Day 2 - Monday

Day 2

After 5 hours of sleep, coordinating 82 pieces of luggage, and eating our first Peruvian breakfast, all 42 of us made it outside of the hotel ready to depart for Kusi. Little did we know, our bus was running an hour and a half behind, so we all trekked down to the coast to catch our first view of the Pacific. It was about a half a mile walk to the ocean, and we all arrived safely after dodging the crazy Lima drivers as we crossed the city streets. Unexpectedly, the ocean was down a steep cliff. We hung out in the city park, high above, overlooking the water. Many of the boys decided to play on the merry-go-rounds, while the girls took to the see-saws and the permanent exercise equipment, which provided all of us with quite a few laughs. After our excursion to the edge of Lima, we headed back to the Hotel and hustled to get the luggage and passengers aboard.

Although many of us slept through the first 3 hours of our bus ride, the majority of us were able to submerse ourselves in the beautiful views that accompanied us while we drove on the Pan-American Highway. Before turning off into the mountains, we stopped at a small gas station to eat lunch, use the restroom, and purchase our first Peruvian snacks. The next 6 hours of our ride contained quite a few switchbacks, and we appreciated all the Dramamine we could get. Before our final 2 hours of the trip, we stopped at a beautiful overlook that was about 11,000 feet above sea level. The view was incredible, and pictures were taken in excess. Complete darkness marked our last 2 hours up the mountain, and we arrived safely in Yungay. We were greeted by stray dogs and rain, along with 4 vans that took us about 15 minutes up the mountain to Kusi. Arriving in Yungay was a blessing, not only because we could now stretch our legs, but more importantly, we were able to catch our first glimpse of the van Southlake purchased for the boys in Kusi.

After we were transported to Kusi, luggage and all, we ate a much needed dinner that was generously provided by the cooks in there who stayed late to serve us. The food was fantastic. We had a fried rice dish that filled our bellies and made us even more thankful for sleep.

Continue to pray for us as we serve. We are so excited to be here!

-Ansley Rikard