Peru - day 1

The team less one

We arose early, gathered our prepared bags, and met most of the team at church at 5:45 am.  We transferred our luggage and settled into the 15 passenger van to start our journey to Lima, Peru.  Ample time to check in, meet with our final team member, say goodbye to our two chauffeurs. We effortlessly went through security.  Thankfully, they turned off the body scanner shortly before our turn.

Tiny airplane to Houston. Three seats per row, a total of 19 rows. We departed on time.   Included in our full flight, we were honored to fly with a few military service men and woman.  All of our carry on bags went on board with us without question.  I didn't enjoy the flight overly much, as I struggled minor motion sickness and then acute ear discomfort as we descended,  which felt like a third of the flight.  I think it was the size of the aircraft.

Landing in Houston, our very focused leader led us to our connecting gate, where dropped our bags.  We ladies were thankful to head to the little girls room.  We all found lunch, stretched our legs, and prepared to board a very spacious 747 ( I think 747).   Megan was plagued with a headache, she seemed to do better as the afternoon went on.

 A 2-3-2 seat arrangement, Meg and I sat in the center, with me on the inside where I met a sweet college student seated next to me.  She had an identical camera bag to mine, we got along just fine.  She is on her way to Cusco to serve in an orphanage with some college mates, all from Oregon.

We had personal screens on the seatbacks that provided entertainment of movies, music, and games.  But alas, no internet.  Much appreciated flight accommodations, especially after the first flight.  We again departed nearly on time.  The flight crew was excellent and the food, well, not great, but not bad, we got food!   

We landed in Lima to begin the process, with hundreds of others, to get through immigration and customs.  I was nervous about immigration.  Entirely unsure I had properly filled out the forms.  Those forms were prayed over, even the second set that I redid after I decided I had too many scribbles on the first set.  The immigration lady also received my prayers for understanding and favor.  We all made it through without a hitch.

Then it was time to find our luggage, which all arrived with us! We waited in yet another long queue to clear  customs.  Thankfully, none of us got the red light requiring further inspections.  We made our way out to find our missionary friend (C) and guide.  Wow!  We felt like celebrities with the hundreds of waiting people, all seemingly holding name placards.  C spotted us and told of her surprise at the crowd.  We met up with her friend and taxi driver, split our luggage and people between her and his vehicle, and made it to the guesthouse around midnight.  Taxi ride was a little more adventurous than I am used to, as road rules seem to be a bit less standard than at home, but much less adventurous than Hubby's India traffic experience.

C settled us in the missions guesthouse, where I should still be sleeping.  Shortly, I will arise for my first South American shower, rearrange my luggage, and we will depart for Cusco.

Thank you for praying.  Our travels were smooth and without glitches.  Our luggage made it.  Out spirits are high, but our bodies a bit travel weary.  Our Lord has gone and continues to go before us.  I am excited to see the country in daylight ;-)

Pray for our altitude adjustment.  Cusco is at least 11,000 feet.  We have 1.5 days to adjust and then go to higher elevation for the kids camp.