Buenos dias from Trujillo, Peru! We have had two successful and full days of camp at Rey Sol in Trujillo. All has run smoothly with plenty of help from our Peruvian staff members. With bright sunshine in the mornings and the Pacific breeze that settles in every afternoon, we have enjoyed splashing in the pool, playing games on the field, and learning about “la Casa de Dios” (the House of God) in our crafts and bible lessons.
Each morning begins with the excitement of the campers’ arrival. After the children stream through a tunnel of Peruvian and American staff, every one assembles for singing under the shade of the pavilion. The remainder of the morning is spent in three different activities. At each activity, the staff and translators present an object lesson connecting the activity with the Bible. We enjoy having the opportunity to spend time and cultivate relationships with the children each day.
Around noon, everyone is hungry and ready for lunch! Our meals typically consist of chicken, rice, and a salad. The Peruvians also enjoy some “papas fritas” (french fries with mayonnaise) and Inka Cola! While we are chowing down on our delicious meal, the bugs/gnats continue their feast on American legs and ankles. Battling through sunburn and exhaustion, the children and staff congregate for a post-lunch fiesta! Though it is quite hot, we are excited for our afternoon continuing our activities.
The end of our activities also brings the refreshment of “sandia” (watermelon). The campers and camp staff love the taste of this watery treat! Moving back to the pavilion, we begin to sing more songs which help us share the Christian faith. Just as we learned about the Temple this past summer at camp, Twin Lakes Peru is teaching all of our children about “la Casa de Dios.” Through skits and songs, each camper learns about the holy God which is unapproachable by sinful people. Yet, we learn that Jesus Christ is the great high priest who went into the Most Holy Place offering himself as a final sacrifice tearing the veil that separates God and man. Our day ends saying goodbye to our campers and Peruvian friends.
Among the many songs that we have learned this week, the Peruvians have taught us La Casa de Dios, which means the House of God.
Mejor es un dia en la casa de Dios
que mil años lejos él
Prefiero un rincón en la casa de Dios
que todo el palacio de un rey.
Ven conmigo a la casa de Dios
celebraremos juntos su amor
haremos fiesta en honor de aquel que nos amo
estando aqui en la casa de Dios
alegraremos su corazon
le brindarenos ofrendas de obediencia y amor
¡En la casa de Dios!
Arde mi alma, arde de amor
por aquel que me dio la vida
por eso le anhela mi corazon
anhela de su compañia
Better is one day in the house of God
than a thousand years away from the
I prefer a corner in the house of God
that all the palace of a king.
Come with me to the house of God
we will celebrate together his love
there will be a festival in honor of him who loved us
while you are here in the house of God
will rejoice his heart
Bringing offerings of obedience and love
in the house of God!
My soul Burns, it burns with love for
the one who gave me life
why he yearns for my heart
yearns for your company