Liberti Group in Peru

Last Wednesday a short-term team from Liberti Church in Philadelphia took off for a second annual trip to Arequipa, Peru. Their return is almost exactly one year from their original visit, which we still hold so fondly in our memories. We were fortunate to have a number of visitors during our time in Peru last year, but Liberti was our only large team and it was such a great experience to have them there. There were many aspects of the trip that made it meaningful, but from our perspective one of the most significant things was watching the team love the kids, workers and community members so selflessly and enthusiastically. The resounding conclusion at the end of the trip was the the team members felt they had gained far more from their experiences than they had given, but our vantage point in the weeks and months after the team left confirmed that the love they had given to all at New Hope made a remarkable impact on everyone. I can only imagine the levels of excitement that were bubbling over among the kids and the returning group members when they were reunited last week.

After the group trip to Arequipa last year, several of the group members had expressed an interest in returning to New Hope to volunteer or serve as interns in various capacities. As the year went on, plans came together and we were able to make plans for their return in the fall. When our decision to leave for Tony's schooling was made, we were continually comforted by the knowledge that these interns would be arriving shortly after our departure to help guide and coordinate things at the home. It has indeed turned out to be a tremendous blessing to have them there, and we are continually singing the praises of Lydia, Julia, Jess, Seth, Brad and Andrew who have given of their time and resources to be there in our absence. Tony's parents have been able to be in Peru for several months at a time since we left for Scotland, and I know they are so thankful for the support of the Liberti 6 who have been there.

I don't think it is possible to describe what the transition from Peru to Scotland has been like for us, and I have therefore kept a bit quiet about it here on the blog. Our hearts were fully engaged in the work we were doing at New Hope and while I am not surprised that large portions of hearts have been left in the hands of the children, friends and church members there, I have been surprised by the pain of leaving those portions of our hearts behind. Our minds are continuosly filled with thoughts of the home, which makes it understandable that a good number of my dreams are set at New Hope. We've been thankful for the ways that we have been able to stay involve and connected with the home while living in Scotland, and we are anxious for the day we'll be able to return for a face-to-face visit.

One of the ways that has helped us to feel connected to the home is the work of Seth Shimkonis, one of the Liberti 6 who is currently at the home. Seth is a professional photographer who is using his skills to capture the reality, the beauty, and the hope of children in Peru. He is investing time in the kids by teaching them photography skills, but has also taken on a load of responsibility that is probably far outside his comfort zone by helping to care for the older boys at New Hope. Seth has started posting a Photo of the Day on his website, and I highly recommend reading through the recent entries and following along with his blog.

We are so thankful for the team that is down at New Hope this week and are sad that we cannot be there with them. If you think of it this week, please pray that their time will be safe, healthy, meaningful for all who are involved and filled with the love of Jesus Christ in every way.