I am currently writing from Lima, Peru, where I am on vacation. When I was nine years old, my dad met Liset while on a missionary trip to Tumbes, Peru and she came to live with us on a student exchange. Eleven years later, we were finally able to come and visit her. It was such a joy to see her, her husband (Karlo), and her two young children (Caleb, 5, and Lucas, six months). Below is a picture of Liset, Caleb, Lucas, my mom, and me at dinner one night.
For a couple of days, my dad and I traveled to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and for good reason. I’m not sure if I have ever seen something more amazing. The Incas began constructing this town around 1400 and it was the official site of the Inca rulers until the Spanish Conquest, but the ruins were not discovered until 1911. What I find so fascinating about Machu Picchu, and the other Inca ruins that we visited, is that no one knows how these buildings were constructed. The stones are all irregular shapes, but they fit together so well that not even a piece of paper can fit between the stones (or at least on what they considered to be important buildings). The fit is so perfect that they didn’t even need to use mortar. Below are just a couple of pictures that we took at Machu Picchu.
Overlooking Machu Picchu. Such an amazing site!
On our trip, we also traveled about 45 minutes south of Lima to Lurin, the town where Liset’s family lives. Liset told us that Lurin is home to many poor families, so my parents and I brought along three suitcases full of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and beanie babies that we handed out to the children we met (thank you Crest!). We personally met about 50 children and left the remainder of the gifts at Liset’s church. As we were getting ready to leave, one little boy named Abdias ran up to me as I left and gave me a huge hug and kiss. When the other kids saw this, they all ran over and gave hugs, too. Their joy and excitement was so touching. There is no better feeling than being able to help those in need. And, for me, this was even more special because I was able to combine my two causes – children’s dental health and cultural advocacy. I could never contain myself to one passion. I’ve included a couple of the photos that we took that day because, after all, a picture is worth a thousand words.
With some new friends. This neighborhood is one of the poorest areas of Lurin.
The kids looking through the goodies that we brought.
Showing two young boys how to use the toothbrush properly.
The kids holding up their new toothbrushes and toothpaste.
We were surprised with a welcome sign at Guayabo. Here I am pictured with my parents and all of the children and teachers that we met. This was one of two locations where we handed out gifts.
This has been a wonderful vacation and it’ll be sad to leave and go back to real life. But, I have many exciting appearances scheduled over the next couple of months and I can’t wait to let you know about them. Until then!
Elizabeth
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