The team’s arrival in Peru was anything but ordinary, marked by an unexpected overnight stay in Colombia and a significant customs delay in Cusco due to a system outage. Yet, despite exhaustion, spirits stayed high. Once through immigration, the group shared a celebratory meal—one teammate even claimed it was the best meal they’d had. A whirlwind shopping trip followed, gathering supplies for workshops, school needs, clothing, food, and even foosball sets for each cottage at Casa Del Águila (CDA). Jaime masterfully packed it all into a truck and two sedans for the nearly two‑hour trip up the mountain.

Darkness had settled by the time they reached CDA, but the children were waiting outside with bright smiles and open arms. Newcomers were welcomed just as warmly as returning friends, creating an evening filled with hugs, tears, laughter, and the undeniable feeling of being exactly where they were meant to be. After a hearty dinner prepared by Santusa and the team’s first devotional together, everyone rested with grateful hearts.

The days that followed unfolded in a beautiful rhythm of worship, service, learning, and play. At Sunday’s service, the older CDA girls led worship while Pastor Raúl shared the message, translated courageously by Juan. A thoughtful discussion on “Love That Sees” brought vulnerability and unity as the team reflected on times they had been loved in difficult moments. Cottage visits, Uno games with ever-changing rules, kids learning Chinese from Joy, and impromptu volleyball matches created countless moments of connection. Even tiny Brianna—no more than five years old—took on the role of coach with adorable seriousness.

Workshops launched with energy as Sarai led a devotional on “Faith That Anchors,” reminding the team that Jesus leads through storms with purpose and presence. Juan’s STEM workshop became an instant hit as the littles crafted catapults by the river, decorated them eagerly, and trekked back with fresh pacay fruit collected from trees. The beloved poster board gratitude activity returned in the afternoon, inspiring creativity and heartfelt reflections. Kids expressed thanks for food, clothing, house parents, God’s provision, and—memorably from the boys—bathrooms. Their joy, imagination, and openness continued to touch the team deeply.

A full-day excursion to Cusco added adventure and discovery to the week. With worship music filling the bus, a stop for pan serrano, and a change in plans that led to the ancient ruins of Pikillacta, the day unfolded with rich history and wide-eyed wonder. A spontaneous visit to the Inka Imperial Road allowed the kids to run freely along paths once used by ancient travelers. Lunch donated by a generous family sparked another moving moment when a student shared a prophetic dream that left many in tears. Rain didn’t dampen the group’s energy as muddy volleyball games broke out beside the lake, followed by dinner at a food court and ice cream for everyone. For some children, riding the escalators was a first—and a delight worth recording. The bus ride home transformed into a joyful party with mock “news interviews,” hair braiding, English scripture games, and laughter echoing into the night.

The week continued with early-morning hikes that turned into unexpected team‑building adventures as the group navigated dead ends, built makeshift bridges, and laughed their way through the Peruvian countryside. Joy and David led a devotional on courage, opening space for more heartfelt conversation and connection. Juan’s final STEM workshop served as a grand finale, with littles building race cars and older kids designing egg‑drop vessels complete with blueprints and presentations. Only a couple of eggs cracked upon impact, but all the projects showcased creativity and teamwork. The team celebrated Juan’s thoughtful planning and the kids’ enthusiasm with applause at dinner before ending the evening with talent show practice, water balloons, and the ongoing tradition of spinning toddlers in endless circles.

Across these five days, one thread wove everything together: love in action. Barriers dissolved, relationships deepened, and joy multiplied in every workshop, devotional, bus ride, and muddy volleyball court. Through every hug, tear, laugh, and shared meal, the team witnessed the heart of Casa Del Águila—family, growth, resilience, and the transforming power of God’s love.

And with so much already experienced, the journey is only just beginning.