San Lorenzo

September 15, 2011

Sorry Looks like my computer messed up and only sent part of the message

Hi All,

I just got back from San Lorenzo last night (this morning) and wanted to send you an update of the past ten days. The engine broke down on the boat that usually goes directly to San Lorenzo so we had to get on a boat that was headed for Yurimaguas and try to find a boat from there. We were in luck. On the 3^rd day on the boat we encountered a boat headed to San Lorenzo. This time I felt even more like James Bond as we had to jump about 7 feet down into a little fishing boat which took us to the other boat. Those of you who know my extreme fear of heights will recognize what a challenge this was for me to do this at night with a huge river to fall into. I was very relieved when my feet hit the boat. We climbed up into the other boat and on the 4^th day of travel, we arrived in San Lorenzo.

(Photo-Flower Girl)

We arrived on Thursday and needed to prepare for the quinceñera which was Friday evening. I did not realize what a big deal it was. We had to practice Thursday night after church. It was quite an affair and I think that Maria had a good time although I know it was difficult for her since her biological mother and father did not show up. She has been raised by Lucy’s mother since she was 6 months old but she said it still hurt somewhat that her natural parents did not come.

(Photo-Maria's entrance)

Saturday we ate the turtle that we had brought for Maria’s birthday. It was my first time eating turtle and I really did not want to but I have to admit it was quite tasty. Many times I have to disassociate when I am eating so I don’t cause hard feelings. I just eat what is set before me. Sunday they killed a duck for us so we did eat well even though most of the time it was fish and bananas. I do like fish and bananas though.

We went to the cemetery to see Lucy’s father. That was a difficult time for me as well as Lucy. I had known her father for 3 years and loved him. His passing has left a huge hole in the house there.

Tuesday we caught a boat heading back toward Yurimaguas with hopes once again to find a boat and once again we were blessed. We arrived in Nauta last night at 11p.m. then took a taxi to Iquitos where we arrived at 1 a.m. It was a long quick trip in that the travel was long for a few days but it was well worth it to let Maria know she is important and worthwhile.

(Photo-Carlitos enjoying the turtle--guess that's slow food instead of fast food)

I got back to Iquitos and got all my clothes washed and mended. We are going to rest today and tomorrow then Saturday we are headed to Tamshiyacu for 2 days and then on to Santa Ana for 4 days where we are going to do some discipleship training with the churches. We will come back to Iquitos for a few days then head to Yanashi. With all of the teams this year, it has felt a bit like we have not gotten to all the needs of the church so hopefully we can get in some good quality time before the Confraternidad in October.

Well, I sure do miss y’all. Please drop me a line. I love hearing news from home. Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers.

In Christ,

Kayleen