Missions Home
Day
7
 This week I got to come back to Peru for the second time
in the past 3 years. I have to say this week was the best
week I have ever experienced in my life. Last time I came
to Peru, it was amazing but a couple weeks after I was back
I put the experience in the back of my mind and did not really
think about the kids anymore. This time, I will remember
them for the rest of my life and everything I experienced.
I know this may seem corny, but it was truly a magical trip.
This week I got super close to a little boy, Wilmer. He and
I bonded the whole week. We instantly became really close,
even though there was language barrier. On the last day,
I can’t even explain how I felt leaving him. I know you’re
not supposed to pick favorites but he has such a strong place
in my heart. Like I was saying, on the last day we were sitting
together before VBS started, singing songs and he looks at
me and takes this necklace off and gives it to me. He wore
this necklace everyday I saw him and I know it meant a lot
to him. At first, I was dumbfounded because for him to give
me something so special to me was amazing. I told him I could
not accept this, he insisted that I keep it and told me that
he really wanted me to have it because I mean so much to
him. Tears came to eyes because I could not believe he wanted
me to have it.  In return I gave him my W.W.J.D. bracelet
that I wear everyday and he started tearing up. So the day
continued and I was counting down the minutes until I would
have to say goodbye to him. After the closing ceremony when
it was time I started bawling because I know I wouldn’t see
him for a while. I told him that I would miss him bunches
and that I love him so much. When I said that he looked like
he had never been told that. He started crying, so we were
both crying together. It was the saddest moment I have ever
experienced. I want to still stay close to Wilmer even though
we live so far apart. I will write him letters as often as
I can telling him how much I love him and miss him. This
was truly one of the best weeks of my life. I learned so
much and I feel like a different person going home. I had
an amazing time with the kids and also with the adult leaders
and all the youth. We all grew closer and experienced so
much together. Even though I’m excited to see my family and
friends back home, I will miss being here playing with the
kids everyday. Hopefully I will get to come back very soon!
-Kelsy Bryant
==================================
 Well what can I say.... “Caesar is slain,” “ I am Spartacus,”
“ Luke, I am your father..” ... All inspiring and classic
phases but none right to describe this week... This week
has been just incredible... I cannot describe it any other
way... The love, and joy, but also sadness, and deep despair
that I have felt for these people and this place during my
time here is just awe-inspiring. These people are just so
poor with very little more than the clothes on there backs,
and yet they have this love and compassion towards everyone
around them, Peruvians and outsiders alike. They have never
shown any anger or even envy towards us, and are the most
lifelike people I have ever met. Lifelike in that, to be
cliche and use a quote, “They eat to live and do not live
to eat,” meaning that they are not hedonistic or ever-wanting
as us Americans, but are living life to live. These people
at OSA and in Collique are truly giants among men through
this way of life so much greater than my own. This is what
I have taken the most out of this week: To live this life
they do and have... To live life and not let life live you...
-John Walther
Day
6
 There
is no way that I could even begin to describe how amazing
and life changing this week has been to myself and everyone
else. I am speechless about what I have experienced this
week. Meeting all the kids this week during VBS was just
so unbelievable. I never thought I would have the chance
to serve God in this way like I have been able to this week.
I had a blast here in Peru this week! After seeing such poverty
in the city of Collique I was shocked, and then when the
neighborhood kids showed up for the first time on Monday
morning it was so amazing to see the smiles they had on their
faces. When I saw their living conditions I thought that
there was no way these kids could have a good attitude and
be so happy like they were. Those kids were so fun and amazing
to hang out with and get to know. The OSA kids came in the
afternoon and it’s just so hard to talk about them now because
I know I might not have a chance ever again to see them and
I already miss them so much. They were so loving and caring
that no one wanted to leave this afternoon. It was so hard
to say goodbye. That was one of the hardest things I have
ever had to experience and one of the most amazing things.
One
thing that I thought was really cool is that by the end
of the week all the kids would randomly just start singing
Jesus Loves Me and they knew all the words. I also, with
a couple of others, had the chance to go to an Abused Women
Shelter. There were seven little kids there.  They were the
most adorable little kids. They craved attention because
when they lived at home their mother they and their moms
were abused by their dads. When we showed up on Wednesday
and Thursday, I could not believe how happy they were that
we were there. They were not shy at all to the males even
though you would think they would be because of their violent
past. On Thursday when we were leaving the shelter one little
girl named Neomi tried to get on our bus and I was the last
one to walk out so I had to pick her up and take her back
in. It was so hard because she was so precious and I really
wish I could just take her home but I knew I couldn’t and
it was so sad to see how much she wanted to go with us but
couldn’t. This week has been unbelievable and even though
I love America I would come back here and do everything I
could to improve the condition of living for the families
of Collique. I would say more but I am just so speechless
right now about how this week has affected me spiritually
and emotionally.
