Susana Comes to Santo Tomas

Susana is the epitome of willingness, hard work, wisdom and patience. She recently moved to our place in Santo Tomas. Previously, she lived in the office in town and just finished up her masters in education. She had come from a humble family in a smaller jungle town and was sponsored by the organization to get a college education. She finished her degree this past January. Through a series of unusual events, the decision was made that Susana would come and work in POPPYS House for this school year.



Having her here has been such a blessing. She has been able to help us significantly with tutoring the girls and trying to improve their education beyond that of the school they are attending. She accompanies the girls to school, keeps in constant contact with teachers and brings the girls home when school gets out early or when some teachers never show up (both cases happen frequently).


The girls love and respect Susana greatly. She loves each one of these girls immensely, and they can see it. She is an excellent example to these girls because she is one of the earliest success stories of the students sponsored by People of Peru Project. Her passion is to educate children in remote areas, such as her home town, and inspire them to have greater aspirations in life. As much as I’d like to take her home in my pocket, she must stay to continue the work God has cut out for her. We are blessed to be apart of her life.

Caring For Your Teeth - Herkie Style

Hygiene is very important, whether you’re a human or a monkey. Recently, Herkie has taken great interest in oral hygiene and Aaron and I feel very proud. We weren’t sure how we would handle the subject before, but there was no need to worry. Herkie was more than willing to initiate the process.
Look! Herkie has a toothbrush! And you’d never guess where he got it. I sure didn’t. That is, until I left him in the room alone for 30 seconds and returned to find him chewing the life out of my very own toothbrush. All he had to do was ask. Enjoy Herks!
Look! Herkie is flossing! Nothing beats flossing together as a family, except for bunch of other cool things that would beat it. Oh Herkie, get your own piece of floss! Ok, fine, I’ll share…again! We’re so proud of your new habits! At this rate, you’ll never have any cavities or root canals!

Here Herkie is trying to shave, but sadly, do to the danger of the razor, he has degressed into eating the shaving cream instead. Aaron needs to shave in secret, or else he will steal ALL of his shaving cream - seriously.

Soccer in the Stadium

Soccer in Iquitos is a BIG deal. Before kids can take their first steps, or even utter their first words, they are somehow learning to play soccer. We decided to take 16 of the local guys out here in Santo Tomas to play soccer in the stadium (we found out that you can rent the entire stadium for one hour, for $30). A lot of the guys have grown up watching professional soccer in the stadium, but never dreamed of actually playing there themselves.

The guys were so excited on the way out to the stadium. We borrowed the organizations truck, and crammed everyone (17 people –Peruvian style) in it. They were singing the whole way there. It was amazing to see their faces, see them play, and hear their enthusiasm. It was a little weird playing on a field that didn’t have random mud pits and craters, but we quickly became accustomed (the field was actually made of turf and beautiful). The guys had an amazing time, and look forward to when we can do this again. Now everyone wants to go!

Childrens Story and Angel Patrol

When you hear parents talk about, “Oh, my four year old gets into everything,” you really don’t understand until you have a four year old of your own. With that being said, Angel is an amazing kid. He has the uncanny ability to get into EVERYTHING –he is 4 years old. When it comes to discipline, his biggest problem is that he is cute. When it comes to church, he loves going to children’s story, but whenever he goes, he tends to play with the vase, pull on the microphone cord, walk around the stage where the elders are sitting, etc…. I decided to sit with him this last Sabbath, and it turned into somewhat of a comical spectacle. Apparently sitting with you kid during children’s story is slightly different than in the States (I should have gotten the hint when I saw no adult upfront). As I made my way to the stage, everyone wouldn’t stop snickering. As the story progressed, the lady telling the story would not stop giving me funny looks. Despite everything, Angel was able to sit and enjoy the children’s story without leaving his seat. I did not exactly fit in upfront (both in size and presence) but learned that children’s story is really for children.
Here is a photo of me trying to fit into the crowd…

