Friday morning

From Jennifer--
Our last morning in Peru. Everyone is looking forward to our return to the US but are leaving behind new friends, rich experiences and the miracle which is "Villa
Milagro". All have enjoyed meeting Larry and his wife Joy and all of the Peruvian team.

Yesterday was packed with many patients in the town of Jesus. We walked through their market at lunchtime but no one wanted to take home any chickens, tire sandals or straw hats. We came home tired but all of the young folks still had enough energy to have a face-drawing art lesson from one of our artists, Sue Coon. After lots of harassment of the teacher, a few "students" had produced a portrait.

Thanks to everyone for praying for us while we have been gone and we will arrive back in LR on Continental flight 2996 at 11:52 AM, Saturday morning.

Dios le bendiga, God bless you.
Jennifer Blankenship

Thursday morning

We have a very special prayer request this morning. One of the employees at Villa Milagro, Jaime Rivera, found out this week he has a tumor. He is going to the doctor today to get a biopsy to find out if it is malignant. Jaime (pronounced Hi-me) is a very important part of VM. He and his brother Orlondo have been drilling the water wells all the years since Larry started the water well drilling ministry. His brother Orlondo passed away one month ago and now, if Jaime is sick, the water well ministry is in jeorpardy. Over 300 wells have been drilled in the region because of this ministry and countless lives have been saved in many communities because of clean water being available. Please keep Jaime in your prayers.
Yesterday, we worked at a community about an hour away called Matara. We had a record setting day...540 patients! In all the years I've been coming to Peru, we've never seen that many people. We were so busy, but yet at the end of the day, everyone said they enjoyed the day. Our artists ran out of supplies and we ran out of some medicine in the pharmacy and gave out all the Bibles and toys, but we scrambled around and managed to provide what was necessary and we promised to send back Bibles for those who didn't get them. Janice has fell ill with an upset tummy, so we are going to let her rest today. We will be going up the road about 30 minutes to a place called Jesus. We haven't had a clinic there before and not sure what to expect, but we are repacking our supplies and going to throw in everything but the kitchen sink.
Again, we ask for your prayers for the Rivera family as they mourn for Orlondo and now are faced with Jaime's health problems and also for all the ministries associated with Villa Milagro.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

From Sue:
Hi Daughter and friends,
Another workout today! Went to a women's shelter (att one time the home of a wealthy owner). We didn't have much room...a little porch about 10 ft. long and 6 ft. wide, two rickety tables eons old. Little old chairs and a bench that lost it's side before we left. We could only seat 10 children at a time, but we had shifts of them all day (from 8 till 6 pm). We took pictures of thte babies (so cute) and, in general, had another busy day ministering to these very poor people. They always have to close the gate for the line never ends.
Tomorrow--we get up early--leave at 7 am and are going up in the mountains! Wish you were here! Love, Mom/Sue

Tuesday morning

We had a very busy, but rewarding day at clinic yesterday. We saw 340 patients, some with serious problems, most with common ailments such as headache, backache, and stomachache. Janett and Faye had the best job...giving out toys and goodies to every patient. They wanted to be able to say something in Spanish as they handed out their gifts, so they asked Faye's grandson Levi how to say Jesus loves you. He told them what to say and they practiced and practiced before clinic started. They were quite proud of themselves as they said "Christo te lame" to each person until Levi informed them they were saying 'Jesus licks you'--it should have been "Christo te ama" --I think they gave up and just filled a bag and handed it out without saying anything. I think the people got the message anyway. About to head to another placed here in town for another full day.
Naomi

Monday night from Rachel Lee

Wonderful day today. I shadowed the Doctor all day and got a first-hand look at how a medical missions team works. Many of the people needed help, and they were very appreciative of the work that the medical team did for them. Lots of children to see and patients to treat, and though by the end of the day we were tired, it was a rewarding experience. 100% certain that I want to be a Pediatrican. LOVED all that we did today and I learned a lot, for example, how to do blood pressure. The team worked well together, sending LOTS of people from the waiting lines to the doctors to the lenses distribution and then down to the pharmacy. The children come to play by the 100s so Clayton and the other activities/children's corner people did a wonderful job keeping them busy and showing them Gods love through attention and care.
Excited about visiting the Women's Clinic/Shelter tomorrow. There are so many needs here, and you feel so good at night falling asleep and knowing that what you did that day helped someone, even if it was only one person.
This group has taken me under its wing and treated me like another member of the team. Glad to be here and priveleged to work with this wonderful group of people.
Rachel

