On Thursday, June 12, 2008, I flew to Lima, Peru. I spent eight days with my cousins Amanda and Jeremy Ross - Mission to the World (MTW) missionaries with the church planting team. It was a great week of seeing their life in another country and getting to know their girls Kayla (4) and Bella (2). Amanda was in her first trimester of pregnancy and was battling 24-hour nausea and sickness. While I was there, we went to birthday parties, the grocery store, worked on school projects, went to Luz de Vida Church, and played in the park. Amanda and I also had a fun girl’s night out with Susan Crenshaw. FUN!!! One morning I went to the National Museum that had just been renovated. Unfortunately, it only had two exhibits! - One on art and culture, one on the potato!
In a few months, the Rosses are hoping to open a girl's home for pregnant street girls. There is still much planning and preparation to be done, but with God's grace, it will open soon!
On Friday night (midnight), Vicki Chung (friend from Erskine!) flew into Lima; we spent the night in the airport and flew to Cusco (5AM).
That same night, Jeremy (and other Lima team members - Mike Salvatierras, Jim Ward and Chestnut Mountain intern Armando Becerra) were picking up three other summer teams. One of those teams included my cousin Janna! Janna and I have now spent time on three continents! - North America, Thailand, and South America!
Within an hour of arriving in Cusco, I was extremely sick with altitude sickness! lightheaded, migraine, nausea, and throwing up!!
June 24, 2008 was the Inti Rayme festival -- celebration of the Winter Solstice. The parades were every day that week and were amazing! I made it to the parade and then spent the rest of the day in bed -- poor Vicki! That evening we first met Javier -- the most amazing tour guide from GAP Adventures.
Sunday I felt much better and we were able to go to another parade. We also met the other couple on our tour group -- Chalice Bennett, an elementary school teacher, and Matt Lafferty, both from Chicago. Two days before arriving, Chalice was diagnosed with a fractured foot. While disappointed, they decided to spend the three hiking days touring around Cusco.
Sunday afternoon we took a city tour around the city of Cusco -- seeing some cathedrals and ancient Incan ruins.
On Monday, Javier and co picked us up at 6AM from the hostel. We drove about two hours while ascending into the mountains; we began hiking mid-morning. The entire way, I was feeling sick. After only an hour, I wasn’t able to carry my daypack anymore and we handed it to a porter to carry. - All our other luggage was being carried by llamas and alpacas. By lunchtime, I was miserable and the four hours of hiking after lunch was one of the hardest things I have ever done. We hiked through absolutely amazing mountain passes, crossed rock bridges, and forded streams. We also hiked across acres and acres of alpaca poo. I have never fought so hard in my life not be sick!
Fortunately, Vicki and I were the only ones in our tour group and Javier was wonderful about going our pace and taking lots of breaks. The views we saw on the hike were breath-taking! We saw llamas and alpacas everywhere. Javier had suggested we buy pencils to hand out to the children we saw along the way. That was excellent advice and we loved seeing the smiles on their faces as we stopped and talked to every child we encountered. Their giggles as seeing their pictures on our digital cameras were priceless! The first day we hiked about six hours. The three cooks cooked amazing food, but unfortunately, the entire three days, I didn't feel like eating. I knew I was sick when I turned down French fries!! Vicki was an amazing friend and kept filling up water bottles for me with rehydration powder. The second day we hiked about nine hours. In the afternoon, I was still feeling sick so Javier asked one of the porters to lead me on a horse. I was SO grateful for that hour of respite! The horse went up some very steep hills that I would have never made on my own! (The horse also had a very young colt following along with us. By the end of that day, we had climbed up to 14400 feet. We camped out at 14,000 feet. That night I lost the cap on my water bottle. I didn't want it to spill, so I put it just outside the tent flap. It the morning it was frozen solid! The nights were incredibly cold. Vicki and I both wore seven layers of clothes on the top, two pairs of pants, and two pairs of thick hiking socks (thanks, JD!). Joe had given me hand warmers and they really helped with the cold. We also filled up our nalgene water bottles with boiling water to make a hot water bottle! The stars in the night sky were absolutely the most amazing I have ever seen. Sadly, the nausea kept me from looking at it for more than a few seconds.
