We’re Not in the Caribbean Anymore

Wakey, wakey! It's 5:15 am at the Lima airport, and I've been up for a couple hours already!

I landed in Peru for the first time last Friday to host a short-term team (STT) of two from Pennsauken, NJ, whilst they led a music camp at Castillo Fuerte ("Mighty Fortress" - a mercy outreach that provides after-school care for children in the impoverished La Victoria district six days per week). While Peru might be Latin, it’s definitely NOT Caribbean. Instead, I was picking up a very European vibe.

I stayed on the 3rd floor of this building in the upper class San Borja district, which serves as the HQ of La Misión Luterana del Perú as well as housing for STTs, FORO partners, and other visitors. 

Up THERE!

Peru is in the Southern Hemisphere. Translation: it's winter! I was glad I heeded others' advice and didn't let the 60+ degree temps deceive me; it's a damp kind of cold that seeps into your bones. There is no central heating. The machine in our bunk room is a dehumidifier; when it's running, there might as well be a space heater on. Future STTs: take my word for it and bring a winter coat!

With almost a full day before the team arrived, I enjoyed breakfast with Pastor Osmel & Yolanda Soliz (Bolivian Alliance Missionaries that have been serving in Peru for two years) and then grocery shopping so the team & I could eat breakfast all week. Saturday afternoon I had my first Lima public transportation experience! We took the metro to meet up with a Venezuelan couple (members of one of Lima's two LCMS church plants) for a farewell Chifa (Peruvian Chinese food) lunch before they returned to Venezuela. The restaurant was in the Gamarra district, characterised by streets lined with shops hawking knock-off brand name shoes, athletic wear, jeans, etc. and swarms of people. 

From there, we walked to Castillo Fuerte for their regular Saturday activities. The kids arrive around 3:30; Divine Service is at 6. 

Siomi (pictured), who would prove to be one of the most talented musicians in the bunch, played keyboard during the service. The kids comprised the bulk of the congregation. 

After church, Vicar Elvis Carrera & I Uber-ed to the airport to pick up the team. Having known the kids a mere few hours, they were literally climbing on the back of the car as it pulled away!

Libna and Christa arrived safe, sound, and ready to hit the ground running Sunday. Pastor Osmel introduced them after Divine Service at the church in Los Olivos, a district that falls between San Borja and La Victoria socioeconomically. 

In contrast to La Victoria, the Los Olivos congregation is almost all adults and youth. L&C led Sunday school for the few kids that did come. 

The congregation shared in a potluck lunch afterward. Among the treats were alfajores (shortbread cookie sandwiches filled with dulce de leche and sprinkled with powdered sugar) and Inca Kola (Peru's ubiquitous Coca-Cola product, a bright yellow soda that I'd compare to cream soda), the start of L&C's culinary tour of Peru's amaaaaaazing food. 

We spent Sunday afternoon and evening exploring the Miraflores district. Our adventure began at Parque Kennedy, a triangle of green space whose sidewalks are lined with art vendors. 

Found some friends at one of many nearby artisan markets.

Beginning our walk from the park to the coast. 

Hello, Pacific! We made it to Larcomar, a high end mall built into the cliffs along the shore. 

From there, we followed a walkway parallel to the water. My personal favorite part was Parque del Amor with its serpentine mosaic bench reminiscent of Barcelona’s Park Güell. 

We popped into the Choco Museo for chocolate-infused pisco samples on our way to dinner. 

My lomo saltado was top notch. 

We capped off our night with hot chocolate for Christa & I and a latte for Libna at a quaint cafe that had caught our eye earlier with its brightly painted exterior. 

Time to board...stay tuned (no pun intended) for the down low on music camp and other Peruvian peregrinations. 

Until next time, blessings!

P.S. ¡Felices Fiestas Patrias! Happy Peruvian Independence Day!