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Billy, Kate & Will in Perú

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The Not Forgotten

A Return to the Jungle

Posted on Saturday, June 5, 2010 Leave a Comment

After many days of travel and delay, I have finally returned to the legendary Puerto Alegria where I will be living for the next three months.

Upon arrival to Peru, I spent a three days in Lima before flying north to Iquitos. I spent another night in the city at La Lampara, Scripture Union’s home base for the medical program, because of issues with the boat’s motor. It was not until Wednesday afternoon that I finally reached Puerto Alegria.

I arrived to the home with Gene and Patty, the former house parents, to meet the new parents, Moises and Mery.

It has been very nice to become re-acclimated with the boys – many of which are still here from 2009. I always find it interesting to see what they did during the past year, and learn some of the new games, jokes, and stories – all the things boys like.

But, before all of that, a conversation with a boy from last year usually begins with “recuerdas cuando…” (Remember when…) about a particular event from last summer. Joel asked me if I remembered when there was a huge billboard that had fallen across the road in front of us in Iquitos. Junior asked me if I remembered a particular afternoon we spent lounging in a hammock down by the river. And Marcelo asked me if I remember being his “protectora” during an intense thunderstorm boat ride from Iquitos. It was raining so hard that we all were soaked, cold and tired. Marcelo, who was sitting next to me, huddled under my arm to evade the rain as we sang songs together.

From Wednesday until today, I have been getting back into the routine of living with the Girasoles and at Puerto Alegria. Mornings start at 5:45 with straightening of rooms, a devotional led by Moises, and breakfast before the boys are out the door to school at 7:30. After they are off to school, I spent the next few hours working on some projects, getting to know the other SU staff here, and reading.

This Sunday morning (tomorrow) the non-profit group The Not Forgotten (based in Birmingham, Alabama) will arrive. While a handful of the people in the group are from Birmingham/Huntsville, it is a mixed group of people from all over the States – basically, they all knew somebody who knows somebody who has been to Peru (including a friend of Billy who used to come with Ward in Northville). The Not Forgotten partners with Scripture Union Peru to bring work teams exclusively to Puerto Alegria 3 to 4 times a year and works to raise awareness about the plight of street boys in Peru.

It all begins tomorrow.

Posted in: Peru | Tagged: Girasoles, Peru, Puerto Alegria, Scripture Union, The Not Forgotten

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katebruder

Traveler. Spanish speaker. Michigan native✋🏻. Peruvian citizen 🇵🇪. 📍Lima, Perú

[late post] May have been chastised for taking a p [late post] May have been chastised for taking a photo on the sidewalk in front of the embassy last month but thankful for the opportunity to participate in free and fair elections while overseas. I only wish the ballot drop off hours had been longer so Will could have come with us 🗳️✉️
Thankful for a church that loves its kids, generou Thankful for a church that loves its kids, generously invests in them and shares that the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 

@caminodevida @kidscdv #fundayfestcdv
A visit to the Palacio de la Moneda in Santiago 🇨🇱 

#littlewilliamnoah
Spring break trip to Santiago, Chile 🇨🇱 A de Spring break trip to Santiago, Chile 🇨🇱 A dear friend has been working in Santiago and thanks to some great points redemptions for flights and hotel, we made the trip to see her and explore a new city and country. We were amazed at the differences between Santiago and Lima (amazing public transportation! open spaces and greenery!) and loved spending time with @minazavala 😘
Spent the morning in Callao for a track meet. Will Spent the morning in Callao for a track meet. Will competed with the San Borja team in 4 races in the U8 group (50 meters, 200 meters, 4x50 meter mixed relay and 5x50 meter boys relay) and earned a medal in every race. We love watching him have fun and see how his hard work in practice pays off! 🥇🥈🥉🥉 #littlewilliamnoah
Slow days and late summer evenings on the water wi Slow days and late summer evenings on the water with family 🐟☀️ 

#littlewilliamnoah
After 3 years, we finally enjoyed a glorious Michi After 3 years, we finally enjoyed a glorious Michigan summer for a few weeks doing all the outside things possible. Spent way too much time delayed at the Atlanta airport and not nearly enough time with family. 

#littlewilliamnoah
Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God m Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do but someone you raise. - Andy Stanley

Happy Father’s Day, Billy! The legacy you are creating for Will and the example you show him daily of how to be a father and husband is our greatest blessing. We love you. 

#littlewilliamnoah
Last night Will went to his first professional soc Last night Will went to his first professional soccer game, a friendly match between Perú 🇵🇪 and Paraguay 🇵🇾. Even though the game started after he normally goes to bed and ended in 0-0, he was so excited to cheer for @labicolor and loved it ☺️⚽️ #littlewilliamnoah
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