By the third day, both Vicki and I were not feeling well and Javier was also battling the flu. We were a sad bunch that moved very slowly! Javier altered our route so that we were hiking at a much lower altitude -- that definitely seemed to help! Throughout the early morning and early afternoon we hiked down the entire side of a mountain ending at a small village at the base. The next morning I woke up and realized that my right hand, ear, and neck were so badly sunburned they blistered! We made it to our last stop and ate lunch -- finally, a meal I could enjoy!
After a short bus ride, we met up with Chalice and Matt and enjoyed swapping stories of our different experiences. We then took a two hour train ride from Ollaytantambo to Macchu Pichu town. It was early evening and by that time Vicki and I had not showered for three days. We both agreed that we felt like we only scraped the first few layers of dirt off in the first shower! After our shower all four of us went to Aguas Calientas – the hot water baths. That was an awkward cultural experience! For dinner, Javier took us to one of his friend’s restaurants where I ordered alpaca and Vicki ordered guinea pig! Wow! -- another amazing cultural experience!
The next morning we got up at 4:30AM and ate breakfast. We were amazed at the people wrapped around the block and up the street to get on the buses by 6! We got on probably the 15th full sized bus for a 30 minute ride on hairpin turns up the mountain. We were able to get there around 7AM and see the sun rise over Macchu Pichu through the sun gate -- absolutely incredible. Macchu Pichu is now classified as a world wonder; it deserves it! It was much bigger and the stonework was much more intricate than I thought it was going to be. I can't imagine how ancient Incans had the patience and skill to carve and move those rocks without the benefit of mortar, wheels, or pulleys -- not to mention electricity! Javier gave us a fascinating tour of the different temples, buildings, and ruins. He had told us that if we got separated that we needed to be back at the bus station by 10:00 to take a bus back to the station. Matt, Chalice, Vicki, and I stayed together and took some incredible pictures of the rugged mountain views, the alpacas roaming everywhere, and of the buildings. (By that point both Vicki's and my camera's batteries had died, so a few of the smaller pictures here are thanks to Matt and Chalice! - The batteries had probably died quicker due to the extreme cold in the Andes!)
At 10:00 we stopped our llama photo shoot and went to the bus station. We were just in time for a bus, but there was a tour group of over a 100 that got on the first two buses. After those buses we waited for over 20 minutes for another bus. By this point Javier was getting extremely anxious that we were about to miss our 11AM train ride back to Ollaytantambo. A bus finally came, Javier spoke to the driver and we literally flew down that mountain. The bus dropped us off near the train station; we jumped off the bus and RAN! The five of us ran full speed across a rickety bridge, up an extremely steep hill, and through an entire market to the train station. Javier had called ahead and had his friend bring our bags from the hotel. We picked them up and ran as fast as we could to the train. We made it! I collapsed into my seat at 10:58. Since the train was supposed to leave at 10:55, it was a miracle we made it! Between the high altitude, the hills, getting over being sick, and such a hard run, I coughed and couldn't breathe for twenty minutes! But, we made it! The train ride back was fun and even included a fashion show emphasizing clothing made from alpaca wool! Vicki bought a beautiful sweater.
That night, Vicki and I did some last minute shopping and enjoyed one more dinner with Chalice and Matt. The next morning (Friday) we had a 7AM flight back to Lima. We were very proud of ourselves for being able to navigate the Spanish speaking taxi line and to get safely to the Rosses! Amanda was away because she had gone with Janna and Scott's team down to San Clemente for the week. (SC had experienced much earthquake damage and they spent the week playing with the children and sharing the gospel.) After dinner with Jeremy at Tantas, Vicki flew back home at midnight. Saturday we went to Lori Berry's baby shower. (Hadassah was born in late July.) Sunday we went to church.
