Costa, Sierra y Selva

Well, in honor of it being football season in the U.S., this seems to be game of choice these past few weeks. Several practice runs culminated in a fierce showdown this morning which pitted peruano against peruano, peruano against gringo, and gringo against gringo. Last Saturday I, too, took my chances on the field (which may explain why I wasn’t involved in this morning’s match). You should know a few things about Peruvian football or soccer before you judge my skills.

1. Fulbito (or little football) is a version of the game very popular in the city. It is played on a very small, concrete court and, as I understand it, has many variations from the standard soccer regulations.
2. Did I mention that soccer is played on concrete here?
3. I had never played soccer before.

All said, I cheered on our team with mucho gusto this morning. We did not win, but Anita scored TWICE! (whoop!) and everyone looked pretty tough out there. There were some awesome shots, some miraculous saves, glory and pain abounding. Way to represent team! There were teams from Larco and Wichanzao parishes, from RUF, from the National University bible study. The woodshop guys and the pastors each had their own teams as well. It seems that the pastors’ main strategy was pure intimidation (shame).

As Thanksgiving approaches, preparations are being made here at SALI for our 2nd anniversary celebration. Last Saturday we bought squashes and pumpkins and scattered them about. Our hallway was expertly decorated by Lurdes Marquina, one of our excellent Basic teachers. Gracias amiga! Thanksgiving here will be a different experience, for sure. Still, there is so much to be thankful for. How wonderful it is to gather with friends and family and, in unity, return thanks. I was at Saga Falabella (the closest thing we have to a department store) the other day and they’ve got their Christmas stuff out already.

Still, even with the festive air, I feel tinges of homesickness now and again. And I am especially missing the Advance this weekend. I hope all are having a great time of fellowship and learning. I’m looking forward to seeing the pictures and hearing the stories.
Also, we welcomed this month a team from Orland Park, Illinois. They’ve been working on the clinic in Wichanzao, and I can’t wait to see the results tomorrow at church. We are so blessed by the brothers and sisters our Lord sends to work with us here.