Herkie´s Bio

Name: Herkimer Mbuku Linfoot

Age: Debateable, but about 6 months

Hobbies: Chewing on everything in sight

Favorite Food: Everything in sight (especially rubber erasers)

Quote: ¨Danger is my middle name¨

Summer School Celebration

Our girls have faithfully been attending summer school for the last three months. Most of the kids around here play soccer, swim, or sit around during break, with education the last thing on their mind. Our girls have been studiously learning no material, and relearning old. As an end of the year treat, we decided to take them to the pool. This is an Olympic sized pool, with few people (translation: one giant pool to have fun in). We were able to rent some water toys, purchase some ice cream (my personal favorite), and have some fun. The girls/kids love getting their photo’s taken, so here are some shots.

This little dude has no fear, and no ability to swim. Not the best combination when it comes to swimming. He was a blast though, and would eagerly jump into the water. We had to keep a close eye on him.

Food For The Hungry

One of the girls told me that there was a gentleman at our gate who wanted to sell spaghetti. We occasionally get some people (who hear that gringo’s live here) wanting to sell things. I greeted him, and fully expected to politely tell him, “Thank you, but no thanks.” He stopped me mid-sentence and told me that he was trying to give away 335 lbs. worth of spaghetti, and more than 200 rolls of toilet paper. This gentleman, who actually goes to church with us, had been trying to give this stuff away, and no one would accept. We gladly accepted.

After loading up all three of our workers with toilet paper and an abundance of spaghetti, we were still left with a mountain. Sabbath afternoon, with the help of Juan, C.J., Susana, and all the girls, we distributed more than 200 lbs. of spaghetti (to get an idea, one package equals about one pound). It was an amazing experience. We were also able to pass out a few “Steps to Christ.” More than 30 families were able to receive food. It was enriching for our girls to be able to take part in sharing, but more importantly, giving a blessing of another meal.

An American Correspondence

As a part of English class, we thought it would be fun to incorporate some sort of pen-pal type assignment with our girls with somewhere in the States. After talking with the Spanish teacher at Portland Adventist Academy, we were able to get this endeavor started. The Spanish Level II class has been corresponding with our girls now for the last month or so. Both groups have been meticulously decorating their letters, and writing in both Spanish and English. This has been an incredible learning opportunity for our girls, while making English a little more fun. Our girls are beginning to pick up on some phrases, and now with their correspondences, they are beginning to learn questions and answers. It sounds simple, but it is HUGE for our girls. Thank you PAA, we look forward to more letters.

Girls, Meet the Internet

An internet café recently opened in Santo Tomas. As a part of business class, we decided to take the girls over, and find out some information on the web. This turned into more of a “How to” session. The girls were able to discover how much information is available at the mere click of a mouse. We looked up Peruvian history, United States history, maps, the value of currency, and how some countries are doing in this current “Financial Crisis.” It was incredible to see their eyes wide open, and their minds spinning. Right now, all of the girls want their own, personal, email address, but I think that we will wait and teach them a little more about how the computer and the internet work.

We have two computers here at POPPYS House (without internet, of course), and after playing around with them for a little bit the other day, they now both work. They are not very fast, but they get the job done. One of the computers even has Encarta 2007 (in Spanish). This program is astonishing. There is a plethora of information at the click of a mouse. With school starting now, it is hard to devote time each day to learning about the computers, but this is definitely something that we are going to set in motion for our girls. As long as we have the resources, computer literacy needs to be taught.

Felix Passed! Lima, Here He Comes.

Earlier today, Sunday, March 8, Felix took the entrance exam and endured an interview for the Adventist university (La Universidad Peruana Unión) and passed them both. It was exciting news for all of us. Felix wanted us to relay the following message to you. It has been translated into English.

"Well, I would like to thank, firstly, the people who have supported me, my family, and especially you guys, who have put so much faith in me to be able to make something of myself in life. Also, because you have been there supporting me studying to be able to pass this test. And thanks to you guys, and the support of Papa Dios (My father, God), I have passed. Thank you very much. I will never get tired of thanking you guys. Thank you very much!"

