Mission Peru

By Sara McKenzie 
Bolton Alliance Church

So far, I’ve had an amazing experience in Peru, whether it is playing with the kids, helping build at the orphanage, worship, or just hanging out with everyone here.

I feel like as the trip goes on, all of the churches are growing closer together, to the point where I can now call people I’ve never met prior to Peru my friends. I love the sense of community not only here on site, but also everywhere we’ve been in Trujillo. Everyone seems to be happy and nice, and welcoming. Although I’ve heard the word “Gringo” used in loads of conversations between Peruvians. Anyway, I found that the people of Peru are generally different in a positive way, compared to Canadians. I think that we should have this attitude back home. I know it sounds cliché, but I’ve found that this is so true: never take what you have for granted. In Canada, we don’t think twice before ordering a pizza on a Friday night, or before glancing down at our smart phones. In Peru, I’ve learned that there is so much more than having the world at our fingertips. I am surprised to say that I don’t miss my phone or computer at all, and it’s been a relief not to check Facebook or Instagram every day. Instead I’ve been focusing on other things, keeping myself busy with more valuable or important things. I think everyone should think twice about technology, too.

Another aspect of Peru that I love is the worship. When we went to church on Sunday, I loved the music. I mean, I didn’t understand a lot of the words, but it had an impact on me nonetheless. I think it has something to do with the fact that now, the words I’ve been singing at home have a story and a meaning that I can say I’ve actually seen. Singing about the power of God in a place that needs Him most is exciting.  Singing about sharing his word and helping his people is becoming a reality for me. I love feeling like I can finally understand the truth in the songs.

So, I think that out of my experience in Peru, those two impacted me most. The way we live, and the way we worship are what I feel I can take back home. My perspective on life in general has been changed, and I am so happy that I decided to go on this journey.