

It's been an amazing, unforgettable, inspiring few months.

God bless you all

B

Being British

I'm sitting here writing this because I have a problem. I was planning to go out today, do a bit of shopping and such. Instead, I find myself sat on my own in front of ESPN, watching the Olympics. Those who know me will know that I'm a sucker for sport, and will watch anything (I was captivated by a round of 128 table-tennis match between a Spaniard and a Nigerian – but that's beside the point) - so of course I'm watching the games. I also watched the entirety of the Opening Ceremony yesterday, in the presence of a large group of Peruvians (and one Frenchwoman), who, I must say, were obviously rather confused by the whole thing.

It all seemed rather impressive from this side of the atlantic

But for me: a Brit, an Englishman, it made perfect sense and was glorious from start to finish. This is essentially what living in a different culture is like: things that make perfect sense to everyone else (and why on earth would anyone think different) seem as odd and obscure as an Olympic Opening Ceremony.

Anyway, I digress, the point I really wanted to make is this: I am proud to be British, a strange concept for many Brits, but being away from what you know really makes you miss it. I don't want Britain to turn into our flag-flying, face-painting, firework-shooting cousins across the pond, but a little more acknowledgement of what we have on this glorious isle might make it more appealing to everyone.

But then again, perhaps these are just the ramblings of a lost little boy who hasn't been home in a while. So I guess you'd rather hear about what the aforementioned little boy has been up to. The answer being: travelling.

Since my last post I've seen a bit more of Peru. Firstly, I spent a week in Arequipa, a beautiful city to the south of Lima – 15 hours away by coach along winding cliff-face roads; a journey I won't be doing again in a hurry. Here I was working with Townsend and Fany, seeing firstly all the children at a local orphanage, and then in a farming community out of town. At about 2,300m above sea level, Arequipa gets pretty cold at night, but we were well looked after, and Townsend saw a lot of patients, children and adults alike. Meanwhile, I spent a lot of time playing outside with the local kids, and getting thoroughly out of breath. I blame the altitude.

Myself atop Machu Picchu

So on return from Arequipa, I had a couple of days and then went off to Cusco, historical home of the Incas. A region with historic structures coming out of its ears, 70% of the population work in tourism, which is mostly thanks to nearby Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu, I will say now, is one of the most impressive sights I have ever seen. Even before you get to the carefully constructed buildings, or marvellous terraces, the location itself – perched amongst the Andes – is really something to behold. Pictures can't really hold that much mountain, so I'll have to recommend that you all go and check it out yourselves.

And so, travelled and tired, I came home to welcome another team in from the States. This lot were engaged in a building project on the side of a rather steep hill. Shovelling, breaking and hurling rocks all on the menu. However, as my body is rather adverse to physical labour, I managed to get struck down with some kind of virus after three days. Being bed-ridden for a couple of days sure does make you homesick, so I confess I have been wallowing a bit this week. Having said that I've had some wonderful times watching the parade (for national holidays), the new Batman and a few other bits and bobs.

So that brings you just about up to date with everything. Only 9 days until I leave, so with that in mind, please pray:

• That my last week will be productive and useful
• For me as I get ready, that everything would run ok
• Continue to pray for the medical mission after I have left.

Thank you kindly

Enjoy the Games

B

Yanks, the Queen and a young heart

Well, girls and boys, it really has been a long time since I last posted. Seven... eight weeks, maybe? I can only apologise for this online absence, and attempt to fill you all in on what's been happening here.

One major thing, is that we had a team come down from the US. The team consisted of 11 people, including 3 doctors, from Jacksonville, Florida. This was an interesting experience for me, to view an even stronger clash of cultures than my own. The team were mostly very well off financially, so to see them working in some of the poorest areas of Lima was intriguing. I must admit, I have previously struggled with the idea of such affluence, and had to deal with my own prejudices and preconceptions about those with access to so much wealth. I did, though, get on fabulously with a lot of the team, and had a great time getting to know them all. It was a very odd week for me though, as my work-load decreased rapidly as the week went on and the team grew more accustomed to what was required.

