Seeing Snow

It was late last night that we three passed through the Andes Mountain range. It was a long and cold bus ride, something that we did not anticipate. But as the sun arose over the great peaks I saw my first snow of the season. It was illuminated brilliantly by the sun and reminded me of home and the deep snow that has engulfed our farm over this past month. Since leaving Quito we have been blessed abundantly in our travels. We had the oppourtunity to meet four other travellers that spoke english and who were wandering down the same path as us for a brief time. They were incredible people and encouraged our spirits greatly. There is something about good conversation that can just transform a 35 hour bus trip into a highlight. Along with these amazing new friends we have also been able to see much of the unique country side that is solely Peru. From Ecuador to Peru the landscape has changed in drastic ways. Ecuador was a magnificent view of mountains and thick vegetation. But it was almost as if a line had been drawn between the two countries. Peru´s coast was an absolute desert. A place filled with massive dunes and rock. And then along the road small communities of people who have carved an existense out of the barren wasteland. In Lima we stayed with our friends in a nice little hostal close to the ocean. There we had an oppourtunity to surf and hang out with some of the locals. From Lima we ventured out to a small oasis town in the middle of the desert called Huacachina. It was there that we got to try some sand boarding on the dunes of Peru and also cruise around in dune buggies. We are slowly learning that no matter what the sign advertises it is rarely that which you expect. Prices and times are constantly adjusted to whatever the sign is not saying. So with only one more long bus ride ahead of us we are all sitting and waiting here in La Paz with anticipation. Please pray for patience as many things on this journey have seemed to get lost in translation with the locals. Also pray for our time in Santa Cruz with Ken Switzer, that we can be a huge blessing and encouragement to his ministry. Lehmann