Mission Peru

By Daniel Bayley 
Bolton Alliance Church

Yesterday we went to the market at Huanchaco beach. The streets were full of vendors selling various souvenirs. It was the first time I saw other gringos. The streets were full of people because it was “El dia de San Pedro”.  Everything is much cheaper here than in Canada, as one American dollar is equivalent to about 3 soles. A lot of the vendors there seemed very desperate to get you to buy something, which kind of showed you how much they need the money. I felt much better buying from them then a big company back home, as in this case I know the money is going to someone who is trying to feed their family. Today we went to Mana (pronounced mah-naw), which is the daycare. Some of the team put on a skit for the kids and taught them a bible verse (1 John 1: 9). We also sang songs and afterwards went outside to play soccer with them. It was crazy how excited they got when they heard that they were going to be playing soccer with us. The language barrier is a bit of a challenge but we can communicate ok through actions and the few basic Spanish words that I know. When we were leaving in our bus the kids wouldn’t stop waving to us from around the bus. I wish we could have stayed longer but it was cool to see what a great and special place Mana is too all the kids. It seems like it is a blessing to all the kids there and a great way to reach needs in their community.