JANIS

Well, here it is almost the middle of August. For us in Texas, it is terribly hot with little relief in sight. My work at the university has been unusually busy this summer, and it is nearly time for students to return to their classes after a three-month break. While the weather is hot here, you are in the coldest part of your winter months. The kids in Peru have just completed their winter break from school. However, you’ve had some interesting activities with them recently. I am glad to know the youth volunteered to paint the house we use during this time. Tell me about it.

LOU

Well, the youth from the church met on Thursday, July 29 so they could paint the walls at Common Hope. Oscar Rojas, a member of the Board, and his wife, Moraima, were there directing the work. That afternoon the youth finished rapidly and in three and a half hours we were already done. We were tired but a 7 p.m. I returned to the house.

JANIS

Wow, three hours! It took you and me two days to almost finish last August! Well, you had a lot of help, and it was only the two of us. But I will be glad to see their work. And, it is a great way for them to be of service in a very practical way. But, you returned that night? What dedication!

LOU

Yes, dedication to serve the people. That night we had to return to the Common Hope house for the beginning of the pajama party for girls group, Salt of the Earth. Yesenia and I left our house with Carlos, a missionary friend who went to help us with the girls with games and a teaching. We were there from 9 p.m. on the 29^th until 10 am the following day. The time we spent with the girls was a great help to them they already recognize through God they are able to accomplish much in their life.

JANIS

What do you think stays with the girls after this experience? Is it a chance to just be with a group of girls and grow closer as friends? Or was there something else that now holds them closer together? I can remember experiences in my own youth groups that remain with me until now. I learned lessons about loving others and having a sense of God’s love for me.

LOU

We thought doing this the girls might learn to l ove one another. This is first and a way to bring the group together. Last Saturday we repeated the activity of washing their feet that Jesus did with His disciples. It was an experience to learn about serving others.Yesenia and I think this group is not a game but God will leave a permanent mark in the life of these teenagers and they will learn to love others who have more needs than themselves. Besides the girls are selling hot dogs, cookies and candies to obtain money to purchase costumes and makeup when the visit orphans. I believe they learning to earn money so they can use it for God’s work is excellent.

JANIS

What a wonderful activity! I have done that before myself and it is a very humbling experience. You two are doing some wonderful things with these girls. I think it is always good for them to learn they can meet some of their own needs. They will feel more useful and part of the effort. And, they also learn hard work is involved whenever you attempt an activity.

LOU

Yes, it is a humbling activity but it teaches us that if we know to do this then we are able to allow God to use us to help others.

JANIS

Great goal to have in mind. I am sure these activities will be remembered for a long time in their lives and influence them in way you can’t see or imagine now. Tell me about some of the activities that are taking place in the youth group with Moraima.

LOU

Moraima and Oscar called the youth of the church to paint the house for Common Hope and last Saturday they invited a 17 year old teenager to give the teaching. This teenager is from a neighboring church whose mother has been a friend of Moraima and Oscar for many years.

JANIS

The work on the painting at the Common Hope location is greatly appreciated. It is always easy to do something yourself. But sometimes that robs others of the opportunity to serve. I think the youth benefit from giving back in this way. Both Oscar and Moraima have some very special friends who are excellent teachers, too.

LOU

Yes, thank God that Moraima and Oscar have friends that are teachers and are able to teach using their experience with children. Other times they have a movie for the youth to see and afterward teach a lesson.

JANIS

Well, it seems to me there are many new things beginning in a variety of areas to help the kids in San Genaro. It is gratifying for me to know that in some small way I have my own part but also our friendship creates additional opportunities for Americans to support the work there. There is an activity with Buckner Peru scheduled in early September. Tell me about this.

LOU

Well, on the 3rd and 4th of September three women from a church in Colleyville, Texas will go to work with the mothers and the children that participate in the Christmas Store. Friday, September 3, they are counseling the women and talking about topics for women. On Saturday, the 4^th of September will exclusively be for the children. They will be making handcrafts with the children there. I believe this will be a special activity.

JANIS

We are very blessed to have a good relationship with Buckner Peru. They do so many good things with us … and for us. I am sure it will be a good day with the families. Guli is a talented storyteller, and I am certain the women from the church in Colleyville will enjoy the interaction. I am looking forward to my next trip so I can see all of these new groups and activities for myself. We have a busy season before us!