Reaching New Heights

April has undoubtedly been our most varied month in Peru so far, full of new experiences. It began with a real treat - the fifteenth birthday of our landlord's daughter; the most significant milestone for any young lady in Latin America. The garage (directly below our apartment) was converted into a disco complete with flashing neon lights, loud eighties hits and hyper teenage girls. All that was missing was the typical pink fairytale dress donned by many others - instead of this Stefany had understandably opted for a trip to Spain.

Alongside our normal work schedules we bid farewell to fellow Swiss Striders, the Friedlis, who had finished their time in Huaraz. Slowly but surely the Latin Link team has been decreasing in recent months - Kerstin from Germany went on home leave in January for 7 months and the Koivu family from Finland relocated to Lima in February.

But as well as saying goodbye, there's also been a lot of hellos! They began across the border in Ecuador where we visited our fellow Stride amigos Michael, Ross and Izzy, swapping the altitude of Huaraz for the heights of Quito. Quito was an impressive city and it was great to spend time there and see some of the Stride projects. After a super time with Team GB (as they're more affectionately known) we returned to the dusty desert of Lima to await our next companions.

We arrived early at Lima airport to greet our much anticipated visitors. After 7 months it was great to see Karen's folks again. It was especially exciting for us to be able to show someone from home a bit more of our life in Peru. From shantytowns to misty coastlines, one of the world's modern wonders to one of the world's highest lakes, low valleys to high volcanoes and canyons to colonial towns, we had a blast! Although there were a couple of bumps along the way, we were so grateful for the opportunity to explore more of Peru with such adventurous company! We're very appreciative to Big G and Wee C for flying further than they've ever been, venturing higher than they've ever been (over 5000m) and stepping further from their comfort zone than they've ever been. Peru threw its challenges at them, but they dealt with them admirably. Though it was sad to say farewell, they made it back safely to the Emerald Isle leaving us with an experience that will remain long in the memory!

We had only just waved goodbye to the parents when it was time for our Stride retreat and some more hellos! The retreat took place at Mejia, a coastal town 3 hours from Arequipa. Altogether there were 13 Peru Striders, Andy Parkins (speaker for the weekend), and Paul and Ruth (Short-term Co-ordinators) squeezed into 2 houses. We had a great weekend being back near the sea, catching up, resting and listening to talks on Nehemiah, Peru and poverty. Before our long journey back to Huaraz we had the opportunity to see Latin Link's International College and the school and outreach they have for young people with disabilities in Arequipa - all great projects.

We're now back to work in Huaraz, adjusting to a new timetable involving children's work with our church and admin support in the Arco Iris office, as well as our regular commitments. The next 6 weeks is full of new and exciting opportunities, but will also be our final phase in Huaraz. We know that the goodbyes to our special kids here will probably be the hardest yet, but we're determined to give our all to the next few weeks and finish well.