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