Monday

from Sue Coon--written on Sunday:
Dear Catherine and friends, Thanks for thinking of me. You must consider coming next time. You would be very good working with this crew.
It has been a "life changing" experience each day since I arrived...2 days. From buying food for 10 families in 3 hours --the market is another story....
Delivering them to the homes, after assorting the food for an hour...4 out of five homes our team delivered to were lacking of husbands.
Today (Sunday) we went to church (2 hours) and observed seven baptisms.
Then lunch (ample--three times a day), rest for a bit (30 min).
Ann Snyder and I packed up our art supplies and the whole group (22) went to the orphanage and was shown to a room with tables and chairs. When it was announced that drawing and painting would be conducted in that room, immediately a little girl grabbed my hand and the room was full of children (20) in a few minutes. For nearly and hour, they drew, colored, painted to their hearts content. Luckily, Martha interpreted, came in and saved us. They were all jabbering in Spanish! Fun was had by all--and in the universal language (with a little help). Then after 30 paintings were placed on the benches, they all ran out for hotdogs and marshmellows over an open fire, they had ice cream, soccer and lots of hugs.
This place is so needy and yet, the people seem to be happy with what ever little they possess! Love, Mom (Sue)

Monday morning June7th (I think)

from Naomi:
I put in the title I think it's June 7th because when you are down here and out of routine, it's really hard to keep track of what day it is. I'm sorry we haven't been posting as much and I haven't been able to post any pictures, but the internet service here is very sporatic. Everyone is well. Yesterday we went to church at Monte Sion Baptist Church and experienced a great service...a little long...but great none the less. It was the church's 18th anniversary and they had visitors from several other churches. The church was packed. The regular church service was over at noon, but then they had a baptismal service baptising 7 people, including an 84 year old woman and her husband. After the baptism, we sang another song while waiting for the pastor to dry off and get dressed so he could come back and offer the Lord's supper. That consited of homemade unleaven bread and homemade grape juice (you can't buy grape juice here). So the service wasn't over until 1 o'clock which seemed even longer sitting on the wooden benches with a very straight backs. After lunch, we went to the orphanage and played with the kids until late afternoon and the weinie roast started. They got to roast marshmellows (I should say burned because they all liked to stick them right in the flame or directly on the coals) then it was all topped off with ice cream cones. They had a great time. We found 2 or 3 kids we are thinking about sticking in our bags and bringing home with us. On the way home, Celso (works here at Villa Milagro) saw a woman on the road who we had tried to deliver food to on Saturday, but she wasn't home. He stopped and told her if she would go home, we would bring the food over to where she lived, which was within walking distance of VM. We gathered the food and went across the field to her "home" which consisted of an area of about 9X9 foot, poles stuck in the ground and 2 or 3 pieces of plastic wrapped around the poles to make the walls, nothing over the top, but she did have an umbrella to cover herself and her little girl when it rains. She goes out and collects plastic bottles on the street during the day and brings them home to wash them and try to resell them for her living. As it turned out, the little girl was sick, so we got to do a little doctoring as well. Today we will be going to a school here in town called Mantoch. We'll be seeing people who will be coming from all over...I'm not sure how they get the word out, but we are ready to get to work.
Thanks for all your posts and prayers!
Les--will pass along your thanks to Aunt Martha, she said she had to 2 best escorts a woman could ask for Friday evening and Saturday!

Sat June 5, 2010

Started out at 8:00 this a.m. Went to the market and bought food to distribute to needy families. We learned that God has truly blessed us in the US and that there are many needs around our world. Buying and negotiating the price of food in the market was really eye-opening - especially the meat market (many cow heads staring at us as well as pig snouts) Home-Town Market & Miller's seem real upscale now!!!
Our "left-behinders" just arrived, safe and sound. They seemed none the worse for wear - Martha was glad to arrive safely too.

Looking forward to anniversary celebration at church tomorrow. Three are being baptized. Everything is going well and the weather remains beautiful.

Keep us in your prayers - we miss you!

Stephanie, Kim & Melissa

Friday night June 4

Everybody is here minus 3. We pray they get here as quick as possible! Other than that, everything has went pretty smooth. We touched down on the plane at our destination in cajamarca and the scenery as soon as you step off the plane is amazing! There are mountains all around. You really can not get the full effect until you see it for yourself! I was also worried about the food, and tonight we ate chicken and rice with ice cream for desert!! In the morning we get to eat some biscuits and gravy! So maybe it will not be too bad :) Everybody is worn out from the trip up here. We leave in the morning to buy food to distribute to some families in need. I know today was a hot one back in Arkansas, just know we are burning up down here in this 65 degree weather. I hope all is well! Keep us in your prayers!
From Clayton