Here is a photo of Felix (far right in brown shirt) with his family. His father was unable to be in the photo, however, he is extremely proud of his son´s accomplishment - almost to the point of tears.

We are now giving this entire thing to God. We are purchasing him a plane ticket to leave tomorrow, Monday, March 9, in the afternoon to Lima. School starts tomorrow as well, so he is very rushed. Right now we need to raise $3,000, which is $1,000 more than we expected. The information sheet where we received our previous figure was for a different major and included some scholarships which Felix is unable to receive.

To send money, there are two options.

1) Make check payable to Aaron Linfoot. Send check to:

Becky Harvey

P.O. Box 33807

Portland, OR 97292

2) Pay by Credit or Debit card through PayPal. We have an account through them allowing for us to pull money directly out of an ATM.

• Use the following Link, which will take you to our donation page: Pay Using PayPal
• In the comments section, please write, "Felix Education Expenses."
  

Money is gladly accepted in either lump sum or monthly payments. If you wish to do a monthly payment, please contact us at linfoot.aaron@gmail.com, and let us know (we are making a budget and working with the University).

Thank you all. Please keep Felix in your prayers as he pursues this incredible opportunity.

Felix´s Own Words

At the beginning of studying for the test (which is coming up this Sunday), I had Felix write an essay explaining why he wanted to go to the Adventist university in Lima. I told him I needed 3 reasons. I wasn´t expecting much, since he´s a Santo Tomas alumnus, but he definitely surprised me. The grammer is not perfect, but he definitely put a lot of thought into it. He turned it in to me about 3 hours after I had asked him to write it. Below is the translation I did. I will have the original version on a post in the wishlist link.

Below is a picture of Felix and his parents after a Bible study at our place. Following is his essay.

The present investigation, which I did upon my thinking, has the objective: to emphasize the reason of my interest in studying in that prestigious university. Heeding cordial petitions and insistent advice from my parents, siblings, friends, etc., I have the pleasure of telling these three fundamental reasons of why I want to study there.

First Reason
I want to be a good professional in all capacities. Perhaps never such a town and such a teenager look the same, in such a way, as here in Santo Tomas, I never saw a person capable of overcoming from the lowest to the highest. I don’t say that they aren’t professionals; it’s only that they don’t have work now and it makes me scared to stay the same as them. For that reason I say that I want to be a good professional.

Because in my family I have very bad people, they only think of the negative; you will never be a professional, you are an arrogant sloth, and that has me very confused, I don’t think about these things and it makes me very, very angry, but I control it. This also gives me the impulse to study, to also demonstrate to them that I’m a person capable of being something in life, not like everyone else right now.

I always wanted to be a model form my family, maybe also for my kids to be a counselor, studious, loving and many other good things there are in this life that brings a lot of surprises. I never thought I would find friends guided to me by God, who would put their faith and trust in this little teenager, I only need to be what I want to be, because I believe that this year, is the year for my luck that I have always looked for, and to demonstrate that yes I can and to not defraud them ever.

Second Reason
I want to help my parents and to please God. My parents are merely agricultural people; they work a lot and only earn money to eat, they don’t even have free time so that they can help us with our school work. We live in a little wooden house, but with lots of love, I always dreamed of having a big house with lights, my own room, a shower and many commodities. I know that all is possible through Christ who strengthens me, day and night, I know that I can achieve this with His help, and have success, and have what I always dreamed and so that my parents aren’t working so much, under that brutal sun.

But above all, to give back what was given to me one day, to you guys and to God, with all the teachings that you have given me in the Bible studies, I learned to respect and to value God, beginning to believe in Him. On the exam that I will take, I only hope that God helps me, giving me much wisdom, because I need it because studying in such little time, is quite difficult, but not impossible.

