This morning the children got up and had a small breakfast of cereal and yogurt. We headed to church around 10:00, finding all our familiar friends from the last couple of weeks. We were able to visit with the mission group of sixteen from the United Kingdom. Lovely and caring individuals from various Anglican churches throughout London. They apparently knew about us, so for them, they were happy to meet the proud new parents. The church service began with songs and prayer. Padre Juan Carlos loves music and it is so cute to see him “jam” in his robe. Back and forth he would clap and smile; you just know he was feeling spiritual. Even though their children’s church was in the middle of the service and Lizet went with her friends, the sermon was wonderful for Xavier and Angela. It was about not being fearful. Xavier was especially attentive and seemed to relate to Padre Juan Carlos when he himself stated that at fifteen, he would be afraid at night thinking there might be a thief in the house. One of the missionaries from London translated every sentence, so I had a good grasp on today’s lesson. Lizet and some other children returned before communion. Father Fred from London helped conduct communion. At the end of the service the announcements were made. A new little girl from San Jose who speaks Quechua was introduced. Attention was given to the team from London and many tears were shed from the beautiful words Padre Juan Carlos expressed. Then, our family of five was asked to come to the front for a special blessing from both priests. At the end of the service, so many individuals came up to us - hugging, kissing, crying; expressing their thanks for us taking in three children from Arequipa. I have felt moved throughout this entire trip, but it still gets you when others relay such deep emotion. Milagros, the kids’ older half-sister was at Cristo Redentor to say a final farewell. She brought them bottles of drinks and bags of chips. After church, the five of us caught a tico (the type of taxi we usually catch – tiny) to Plaza de Armas for lunch. We had lunch at Capriccio. Xavier and Lizet wanted hot dogs - they have shoestring potatoes and slaw topping the dogs. Xavier had a Sprite and Lizet ordered lemonade. When her drink arrived, she said, “¡Muchas gracias!” She took a sip and said, “Delicioso.” She shared with her siblings and said, “¿Delicioso, no?” I ordered a Sprite and Strogonoff Crepes, while Dave ordered an Italian sandwich, and Angela ordered a chicken dish with mashed potatoes and white asparagus. Angela and Dave had regular cokes. After paying and tipping, which Xavier had a quick lesson on leaving a tip, we walked to a market to purchase a few gifts for those who have helped us. Angela wasn’t crazy about shopping, but under the circumstances, understood as to why and for whom we were buying. After finishing our shopping, the kids and I headed to the center of Plaza de Armas to feed the pigeons while Dave went to Super to purchase some hot dogs and buns, since it was expressed to us at lunch, that was what they wanted for dinner. Angela wasn’t at all interested in feeding pigeons. Lizet went through both her bags of seed, but Xavier stretched out his time with his two bags, seeming a bit disappointed when none would eat from his hand. He tried so hard, filling his hand with seed and laying the front of his hand on the ground. Finally, Dave met up with us and we took a taxi back home. The kids played and watched television while mamá took a siesta. We had a hot dog dinner with shoestring potatoes. The children are packed and ready for our journey to Lima tomorrow. For tonight’s last night in Arequipa, we’ll have ice cream and they can stay up until 10:00.
I had a brief lesson on "love" from Gloria tonight. I asked her about the "te amo" and the "te quiero" difference. I now know why Angela giggles and smiles when I say, "te amo." Te amo is more romantic, while te quiero is what is normally said among Latinos to mean "I love you". High school and college Spanish taught that, interchangeably. You live, you learn…
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