Day 3: Peru

Hola everyone! This is Emma Keeter and I am a rising senior within the youth group. Today has been slightly different because it is Sunday and we helped lead local church services within Cusco. I went to the the church of Ibroamericana. It is a very small church with just enough space to fit 3 work groups and the members of the church. The service started with music in Spanish lead by one of our translators named Luis. Even though it was all in Spanish, we all sang along and tried our best with the pronunciation. As the service continued, fellow youth group members stepped up to share their testimonies, sing music in both Spanish and English, preform a skit, and preach the word of God. It was extremely moving for the locals to see us involved with sharing our faith by action and words. At the end of the service the members of the church gave us hugs and kisses as a farewell and a way of gratification.

 Following the church service, we ate lunch and planned out specifics for Vacation Bible School. We then drove to the VBS site of Tombomachay and played with the kids for about an hour. The kids love to play soccer, throw frisbees, blow bubbles, jump rope, and love to be tickled. After about an hour of play time, the translators call the kids to sit down and VBS begins. The first activity we begin with at VBS is the music. The Spanish version of Jesus is My Superhero is a favorite among the kids! After a few songs and cool dance moves, there is a skit preformed to show and tell the bible story for the day. The bible story for today taught the kids about Queen Ester. Next a memory verse is held up on individual poster boards and the kids read it aloud all together. To help with memorization, a few words are taken out and finally all the words go away and they attempt to recite it. The kids get real excited after all the words are gone and a few individuals are chosen to see if they can recite it all from memory to receive prizes such as a sandwich or juice box. The final activity for the day includes the craft. Today the kids made a clay necklace representing the royalty and bravery of Queen Ester. Once everyone was done making their necklaces, the kids exit VBS by making a train and running under adult leaders and youth forming a tunnel. 

I saw God today throughout my day but specifically in the church service this morning. Watching my friends give their testimony, sing a song, or even perform a skit shows me and others that God is  working in them and has a true purpose for them. And to get the amazing feedback from the church members makes it exciting and thrilling. Hope you enjoy this update!