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