Day 5 - Sabbath rest

What a beautiful Sabbath. 

Our day started back with the VBS kids as we put on a Sabbath service in the poverty areas. We sang songs for them once again, performed different Bible skits, and then ended with a fun running game. Having the service in the morning was cool because the building we occupied seemed clearer. I could tell the concrete walls and floor were minimally well kept but realized at the same time this was a perfect play for our service. Some 63 kids showed up, and the room filled with their laughter and cries of joy as they repeated words from songs and sermon. "Allelu" filled the chambers and gave it life on a sunny day in the slums. 

After a long rest period, we made our way to the zoo and beach. We explored the many different South American animals in their environments. The whole area was "jungle-y" with tropical plants and fire ants. I was most intrigued by the monkeys and water rodents. Some of the animals seemed to come out of Ice Age, and it was cool to see them in person. The beach was the best part of the day. The water at the end of the zoo was part of a lake, and the beachy shore was filled with Peruvian vacationers, volleyball nets, concessions, and life. I played soccer for a good hour with the other guys. A Peruvian employee of POPP played with us, and he showed me first hand that even after you leave a major futbol club in Peru to continue your studies, you're still pretty darn good. We jumped in the warm lake afterwords and played around, laughing and splashing in the sunny Sabbath day. 

After dinner we explored a nearby plaza for ice cream and treats. Because of the conversion rate, everything is so cheap. I was able to get a bag of caramel corn for 30 USD cents! I'm looking forward to take advantage of this next week when we shop. 

It was a great, restful Sabbath, which unfortunately ended too quickly. Tomorrow is apparently a big work day, and I can't wait to get back to doing our mission.