-Harrison Sellers
=============================================
 This week has been magical to say the least! (no pun intended)
I had the great honor and privilege to perform for and entertain
the kids at VBS! Twice this week, I got to go and perform
at the shelter for abused women and children which was a
special treat for me because instead of performing outside
and not being able to hear the children’s laughs and reactions
we were in a small room and I could really hear and see their
reaction since it was a much smaller group! Another treat
for me this week was that I got to meet and share with another
clown from Peru (Victor)! I didn’t get to talk to him all
that much because of the language barrier but that didn’t
stop us from teaching each other new tricks and skills! I
tried to teach him how to balance and showed him some magic
and he in return taught me a new improv exercise! Last night
we had to say goodbye and, to remember him by, he gave me
his clown nose! (which to most people it’s just a piece of
plastic but to another clown that is an incredible gift to
give!) And in return I gave him my handkerchief I performed
with this week! The kids especially seemed to enjoy the magic
I did for them! And every time I would go into the rooms
to take pictures of VBS they always wanted to see some more!
For the past few days I have been teaching some of the kids
to juggle! Today when we had to say our good byes one of
my juggling students asked me if I would give him my juggling
balls and I felt terrible to have to say no because it wouldn’t
me fair to the other kids but I think the day ended well
and though it was sad the kids can still remember the fun
and the laughs they shared with me: El Payaso!
-Chase Culp
Day
5
 We see dirt and pieces of cement
They see a floor and shelter
We see tattered clothes and shoes
They feel protection with just a sweater
We cry when we see this cardboard house
They praise God that they have a roof
OSA helps them build so much more
The smiles on their faces are living proof
They attach to us as if we’re family
Although they met us an hour ago
5 days later we hold on tight
Wishing that none of us ever had to go
We return in three years
Their memories aren’t the best
All of it starts over again
Everyone just forgets the rest
As if tomorrow never ends
We spend the day devoted
To praise, joy, and love these children
Our hearts with change will be coated
A tear may fall as we say goodbye
A hug passed from one to another
We places a bracelet on their wrist
So when it falls,
They know goodbye is never forever
-Hailey Sellers
========================================
 It’s Thursday night and here I sit outside in the cold
thinking about my time here. I have been telling the stories
everyday during VBS in spanish for the kids and it’s great
hearing them answer questions about the previous day’s story.
It’s more like shouting the answer to me, but no matter how
they respond it fills my heart with joy knowing that they
are learning. Today I also had the chance to deliver a chicken
coop to one of our OSA kid’s house. It was tiring having
to carry the coop up steep hills, but it was definitely worth
it because Chris told us a story on the way about the kid
whose house we were going to. Jeonne Pierre, a favorite(I
probably shouldn’t say favorite) among the youth, had found
a chicken behind OSA and instead of keeping it to eat, he
went around trying to find the owner. Once he found the owner,
the owner was touched because the chicken he had found was
a fighting chicken and worth a lot of money. In return, the
owner gave Jeonne Pierre a chicken that wasn’t worth much
but that could be used for eating. Because Jeonne Pierre
didn’t have a place for the chicken to live, he put it in
a box that literally had written on the side “Live Poultry”,
which we later told him, and kept it at a neighbor’s house
who had offered to let it live there. When Jeonne Pierre
found out he was getting a chicken coop, a huge smile grew
on his face, and it gave me great comfort knowing we were
giving someone something that they needed. It’s funny how
God works in that way. For helping that man get his chicken
back, Jeonne Pierre received a chicken and later a chicken
coop that he could house it in. I’m very grateful for being
able to have that experience and realizing how even though
these children and families have so little, they truly appreciate
everything they have. I will be very sad tomorrow because
it’s the last day of VBS. We’re having a “closing ceremony”,
kind of like the one we have at the end of SMBC’s KidQuest,
for the first time and I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
-Christina Martinez
Day
4
What an amazing week! I am humbled and blessed to be able
to watch our youth serve God and Collique this week. Here
are some things I love:
* I love watching Christina step out of her comfort zone
every day to tell the story in Spanish and lead the ESL class.
