Twenty-two missionaries from Drayton United Church (DUC) loaded luggage onto a bus at 4am on March 7.
Waving goodbye to those who braved the early hours, the group headed to the airport for the first leg of their trip to Pacasmayo, Peru.
Over 30 hours later the team trickled off the bus and soaked up the greeting of hugs and tears from friends at Casa de Paz Orphanage.
Nine of the 22 individuals from Mapleton were visiting Peru for the first time and quickly realized how easy it is to fit right in at home at the orphanage.
The team’s sole purpose is to build relationships, and trip officials say this year’s Vacation Bible School with the orphans proved just how special the relationships are between the Drayton United Church and the children at Casa de Paz orphanage.
Each afternoon the children had a chance to make their very own scrapbook, including photos of the kids from the last seven years the DUC has travelled to the orphanage.
A couple team members were not to sure how the boys would respond to scrapbooking, but they say the boys’ enthusiasm could be felt each day.
“The kids were so excited to see themselves from seven years ago. They didn’t want to let go of their scrapbooks each day,” said Dean Clemmer, one of the members of the DUC group.
For over a year some of the team members have been writing to a ladies prison in Lima, Peru. The team visited the prison 2009 and 2010, but last year the timing did not work.
This year however, the team entered the prison and the ladies were asking for those they had been writing to for over a year. The team worshipped over the inmates and the inmates sang with peace over the Canadians.
Many prisoners were quick to give their names to the Canadian team and new relationships are beginning, just as old friendships blossomed and were refreshed with an in-person hug, tears and thank-yous for taking the time to write letters.
During a Sunday morning church service the team again experienced how important the relationships are between the Canadians and Peruvians.
As Pastor Jeff finished sharing his message and had it translated into Spanish, Alex and his wife (a Peruvian couple) joined Jeff on the platform with their baby boy, Jefferson. The team watched as Pastor Jeff and Pastor Willie (Peruvian Pastor) dedicated baby Jefferson. Alex and his wife could not wait for the Canadian team to come down to be a part of the dedication.
In 2011 the 22 members of the DUC team were invited to Alex’s wedding and the feeling of family continues.
These relationships also allow missionaries to open up and share how important they feel it is to have a relationship with Jesus. As they left their prayers and joy behind, the Canadians say they know their friends in Peru are never alone, and always loved.