Friday night June 4

We made it to Cajamarca...well, most of us did. We were boarding the plane in Lima to fly to Cajamarca and they stopped on of the boys that was with us and told him they saw a soccer ball (with air in it) in his checked bag and they considered that pressured air and would not allow it to be loaded on the plane and they could not remove the ball, but he would have to go take the ball out himself and he would only have 15 minutes to do that before the plane was leaving. Of course, there was no way for him to get to where he needed to go and back in that 15 minutes...we left Martha Robertson with him to translate and his brother with some money so they could get a hotel room at the airport. We were hoping they would get the early morning flight and be here by 9 am, but right now they are saying it will be tomorrow afternoon before they get here. We feel really bad that we are not all here together! Please say a prayer tonight and early in the morning that they are able to get on the morning flight!

Friday morning-June 4, 2010

We made it to Lima all safe and sound with all our luggage and supplies. This was the easiest trip through customs we have ever had. All the fraidy cats (Janett, Janice, Stephanie, Chasity) made the flight fine and now we can all believe it that Janett Miller has finally come to Peru! We are having breakfast at a hotel near the Indian Market in Lima and after a short shopping excursion to the market, we are headed back to the airport at noon for a 3pm flight to Cajamarca. Thanks for all the prayers!!

Sunday

Went to church this morning and have had another delicious meal at Villa Milagro. Have said goodbyes and waiting to load the bus to go to the airport. Flights from Lima are scheduled to leave after midnight. Please keep us in your prayers that we all have safe flights this afternoon, tonight and in the morning. We've had a wonderful trip, but all looking forward to seeing our families tomorrow!

Aulanda McFarland (Melbourne Arkansas)

Seven days, over 1600 patients and yet still lots of people who need our help, but yet with God's guidance we have been able to help so many through healing ,smiles, hugs and most of all sharing with them the love and the word of God.

No words can describe the awesome beauty of the country and the people who live here.
As always on each mission trip I have had the privilege to be able to go on....prayers have been answered.

Please continue to remember the people of Cajamarca and Villa Milagro in your prayers.

Aulanda

Pam Willett-- Sturkie Arkansas

Another beautiful day. Today we saw the workers at Villa Milagro. They are such sweet, kind people with beautiful familes. It's bittersweet having to leave tomorrow.....I'm ready see my family, but the people hear need so much. They are all so grateful for everything you do for them, but no more grateful than I am for been given the opportunity to come here. I have truly been blessed. This was my first mission trip, but will not be the last! Pray for our safe return.

Love to all my family & friends. See you soon!

Pam

Saturday from Jan Louck (Arlington Texas)

What a wonderful day! This team was truly arranged by God. I have had a wonderful young man--Julio--who has translated for me all week. He is a youth pastor and definitely fits the profile. He has taught me a lot about Peru and it's customs. I've had the privilege of teaching him about the human body and medicines. He has translated very faithfully, even when questions I asked were probably uncomfortable to him. During this week, Julio has led 6 people to Christ and has witnessed to many more. To date, the team has seen 1,207 people and provided 1,580 services. Many seeds have been planted and God will reap the harvest. We have laughed, cried, sung songs, and had wonderful fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ that God brought together from 4 different states. I thank God for the opportunity to serve Him in Peru with such wonderful, sweet, crazy Christians. Our life is anything but boring! Praise and honor to our Heavenly Father.

sick people update

Dr. Upchurch is back and among the living...we called him Dr. Upchuck, but apparently it's not original as he says he's been teased and called that since he was little, but we thought it was totally appropriate in this instance. He's feeling much better and will be able to see patients in the morning. Thanks for the prayers. Doyne and Martha have left for home...flying out of Lima tonight and expect to land in Little Rock around noon tomorrow...do you suppose they will be able to land? Keep them in your prayers to have safe travel.

from Linda McIntosh (Arkansas)

Today was an absolutely amazing day at a little church in the mountains. On the ride there we saw farmers plowing the fields with oxen and a wooden plow. It is a alfalfa harvest and everywhere we went we saw the donkeys loaded with the fresh cut alfalfa. When we arrived at the church we were lulled into a false sense of an expectation that we may not have very many patients. There were no patients lined up outside. Within an hour we had so many patients that 20 people had to wait till after lunch to be seen. By the return trip back from lunch, the people were lined up in both directions. We finished by seeing 424 patient contacts. Exhausted but blessed by the end of the day, we have provided approximately 1580 services to 1207 patients in 5 days. The hugs, kisses and appreciative smiles are worth it all. God has blessed us as much as the people we have treated. May God be Glorified in all that we do.

from Jennifer Blankenship (Mt. Olive Arkansas)

The view from Cajamarca: tight waistbands and tall straw hats, busy fingers spinning wool on a string, tiny donkeys carrying burdensome loads of cut alfalfa, wash water running down dirt drains by the road, smelly livestock market all day Monday, tiny Peruvian infants wrapped over colorful shoulders, dusty plastic shoes made from old tires, tall mountain peeks dotted with terraced fields, and bumpy vans crammed with gringos. Tired gringos.