* I love that Kelsy asked to help deliver chicken coops yesterday
in addition to her craft responsibilities.
* I love the challenge of trying to fill Harrison up at each
meal. I've only succeeded once or twice! Last night he ate
a whole chicken. :-)
* I love that John W is back working construction today after
spraining his ankle on Tuesday. He is determined to help
finish what he started!
* I love hearing that David has been complimented on his
Spanish pronunciation and is a huge help as a translator
in music.
* I love Suzann for winning the "biggest encourager" on
the construction team.
* I love learning more about Chase's love for clowning and
watching the kids mesmerized by his antics. They ask for
him all day and want pictures made with him constantly.
* I love Hailey jumping into ESL and helping deliver coops
that are bigger than she is!
* I love knowing that Cameron likes extra-crunchy peanut
butter and lots of jelly on his sandwiches at lunch after
a long morning of building cages!
* I love seeing Amanda moved by our visit to the battered
women's shelter and wanting to go back again today!
* I love the organization Charles created in cutting the
wood for ALL the chicken coops.
* I love Riley using her gift of dance with the girls in
recreation. Fun and laughter ensued!
* I love watching Rachel W work hard at explaining craft
ideas in Spanish. Kendra helps, but Rachel is good at communicating
with the children.
* I love seeing Rachel M's smile as she teaches "Jesus
Loves Me" to children on the recorder.
* I love spying on Forrest as a little girl asks him what
he eats to be so tall. She wants to eat the same food so
she can grow tall too!
* I love being amazed that Jonathan C can play soccer for
hours at a time without a break in rec.
* I love listening to Lexie's perspective on the changes
in Collique from 3 years ago. Most of them are for the better.
* I love Michael's enthusiasm for whatever task he is assigned.
He has done construction, rec and delivered chicken coops
so far this week.
* I love hearing that Shelby wants to try all sorts of Peruvian
food. In fact, she doesn't want to eat anything that resembles "what
we can eat in the states!" She has worked hard in construction.
* I love Mollie's infectious fun-loving personality whether
she is playing cards at the hotel or teaching ESL in Collique.
* I love seeing children hang on Jonathan M when they come
to music and saying, "Senor Jonathan!"
* I love watching our youth working together and getting
along as a church family.
* I love seeing the difference OSA is making in the Collique
community. The OSA children are nourished, clean and making
friends, all improvements from 5 years ago.
* I love continuing to develop relationships with the OSA
staff and dialoguing about needs in the community.
* I love trying to communicate with hand gestures to someone
who doesn't speak English.
* I love the lack of complaining on this trip. Flexibility
is the word of the week!
* I love watching our youth putting others before themselves
and serving God by serving others.
Thank you, South Main, for supporting our mission and this
trip.
Mama Susan
Day
3
 Construction is hard work but definitely the best position
for the week. Our goal is to build 30 animal cages, and so
far we have built a total of 8. The past two days Charles
and I have been cutting wood viciously and constantly while
the rest of the crew has put together the cages consisting
of several pieces of wood at different lengths, chicken wire,
lots of screws, and way too many staples courtesy of Shelby.
Our work may not always be perfect, after all we are illegal
immigrant child labor, but the cages are very sturdy and
the locals have been ecstatic to receive theirs. One of the
best parts about working construction is delivering the cages.
This allows me to see Collique for what it is and not just
riding by in a bus. The deliveries always begin with a long
steep walk up hill, past many dogs and dodging speeding moto-taxis.
Upon arriving at the house, which usually consists of concrete
slabs or wood walls and loose sheet-metal roofs, we were
allowed in, and able to really see the living conditions
of these people. Inside is usually a single cramped living
space filled with blankets, clothing, perhaps a table or
small couch and sometimes a tiny TV. All of the people I
have delivered to have been extremely nice and so excited
to receive these cages. It’s amazing to see how much a new
cage means to them and enhances their lives.
 Today was the first time I was able to see the cages being
put to use. A woman had a very old cage containing rabbits
and immediately removed them from it and put them in their
new home. The woman seemed to have a never ending box of
rabbits as she was pulling them out one by one. It was a
different story with some of the other people who did not
have any animals and were hoping to get some soon.
Although I do not work with the kids while I am here, I
enjoy being able to watch the interaction in VBS from afar.
Occasionally I will make an appearance in the crafts room
when my curiosity overcomes me and the kids have seemed to
figure out who I am, Bosque. So far this experience has been
really great and a chance to examine my own life and to be
thankful for everything I have. My hope is for this week
to continue to help me grow in this way.
