Ventanilla and beyond

Some of the children, the teachers, myself, Alfredo and Rosa.

Yesterday I went for my monthly visit to Ventanilla. As usual it was a very humbling experience and one that again showed me the amazing spirit of the people in Ventanilla, and when you have nothing, or very little, you still have everything when you know God.
Alfredo has built a spirtual community in this school which i believe reflects the ethos of Christianty, joyful children, who are given everything that the teachers can give, a prayerful atmostphere to grow as future hope filled men and women, and a chance to be kids and learn without the threat of violence. Yesterday Victoria (one of the three new teachers) was saying what an amazing blessing it is to work in a Christian environment, where kids do not expect to be hit if they do something wrong, and the kids are taught with love and discipline, helping them to understand authority in a positive way. (an uncommon situation here in Peru, especially in the poorest areas, where you are the bottom of the pile )

Joanna one of the new teachers, and 3 of the children in her class

The kids are doing exams this week, before their winter break so left just after 1230, even though school finished early at 1200. The kids are so glad to be at this school that they appear never to want to leave (Can't imagine this happening in the UK). They had to be kicked out by the teachers so we could have a teacher's meeting.

The kids playing after school, and a hosepipe brought in because the water had stopped working

It was a wonderful 'staff' meeting as well. Alfredo began by sharing the vision of the school. This is partly as he is no longer teaching the kids, as there is more paperwork to be done and also he wants to spend more time praying for the school and preparing for a second shool to be built in a new area. I then shared about my time in England and the teachers also shared, and we finished by praying and spending time listening to God.

Praying in the staff meeting

The thing that really struck me, above most of the stuff I have mentioned was the way Alfredo said this school was here to provide for the kids, bring them up in Christian ways, and if they felt led to become, in time Christians in their own right. Alfredo also said this school is not to be run for profit but to help these kids and show the love of Jesus to them. What's more these teachers who are also living by faith, and on very little were in full agreement.

I continue to be humbled.

Our first week back in Peru - sunshine and birthday party

We have been back in Peru for a week and the weather has been gorgeous so far - so much so, we let Daniel have a quick run around in the garden as Anna was watering. Guess what? He got soaked! He found it hilarious to run through the water and was wet through in no time. This kind of weather is unheard of for July. Not bad for the UK equivalent of January, eh?

Last night was Charro's 15th birthday - the big birthday here in Peru for girls. It traditionally marks the transition from childhood to womanhood. Mark went for 9pm and Charro eventually came out at 10.40pm (although traditionally the girl appears at midnight.) Mark discovered on arrival as he was reading the program that he was the padrino or 'godfather' of the event! We had been asked about 2 months ago, but no more had been said so we had assumed they had found someone else! Mark's duties included presenting his present and giving two talks - one about Charro and the first time he met her, and one about her virtues and a prayer for her.

Mark got back finally just before 1am, ready to sleep well, but unfortunately our neighbours were having a roof-top party until past 5am. They were still making noise when Daniel woke up at 5.20am!!

Charro and her father. Doesn't she look like a bride?!

Back in Peru

Just a quick note to say we're back safetly in Peru, with all our luggage (1 bag arrived 36 hours late). We had a good time in the UK, but did far too much.

UK Update

We're in the UK at the moment, and very busy. Having a good time, but very tired. Will update the blog more when we're back at home in Peru. But here are some photos of our time so far:

Liz and Will (My (Mark) sister and brother in law) In Newcastle with Daniel

NOSE!! Says Daniel

He can fix it. Yes he can.

Daniel in Sheffield
Where's my beer?
Daniel at a community playcentre in London
Ben (Anna's brother), Helen (Anna's school friend) and I enjoying the sun while Daniel plays at the community playcentre.
Daniel and Rachel in Sheffield