Return to the Highlands of Peru

David Scott Fields II, Senior Writer • December 14, 2024

AREQUIPA, PERU – After my amazing trip to the highlands of Peru in the summer of 2022, I knew I had to return there one day. Finally, in November of 2024, I got my chance! It ended up being a more low key trip than my first one, mainly because I got what they call “Peru Stomach” on Day 3 and never completely recovered before I had to go home. All the same, it was a great time with my dear missionary friends Jason and Sarah Sheets and their kids.

A major highlight was getting to spend Thanksgiving Day with several missionary families and to hear all about their ministries and lives in Peru. And, of course, I got to be reunited with the amazing people at the church plant at IBC Ciudad de Dios. I only knew them for a few days on my last trip, but they remembered me and were excited to see me again. It always amazes me how deeply connected the body of Christ can become – even when we don’t speak the same language.

And speaking of Spanish – I did not really have much time to study my Spanish before this trip, but I found I was able to understand more, and on at least one occasion I had a very special translator. On this trip I got to spend a little more time with the youngest Sheets child, Andrew. He and I even got to go on our own solo breakfast adventure one day to have Adobo (look it up and fix it – it was amazing!) Andrew just turned 11 recently, and I was very impressed with his Spanish and ability to translate for me. Who knows what I would have ordered if he had not been there!

In all, despite getting sick, it was an amazing time. For my next visit we talked several times about visiting the Peruvian jungle where there is a missionary run school. I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in mind.

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