-Forrest Reed
Day
2
 Today was our first VBS day at OSA and I think it’s safe
to say everyone is having an amazing time. The kids are so
welcoming and loving and they appreciate any attention we
give them. I was lucky enough to be able to come with the
youth group in 2007, so I was extra excited to come back
and see all of the kids I bonded with last time I was here.
Although we aren’t supposed to have favorites, I definitely
attached to one special kid 3 summers ago, so when I saw
him running down the stairs this morning I was overcome with
joy. I’m so glad I got to spend half an hour with him in
crafts and I’m looking forward to spending time with him
throughout the rest of the week. I also really enjoyed watching
all of the other youth bonding with the kids. It was really
neat to watch everyone speaking the best Spanish they could
and giving love to kids who really need it. As Amanda said
in her blog, many of these kids don’t have present fathers
or father figures so they absolutely adore all of our guys
and it’s really fun to watch them form positive bonds with
each other. We’re all really excited to go back tomorrow
and get to know the kids even better. Please continue to
keep us in your thoughts and prayers and we’ll keep you posted
on all of the amazing things we’re experiencing. Love you
all lots!!
-Rachel Wells
=================================
 When
the high schoolers came to Peru in 2007, we had no idea
what to expect. Colique, Lima, OSA- every place, experience,
and emotion was new, exciting, and slightly terrifying. However,
those of us who were able to join that first underage trek
to South America now have the unique experience of being
able to observe the growth at OSA, in Collique, and especially
in the lives of the children. In the past three years, there
have been many physical changes in Collique, and especially
at OSA itself. The third floor, which was still a work in
progress three years ago, is now finished and is the home
of Chris and Jessica Rose, OSA’s full-time missionaries from
Houston. The backyard is far more colorful than last time.
Rocks and railings have been painted in bright colors, a
garden has been planted, and basketball goals have been installed
on the edges of the soccer field. OSA looks wonderful, but
the most exciting change that I have noticed is in the attitudes
of the OSA kids. The first time we were here, the OSA program
had only been up and running for a few years. When the kids
first came to VBS, they were shy, nervous, downcast. As the
week progressed, they opened up a little, but I always felt
that the children of Collique had so much more to them than
they allowed us to see in that short week. The first thing
I noticed about the children this time around was their exuberance,
their excitement, and their joy.  They had no qualms about
grabbing a youth and dragging them over to play volleyball
or soccer, or to chat about their respective families, or
to sing our VBS songs. The joy in their faces this morning
was so much more pure, open, and radiant, and it was clear
how much good OSA has been able to do in their lives. Despite
their impoverished conditions, the OSA children always manage
to have a smile on their face, a smile that is the most genuine
type of smile, a smile that says “Somehow, through all of
the dirt, sorrow, and hunger of my everyday life, I have
hope. I know that my life can be filled with joy if only
I have hope for a brighter future.”
On
a more practical note, I want to thank Ruth and Luis Campos
for hearing God’s call and following their dream to transform
the people of Collique, and Collique itself into a model
for what God’s people can accomplish when we give ourselves
to God’s call.
Considering the time (12:30 in the morning), and my current
energy level (basically 0), I need to get to sleep. I want
to thank you all for keeping us in your prayers. Buenos Noches!
-Jonathan Moore
Day 1
 9....10....11....
Finally Asleep... BEEP BEEEEP BEEEEEEP. Clap.... I slowly
got up out of bed and into the shower to wake myself up
before I left. At the airport, after the long and bleary-eyed
drive to it, both my rentz sent me off with wonderful hugs
and kisses and I got through security, on my way to a new
world. After the first 2 and a half flight to San Salvador,
The Capital of El Salvador, We wait. And we wait...and
wait some more. Our flight is delayed an hour after our
45 min lay over >.< and
our flight in Costa Rica is held up for us... When we finally
got to this point, It was quite a long walk to the back
of the plane with the other annoyed passengers looking
angrily at us after their wait for us... Though all was
finally well when we got into Peru until we got to customs...
Customs is the final step of the trip into Peru and once
you’re through, You are officially within the country.
But getting through is the most nerve-racking experience
on the account of one little light, turning red or green...
This light determines whether your bags will be checked by
the X-ray machines, in which the light will turn red and
you will have the lovely experience of unloading the 3-4
bags you are carrying with you and wait in line for an extra
few minutes, or green and you’re free to go without being
checked. Now these few minutes may not seem like much, but
when you’re so very close to being done with traveling after
a long day, these last few minutes are so very aggravating.