Monday, I was able to go on a Lima city tour with Westminster Church from Laurens, SC. What a fun day! I especially enjoyed going in some of the catacombs. They had spent the week in Cusco working on an orphanage. We had the same flight back which was such a blessing! I had such fun getting to know them and we found out several people we know in common! We were all flying on the midnight flight on Spirit Airlines. We made it to Ft. Lauderdale without any problems, but waited for over an hour for our luggage. With time running out for my connecting flight, I finally got my luggage and ran as fast as I could through security. I literally handed by large bag to an attendant and said, "I am missing my plane to Atlanta. Please take this." I had no hope whatsoever that it would make it. I ran as fast as I could through the rest of security and down the entire concourse. I was the last person on the plane and they shut the door right behind me. I have never in my life been so grateful to make a flight! I was so sad that my flight partners did not make it and were delayed by several hours. I made it to Atlanta, got my bag (miracle!), and my friend Leah picked me up from Marta. I drove home, threw my bags in the car, and drove to South Carolina where I got to welcome my brother Charlie and his wife Julie home from China!! What an incredible trip -- never to be forgotten. I am blessed to have had such an indescribable experience!
The second day we hiked about nine hours. In the afternoon, I was still feeling sick so Javier asked one of the porters to lead me on a horse. I was SO grateful for that hour of respite! The horse went up some very steep hills that I would have never made on my own! (The horse also had a very young colt following along with us. By the end of that day, we had climbed up to 14400 feet. We camped out at 14,000 feet. That night I lost the cap on my water bottle. I didn't want it to spill, so I put it just outside the tent flap. It the morning it was frozen solid! The nights were incredibly cold. Vicki and I both wore seven layers of clothes on the top, two pairs of pants, and two pairs of thick hiking socks (thanks, JD!). Joe had given me hand warmers and they really helped with the cold. We also filled up our nalgene water bottles with boiling water to make a hot water bottle! The stars in the night sky were absolutely the most amazing I have ever seen. Sadly, the nausea kept me from looking at it for more than a few seconds.
By the third day, both Vicki and I were not feeling well and Javier was also battling the flu. We were a sad bunch that moved very slowly! Javier altered our route so that we were hiking at a much lower altitude -- that definitely seemed to help! Throughout the early morning and early afternoon we hiked down the entire side of a mountain ending at a small village at the base. The next morning I woke up and realized that my right hand, ear, and neck were so badly sunburned they blistered! We made it to our last stop and ate lunch -- finally, a meal I could enjoy!
On Thursday, June 12, 2008, I flew to Lima, Peru. I spent eight days with my cousins Amanda and Jeremy Ross - Mission to the World (MTW) missionaries with the church planting team. It was a great week of seeing their life in another country and getting to know their girls Kayla (4) and Bella (2). Amanda was in her first trimester of pregnancy and was battling 24- hour nausea and sickness. While I was there, we went to birthday parties, the grocery store, worked on school projects, went to Luz de Vida Church, and played in the park. Amanda and I also had a fun girl’s night out with Susan Crenshaw. FUN!!! One morning I went to the National Museum that had just been renovated. Unfortunately, it only had two exhibits! - one on art and culture, one on the potato!
In a few months, the Rosses are hoping to open a girl's home for pregnant street girls. There is still much planning and preparation to be done, but with God's grace, it will open soon!
On Friday night (midnight), Vicki Chung (friend from Erskine!) flew into Lima; we spent the night in the airport and flew to Cusco (5AM). That same night, Jeremy (and other Lima team members - Mike Salvatierras, Jim Ward, and Chestnut Mountain intern Armando Becerra) were picking up three other summer teams.
One of those teams included my cousin Janna! Janna and I have now spent time on three continents! - North America, Thailand, and South America!
Within an hour of arriving in Cusco, I was extremely sick with altitude sickness! - Lightheaded, migraine, nausea, and throwing up!!
