Our trip to Puno to deliver Christmas presents went better than we could have planned (and we COULDN'T plan, because the number I had for Fredy never worked!) We arrived Wed night to Puno City, and Thurs morn we were standing in front of Fredy with our gifts! How did this happen?
1. Travel agent called around with Fredy's name.
2. Found the community.
3. Arranged a boat to go there.
4. Fredy (the new president of his community) was ready and waiting!
Thurs afternoon, we unzipped the suitcases, and heard gasps and whispers from Fredy's family, as they saw Christmas bags and stockings full of presents.
We supplied presents that afternoon, out of Fredy and Violeta's kitchen to over 50 kids! We came with 40 pairs of shoes, that being the most wanted gift. It was amazing how even the last kids trickling in had shoes that fit! Kids from far away communities came a few hours later, after having heard from excited children about the gifts they received. Kids with 8 brothers and sisters and kids without fathers shyly came in to receive their gifts. Fredy told us OVER and OVER again HOW happy all the children were, how he couldn't believe we came back, and how THANKFUL they all were. Violeta cooked us guinea pig that night, as it is a delicacy, to thank us once again. That night, and even the next morning, we heard the whistles of recorders being played near and far by happy children.
Thank you SO MUCH to each of you who sent presents, gave or raised money, or were praying for our time. I was filled with inexpressible joy to the Lord for His goodness and provision. Thank you for MAKING that possible!