Hey Peru Team!

It’s finally time to give you a few more details about your trip! This Summer is going to be incredible. You’re going to see God do great things in you, and in the people of Peru. It will be hard at times, but know that it’s all worth it. Get excited!

Your team will be working with a woman named Crystal mostly around an area called Nauta. Here’s some information directly from her:

Ministry Vision: God spoke to my heart His desire for a training school here for Peruvian nationals in missions. There are many others here in this area with the same heart and general vision, and I do believe that it's God's desire to make the Peruvian church a sending church, especially to the unreached tribes in the region. Those who live on the river as Mestizos are still much better equipped physically and experientially (can cook on wood, eat the local foods, hunt well, fish, know how to wash

by hand, etc. ) to reach the more remote regions, but are lacking in spiritual training. I long to see the local church a united church, hungry to reach the lost and willing to train and send their sheep out, instead of living in the Christian bubble.

Ministry Summary: Since the school is still very much “in process” (this really means that I am still in the dark as to how to best go about starting it and am waiting on God's leading in the matter), I currently am occupied with praying for direction, an English Bible Study, children's ministry, visiting local churches and families, building relationships with people, including young men and women who are interested in missions, and supporting other missionaries' endeavors. In my area there are few “programs,” but MUCH to be done. In Iquitos, a city nearby, there is even more need on a social level as the problems that plague cities (delinquency, prostitution, street children, etc.) are more rampant there.

Lodging: The team will be traveling around a good bit so you can expect to stay in hostels, churches, houses, and other public buildings.

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Cultural Norms and Sensitivities:

Time: The Peruvian concept of time is fairly relaxed; however, international visitors, to whom punctuality is more important, are expected to be on time for appointments.

Greeting: Men and women shake hands on greeting. Good friends may embrace or kiss. Women may kiss on either cheek.

Personal Space: Conversational space is closer than in other countries. Do not back away, as this might offend the speaker. Often members of the same sex will rest a hand on each other's arm during conversation.

Tipping: If service is included in the bill, a small tip is still given, and if service is not included, a tip is expected. Although taxes and gratuities are added to restaurant, hotels and bar bills, a five percent tip is expected if the service was outstanding.

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There is a general packing list that can be found in your Profile by going to Mobilization Info tab and then to the preparation section. In addition to those items, you should also bring: 

• Sleeping Pad (ThermaRest is a good brand.)
• Internal Frame Backpack (check out this post for help)
• Health Information, including proof of Yellow Fever inoculation if required.
• Copies of ID and passport packed in various places.
• Fiber supplements, as Crystal mentioned there are very, very few vegetables.
• Long-sleeve pants and long-sleeve shirts
• Recommended by Crystal, but not mandatory: Ibuprofin, bug repellent, fiber supplements, vitamins, cipro, medicated talc, athletes' foot cream, yeast-infection treatment, sunscreen, snacks, sheet, neosporin (or the like), balloons and other kid's craft supplies.

These are already listed on the general packing list but I want to emphasize them:

• Sleeping bag and pillow (there are things called Sleeping Bag liners that are like thin sheets. These are good in case it’s cold to double up under your sleeping bag, or if it’s super hot, you can just use that instead of your sleeping bag.)
• Sweater or jacket
• Headlamp (flashlights are fine too…but headlamps are AWESOME because you get to have both hands free. Hands-free is good for going to the bathroom outside at night, reading while your teammates are sleeping, and even for dance parties!
• Water bottle (Nalgene brand is really great.)
• Outlet Adaptor (Do research and see if outlets are different than in the U.S.  If anything, you may need an adaptor, not a converter. You probably only need a converter if you're bringing something high powered like a blow dryer. You can get an international adaptor at Wal-mart or Target.)

As always, if you have any questions about anything listed here, please let me know!

Stacy Povian

Email: thepassport@adventures.org

Phone:  770-983-1060 x 321