The past few days have been filled with meeting new people, building stronger relationships with new friends, and deepening relationships with old friends. On Friday, I spent the morning and early afternoon with the team (minus the Fletchers, of course – did I mention that they arrive in less than 3 weeks!!!), learning new Spanish praise songs, making a video for the Fletcher’s arrival, praying together, and eating lunch. That evening, I received a call from Bill, my missionary friend, who informed me that the Christian school where his kids attend was having a fun-raiser. What kind of fun-raiser, you ask? Well, it was of the “funny (and fake) wrestling matches between teachers & parents, selling food, and watching Nacho Libre” variety. In addition to thoroughly enjoying all the festivities, I was able to meet some really nice people that spoke English – always a bonus in the midst of living among 8 million Spanish-speakers.
On Saturday, I joined the Davidsons and two Peruvians for lunch at a huequito (hole-in-the-wall) that both fixes cars (Mon-Wed) and slow-cooks delicious meat (Thur-Sun). Man, I love living in Perú
Cynthia is a private Spanish tutor, who I took lessons from for one month, and Israel is her fiancé. We had a great time together with them, telling stories, taking pictures of the cute Davidson kids, and getting to know each other better.
Then, on Sunday, our team gathered together for worship, which is always a special time for me: worship, prayer, communion, great friends, cute kids, and a meal together. Shortly after our time together, Justin and I headed to Villa El Salvador to see our friend José and to meet his parents. To my surprise, we ended up staying at his parents’ house from 2:30 until 7:00, talking about anything and everything and having a glorious time. Not only was our conversation with the Peruvians great, but I always thoroughly enjoy my time with Justin on the trips there and back. Then, after going to their house to get my stuff, I walked home and saw Walter, my new friend who guards one of the streets. We ended up having a good 45-minute conversation. So, in summary, lots of good conversations, lots of strengthened relationships, and lots of Spanish. Definitely a good weekend!