First Presbyterian Church
Peru Mission Trip
2005


Sent: Wed, 15 Jun 2005
Subject: Home Safe From Nueva Vida

Hi Ma,

We returned back safely from Nueva Vida late last night after a fantastic time with the Aguaruna and more than a few harrowing adventures in our travels. For the Aguaruna they are perhaps not so difficult, but for us there were more than a few thrills. Count things like getting lost in the jungle a few times while hiking around the rapids; traveling the rivers well after dark with the river so low that several of us often had to get out to push the boat (with some doubtful sorts of large snakes swimming about); on the return trip a torrential downpour for the last half of the boat trip, with lightning for special effects. The boat trip in was eight hours, the one out was about seven. Wow.

The most fantastic event on the journey into the village was when we rounded the last bend in the river and saw high above us on the bank much of the village gathered around a large signal fire waiting for us. Talk about a homecoming. It was something almost unbelievable to witness. WE praised God and I suspect more than a few tears of gratitude flowed freely. The day spent with the village was unprecedented by everyone's account who is experienced working in the villages. A great meeting tent was constructed in the morning and then a whole series of cultural presentations were made. The pastor of the church greeted us, the Apu or chief of the village spoke about his gratitude for the water system and our fellowship with the village. We saw traditional dance, the school children sang for us (before an obviously proud professor); the village fellow with the most wives and children (four wives and 36 children respectively)sang us the song most guaranteed to get women to love you. Finally I was invited to compete with the villiage marksman in a blowgun contest. The one of us hitting a very small piece of yuca hanging from a string at about twenty paces the most times out of three tries would be the winner. Well, as you know, I practice my blowgun techniques every day, so I was completely prepared for this unique opportunity. You can guess the outcome; he hit two and a "leaner" as grandpa would say, I hit none. But, even the Aguaruna were surprised at how well I did, actually getting the dart to fly and missing each time by less than a inch.

After the festivities there was a lively exchange between the villagers and our team preceded with formal introductions of all the adults present. A long discussion followed with a frank stating of concerns and problems. The people of Nueva Vida fear being abandoned, they continue to suffer suignificant discrimination, and many helpers will simply not travel so far to visit them because of the remoteness of the village and the sorts of challenges we experienced. We reassured them that we loved them as Christian brothers and sisters and that our care and concern for their wellfare would not diminish. More than anything else however, we feel god's direction to help them learn how to meet their own needs, because they are the ones who can do so most effectively.

After the meeting a short medical clinic was held to check out all of the children and do minor surgery on some nasty wounds. Every child seen suffered from scabbies. Recommendations for future treatment were made. When the clinic concluded, we went to see the new, nearly completed water tower with a bamboo scaffold around the three-storey high structure, children scrambling all the way to the top in a mob - little ones just a few years old included. Made my hair stand on end. But were they excited. Many pictures taken, then a trip to inspect the spring. Then back to the village for a great feast of majas and armadillo. We did not get to (have to) drink any of the fermented drink the women make by chewing and spitting yuca into a big pot. Wow,I was sure sorry to miss that one.

Everyone of our team was deeply moved by the experiences in the village. We sang hymns on the river much of the time on our return trip. There is so much more to tell, but I'll close for now, letting you know we are all doing well and praising God for his rich blessings and the unfolding of his work in our midst. We'll communicate agin as we can. Tomorrow three of us go to Puerto Maldonado and the rest start the for Cusco. God bless you and all who receive this message. Thanks mom for passing this along to everyone.

Love,

jake and betty