Peru
March 2006

Feeling the need to help others, serve God, and move outside her comfort zone, Jeanne decided to join a short-term mission trip to Peru to build a church. Her trip lasted about two weeks, and took her to three distinct parts of Peru: Coastal (and dry) Lima, Amazonian Pucallpa, and mountainous Cuzco. She was touched by the warmth and kindness of the people, especially the children, and came back a richer person.

The church was built in Pucallpa (in just 6 days), which is located in the Amazon region, about 50 miles west of Brazil. It is a very poor city, with unemployment in the 80% range. The church was located in the town and they stayed at an airbase on the edge of town (which also happens to be the edge of the jungle). Consequently, she got a healthy dose of semi-urban life and the jungle.

After the church was built, Jeanne took a few extra days to tour Cuzco and the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. Cuzco, which was built in the mid-1400's by the Incas, was beautiful. It is located in the Andes, nestled between seven peaks covered in a lush green layer of vegetation. Jeanne thought it was all stunning, but she was especially fond of the mountains.

When summarizing her trip, Jeanne points out that it was sweltering hot, the work was hard, and the language barrier was frustrating. She also points out that she will definitely do this again.

Below are Jeanne's photos in my normal format. For full-screen versions of a few of the better photos, click here.