Friday, April 18, 2008

What is the People of Peru Project?

The People of Peru Project (POPP), located in Iquitos, Peru, is located in the jungle along the headwaters of the Amazon River. The city is plagued by poverty, disease, parasites, malnutrition, rampant tooth decay and premature death to name a few. It is the children that suffer the most. Many are left alone to survive on the streets or in the surrounding jungle with no parent or family unit to provide care.

The POPP has developed and provided,

(1) A crisis foster care facility that provides,
-Short term care for children who need a safe place to go during turbulent times.
-A place to monitor individuals during recovery from surgery or those suffering from nutritional challenges.
-A safe place for mothers to raise their babies and call home.
-Education and vocational training for these precious girls so they will be well equipped to face the challenges of adult life.

(2) Medical assistance to over 9,000 people in the Iquitos region Over the last 6 years
-There are plans to build and operate a free surgical clinic for the poor people in our community.

(3) Vocational training center
-Adds to the education of each child in our care.
-This program is linked to our cottage industries that will provide apprenticeship programs for our kids as well as generate income to make this organization self-sufficient.

(4) A jungle facility
-Located 5 hours up the Amazon River from Iquitos
-Brings medical assistance, education, economic relief and ministry

Healing, teaching, feeding and loving these dear people is the fertilizer for the seeds of spiritual growth that are planted. All of the help we give may make a difference for a lifetime. We may impact thousands on a humanitarian level, but the power of God makes a difference that will reach into eternity.

-Paul K.Opp (President of People of Peru)

*The above was taken and/or paraphrased from the http://www.peopleofperu.org/ website.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Waiting For Graduation

Kelly and I are finishing this quarter, and then we are done with college. She finished up in December with her schooling, and has been substitute teaching since then. She will continue to do that until we graduate this coming June. In June, she will be walking with a Spanish degree and a minor in Math. I will have a degree in Finance. We are both eagerly awaiting this special day.

Once graduation is over we plan on spending one more summer at Big Lake Youth Camp. Kelly is working as the Cashier, and I will be the Land Activities Director as well as Campfire Director. It will be another fun summer at camp.