I know I will achieve it for my family, for my future family, for you guys and for God, and with God we will always be on top of the world.

Third Reason
So that one day my family will not suffer. My path will be difficult, but what will be more difficult is that of my family if I don’t study and I’m not a professional. In a blink of an eye, one morning I will wake up and at my side pulling my shirt they will tell me, “Papa, I need this, this and this.” From where will I give them if I have not studied, if I don’t have money? In that moment my family will suffer because I didn’t want to be what was offered to me one day.

My father told me, “We suffered a lot with all you kids. More when they needed school supplies for school. I needed economic help, and in that moment I suffered a lot, and for that I don’t want that you guys end up like us. Children should rise above their parents. Always have that in mind. Study for your well-being, not for us. Studying will one day serve you and someone will support you, and look now, Felix, you have this great opportunity to show that you are able to.”

Now I arrive at the end, so that my family doesn’t suffer and no one can lie to me, I will study hard because I am a man of valor and I am original, unique in the world.

In conclusion, all my family, except for a few, are very happy for this news, thanks to you guys, my friends.

To be a good professional, to help my parents, to please God, and so my family will not suffer is all that I can say.

Thank you. I needed it a lot.

Death, a Different Reality

I have a story about a Peruvian girl. This past week, the girl´s father died of a disease that was slowly taking him down. He had been staying in a more remote jungle town down river, with some family down there. When this girl was informed of his death, she immediately got on a boat and headed to help bury him. Little did she know how much she would help.

The family was poor and did not have enough money to pay for the things that we would consider to make a proper funeral. And if they did not have the money right then, there was nothing they could do. There isn´t exactly credit cards and ATM machines in a town that has no electricity. And I´m guessing there wasn´t a funeral home, either, to come and take care of the body. They were the ones to prepare his body, which was stiff and difficult to manipulate. They had no coffin, so they used wood from the side of their house to make one. By the way, the house only has (had) four walls. Not a "3 bed, 1.5 bath" type of house, but just a dirt floor, some wood for walls and a thatched roof. They found a spot in a sandy area and dug a big hole and buried him.

Hearing this story made me think of how blessed my life is, even when dealing with death. If a loved one of mine dies, I won´t have to clean up the body and try to fight its stiffness; I won´t have to tear down a side of my house--part of my little protection from the elements--to quickly put together a coffin-like box; I won´t have to dig a hole myself, place the body and cover it up, trying to figure out a way to mark the site that will soon be overgrown. If I were to die down here, my body would probably get shipped back to the States, and I would be given a beautiful funeral with a sealed coffin and a plot in a cemetary.

I know this blog is very depressing, but it has been something on my mind alot, lately. We usually have happy blogs, but here is one that touches on part of a sad reality down here. Just something for us all to consider. We should all be thankful for how blessed we are, even in death. Anyone who is reading this is blessed, because if they have means of reading this, they most likely will have the resources (money, credit cards, friends or family) to have a "proper" funeral. And for a final thought, this story is the story of one of ours here and the deceased is someone we knew.

An Urgent Request for Help

Those of you who have faithfully followed our blogs understand our frustration with the public education system, and especially with the local school here in Santo Tomas. The majority of the students who finish high school in our town (if they get that far) aren´t really able to seriously consider going to a university. The best option for them to escape the mundane life of our remote little town is to join the military. Those who don´t join the military become motorcar drivers, field workers, or fish vendors--gender depending. There are no student loans or government aide. Those who go to college are either rich or lucky. It´s a sad reality.

In the past year, Casey, Lisa, Aaron and I have become good friends with a few local boys. They are friends with our girls and they play soccer with us, attend our Bible studies and go to church with us in town. One boy in particular, Felix, finish high school at the Santo Tomas colegio this past December. One January night, after a Bible study, we stayed up talking with Felix. He didn´t know what to do with his life now that he was done with school. We asked him if he had ever considered going to a university, even though we already knew that we might as well have asked him if he wanted to go to the moon. A seed was planted that night. We wanted him to truly think: if he did have a chance to go to the Adventist university in Lima, what would he want to study?