On the subject of our North American cousins, I've been thinking recently about my cultural experience here in Peru. As is often the case with people in my position, I feel myself split between cultures, neither fully here nor fully there, so to speak. What makes this even stronger is the fact that I find myself caught between three cultures (Peruvian, British and North American), given that I work and socialise with North Americans. It is often the clashes with the American culture that throw me out of kilter the most. Not because there are bigger difference, but because I expect the other gringos to act and think the same as I do, we even speak the same language. So when this is not the case, it knocks me back, and I have to remember that we are not one culture.

And so, I rejoice in the opportunity to be British every now and then. One such opportunity was the Queen's Jubilee. I'm sure all you Brits reading this had some kind of do. Well here in Peru, I was invited to the bishop's house for a Jubilee celebration, complete with trifle, scones and even marmite. As I near the end of my time here, I've finally realised that I was always destined to be in some kind of limbo between cultures, but this is the plight of the traveller, and it is all one can do to find a balance that works.

So what else have I been up to... Well, of course, it was my birthday last month. I was given a small do, but this, coupled with other family birthdays, anniversaries and father's day, led me to miss home quite a lot over the course of the last month. I was quite happy that I managed to make it that long without missing home too much, and I seem to be out of it now. I have to remind myself sometimes that it's probably normal, when you leave almost everything and everyone you know for 6 months.

Anyway, enough of my sentimental waffle, down to work. Following the campaign with the team, we've finished the checks for the compassion projects, and have been able to expand the ministry here. There is a dentist who has given up his time to do a couple of dental campaigns, and Townsend is starting to make links with the eye hospital, as well as being helped out by some cardiologists.

This is, in fact, a fascinating story. A number of weeks ago, Dr Cooper found a heart issue in a young boy. It turns out that the boy had been diagnosed with a serious heart defect many years ago, but his mother was too scared (and probably lacked money) to do anything about it. This child needed to see a cardiologist soon, to the point where his life could be in danger. That very day, Dr C had to take himself to the hospital, due to a recurrence of an existing condition (he's absolutely fine, by the way), and was casually chatting to his doctor about this odd case. Long story short, the cardiologist offered to see the child for free, and through various connections the boy is getting the evaluation, and soon the treatment, that he so desperately needs.

And that brings up more or less up to date. Looking forward, tomorrow we're off to Arequipa (14 hour bus) for a week to work there, and we'll be off to Ica soon as well. I hope to get over to Machu Picchu between-times but it's still not certain.

So some prayer requests:

• For our safety travelling over the next month or so
• For continued determination in my last few weeks here
• For Townsend; his wife, Dawn; and their children, Lucie and Lily. As they complete their first year in Peru.

Well God bless you all

From Lima with love

B

Half-time oranges

Well, with Monday marking half way through my time here in Peru, I thought I'd better reflect on the last 3 months, and what the next 3 might bring. The first question I must tackle is why I haven't posted on this blog in a while, over a month in fact. It's not as if I haven't got plenty of stories, but I think I've reached the point where my life and “work” here have, at least in part, stopped being new and strange to me; this is what my life is now. Well, it's either that or I'm incredibly lazy, make up your own minds.

This being said, the work I'm doing here with Dr Cooper still excites and interests me a great deal. The double-edged sword of it is the changeability, which is due to a combination of the work and the culture; I often find myself in the position of not knowing what I'll be doing tomorrow, and even then it's likely to change in some way. This is infuriating and exciting in equal measure. I experienced a prime example of this the other day, when we were due to go out to the south of Lima to check up on a few children who needed extra attention. After we reached the church, it transpired that we were actually going to be working at another site, an unfinished church building further up in the hills, which we duly took a taxi to. Here we stayed for a while. I watered the plants, Townsend saw the patients. We were then told that there was a girl who needed to be seen, but couldn't physically get out of the house. All of us there (myself, the doctor, the pastor, and various other volunteers) proceeded to walk up the (surprisingly steep) hill to this particular house, which could actually only be reached by climbing down a ladder.

