"What a day. The day started at 0515 with the hopes that we would depart Yurimaguas at 0600. At about 0550, Pat came around to say that we weren't going yet and to prepare for breakfast at 0745. Things were literally changing by the hour...probably more than that actually. We hung out in the hostel, sitting outside to get a breeze, chatting, waiting, playing cards. At about 1045ish the word came to get our bags and be prepared to go. we loaded the luggage into the back of Susan's truck and tied it down. 5 people got in that vehicle and within moments a police truck arrived for the rest of us. We loaded in the truck - 9 of us in the truck bed, and then ended up all together at the Police Department. Out we got again; lots more discussion between police - local and national - and then suddenly we were loaded back into the trucks again. We traveled with the lights on and the second police officer rode on the back of Susan's truck - how he held on that long, I have no idea! We passed a total of about 7 road blocks, I think, and with each blockade we sat lower in the back of the truck. The people at the blockades were fine - no issues with getting us through and our prayers were answered: we all got out together!! At one point in the night, the Commadante had said he would let us go out 1 or 2 at a time...that just wasn't gonna be good in light of the younger girls we had with us on the team. We prayed and sought God to take us out all together and He made a way. Yahoo!
The ride to the district border (end of the strike zone) was about 1 1/2 hours and the sun shone the whole time. I was lathered in sunscreen but even still I've got some burning on my arms and ears. The drive to meet the vans was really beautiful and I confess I quite enjoyed standing in the truck for the trip...quite an experience. We were most relieved when we met our vans (just as the sky was about to open up and pour down rain!) and incredibly grateful to the police for safe passage and the people of Peru for letting us through the road blocks without issue. Lord, you have worked miracles in the midst of significant obstacles.
....We are tired tonight. I am tired. I am so grateful for the peace I have in my heart and spirit. Never once have I felt fear. I have had a profound sense of calm and I know that comes from you, God.
...I am currently on the flight to Lima. We missed our original flight, due to the issues getting out of Yuri, but once again God came through and LAN (the airline) gave us tickets for this flight without us having to pay all over again. We will be most ready for our beds. Clinic day in Lima tomorrow...I need strength and a night of deep, deep sleep."
Martha listens for strike news on the very large stereo in the hostel dining area.
A news crew that arrived at our hostel..undoubtedly to cover strike news.
Ready and waiting!
Jim and Steve load Susan's truck with our luggage when we got the word to go.
Someone in Susan's truck snapped this picture of the rest of us in the police truck.
Happy to be almost out of the strike zone and all together! (me and Christine riding in the truck here).
A glimpse of the beauty of the area, heading into the moutains.
With the heavy rains in the region have come many rock slides on the main highway. I'm glad we missed this one falling!!
Complete and utter joy at my food in Tarapoto!! It had been a long day and it had been a long time since I'd seen so much fruit and veggies! That's an avocado, holding that salad, if you can believe it! It was HUGE! and filled with chicken, peaches, melon, tomatoes...oh my goodness, it was WONDERFUL!!!
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