Looking down, looking ahead
May 21, 2009 | posted by Jon under peru, updates
Because the community of readers that checks this blog regularly has been so supportive of this trip through emails, offers for places to stay, and comments, I figured I owed it to “the enjoyment of the people” to quickly recount an event that actually just happened minutes after Lars’ last post, while we were staying with the Catholic church in Barranca.
Long story short, I fell in a hole. I know, I don’t remember the last time I fell in a hole either… To my defense, the Plaza de Armas (where the church was located) was being COMPLETELY redone, and there were dangerous 5-6 foot deep trenches everywhere. Even so, I usually see myself as a fairly well-balanced person, especially from all the slackline practice I have indulged in at EMU. Despite this, as I was wheeling my BOB trailer around on the sidewalk, I suddenly stepped where there was nowhere to step. In a split-second I found myself standing upright, chin deep in a hole with my BOB trailer on top of me, and a wonderfully kind 80-year-old Catholic priest trying to help me out of the hole. I politely but quickly declined his help, not wanting to have the father in the hole as well as I climbed out and dusted myself off. I later learned that I had fallen on the city water main, which thankfully remained intact despite my landing on it. I was quite glad to be spared the title of “The Gringo who flooded the Plaza de Armas,” and walked away from the whole thing laughing at myself.
The next day my right shoulder was quite stiff and it hurt to bear weight on it, so we took a bus to Lima, where we were fortunate enough to find the Mennonite church in Lima and stay with them for the long weekend. We enjoyed getting to know Jaqueline, (”the encargada” at the church while the pastor is on vacation), and the youth of the congregation. We sang songs and told stories (in Spanish) Saturday night in Miraflores Park, as well as had lunch with the youth on Sunday afternoon. We also enjoyed having access to a well-equipped kitchen and being within walking distance of a giant grocery story. Highlights include sweet potato and spinach curry and some wonderful avocado/egg/aji sandwiches which I believe are pictured in our photo gallery.
Since leaving Lima on Monday, we’ve encountered:
Hospitality in Mala - staying in a Catholic elementary school and being served delicacies such as potted meat and paneton, the Latin American fruitcake, which is quite good.
Healing in Pisco - the town suffered an earthquake in 2007 which registered a magnitude 8.0 and lasted for 3 minutes. Much of what we encountered there was related to rebuilding and piecing back together what used to be.
Healthy Eating in Ica - where we purchased 1.8 L of drinkable peach yogurt and then stretched that with another 1 L of 3 grain enriched milk beverage. The combo was quite good, and we got our dairy for the rest of our time in the Andes.
Today we find ourselves in Nazca, among the mysterious lines and the foothills of the Andes. We plan to rest here for a day, then begin our journey upwards on Saturday, the 23rd. We ask for your continued prayers and thoughts as we switch gears, terrain, culture, and climate once again on our way to Paraguay.
9 Responses to “Looking down, looking ahead”
• On May 21, 2009 Philip Shirk wrote:
I just had an unfamiliar-to-me falling accident as well! I was on a hike here in Dominica following someone down wet wooden steps in the trail. As my feet slipped from one step to the next, I didn’t get the usual “I’m falling!” message in my brain, but rather “I’m going to take out Adam!” Somehow I slid right between his legs, and ended up laying there on my back, with Adam straddling my hips. My calves were a little sore the next day (where they hit the step), but not bad.
• On May 22, 2009 Geoff & Janet Groff wrote:
good morning Jon!we enjoy reading your entries on the blog. We’re cheering for you as the you begin the “climb” tomorrow. Praying as slways for your strength and safety. God bless you both!
• On May 22, 2009 Cheryl Lehman wrote:
ohhhh the memories you are making! Glad you landed on your feet in that hole and not your head! Enjoy every Andean vista; know that we’re pedaling with you (so to speak!). You’ve got lots of “mamas” cheerin’ you on!! Be safe!
• On May 22, 2009 Len and Norma Jean wrote:
Guys — how can you make any progress if you’re stopping to check the fabulous view in the mountains?!! Good thing people like me aren’t along. But we’re for sure behind you, praying and giving praise that you continue safely - inspite of holes and other obstacles. Blessings!
• On May 22, 2009 Marlin Burkholder wrote:
My wife Christine has been talking of getting our son Hans and you two together once you get to Paraquay. I thought the lines of Nazca were high up in the Andes somewhere. Guess that says something of my knowledge of South American geography. Somehow I missed following your journey through the northern SA countries Columbia and Equador. Guess i’ll look at your trajectory.
• On May 25, 2009 Lynn Bain wrote:
Sorry about your fall yah. In Monrovia Liberia you have to be vey carefull as there are holes just like that one you can fall into. One day 2 people fell into the same hole right after each other!
• On May 25, 2009 Mary Alice Ressler wrote:
Greetings, Jon & Lars! You’re both doing a wonderful job of relaying your diverse encounters and experiences! I’ve been enjoying your adventure vicariously, and I’m praying for your continued safety and good spirits.
• On May 26, 2009 Carmen Schrock-Hurst wrote:
Lars and Jon,
We remain in your cheerleading camp, interested in your progress and stories of receiving hospitality. Thank you for sharing your stories with us. May God continue to meet you in surprising ways every step of your journey.
Blessings.
• On Jun 7, 2009 Salome Yoder wrote:
We are with interest following your journey for several reasons: Jon, your grandfather is a double first cousin of mine, My husband’s sister lives with her family in Heredia, Costa Rica and lastly our family spent nearly 5 years in an Indian village in the jungle of southern Belize and now God has place us in the desert, Phoenix, AZ! Godspeed, Salome Yoder