Connecting with the kids

When our team first arrived at New Hope, we were all warmly greeted by the children. The language barrier was immediately evident, but didn't prevent us from connecting with them in other ways - like with smiles and hugs and games and by trying to understand them. In some
ways, the language difference wasn't really a barrier at all. We were still able to begin to know them and love them with care and affection.

On Monday, I had the privilege/challenge of spending time with six of the older boys. After trying to learn their nobres, I got to play guitar with the some of them and we shared what we knew in song form. We also taught each other a few verbs and nouns as we tried to
communicate. Eventually, when attention spans were gone, we went outside with the rest of the kids to hang out and play before the crafts began.

Later in the day, I rested on a bed as the rest of our team played futball in the rain. I've been pretty sick since last Thursday before we left Philadelphia. With the lack of decent sleep while traveling overnight on three flights, the higher altitude at 8,100 ft, and the change in diet and routine, my energy level has been extremely low. Even though it hurts to talk a lot, and it's difficult to hear because my ears are clogged, and I don't have the energy to run around with the kids, I'm having an amazing and blessed time here in Arequipa. I hope I can recover soon and I thank God for all of you who have been praying for me. With a team of 15, I have no shortage of medicine options.

Some of the children are more active than others. So, with my current lack of energy, I've had a special opportunity to connect with the less active kids. Since they outnumber out team by 3 to 1, there is no shortage of opportunity to spend time with them individually.

I'm so glad I'm here. It is such a great blessing. Thanks for checking the blog! Enjoy the pictures.

Jeremy