Our last day

Today was our last day of camp for each group. I think all of the guys will be limping around for days to come... after playing soccer all day with the kids, they faced each other, and then the locals. Our guys played really well together, but I have to say that they struggled a bit to match the skills of these men. Tomorrow is the big tournement with kids from each of the four areas we´ve visited facing off for the championship. Talk is big all over town, and I think we´ll have quite a turnout. We´re really excited to see what tomorrow brings. After the tournement, we head out to Chiclyo to begin our journey back to Lima, where some of us will fly home and some will continue on to Machu Pichu.

We had a wonderful time of fellowship and prayer last night. This part of Peru is really sunk in witchcraft, and you can tell that there´s warfare going on-- but nothing God doesn´t already have a handle on. It´s so important for us to continue to build relationships with these people so that they can understand that our only motive for being here is to tell them about Jesus and show them His love.

Í had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with four teen-aged girls, who I had been playing volleyball with until they stopped and asked if they could practice their English. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity to practice my Spanish, and Maggie gave us a tract to go over together. I was able to share on a very intimate basis God´s love for them and His perfect plan for them. Surprisingly, I was also able to share with Molly, an American Peace Corp volunteer who is working with us. Each one in our group could share similar stories... I´m learning that missions work is all about making yourself available to the people around you.

I will be sad to leave tomorrow. The time has gone by so quickly, and we´ve made a little home away from home here--with the exception of the toilets and the cold showers! ;) I´m really going to miss the kids and their bright smiles and hugs, and the parents thanking us for being here. Today, as our group left Popan Bajo, a little old lady who knew Mitch and Debbie from their trip in October was there. She had the Bible that they had given her from that trip and asked us to come back again and again. That´s what it´s all about!