I have to say that the situation in the house was not an easy one to see, it being basically being a two room shack. The girl we had come to see has cerebral palsy, and can't leave the house, or even move about of her own accord. As a result, she is left alone, in the same spot, during the day when her single mother has to go out to work. Not wishing to intrude, I stayed by the door, but could hear the girl screaming. Then, as is fairly common for the medical ministry here, we were thrown a curveball. Two other children were there in the house (cousins, I believe), and they were both lying in a double bed in the main room when we arrived, happily watching television. Now the pastor (Father Aurelio) noticed that one of them, a girl of about 4, was fairly ill. He called Townsend back through, who had gone straight to the other girl, the source of the shouting and screaming, to take a look. Townsend examined the girl and realised that she needed to go to hospital as soon as possible. To use his words: “At the very least it's pneumonia.”

By the time someone had explained this, and it's urgency to the sick girl's mother, it had gotten dark outside. We emerged from the house into a darkness punctuated by the moon and the electric lights of the houses that cover the hillsides: strangely beautiful. I hope that's given you a snapshot into what work is like here, though I have to say that was an extreme day.

My church life is going on well. I worship at a spanish-speaking anglican church, not dissimilar in practice to Christ Church. The anglican church here in Peru is relatively small, but incredibly friendly and although I can never quite understand all of the sermon, I enjoy it immensely. I also help out with the youth group, which is small but growing, as much as I can.

I'm glad to say that I don't spend all my free time at home, and have a number of friends here: mostly (but by no means exclusively) ex-pats. I can often be found at the Coopers' playing Settlers of Catan or MarioKart, though I have to say my experience of Peruvian history has been limited, despite the number of museums and archaeological sites in the city. Hopefully that will change soon.

So, all in all, I'm enjoying my time here. I would be lying if I said I haven't missed home at times, or struggled with language or health, but those things can all be overcome with perseverance and prayer. I am massively grateful to all those praying for me at home, I know I'd be in trouble without you all.

Which leads me nicely to my prayer requests:

• Firstly, against complacency. Now that I am half way, I know my mind will be drawn even more to going home, but I still have 3 months of work to do.
• Also, for the various short-term teams coming into Peru in the next few weeks and months. We will be working with at least two.
• Finally, that I would continue enjoy myself.

God bless and much love

B

The day the clinic (almost) rolled away

This is now the longest I have ever been away from home, away from my family, and I'm happy to say it's going well. This week I've been fairly busy with various things, but I have now finished all the language schooling that I'm going to partake in, so I hoping that things might get a bit easier from here on in.

The good doctor at work (that's the bus)

So I guess I should tell you what the title is in reference to. Well, there was a North American team down last week (that would be the week starting the 19^th), for a campaign up in Puenta Piedre, which, although still in Lima, is a couple of hours bus ride from me. Because of the distance, and my commitments with language school, I was only able to go up on the Thursday. Anyway, at the campaign were doctors, dentists, physiotherapists all together doing some real good for local people: adults and children. With all these people working, there wasn't quite enough room, so Dr Cooper and I ended up setting up in the bus, which, as we quickly found out, didn't have a great handbrake! Thankfully Townsend was on hand to jump into the front seat and step on the brake. All in all, though, it was a great campaign, and we managed to get quite a few kids through the bus!

This past week, we've been at Santisima Trinidad, a school/church project where the director wants Dr Cooper to see all the children. This means we were there for three days on the first week, and are returning for Monday and Tuesday this week, to give us enough time to see all 140 odd children. It's been pretty intense (in-tents!!) going, and I've been flitting in and out of the clinic, between cleaning equipment, and measuring the children. We've had a couple of logistical issues, primarily the lack of the correct poles for the tent, which ended up a couple of feet higher than expected, giving me the wonderful job of keeping children and dogs from running in under the canvas. On Friday, however, Townsend and I sorted the tent components and managed to get them back where they belong.

You'll be pleased to know that my life isn't just tents and children, I've been getting involved in youth ministry as well. Helping at my own church, and going to the occasional diocese wide events as well (as I did on Saturday night). Anyway, I'm getting by, I'm pleased to say that I've seen a major improvement in my Spanish recently, and now pretty much always know at least vaguely what's going on. So praise God for that.

Oh, and of course we're into Holy Week aren't we. Being Palm Sunday, we processed up to the park, singing, before the service today and met up with a local Lutheran church, as a kind of joint witness. So that was pretty cool to feel a bit more connected to the rest of the city.

