Week 78 ~ Another Earthquake in Southern Peru

We stayed in the little town of Chivay in southern Peru about a month ago. It is very close to the Colca Canyon where we went to see the giant condors. We made a stop in this little town, spent some time in the church here and the town square. These pictures were taken of the streets as we drove through town and now share them in contrast to what they look like after the earthquake.



The earthquake hit Chivay Monday, August 15, at 3:00am measuring 5.5. Imagine waking up to your house crumbling around you. The little church just crumbled as did the village walls. They sure don't make them like the Inka did so many years ago. The rubble in the bottom left picture used to be three houses.



The Church had truck loads of supplies in the area within days and the humanitarian missionaries from our office went down to help distribute everything, Rob and Mary Merrill. The boxes were filled with food and personal care supplies for up to a week. Also boxes with little propane stoves and other cooking supplies and then lots of mattresses. Each box weighed up to 60 pounds. The woman in the middle left picture was carrying two boxes on her back!!



We are so privileged in the United States and have so many conveniences taken for granted. We enjoy Peru, the culture, and especially the people, but miss so many of the everyday conveniences, even having a car . . . . . . or two.  God loves all his children and hears their prayers.

Peace doesn’t mean troubles are absent;

Peace means God is present.