Peru 2011 - Part 1

The last three days have been a whirl wind. Thanks to everyone at home who has been thinking and praying for us. I know my twitter and facebook updates have been spotty at times because my phone was in and out of service. Hopefully you are enjoying the pictures. When we get back, you will have a chance to see some really good footage and photos, because our new photographer and videographer, Brian, is with us on the trip. He is doing awesome and everyone loves him!

Brian took a break from taking pictures to wash some of the childrens' feet

In addition to Brian and myself, we have a pretty awesome team. It includes Christy and Quenten, friends from Tampa and Houston. "Q" keeps us laughing and is just great with the kiddos. They don't see too many tall guys around here, so they love him! Christy is a sweetie with a heart for giving.

We also have Maggie from New Jersey. She's not jersey shore girl though, she joked that there was an el paka farm by her house, not knowing that Peru loves the sacred animal. They were everywhere in Lima and so everyone had a good laugh at that. Maggies Spanish is probably best of any of the participants. She has been so great with the ninos and communicates great! 

Vince, from Louisville is an old classmate and friend of mine. He has such a servants heart and came so ready to give this week. We are so lucky to have him with us!

Libby and Her New Friend! 

 Last but not least we have Kathy and Libby. Kathy is a spunky social worker from Bethlehem, PA. She has a way with kids and seems so fearless about everything. Libby Edelman, (yes the Libby of Sam and Libby shoes) is a treasured guest of ours on this trip as well. She and her husband have been generous donors to Soles4Souls since the beginning --donating over 23,000 shoes. She is just loving the kids and really adds such an amazing dynamic to this team. She knows and loves shoes, and wants to give back. Beautiful soul!

Its such a joy to have such a diverse group yet they all have something in their heart that is similar: they want to give hope.

They worked a long day today, pretty much from sun up to sun down, and loved every minute. I heard no complaints -- and that's amazing for a group of 8 to give away almost 600 pairs of shoes today at two community churches, Aregla and Milagro. Tomorrow brings another big distribution of similar size and a more intimate distribution to a local orphanage.

Can't wait to tell you all more about it. Stay tuned.

Blessings,

Emily