Random picture of me at a huaca

One thing I have been struggling with, though, is the heat. General consensus seems to be that summer is lasting longer this year, and it might stay this hot for another month or more. Unfortunately, it just completely wears me out, which is not great. Other than that I'm doing well. I've been trying to keep up to date with the state of affairs at home, but always appreciate messages letting me know what's going on.

If you have a few moments to spare, I would love some prayer for:

• Help for me to cope with the heat
• Lack of complacency with my Spanish, now I'm finished school
• Thank the LORD for all He's done to get me to this point.

God bless you on this special week

B

Corrections

Just a couple on the names of the team:
Steven (not Stephen)
Fany (not Fanny)

Thank you for your time :)

One Month In

Wow, so I've already been here over a month. Part of me thinks that the time has flown by, whilst another part feels like I've been here for ever. There have definitely been times over the past 5 weeks when I've missed England, missed rain, missed knowing what's going on for most of the time, but in all honesty I'm really enjoying myself.

So what, I hear you ask, have been up to?

Well, I'm still going to language school 5 times a week, though only 2 hours a day now. So I've had the majority of the day to work with Dr Cooper, last week we were three days at the church/school/children's centre San Juan Evangelista. We ran a clinic for any local children costing 3 Soles for a consultation (that's about 75p), and selling any medication on the spot on the cheap as well. We were a team of four for most of the time, with Townsend being helped by a local nurse, Fanny, who by the way is brilliant. Meanwhile Stephen, a Peruvian as well, and I were taking information, height and weight for the next child. The picture below also shows Padre Luis, the pastor of San Juan Evangelista.

Myself with Stephen, Fanny, Townsend and Padre Luis

For the first two days it seemed to me like this large team could have handled without me, though I still enjoyed the experience and chatting to Stephen. However, in true South American fashion, the afternoon of the last day (Friday) was manic, and we ended up staying for over an hour longer than planned. Those are the days that you reach the end of with relief, but also knowing that you've done some good, made a difference. Those are good days.

I have also continued meeting with the young people at Ascencion, and am beginning to build friendships there.

Another trip we made since my last update was to a project called “Shalom”, which provides various services for children with disabilities. I had the privilege of sitting in for a physiotherapy session with a very physically limited girl, which was interesting both intellectually and emotionally.

So that's about it. This week is a bit slower, so I'm focussing more on my Spanish, and doing all the little jobs that I've been putting off. So prayer requests:

• That I'll be refreshed and renewed this week
• Once again, that my Spanish would continue to improve
• For Fanny, as she is so important to the health ministry here

Peace and blessings

B

The long weekend

Good day to you all!

Thought I'd share with you all what I got up to this weekend:

After my first week at language school (having missed Tuesday through illness), I found myself attending a young persons camp over the weekend. What this entailed was getting on a coach on Friday night for an hour or more, with 30 or so other young people, and staying in a kind of retreat centre type thingy. We studied the Bible, had worship, talks, games and even a spot of swimming. Thankfully the other four English short-termers in Lima (yes there are five of us) were there as well, meaning that I had a little help in understanding what on earth was going on most of the time.

I also had some great times with the young Peruvians, which was really important for me. One such “great time” somehow involved me impersonating Justin Bieber, as part of a sketch, for everyone to see. I'm prepared to admit, that wasn't a proud moment for me.

Anyway, I unfortunately had to leave the camp early, getting three buses to get to church in time, having promised to help with a different group of young(er) people. Here in Peru the beginning of Lent is celebrated throughout February and gives children permission to throw, squirt, pour, chuck, spray or explode water on others, often complete strangers who happen to be walking by. Fortunately, I have somehow dodged this tradition, but on Sunday my wonderful hosts Charo and Celia were organising a water-fight for the young people at my church: Ascencion, and invited me to come along as an extra body.

The hose doing nothing to protect from my own team!

Now those of you reading this in the UK are probably picturing a few little water-pistols, maybe a jug or two. Well, one advantage of having predictably hot weather, is that you can really push the boat out. Are arsenal consisted of a hose (used rather a lot), 3 giant soup pots, a couple of buckets, and about 6 jugs. Between six people. And we didn't stop soon either, we went on well past the point of saturation, and ended with some rather tasty burgers. Again, I had a great time getting to know the young people a bit, and will be getting involved helping with the youth in the weeks to come. I finally got home at about three o'clock on Sunday afternoon, and went to sleep. I was exhausted.

