Mission Peru

written by Claudia Ferragina 

I found out in the morning, at breakfast that I would be going to Mana to bake with the women's ministry. Knowing very little about what I was going to be doing was unsettling because I have always preferred to know exactly what I'm doing before I'm doing it so I could prepare as much as I can. As we were walking to the building, I learned more about how I am supposed to act to be respectful to the Peruvian culture. I was surprised by how welcoming people are because when I meet new people, I'm not the most outgoing person. Once I got to know the children’s names and ages, we began to play with a ball.  Seeing joy come from something as simple as a soccer ball was inspiring.  After that we sang songs and danced around.  I am so thankful for these people and how their joy spreads to everyone they meet. So far, I think that God has taught me to step farther out of my comfort zone, and I’m excited to see what is in store for the next week.

Back at the compound I had lunch and then was told that I would be doing construction. I personally have never done any sort of construction and was a little nervous that wouldn't be good at it. A group of about 7 people, myself included, all worked together to level the crops in order to put new dirt and grass down to make a field for the kids to play on.  All of the construction was very new to me.  I met more new people and talked with them about God, my  home life, and what we were most exited for in Peru.  I really enjoyed working alongside others because I would never have met any of these people if I wasn’t blessed with this amazing opportunity to be God’s hands and feet.  This day has been full of new experiences with new people.  I held a kitten, pet dogs, and shared my love for Jesus like I never have before.  

Throughout this week I want to be pushed into situations that I wouldn’t be in on a regular basis. Also I want to not let the language barrier stop me from forming relationships with people.