June 24, 2008 was the Inti Rayme festival -- celebration of the Winter Solstice. The parades were every day that week and were amazing! I made it to a parade and then spent the rest of the day in bed -- poor Vicki! That evening we first met Javier -- the most amazing tour guide from GAP Adventures.
Sunday I felt much better and we were able to go to another parade. We also met the other couple on our tour group -- Chalice Bennett, an elementary school teacher, and Matt Lafferty, both from Chicago. Two days before arriving, Chalice was diagnosed with a fractured foot. While disappointed, they decided to spend the three hiking days touring around Cusco.
Sunday afternoon we took a city tour around the city of Cusco -- seeing some cathedrals and ancient Incan ruins.
On Monday, Javier and co picked us up at 6AM from the hostel. We drove about two hours while ascending into the mountains; we began hiking mid-morning. The entire way, I was feeling sick. After only an hour, I wasn’t able to carry my daypack anymore and we handed it to a porter to carry. - All our other luggage was being carried by llamas and alpacas. By lunchtime, I was miserable and the four hours of hiking after lunch was one of the hardest things I have ever done. We hiked through absolutely amazing mountain passes, crossed rock bridges, and forded streams. We also hiked across acres and acres of alpaca poo. There was such a contrast between the incredible views and the wayI was feeling. I have never fought so hard in my life not be sick!
Fortunately, Vicki and I were the only ones in our tour group and Javier was wonderful about going our pace and taking lots of breaks. The views we saw on the hike were breath-taking! We saw llamas and alpacas everywhere. Javier had suggested we buy pencils to hand out to the children we saw along the way. That was excellent advice and we loved seeing the smiles on their faces as we stopped and talked to every child we encountered. Their giggles at seeing their pictures on our digital cameras were priceless! (GAP discourages tourists from handing out money or candy as it turns the children into beggars, disrupts the economy, and/or rots out teeth!)
The first day we hiked about six hours. The three cooks cooked amazing food, but unfortunately, the entire three days, I didn't feel like eating. I knew I was sick when I turned down French fries!! Vicki was an amazing friend and kept filling up water bottles for me with rehydration powder. The second day we hiked
about nine hours. In the afternoon, I was still feeling sick so Javier asked one of the porters to lead me on a horse. I was SO grateful for that hour of respite! The horse went up some very steep hills that I would have never made on my own! (The horse also had a very young colt following along with us. By the end of that day, we had climbed up to 14400 feet. We camped out at 14,000 feet. That night I lost the cap on my water bottle. I didn't want it to spill, so I put it just outside the tent flap. It the morning it was frozen solid! The nights were incredibly cold. Vicki and I both wore seven layers of clothes on the top, two pairs of pants, and two pairs of thick hiking socks (thanks, JD!). Joe had given me hand warmers and they really helped with the cold. We also filled up our nalgene water bottles with boiling water to make a hot water bottle! The stars in the night sky were absolutely the most amazing I have ever seen. Sadly, the nausea kept me from looking at it for more than a few seconds.
By the third day, both Vicki and I were not feeling well and Javier was also battling the flu. We were a sad bunch that moved very slowly! Javier altered our route so that we were hiking at a much lower altitude -- that definitely seemed to help! Throughout the early morning and early afternoon we hiked down the entire side of a mountain ending at a small village at the base. The next morning I woke up and realized that my right hand, ear, and neck were so badly sunburned they blistered! We made it to our last stop and ate lunch -- finally, a meal I could enjoy! After a short bus ride, we met up with Chalice and Matt and enjoyed swapping stories of our different experiences. We then took a two hour train ride from Ollaytantambo to Macchu Pichu town. It was early
evening and by that time Vicki and I had not showered for three days. We both agreed that we felt like we only scraped the first few layers of dirt off in the first shower! After our shower all four of us went to Aguas Calientas – the hot water baths. That was an awkward cultural experience! For dinner, Javier took us to one of his friend’s restaurants where I ordered alpaca and Vicki ordered guinea pig! Wow! -- another amazing cultural experience!