I guess I should mention that between having fun, going to language school, and being ill (though thankfully that's passed), I have actually done some real work: working some stats on the data we collected from the compassion project (but that's about it).

So prayers:

• For the young people at the various churches and projects around the city
• For my health and energy
• For Dr Cooper and his ministry, as exciting prospects are beginning to take shape (but more on that another time)

God bless

B

In other news...

Just a quick one.
I've been accepted to study medicine. I'm actually going to do it.
Praise the Lord

Over the Mountains and the Sea...

Hello all.

I have now been in Peru for just over a week, and I thought I'd update you all on what exactly I've been getting up to in that time. For one, I can tell you I've been sleeping a lot: it took me a while to get my body in the right time zone. Other than that I've been getting to know people and getting to know Lima (or at least part of it). The SAMS-USA retreat gave me a chance to meet many other English-speaking missionaries based in Lima, and other parts of Peru. This included Townsend Cooper and his family, who I have since joined for a couple of games of Settlers of Catan (if you don't know what that is, you're missing out).

Today (Wednesday) I went out with Dr Cooper for the first time: a quick trip to a children's centre where we'll be early next month. The point of which being to introduce me to the staff, and start inputting previously collected data (height, weight etc.) to get a better idea of issues across the city.

I have also moved from my temporary accommodation with John and Susan Park (who have done so much to help me settle in) to my more permanent lodging with Charo, her father, and her sister and brother-in-law. It seemed like a poignant time, as I realise that I'm truly in another culture, and will be here for a while.

On Saturday I had my first encounter with the local wildlife, receiving a fair number of bug-bites whilst having a relaxing day with the retreaters. Other than that, the country has been fairly kind to me, even providing rain for me on my first night here (apparently a very rare occurrence). If anyone was wondering, the climate here is more similar to a sub-tropical desert. Though the heat is humid, there is very little rainfall, and ocean currents keep it from getting oppressively hot. Still, 28ºC isn't bad eh?

Anyway, a few prayer requests:

• Thank God for John and Susan, and Charo for taking me in, and to bless them.
• Prayers as I start my Spanish lessons on Monday
• That I would have patience over these first few weeks as I'm still learning a lot and finding my feet.

God bless you all

Ben

Goodbye England

With most of the country is covered in a blanket of snow, I am (for once) glad that here in Portsmouth we've had precisely none at all. This is, of course, rather useful for my travel plans. What isn't useful is that Heathrow airport hasn't been quite so snow-free this weekend, leading to a number of todays flights being cancelled. As of 10:45pm (UK time) my flight is still going ahead as scheduled, but there is snow forecast for early tomorrow.

Have I got enough stuff?

This morning was obviously my last day at my home church, Christ Church. I received many hugs, cards and prayers, and I'll be thinking of them throughout my time away.

Anyway, have packed up what seems like all my worldly goods and chattels and now just have a few hours to wait before we head off. We'll be leaving the house at about 2:30am, so the parents and I will be staying up, with the Superbowl to keep us entertained until then!

So as I'm off I could probably do with some prayer that all the travel would work out, and also that I'd settle in quickly.

Thanks everyone who has wished me well over the last few days and weeks. Here goes...

Post Numero Uno

So...
My first blog post, ever. And I've already lied to you all. I am not in fact in Lima yet (I leave on the 6th February).

Please forgive me, and continue to read this blog. I don't know how often I'll be able to post, but I'll aim to provide some interesting stories, and probably less interesting thoughts and ramblings.

I should probably explain why I'm going to Lima. Last year I applied to study medicine at university, and didn't get a place. Given that I originally wanted a gap year anyway (tuition fees - booo!), I leapt on the chance to go back to South America, having spent 7 weeks in Argentina last year. I reapplied to university and got in contact with CMS, who obviously thought I'd do alright in Lima, and here I am: 2 weeks away from departure and still quite unprepared.


At the end of each post I'll try and put a little prayer request for those who would like to support me in that way. For now I guess I'd like some prayer for general getting-ready-ness, as there's still a lot to do in a short time. I just hope and pray I don't forget anything.


So that's it: post number one. Feel free to leave any comments/suggestions/praise/criticisms/chocolates. 


God bless.