The More the Merrier!!

I believe this is the Peruvian motto . . . when it comes to people and modes of transportation! Why carry only what the van or car can hold when you can cram so many more?

I was riding in the combi (a van slightly smaller than a 15 passenger) the other day and counted 27 people. Yes, that’s right! 27 PEOPLE! My mom said I should have taken a picture . . . but with that many bodies in one vehicle, movement is pretty limited.

Claudia and I caught a taxi to Colorado, along with 6 other people. She showed great kindness by allowing me to ride shotgun and saving me the enjoyment of being crammed in the middle of the Peruvians. Upon arrival in Santa Rosa, we boarded a peki-peki and crossed the river to Puerto Carlos. We spotted the taxi that would take us to Colorado (only trucks go to CO, we would soon find out why), and asked what time it would be heading out – no time was given. Welcome to the culture where they only view watches as an accessory and not something that binds them to a schedule! After an almost 2 hour wait on the playa (beach), we took off. This taxi was the final one of the day, so I believe there were 11 of us. Claudia and I volunteered to ride in the bed. For 3 hours I was sitting with my knees to my chin, as we rocked and rolled and slid through more mud than you can imagine (knee-deep in several places)! At one point, the road got so bad we had to make a detour . . . THROUGH THE JUNGLE! By the time we arrived in Colorado, all my joints were out of whack and my back was bruised from being thrashed against the side of the truck bed. It was an experience. Together, we found a hostal and finally got to just sit still. I received a lot of stares while in town . . . apparently not many gringos frequent the area. As we were walking to Carmen’s house, this one little girl shouted, “Mira! Mira! Gringa! Gringa!” It was the highlight of her day. Another little group of kids followed me a ways and asked what I was doing. Oh kids. Our trip home was just as rough, but I was able to sit in the cab and talk to this one man seated next to me, it was much more enjoyable.

My conversation skills are increasing!! My conversations with my friends in town are getting longer and longer. I always walk away smiling.

Check out the newest pictures (still not a lot . . . I know, sorry).
Link for pictures: http://uta.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2053671&l=5240d&id=25300658

To those friends who were hoping for an anaconda story . . . maybe next time!!

Rats in My Kitchen

I awoke early yesterday morning, around 2:00 AM, to the sound of rodents in my kitchen. Yes, rats in my kitchen. Luckily, the odd layout of my house did not permit them to wander into my room, but the way the ceiling of the kitchen is built they can come and go as they please. Great. Just what I want to deal with. If they had done their business quietly, I might not have been so peeved. They attacked my bread, so that meant no peanut butter and jelly sandwiches until I can get back to the store. That may have been the cause of the anger! I think there is a whole family living in the ceiling above my room. They scurry around like nobody’s business. Today’s task: find and buy rat poison.

Things have been pretty slow here. I haven’t updated, because there really hasn’t been much to update you on. I have been learning Spanish and knocking around the exciting town of Puerto Maldonado. My understanding of Spanish is getting much better, I am still awfully slow in responding to questions – but it will come.

My partner should be arriving soon, and soon after that we should head out into a community. I am ready to get out and get going! My training starts August 20th and lasts through November 20th. I think it will be hard going through training after already being out in the communities . . . but the Father is good and His grace will abound – as it has since the day I arrived here.

I have been learning patience and how to love, regardless of how a person may treat me or react to me. That is easier said then done. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. It is a learning process. The Father is faithful. Leaning on Him is a daily thing. It is all I know how to do.

I have a new nickname. And no, it isn’t any form of Brock. Teresa is now calling me: Scrub. Why? Because I was the manager for the volleyball team and did laundry and was a mere scrub (so she says!). So, for once in my life, I will be called by something other than: Brocky, Brockly, Brockster, Brock-a-lock, Brocketteer, etc.

Next time I update will most likely be after I return from being in the communities. Thank you for lifting me up and for your support of my ministry here.