Jennifer

from Naomi

We had a really good day except for our eye doctor, Dr. Upchurch. Please keep him in your prayers...he's had the stomach bug all day. We're hoping he's able to go back to clinic tomorrow.

from Casey and Charles (Arkansas)

Hello everyone. I just want you to know we are all doing well. This has been an eye opening experience to me and I am thankful that the Lord has blessed us with all He has. Casey is missing Leah and Josiah and can't wait to see them. Casey and I have seen and learned a lot. The people are really nice and very thankful for all that you do. The food has been wonderful along with the friends that we have made. It is amazing how so many people can come together as a team that had never met before and serve the Lord. Hope all is well at home.

from Linda McIntosh (Des Arc Arkansas)

What a blessed day! We went to a home for single mothers and children and saw approx. 300 people. The children are absolutely beautiful! Their dark eyes and sweet appreciative smiles are worth all the hard work. It is heart breaking to see the poverty and know that the majority of their illnesses are due to parasites and that if they only had clean water this might be alleviated. A woman today told me that she needed to see the eye doctor because she couldn't see to read her Bible. It was such a blessing to see her smile wshen she received the glasses that allowed her to read again. As I prayed for each patient today, a woman prayed with me in Spanish and she continued to pray after I said Amen and I understood, even though I don't speak Spanish, that she was thanking God for the doctors and the workers who came to take care of them. It brought tears to my eyes to hear her prayer. It has truly been a blessing for me to watch what God is doing here.

Thursday--from Pat Jackson (Texas)

Having a wonderful time here at Villa Milagro in Cajamarca Peru. We have seen a lot of Peruvian people with various needs. Our team of doctors, dentist, and optometrist, as well as other professionals in the medical field have been busily accommodating the needs of many men, women, and children here in Peru. It has been a blessing to see God work through this mission team. God is an awesome God!

Wednesday--Dr. Alan Upchurch (Texas)

The natural beauty of God's creation in this place is astounding...exquisite flowers, lush greenery, and majestic mountains. The Peruvian people are simple, genteel, and loving. They are truly thankful for the things that really matter: our loving God, family, food, shelter, and health.

It has been a joy to watch God begin to reveal his purpose for sending each member of this team. I am certain that this mission will alter the course of life for some of out team members.

I can't thank you enough for your prayers for us...this ministry is a wonderful avenue to share Christ's love with the Peruvians and allow us the privilege of observing the the Holy Spirit in His work here.

God bless you and we will see you soon. Alan

last one

Seven new posts (including this one) for today...may need to go to older posts to read all of them. Also, still working on putting on new pictures.

from Linda McIntosh (Des Arc Arkansas)

What a blessing to be here! Lot's of hard work, but so rewarding. We have seen mostly children, but a lot of adults that look so much older than they really are. The children are malnourished, with parasites, stomachaches, headaches to the point of losing their hair. We have found a woman with a grapefruit sized tumor in her abdomen, a person with abdominal pain with melena that needs a colonoscopy, a child with a horrible heart murmur that cannot run and play with other children due to shortness of breath with clubbing fingers. I realize we are here putting bandaids on things that need surgery to repair, but I feel hopeful yet. I hope that we are bringing the hope of Christ to a suffering nation. I was praying for a mother and her older child with a 3 y/o in between; I was holding on to the mother's hand and the oldest daughter's when I felt the baby reach and grasp my hand to hold on too. It melted my heart. As the babies were crying today, I would begin to sing and they immediately calmed to the words of "Jesus Loves the Little Children." God has a language we all understand and it is LOVE. We share it with smiles, hugs, songs, and prayer. To God Be the Glory for all He is doing Here!

