Love Extreme 2 - June 26, 2010 in IquitosPosted: 06/26/10

Today we went to the poorest part of Iquitos (Belen) to the home of the women who has the church service in her home.  I think today impacted the group the most.  We had a dental clinic, cleaned up the trash in the streets and did a small kids festival in the plaza. Not going to lie to you, the smell was overwhelming for most of us.  Chickens and fish and fruits and vegtables all laying out in the sun.  We were told to not look at the people, or to bring anything with us of value as the people in Belen are able to rob someone so quick you would not even notice it.  I did take my camera, under my shirt and was able to get a few pictures of the trash clean up while we were doing it.  The trash in some places was unbelivable. Ankle deep with rotten food, bugs and various other things.  There was fountain that was full of water from yesterdays rain and old shoes.  The smell was intense but Donna got right in there and started hauling out the shoes and trash.  Two of us were there with trash bags to collect it from here.  The amazing thing about this pick up was that some of the children would follow us and help us.  There were also adults that would say gracias and thank us for helping them out.  These things made it a little easier.  Our group talked about doing things for the glory of God and that was what we were doing.  The dental clinic was held in the women´s home. It was not as crowded with people as yesterday but there were alot of people that were seen.  Less rotten teeth this morning and more cleaning and floride treatments.  Everyone was so thankful to Mike for helping them out.  The children´s festival had some face painting and bracelet making.  They told of the story of God, his forgiveness and his love for them.  They held the festival in the center plaza with all the food vendors and people around watching.  It was a beautiful sight.  Today put most of completely out of our comfort zone.  I for one and glad and thankful to God for this.  It showed me more of what is happening in the world and the way that people live.  None of us are leaving Peru without a changed heart and head.  I feel so spoiled for the things that I have in the states and am truly greatful for the things that God has blessed me with.  He has also been working on my heart to do more missions trips and reach out to show people what an amazing and wonderful God we have.