Trip to San Antonio

Boat to San Antonio

Praise the Lord! We did finally get to go upriver to San Antonio with Key Zu and Carly. Carly had been there 5 years ago and wanted to reconnect with the people and introduce them to Key Zu. The river ride was not overly easy, there were times the boat had to be pushed over sand or rocks, but we made it without too many problems. The first night we stopped at Maranatha and slept. On day 2 we headed up the Yanayacu River. Once we reached the rapids on the approach to San Antonio we had to get out and walk. It was just too dangerous for us to be in the boat over the rocks.

During these days, Ken and I were invited to go meet the authorities of a nearby village, San Lorenzo. It is only about a 20 minute walk from San Antonio (if it's not muddy). We were able to spend time with them and then we were taken to a cascading waterfall nearby by dugout canoe and walking. It was really beautiful. They are interested in taking tourists there. Well worth the trip.

People from San Lorenzo (above) Waterfall (below)

We got back to Yurimaguas tired, but happy to have been in the jungle as always.

Strike is Over

Sandra, Bastiluz, Tarsila, and Dorcas (bottom) (top) Key Zu and Carly in Tarapoto

It has been an interesting week. After seeing the Grace team off, we returned to Yurimaguas with the 2 women from New Tribes and started working on getting on the river to one of the Chayahuita villages. We then found out that Pancho (our boat pilot) had to help drill a well in a nearby community and that Yurimaguas would have a 3 day strike. Not a whole lot we could do until both of those were resolved. We have had a good time getting to know Carly and her friend Key Zu. Even though the plan was to be in a village longer the interlude has given them time to get to know and play with Pancho’s kids and others that are in town. They wouldn’t have had this time otherwise. God has His plans and of course always has a way a reminding us to be FLEXIBLE and that He is in control.

The strike is over and Pancho should be on his way back. We hope to be able to leave on Monday, Lord willing. Pray that the river will have enough water so we won’t have issues on our way. Pray for safety on the river and in San Antonio. We hope to be in Maranatha on Monday night and San Antonio on Tuesday. We plan on staying gone a week and then we return to get packed to return to the US.

Balsapuerto Continued

Playing "Ni'ni ni'ni mayo" (Duck, Duck, Goose)

This team was an amazing one. Even with the language barrier they made themselves understood. Everyone understands the language of love. Not only was there love shown to the many Chayahuita all around, but also to each other. I'd like to share some of the many experiences of the week with you.

See how the Chayahuita live to know better how to minister to them and experience the everyday obstacles (boat travel, hiking in mud) etc. to know how to pray for them.

The team saw first hand how the people in the village lived. Even though Balsapuerto is different than most villages, they saw their reality. One of the coolest things we got to do was go house to house to visit and see the different crafts the women make step by step. This had been prepared ahead of time to have, for example, the pottery in various stages of completion so we could see the whole process without waiting for 4 days. It gave opportunity to see what they make, visit many people in a short time and it let them see the value of their crafts.

Weaving a skirt

There were many things that we got to experience apart from everyday life. The boat ride was an eye opener, even though it was a big boat, it was comfortable to sit for hours on end. They also so the concern they men have for the level of the river, the dangers of rocks and fallen trees.

We all went on a hike together with the intention of reaching archeological find. We were told it would take 3 hours to get there. Ken and I knew that they had told us what it takes them to arrive so we figured 4 hours or so. We had walked for 3 hours and we were nowhere close to where we were headed, so I asked how much longer should it take and we were told 2 more hours. In a 1 1/2 hours I asked how much farther and we were told 1 1/2 hours.

At this point we decided to stop only at a waterfall close by and eat lunch and rest. The whole problem was that there was so much mud on the path that it was difficult at best to walk, the bridges (usually logs) were also badly decayed and the terrain was hilly and rocky. We still had to return back to the village and that would take the same amount of time. Most of us are not seasoned hikers and by the end of the trip of walking 10 hours we were exhausted and our feet were sore.

After the walk we talked about how this is the main source of transportation for the Chayahuita. They walk for hours and days to get to their destinations. During the annual conference in January many walk for several days just to hear the Word of God and to have fellowship. Their feet and legs are incredibly strong!

And the most important: Get to know the Chayahuita and form friendships to be an encouragement

Pastor Rosendo and family

All of the members of the team: Scott Fischle, Liz Hanson, Suzi Herbka, Pete Malouff, Pam and Ariane McQuain, Mike Russell, Kim Schweitzer and Jeremy Simpson had no problems in forming friendships. From day one they enjoyed getting to know the Chayahuita. They were all a very big encouragement to them. Men and women smiled as they saw them playing games with their children. They encouraged them in the time of worship together, by asking about their culture but most importantly just by being willing to spend the time and effort to be with them. They also took time to share Bible stories and the Gospel with them.

This is a remarkable and diverse group and each will be remembered by these people for many years to come. Take time to ask each of them about the experience. I know they would love to share with you! See the slides below. There are many funny moments, but you'll have to ask about them to hear them!

Arriving in Balsapuerto

Pancho Poling

Day 2 on the boat went well. There were areas that were low and concerns, however, it was never low enough for us to have to get out and push. Praise God! After 9 hours on the river the second day, out of the blue appeared a bridge that looked like a miniature Golden Gate Bridge. We had finally arrived in Balsapuerto. Kids were hanging on the bridge and sitting on the steps waiting for boats to come in.

The Chayahuita that knew we were coming took our bags and started the trek to our accommodations for the week. The surprise was awaiting around the corner. We had all expected to pitch tents, bathe in the river and use latrines. We stood in awe as we entered the hostal that had been built for visitors. It had 2 bedrooms each with 4 bunk beds, a bathroom (with flush toilet), a shower and 3 hours a night it even had electricity! Luxurious by jungle standards.

What did the team do?

That was a question the team had even before they arrived in Peru; what are we going to do? Sometimes we have to think outside of the traditional missions' box and not DO anything. This team's main mission was to:

1. See how the Chayahuita live to know better how to minister to them

2. Experience the everyday obstacles (boat travel, hiking in mud) etc. to know how to pray

3. And the most important: Get to know the Chayahuita and form friendships to be an encouragement

This team accomplished all of the above and so much more. There were some surprises along the way. On the first day of the boat trip we had bought some tamales to eat on the boat for lunch. While we were waiting for the boat to pick us up somebody stole the whole bag of food and then took off. Fortunately we did have some tuna fish and bread along with peanut butter and honey. Another surprise we had was the boat that Pancho had rented. It was sooo big. We all had lots of room and we were able to get up and walk around. Luxury!

We got off to a late start and we didn't want to be on the river after dark. The plan was to get to Fray Martin to spend the night. We had already been on the river about 6 hours and still an hour out when we lost part of the motor so we stayed in Fortaleza until morning. Scott decided to make friends with a cow. Moo!