The next morning we got up at 4:30AM and ate breakfast. We were amazed at the people wrapped around the block and up the street to get on the buses by 6! We got on probably the 15th full sized bus for a 30 minute ride on hairpin turns up the mountain. We were able to get there around 7AM and see the sun rise over Macchu Pichu through the sun gate -- absolutely incredible. Macchu Pichu is now classified as a world wonder; it deserves it! It was much bigger and the stonework was much more intricate than I thought it was going to be. I can't imagine how ancient Incans had the patience and skill to carve and move those rocks without the benefit of mortar, wheels, or pulleys -- not to mention electricity! Javier gave us a fascinating tour of the different temples, buildings, and ruins. He had told us that if we got separated that we needed to be back at the bus station by 10:00 to take a bus back to the station. Matt, Chalice, Vicki, and I stayed together and took some incredible pictures of the rugged mountain views, the alpacas roaming everywhere, and of the buildings. (By that point both Vicki's and my camera's batteries had died, so a few of the smaller pictures here are thanks to Matt and Chalice! - The batteries had probably died quicker due to the extreme cold in the Andes!) At 10:00 we stopped our llama
photo shoot and went to the bus station. We were just in time for a bus, but there was a tour group of over a 100 that got on the first two buses. After those buses we waited for over 20 minutes for another bus. By this point Javier was getting extremely anxious that we were about to miss our 11AM train ride back to Ollaytantambo. A bus finally came, Javier spoke
to the driver and we literally flew down that mountain. The bus dropped us off near the train station; we jumped off the bus and RAN! The five of us ran full speed across a rickety bridge, up an extremely steep hill, and through an entire market to the train station. Javier had called ahead and had his friend bring our bags from the hotel. We picked them up and ran as fast
as we could to the train. We made it! I collapsed into my seat at 10:58. Since the train was supposed to leave at 10:55, it was a miracle we made it! Between the high altitude, the hills, getting over being sick, and such a hard run, I coughed and couldn't breathe for twenty minutes! But, we made it! The train ride back was fun and even included a fashion show emphasizing clothing made from alpaca wool! Vicki bought a beautiful sweater.
That night, Vicki and I did some last minute shopping and enjoyed one more dinner with Chalice and Matt. The next morning (Friday) we had a 7AM flight back to Lima. We were very proud of ourselves for being able to navigate the Spanish speaking taxi line and to get safely to the Rosses! Amanda was away because she had gone with Janna and Scott's team down to San Clemente for
the week. (SC had experienced much earthquake damage and they spent the week playing with the children and sharing the gospel.) After dinner with Jeremy at Tantas, Vicki flew back home at midnight. Saturday we went to Lori Berry's baby shower. (Hadassah was born in late July.) Sunday we went to church and the water fountain park at night- beautiful! Monday, I was able to go on a Lima city tour with Westminster Church from Laurens, SC. What a fun day! I especially enjoyed going in some of the catacombs. They had spent the week in Cusco working on an orphanage. We had the same flight back which was such a blessing! I had such fun getting to know them and we found out several people we know in common! We were all flying on the midnight flight on Spirit Airlines. We made it to Ft. Lauderdale without any problems, but waited for over an hour for our luggage. With time running out for my connecting flight, I finally got my luggage and ran as fast as I could through security. I literally handed my large bag to an attendant and said, "I am missing my plane to Atlanta. Please take this." I had no hope whatsoever that it would make it. I ran as fast as I could through the rest of security and down the entire concourse. I was the last person on the plane and they shut the door right behind me. I have never in my life been so grateful to make a flight! I was so sad that my flight partners did not make it and were delayed by several hours. I made it to Atlanta, got my bag- miracle!, and my friend Leah picked me up from Marta. I drove home, threw my bags in the car, and drove to South Carolina where I got to welcome my brother Charlie and his wife Julie home from China!! What an incredible trip -- never to be forgotten.