Personally, I feel bad for one David Williams, who was carrying
both his own bags as well as his brother’s bags, when the
light turned red and he had to unload 7 bags into the machine...
But We Were There, Finally. We had made it with no injuries,
sicknesses, losing of passports, or anything worse than an
lengthy lay over, in which most slept, and a few frustrated
passengers. We made it to Peru and we were starting our journey...
John Walther
=========================
 On my second day of being in Peru I have had some definite
likes and dislikes. Two of the things I LOVE about Peru are
the babies and the food. I have a weird obsession with kids,
just in general. I try and be around babies as much as possible
from swim team, to getting to help out at the Elementary
school. However, none of that has prepared me for that. Peru
has so many children, each one more precious than the last.
They walk around just being plain adorable. I just want to
pick up these nuggets and take them with me (Mom, don’t be
suprised if I return with one). On the way to the OSA house
for the first time, they were everywhere. Jonathan Moore
can tell you that I was looking out the window gasping everytime
I saw one. “Look a nugget on a bike, ahhh look theres a nugget
with a beanie cap.” By the time we got to OSA I was suprised
that he was still sitting next to me. When we were waiting
for the bus after our service at OSA there was one specific
nugget that was climbing the stairs. Rachel Wells and I started
gasping and grabbing each others arms. It turned around and
we started trying to get its attention, while we had Suzann
with her camera trying to get a picture. I just can’t help
myself. I LOVE THOSE NUGGGEEETTTSSS!!! Especially the chunky
ones.
 Another thing I love here in Peru is the food. Ask my mom,
I love bread and I could eat it at every meal for my meal,
if I could. Due to the limitations on water, eating vegetables
is limited majorly, so most meals are loaded with breaded
products.Today we ate at this buffet called El Bolivariano.
It was one long square buffet with food all around and a
seared pig in the corner. As I looked at the food it all
looked so foreign and wierd, but with Marco at my side, I
filled my plate with tamales, fried squid, corn and rice.
See my mom would laugh at that because I hate rice, but with
the last two meals the rice has been heavenly and I have
been converted to a rice lover. I even ventured out and tried
both the pig AND cows heart. Each where delicious. After
2 plates and a plate full of cake and ice creams, I was so
full. I when I tried to walk my stomach hurt and I felt like
I would fall over. I even unbuttoned my pants thats how full
I was. I NEVER UNBUTTON MY PANTS. However, I can truely say
I have fallen in love with Peruvian food.
With my loves comes hate. I HATE THE DRIVING IN THIS CITY.
If you ask any of my friends, although I am a terrible driver,
when I get in their car and they swerve or cut someone off
I yell, scream, gasp, make faces and grasp onto whatever
I can grab. I am horrible at reactions. In Peru, they drive
like mad people. The only rule seems to be, assume the person
wont hit you. They cut each other off, get close to one another,
and pay no attention to the lights. We seriously have run
like 10 red lights, well more like 2 but it felt like 10.
I am in the back of the bus freaking out when all this takes
place and to make matters worse I feel like the bus is going
to break in half at any moment. Rides are not enjoyable to
me here.
All and all I’m having a great time and am so glad I came.
More soon,
Lexie
=======================
 Being the youngest of the family has always worked in my
favor! Daddy tells me its because God blessed me with being
“cute and little”. I always charm the waiters to give us
extra of our favorite foods, or politely persuade the store
worker to go check in the back because I KNOW they have the
size I need. But being the baby also has its curse. I am
the biggest Momma’s/Daddy’s girl! I’ve only ever been on
one church trip without a member of my immediate family.
I had a fun time, and got a lot out of it, but called my
Momma every night, in tears, to tell her I loved her and
that I missed her very much.
Tonight before dinner, my Momma-senses started tingling,
I was instantly brought to tears, and melted into Daddy’s
chest. Marco and Tom talked tonight about how the children
we’d met today don’t all have loving families. They said
that most of the kids’ fathers abandoned them and their mothers,
which I can’t even imagine. Being out of my comfort zone
here in Peru has definitely opened my eyes and heart to see
how blessed I am to have a family that loves me unconditionally,
and a church family that will always support me.
I’m still extremely homesick, but maybe this week I can
be a Momma to these kids, and change their lives.
Thanks for all the prayers and blessings!
I love y’all and can’t wait to come back to share what we’ve
been through this week!
Amanda |
Missions
Update - Peru / Youth 2010