8. Elvis, Coca Tea and Hospitals

This evening we visited Aurelio in the hospital. He was with his 2 brothers and daughter when we arrived. They were helping him by his bed, so we waited a few minutes before going in. He was a little confused, although in good spirits. The doctors say his liver has failed, and now he is in the final stages. We talked with him, and I told him he was known in the UK and that folks would be praying for him. He was glad to know this. The hospital was a sad place, and it was sad to think of this dear saint here at the end of his life. But he knows the Lord, and although he is a bit confused, his trust in his Saviour is strong. What must it be like for the 1000 s of Peruvians who have no living faith in Jesus. Ronnie turned up, after we had been there a few minutes. He is often visiting, and clearly loves his flock. He spoke warmly with Aurelio as well as his family, who do not know the Lord. He is a vital part of the ministry team here.

Before coming out I had my 1st cup of "mate de coca." It is a tea

made with the leaves of the coca plant (from which comes cocaine) although this is not like the refined stuff. The Peruvians use it for mild stomach upsets and to alleviate the effects of altitude sickness.

At first smell and taste, it reminded me of the smell you get when you clean out the grass cuttings from the mower. (So not that great!) Anthony laughed and then suggested I had some sugar! 2 teaspoons made it palatable. Anthony never feels the need to drink it, and would not choose it at all!!

The effect is a bit like having a strong coffee really. (HONEST!)

The reason for putting myself through this is that tomorrow we travel to the Colca Canyon early in the morning. This is the tourist bit of my trip. The Colca Canyon is apparently the deepest canyon in the world. We have a 4 hour drive to get there, and at the highest part of the journey, we get up to 4800 metres!! Thankfully, we drop back down to 3800 approx. (Arequipa is 2400m). The coca leaves often help with symptoms of altitude sickness.

Apparently, you often get good views of the Andean Condor perching on the cliffs and circling the thermals. Andrew and Ruth Sadler went there last year and lived to tell the tale. Also there are some hot springs to dip into. I didn´t bring my swimming sorts, but I do have some shorts that will do. We will stay over night on Monday, and head back tuesday. So probably won´t be any more journal entries until Wednesday, DV.

Last night we met Elvis! It´s true. The King is alive and well in Peru. And I shook his hand! Elvis is one of the many local councillors running for election. There are more parties than you know what to do with, so elections are a confusing affair. They all promise that life will be better under them, with party names like, "Arequipa Reborn," and "All together in Arequipa," etc... They all tell you how honest, serious and experienced they are. So who knows.

Well, got to go. Thanks for all your prayers. I would appreciate prayer that the altitude sickness is not too severe. Some folks get nothing, others find it tough going.

Well, off I go to take my next cup of mate de coca! Pass the sugar!

Hasta Luego!