First Presbyterian Church
Peru Mission Trip
2005


From: Tom Jameson
Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2005 9:55 AM
Subject: Re: Hi!

Well...we finally made it out. But first things first. You may have heard about the earthquake in Peru/Bolivia/Chile. It didn't effect us here, but did hit quite hard in Cusco (destroyed a temple.) I don't think it will effect our travel plans, but we'll wait and see. Please pray with us for thoise effectede, especially in Chile where we have heard 8 have died.

The jungle was an incredible experience, and a lesson in patience and flexibility! We set off Monday at 6 a.m. anticipating the boats to be waiting for us and setting off up the river to make it to Nueva Vida before nightfall. Well...the river was very low, and it made for rough travel. The boats didn't arrive unbtil 10:30, and we didn't leave until 11:30 (first boat) and 12:30 (second boat.) The second boat made it to N.V. by 7:00 p.m., but that's only because there were no problems(Other than the Knapps and I getting lost in the Peruvian jungle when we had to hike around rapids!!!) The first boat lost 2 propellors and didn't make it to NV until 8 p.m. Did I mention the jungle gets very dark at 6 p.m.?? What an adventure! But it was all worth it.

The next day we had an incredible meeting with the leaders of the community. They actually set up a special "tent" where we held a very special "town meeting". The Team introduced themslves, and the community introduced themselves. Remember, we're working in 3 languages here! English to spanish to Agaruna and back again!! But we have been blessed to join the Luke Society in this venture, and they ar every proficient. I shared a gospel devotional, and then we were treated to the school children singing, some traditional dance and song presentations, a blow gun competition with Jason Knapp doing a fine job for the gringos, but almost taking out a child! Then we had a very productive dialog/Q&A time. After the meeting, the Drs. held a quickie clinic and Susie Ransom led the balloon team! Then we toured the water project, which is an incredible work.

Finally, we were guests at a feast held in our honor - yuca, armidillo and mahas (a large jungle rodent!) Yes, we were accomodating and ate with mucho gusto! tHE TRIP HOME WAS QUITE AN EVENT. aCTUALLY PEACEFUL MOST OF THE WAY (WITH THE ENTIRE TEAM GETTING LOST IN THE pERUVIAN JUNGLE THIS TIME!!) The last 2 hoours we learned why is is called a rain forest! we didn't land until 8 p.m., had to wait an hour for the vehicles, and really didn't hit the sack until almost midnight. Soaked to the skin, and carrying saturated backpacks, we were a pathetic sight! But all were well, and thankful for the opportunity. This morning (Wed.) we shared in the devotional time at the Luke Society Clinic, and the gals have gone to the Annie Soper school to do some teaching etc. We are splitting the team tomorrow, and I'm not sure what Internet access will be like, but I;ll do my best.

Oh, how we have seen Jesus! We're still processing it all, and will have a much better presentation after we get home, but suffice it to say that we have had incredible opportunities to share the gospel and the love of Christ, as well as to be expanded in our own faith. We all send our love to you all, and can't wait to share the whole piucture with you.

Dios te bediga mi hermanos y hermanas!

Tom