Cusco Arrival

When we arrived in Cusco we learned about the town and went to the hotel. There was activity in the plazas with students dancing, vendors peddling their wares, and tourists all over.

Some of use went out for dinner at a local restaurant.  We enjoyed Pisco Sours and a meal with alpaca. A local band even came around to serenade us!

Our group Bible study focused on the story of Saul becoming blind and Ananais reluctantly following Jesus to go and heal Saul's blindness. After discussion we came down to: We are yoked together in service to free us from the need for control.

We are bonding quickly and are ready to continue our adventure toward Machu Picchu!

Domingo= Machu Picchu

This morning we were up with the sun for breakfast and met our guide Leo. A bus took us up the winding narrow path up the mountain to the famed Inca ruins that are visited by over 5000 people a day.
Leo took us on a detailed tour of Machu Picchu (pronounced: peekt-chu). We climed all over the city and saw where the people lived and completed their rituals. The views of the mountains surrounding the city are breathtaking! It is a palpably sacred space.
When we arrived, about half of us thought we would like to take the extra hikes to the Inca Bridge and the Sun Gate, but after our tour only two actually went up further. The rest of us took the bus back to the town for lunch. We ate at a restaurant overlooking the river where we laughed and reflected on our day.
Mid afternoon it was time to board the train back to Cusco. We were served a grand snack and entertained by the staff with a short play and fashion show. Our group had a blast interacting with the actor and clapping for the 'models'.
That night we relaxed and walked around the nearby plazas. Kristen, the pastors Mike and Keen, and I tried the Peru version of Chinese food; it was delightful,  but not knowing the portion, we way over ordered. To give an idea of value, I paid 40 soles for our meal of two soups, two large entrees, and four drinks; which translates to $18. Crazy.

Sabado

Today our guide Ernesto met us at the hotel and we drove by van up the hills surrounding Cusco. We made stops at two Inca ruin sites near the city before stopping for an outstanding buffet lunch.
Later we drove to the oldest functioning Inca city and hiked up some of the ruins. It was a nice warm-up for Macchu Picchu!
We departed from Ernesto to board the train, which took us through the mountains and along the river. That night we stayed at the Hotel Presidente and enjoyed pizza from a nearby restaurant.

We're here!

After a full day of travel, we all made it to Lima safely! We were greeted at the airport by Vonda, her daughter,  and some representatives from local churches. Everyone is extremely kind and helpful! Pastor David of Luz Divina said a prayer of blessing over our group and rode with us to the hotel. Our hotel is traditional Peruvian; it has many of the amenities we are used to (including wi-fi!).
Today we will be able to exchange our money and walk around the neighborhood. Then we leave for Cusco this afternoon! I will post pictures as we go.

Be blessed!

Do Something!

As I got up this morning, the first song on the radio was Matthew West's "Do Something", which I felt was neat since we're leaving on a mission trip today. In the chorus he sings, "If not us then who? If not me and you right now; it's time for us to do something."
You may not be going on a big mission trip any time soon, but that doesn't mean you can't make a difference. There are a plethora of opportunities in our community.  Just yesterday I saw that Lutherhill is looking for towels for thier summer Daily Bread Project. Camp Hope is in full swing at Kinsmen and St. James, and welcomes helping hands. There are plenty of homeless who would be so grateful for a banana, bottled water, and a  smile. I challenge you this next week to find a way to do something to make a difference in our community.
Be blessed!

Stayin' Warm

Did yall know that since Peru is in the Southern Hemisphere it is currently winter? I checked the forecast for Lima and Cusco, and we'll be enjoying comfy highs in the 60s and  chilly lows in the 30s. The only downside? Our hotel does not have heat! Thankfully we know this ahead of time and are able to pack accordingly.
Stay cool Kinsmen fam!

¡Beinvenido!

Greetings Kinsmen family!

Thank you so much for your blessings yesterday; it is always comforting to know people are praying during travel! Kristen, Doris, and I are just about ready to fly to Lima on Thursday and are excited to begin this adventure. 

I will hopefully be able to access the internet daily and post some pictures and blurbs, but will have to assess that situation when we arrive. Until then, click this link to the brochure on the Way to LEAD website, so yall can get an idea of what we will be up to in Peru.

Be blessed,

Stephanie