Sue Dowdy (Texas)

Being a "1st timer" to Villa Milagro has been a true blessing. Our Lord brought together a wonderful group of servants that truly want to make a difference in the Peruvians lives--physically but more importantly, spiritually. I've never seen a group work so hard and "mix" so well to accomplish His purpose. I just want to thank all the faithful prayer warriors that daily lift us up...it is a true honor to serve Him in Peru with this wonderful group of believers.

from Duane Metcalf (Texas)

What an awesome experience to be able to touch the lives of these people here in Cajamarca. I met some great people than care enough to join us in this very needed mission. Elbert and I have received so many blessings from so many children and adults. The children will melt your hearts and I can tell you they left an impression in my heart. We have been very busy every day and when we get back and have a time of fellowship, it is nice to hear so many stories from everybody. And, I'll also say I have never slept so well, too. I thank God for guiding me to come to this place.

from Murf (Texas)

What a beautiful place...Villa Milagro...God has blessed me with opportunities to serve Him by giving Bibles, toys, love, and encouragement to the precious Peruvian people. Thank you for your prayers. I look forward to sharing with you soon, in person, the many wonders of God's work.

Tuesday night from dentist, T.J. Randers (Texas)

God blessed us with another beautiful day today and another opportunity to serve the people here. Just as the day before, I was again impressed by the patience and appreciation expressed by those we have seen and cared for. I really hope the care I am providing is helpful and always pray for God to guide my hands. The children are so beautiful and innocent and pure and it is truly a privilege to have the opportunity to help those that might not otherwise have access to care. Unfortunately, I am living up to my Spanish name "El Dolor" (the pain)--but it is always wonderful after treatment when the children give me a big hug and it almost seems like they have forgiven me for what I have put them through. The team here is awesome and what a great thing for the people in this area to have access to top quality health care opportunities. Of course, we all feel like we are getting more out of this experience than the good we are doing, but I guess blessings can go both ways. My prayer for tomorrow is that I can provide the best care possible dental-wise, and that through this the people can also find a source of comfort through the gospel they arer being exposed to. I am thankful to be here, although I miss my family more than words can express and look forward to sharing love to my neighbor--my Peruvian neighbor--as the Bible tells me to do.

Tuesday night

Sorry about not writing sooner, but now also having problems with internet connection. Have finally found a computer that works...maybe I won't jinx this one...and yes, new computers would definitely be nice! I'll start with report from Monday. Monday started a little precarious when on the way to Monte Sion Baptist Church (where we were holding the clinic for the day) David was stopped at a road block about 3 blocks from the church. He didn't have his wallet, but he and Celso, the Peruvian who was driving the vehicle behind us, explained to the young police woman that David would go back and get his driver's license later, they let us on through. David later returned to Villa Milagro (where we stay) and retreived his wallet, but the road block was no longer in process when he came back through. Later in the middle of clinic, 4 young police women came looking for the runaway bandit. David showed them his Arkansas fishing license as Uncle Doyne had taught him to do, and they were pleased. We ended up treating the officers to some dental services, Susan even brushed their teeth. (hope to post photos.) Now we have new friends who may come in handy to know at the next road block.

On a more serious note, we saw lots of patients and everyone was busy. I would like to say a special thanks to Dr. Allen Upchurch, an eye doctor from Texas. I've never had an eye doctor with us on a mission trip, but he was truly sent by God for this trip. He's been on several mission trips and says he usually will see about 5 patients in a whole trip with glaucoma, but he saw 5 just in the morning yesterday. One was a 30 year old nurse who rode the bus for 4 hours to see us after she heard we were going to be in town. She was having problems with her eyes being blurry. Dr. Upchurch diagnosed her with a rapidly progressive type of glaucoma and she will be blind soon if she doesn't receive laser surgery. She has eye drops to control the problem for now, but keep her in your prayers that she will be able to get the surgery she needs. We have seen many other interesting and sad things, but have messages from others for now.

one more thing

Also, I need technical help...OK, I need other help too, but right now I need computer help. We have an older laptop here that I'm writing on now, but it does not have an sd card slot that I can download my pictures from. I have a laptop that I brought with me that does and I wanted to post some pictures on the blog site. We have wireless access here and my laptop says it is connected to the wireless network, but when I try to bring up a web page, it will not go to the page. Can anyone help me, please!

Monday morning

Oops, I was so tired last night I didn't realize I had commented on my own post instead of creating a new post. Have had a good night's sleep and one cup of coffee, so will try to do better today...although there's not enough time to write now...the breakfast bell is ringing. We are going to Monte Sion Baptist Church to work today, which is about a mile or two down the road, so no long drive this morning. Everyone is anxious and ready to get to work and we have plenty of supplies to do the job...I think. Will catch up later. Naomi

We made it to Lima safe and sound with all our luggage and so far, all our team...have got one wonderer so we~re threatening to tie a lease on already. All our flights made it one time...small miracle with people coming from North Carolina, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas...Dallas and Houston, and we all made it within about an hour of each other. Will be going back to the airport about 11 to flight to Cajamarca around 3.