Hospitals and Friends in Cuzco

After getting together with all the summer missionaries in Nasca for mid-summer debriefing at the end of June, our team set off to research again. This time we were heading for villages surrounding the city of Andahuylas: Chiara, Umamarca, Pomacocha, and Pampachiri. It was an adventurous research trip to say the least. Our team did an extensive amount of hiking in the area. The longest of these excursions being about six hours at 4000 meters and on hilly terrain (which was a awesome since every Peruvain had told us the hike would take four hours and would be flat). After obtaining all the research information we heading back to Andahuylas on our way to Cuzco and then Puno. Unfortunatley, while in Andahuylas I began to suffer from a severe allergic reaction. It was lovely to have a horrid rash cover your entire body and itch terribly. Jess, Lydia, and I then proceeded to leave from Andahuylas to Cusco the next day where I could recieve adequate medical care. After arriving in Cusco I immediately went to private clinic where the doctor informed me I had to be admitted since the allergic reaction would soon affect my respiratory system. A day in the clinic on an IV and alot of medicine later (which I am still on) has worked wonderfully, and I feel tremendously better. However, other people here in Cusco have also fallen into sickness. My fellow researcher, Jess, was admitted days ago and is still in the hosptial pending a flu test. Another friend who is teaching ESL classes, Justin, was in the same clinic a couple of days ago. It has not been all bad though. I have had the opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of a great group of people here in Cusco. Not just the Samford University ESL team, but also several Peruvians involved in a local ministry, "zona segura." I praise the Lord for the work this ESL team and Zona Segura are doing among the students in Cusco.
Last night I cooked for the teams here, including a friend we had met and invited to dinner at a local dessert restaurant. Our Peruvain looked baffled when a hot dish of Southern mac and cheese arrived on the table followed by a key lime pie made with real squeezed limes. The meal turned out delicious, our friend loved the food, and it was a great time of fellowship for everyone. I thank Christ for these new friends and brothers, and am looking forward to my final few weeks in Peru.