Hola Iquitos! Campus Livin’

Arrived in Iquitos to warm rain … warm, refreshing rain. As you all know, I’m not a dancing in the rain type of gal. I prefer to be warm and dry … but today … I embraced it. Embraced where I was, content with the unknown of what was to come and faith knowing I was exactly where I needed to be. (Mike’s pep talk sure sunk in and always grateful for his words/support).

The drive to our campus in Nina Rumi (home for the week) wasn’t bad at all! Some paved roads and some dirt… oddly familiar feel as the small shacks lined the roads and people bustled along on tuk tuks. But what was different was the dogs appeared fed! Hallelujah! No dog food stop for us this trip.

Campus is quaint, clean and lush green. Boys cabin and girls cabin … bunk beds in each, along with showers and bathrooms. Running water but no hot water, which is a bit rough given I do appreciate a hot shower. But not complaining!

We had about an 1/2 hour to get settled in and then kids and families arrived. They packed the campus hall with smiles and excitement. Worship happened (Mike’s favorite part 🤪), then Venetia came in to get the kiddos hyped for the activities.

- Water fight
- Corn hole
- Hair accessories
- Bracelets and Necklace making
- Nail polish; apparently Tawnya does pedicures too! She was thrilled! Lol
- Potato sack races

The kids enjoyed the day and even moms and grandmas joined in the fun when the kiddos weren’t. And that’s when I met this beautiful mama… she approached me (as I was taking a moment for myself) and put on a handmade bracelet she made with her own supplies. Her deep dark brown eyes were so kind and warm. Besides my go-to “gracias”, I had no words. So I did what I knew … gave her a hug and repeated “Gracias” muy mucho.

Our paths crossed again at the end of the day when T and I were finishing the nail polish station and even showed off my bracelet to where Josh (fellow team member) bought 5 bracelets from her and I snagged a few too! She was so very grateful and before she left, she gave me a kiss on the cheek and a hug goodbye. Wish I snagged her name…

Dinner was catfish, steamed veggies, potatoes, plantains and a salad mixture. While I don’t eat fish… catfish brought a flood of memories on my Grandpa Ernie and his love of catfish. Many fishing trips on his brown boat in the Sac River catching what he saw as dinner and I saw as a pet. (It’s a story for another day but ol’ Grandpa Ernie… have to 🤍 him and his ways. Mind you he was also the grandpa that made me eat a hot tomato with salt one time in a field 🤢).

Night concluded with journaling and giggles from my lady mates. Tomorrow off to the village Momonicello (village District visited last year) to drop some seeds to plant food but seeds of hope and love.

✌🏼🤍🙏🏼もっと詳しく