The four biggest shocks for me so far involve masks, water, knives, and toilet paper (sorry for those of you who expected a super spiritual intro).
Upon landing in Lima at about 11 pm Wednesday night, we were told to stay in our seats for a "review" from the Peru Department of Health. A medical examiner in gloves, a mask, and surgery attire then entered and went row to row taking our health reports. Amy made the mistake (which I didn't) of actually being honest on her report and stated that Kate had a cough. I sinned and reported that I was doing well, even though I'm on three prescriptions medicines for a severe sinus infection. We were then escorted to the front section of the plane where the masked and gloved examiner tested Kate for fever. Kate was the only passenger examined out of 250, so I assume my sweet Amy was the only honest one in the bunch.
As we exited the plane into the airport, I was shocked to find that virtually everyone wore a mask, and most wore gloves. The official report is that there is no swine flu in Peru, but the "fear factor" is quite high to say the least. I gravely instructed the family to not cough or blow our snotty noses in order to avoid further examination or quarantine!
By 2 am, we were safely nestled into our hotel rooms when Amy asked me, "Is it ok to drink the water?" I immediately and confidently replied, "Yes, it's no problem." Thirsty from a long day, we both drank profusely. I still don't know why I responded "yes" the way I did- male pride, ignorance....I don't know. Needless to say, I learned the next day that I was very mistaken and we are now awaiting the results.
The next day (yesterday), I was checking my carry-on bag for the flight to Trujillo when a security guard approached me and asked, "Tienes un cuchillo, senor?", which means "Do you have a knife?" Once again, I confidently, quickly, and foolishly replied- this time with "No, of course not". He looked seriously at me, took my bag, and began the inspection. He quickly found a Leatherman knife which I had forgotten I had packed in my dop kit. He surprisingly wasn't pleased that a gringo had attempted to carry a knife onto the plane and also denied its existence.
He then re-examined my bag and asked, "Tienes otros?", which means "Do you have more?"...
"No, no amigo", I replied as he began to quickly pilpher through my bag a second time before finding a second knife- which I had packed years ago and forgotten as well. Thankfully, I had my sweet, innocent looking family standing by my side. He simply gave me a stern look, walked over to his trash can, and looked back at me again as he dropped in both of my prized possessions.
Last but not least, I just learned this morning that "you don't put toilet paper into the toilets". The plumbing here is not designed for such oddities. So, toilet paper is to be discarded into a trash can which conveniently sits next to the toilet. Admittedly, this news reached me a bit late. This is not a pleasant thought, to say the least.
Ok, now for a quick but brief transition to possibly more everlasting matters. We've obviously just gotten here. The key for our apartment was hopefully just found this morning, so we'll be apparently moving in this afternoon.
We've met quite a few of the missionaries here already. One of the missionary families (of Josh Eby) met us at the airport Wednesday night, and we've been with them since then. Most of today I spent in training at the language institute where I will be working every day.
One thing continually strikes me. I use the word "strike" because it is so obvious, real, and even "hard" to handle. These people truly seem to live for others in a deep and profound way. We've spent two days with the Eby family now, and I can't do justice to how we've experienced this from them. Based on my experiences with others here, it seems to be similar with them. "It" isn't something forced or really even very obvious.
There seems to be a community here that truly lives for and serves others (from other American missionaries to Peruvians). They actually have time for others. Or maybe I should say they make time for others. "Their" time, schedule and agenda is not their own but owned by God and others.
I don't mean to "hold them up" as angels or "super Christians" because no one is. They are all people and sinners like everyone else. But, I have been convicted and encouraged by this spirit that just seems to flow from them.
See you soon,
Jeff