From that night on, we all began investigating such a possibility. The way the Adventist universities operate down here is that you have to pay for the first year to get in. From there, you can live in the dorm and work off the rest of your bill. If you need to work for a year doing grounds on campus until you have enough money for another cycle, then that´s what you do. For those who can´t afford to pay and study, they work off their bill, sometimes even taking 8 years to complete a 4 year degree. The catch is, you have to be able to get in in the first place. Felix knows this.

Right now, we are putting Felix through an educational boot camp trying to prepare him for the test he has to pass in order to attend the school. The test is a week from Sunday. He has been working very hard and we believe he will pass this test. He has learned a lot of Adventist beliefs through our Bible studies these past few months, but he still needs to know more for the test. We have been giving him math problems, essay to write, historical events to read about and analyze. We had to teach him to use the internet (there is a cafe in Santo Tomas now, but it is tiny and a little slow...he´s learning) to look up information. He is so excited and so terrified right now. We have been pushing him, knowing how little scholastic prep he has had by attending high school in Santo Tomas, while also trying to calm him and encourage him. He is doing very well so far.

So here is where we sit. We have a few hundred dollars raised to cover his flight to Lima, but the rest is in Gods hands. We need to raise $2,000 in order to cover his first year, which includes living in the dorm, cafeteria, books, and other random expenses. After year one, he will be able to work off the rest of his school bill, and is eagerly willing to do so. He just needs a good jump start. He is currently waiting to take his entrance test, and when he passes the test, he has about a week to get to Lima and have his year paid for. We are trying to work out more time to pay the bill so he can start studying, but we have no guarantees yet. Right now we urgently need prayer. We feel as though God will provide for this cause, but it will take a lot of prayer.

Next week we will be posting his picture, some information about him and his life, and an essay that he wrote explaining why he wants to go to an Adventist University, and how it will positively effect his life. If you would like to help this cause, please contact us at linfoot.aaron@gmail.com, and we can work out the details (we are waiting for him to pass in order to take money, but are looking for pledges at this point). Anything will help. God bless.

The Glatts Family Leaves

These last few weeks we have been blessed to have a family here from Montana. Pastor Tom, his wife Linda, and their two boys have been very involved in life around here. Tom and his wife have been putting on an evangelistic series in various locations in and around Iquitos. Linda, a nurse by trade, has been putting on a health series as well. With this, she has been involving the girls from POPPYS House with coming and giving presentations. It has been wonderful watching our girls get involved, working on people skills, communication, and public speaking. Pastor Tom has given bible studies out in Santo Tomas, and the family has helped out tremendously with our girls. This has Included playing soccer, volleyball, re-doing some of our chairs, spending time with our girls, and learning Spanish. We have greatly appreciated their help, and wish them the best of luck now as they take a little break and see some sites in Peru.

Happy Valentines Day

This last Saturday night, Valentines day, Kelly and I were able to sneak away for a few hours and have some time alone. We decided to check out a restuarant down on the Amazon river. It was spectacular. It is a two story, elegant dining restuarant, floating in the middle of the Amazon river. It has its own private pool, you get chauffeured over on a private boat, and there is even live music. Kelly and I went at dusk, an apparently un-popular time, and were able to have a beautiful view of the sun setting on the mighty Amazon. We were accompanied by a pleasany breeze, a few pesky mosquitos, and a gorgeous restuarant to ourselves.



Here are some photos that we were able to take on a friends camera.

Here we are heading out to the restuarant. This is one of the more expensive places in town. About $10 USD a plate. Affordable for an American, but not for most Peruvians (or Volunteers).

A shot of the city lights. It was so peaceful. No sounds. Tranquility. Romance. What more could you want... They even had real flowers sitting on the table. The food was incredible. We are here drinking some amazing Passion Fruit juice, and endulging in some Peruvian delicacies.