A Trip to Chiclayo

Last week we went to Chiclayo, a town in northern Peru.  We wanted to see what the town was like, meet with the family that is setting up the YWAM base, and see about the opportunity to do our DTS there.  We rode the night bus up there on Tuesday night.  It was a 13 hour trip, but the bus was very comfortable.  As you can see, the seats reclined about 180 degrees and are extra wide.  On the trip they serve you dinner when you get on, and  breakfast right before you arrive in the morning.  So I suppose the trip was a pleasant one, except for a tiny bit of motion sickness.  

Diego enjoying the comfort of the bus





Lucas on the bus




The kids on the bus



When we got there we found a hotel, took showers and went to meet the family.  They were very nice and helpful.  We enjoyed visiting with them and learning a bit more about YWAM.  Since this base is just beginning, they only have a few rooms for students.  So unfortunately, they don't have room for us to do the DTS there at this time.  But we had a nice time of prayer with them and we thank God for his guidance in our lives.  He knows better than us what will help us to grow, so we can trust that this closed door is for our good. 



building a pool for Joshua



The next day we took the chance to go to the beach.  There is a beach called Pimentel about 15 minutes from Chiclayo.  The kids were excited to finally make it to the beach, and they really enjoyed running around, digging in the sand and splashing in the water.  Their cousin, Daniela, and Junior's dad also joined us on the trip.  We all had a good time at the beach. 



One handy thing about the beach in Peru is the fact that you can buy just about anything you could need without even having to get up.  We were able to rent a handy umbrella and four chairs.  The sun is really strong here since we are so close to the equator, so it was nice to be protected from the sun. 



Our colorful umbrella




Buying buckets to build a sand castle



Ice cream hits the spot at the beach



We even met a man dressed up as a clown selling packets of gum to support his family.  We had a good talk with him and ended up praying for him and his son Mateo, who is sick.  We all had an enjoyable and relaxing day at the beach.  Before we left we stopped at a small beach side restaurant so I could have one of my favorite Peruvian dishes, cebiche.  It is fish marinated in lemon juice and hot peppers.  It is so good.  Alexis was brave enough to try a bite, but mostly the kids just enjoyed the Inca Kola and the cancha (Andean popcorn). 



Yummy cebiche



Classic peruvian flavors



The rest of the time in Chiclayo was spent swimming at the swimming pool, getting to know the town, and enjoying some yummy food.  I was surprised to find a Pizza Hut, KFC, and even a Starbucks!  I guess I could live in this town.  There was also a Pardos Chicken which is a yummy restaurant that serves rotisserie chicken.  So we had an enjoyable 3 day visit to Chiclayo, and headed back to Lima on Friday night. 




the kids at Pardos



Thanks for your continued prayers for us.  We are still trying to decide where to do our DTS, and we are also still adjusting to life in Peru.  It is a change for everyone, with new food, new routines, new living situations, etc.  But we are trusting God because he has eveything under control.  Although we would like to have our future all mapped out, we are just taking each day as a new adventure from him.  As I was reminded in my devotional (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young) a few days ago, the best way to be prepared for whatever we will encounter is not to have all the answers, but to spend quality time with Jesus.  Exodus 33:14 says, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."  So we are trusting in his word and resting in him.