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By Robin CrowleySometimes, a trip to a foreign country can seem like stepping back in time. The so-called necessities we take for granted here in America, such as hot showers, toilet paper, washing machines, and access to healthcare are actually considered luxurious living for many who call Peru their home. While it is easy to for us to feel sympathetic toward people devastated by extreme poverty, whether in remote villages of Africa or in the hills of Appalachia, there are many more people in this world who survive somewhere between the extremes. It is those “in between” people who live in a state of deferred hope on a daily basis, and who are easily forgotten. With fifty-four percent of the Peruvian population living below the poverty level, and children being abandoned to the streets, theirs is a precarious existence, to say the least. Most of us have been in a place of need, at least temporarily, but imagine living that way every day. The Bible says that hope deferred makes the heart sick. Hebrews 11:1-2 1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2For by it the elders obtained a good report. For the majority of families in Peru, the greed and wealth of the illegal drug trade, the corruption of their own government, and the threat of recurring guerilla warfare are all constant reminders of their struggle to contend for identity and worth. However, two things amaze me about these precious people: their hospitality and their faith. Like the Macedonian church Paul speaks of in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, regardless of the state of their hearts, and despite their own needs, they give whatever they have in order to make us feel welcome. The faith of these people is to be heralded and encouraged, and that is the reason we go. It would be easier, I suppose, to send a check, but there is a bigger objective here – building faith. Call me naive, but the joyous reception we receive simply because we show up, not with money but with compassion, looks and smells like Jesus.
A “Cuylinary” Quandary Should you pet it or should you eat it? Well, the answer depends on where you are in the world. These furry, little critters, commonly found as beloved pets in many American homes, are actually a dietary staple of the Andean culture of Peru. Pronounced “kwee,” these tasty rodents find their way to Peruvian tables on a regular basis. Guinea pigs have been one of the most important food sources in ancient Peru since well before Inca times. Spanish colonial paintings of the Last Supper portray Christ and his apostles feasting on a plate of roasted cuy. They are also used by traditional healers to diagnose illnesses. The animal is passed over a sick person, and then split open and examined for clues to the disease.1 Guinea-pig meat has more protein and less fat than chicken or pork, which makes it a popular protein source for those “carb counters.” And if your looking for a “cuyntessential” gift for the Peruvian newlyweds on your list, consider a mating pair of cuyes. In no time at all, two become twenty, and you have yourself a herd and an unlimited food supply. So, if your wondering what a guinea pig tastes like...according to Pastor Jerry Bryant, who is not afraid to eat almost anything, you guessed it…”tastes just like chicken.” SURE!!! 1 Forstadt, Michael S. History of the Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) in South America. 3 May 2005
Dan and Robin Crowley We are so excited to be returning to Peru for the second time. Last year was an incredible experience, and now that we’re seasoned international travelers (ha!), we feel much more relaxed and ready to jump in the “river.” Our daughter, Elena, will not be returning this time, as she has job responsibilities in preparation for Honor Academy. We will certainly miss her and her fourth-year Spanish skills, but feel confident that we will get by. The Lord has been speaking to us for a long time about caring for the poor. Even as a boy, Dan had a recurring dream about driving a tractor trailer filled with food into a village. We feel privileged to now, finally be a part of bringing the Kingdom to the lost and hungry. Please pray that God will protect the team from illness, open the hearts of the Peruvian people and that an open Heaven will abound!! For More Information Contact: |
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