Day Four: From Jungle Paths to Wheelchair Courts: A Day of Impact in Peru

🛶 Visiting Families on Lake Yarinacocha

We started our day out on Lake Yarinacocha, a peaceful lake that connects to the Ucayali River—the very headwaters of the Amazon! During the rainy season, the water can rise 30 to 40 feet, which has caused major problems for many families here. Some have had to camp on higher ground just to stay safe and dry.

One family we visited lived in a stilt house with a waterline halfway up the walls—clear evidence of how high the water had risen. Still, they radiated joy. They had painted colorful artwork on their walls and already caught piranha and sardines for the day. They cook over a gear grill, made from leftover motorcycle parts, which are everywhere in Peru. Chickens and roosters walked around freely in their yard. We delivered food, toys, and shirts for the kids, prayed with them, and continued on to the next stop: San Francisco.

🌳 San Francisco: Kindness, Sloths, and Strong Kids

Once we arrived in San Francisco, a fallen tree blocked our way, so we and several locals carried everything—food bags, oil, supplies—across a bridge on foot. A sweet little girl was helping, but the oil slipped through a hole in the bag and fell down into the jungle. She looked scared, I tried to tell her it’s ok but there is that language barrier again. A boy who saw it all ran like lightning down to get it and brought it back. Crisis averted!

From the bridge, I spotted termite mounds and—believe it or not—a sloth in the wild! So cool!

👵 Jungle Seniors & A Giggle About Dogs

We walked through the jungle community to meet some senior citizens. They had a library, but the floor was so bad it was unsafe to enter. The seniors were warm, full of hugs and gratitude.

As we visited the seniors in the jungle community, I noticed something that caught my eye. There was a dog that looked so well cared for—healthy, clean, and clearly loved. I took a photo, which surprised a few of the older ladies nearby. They started giggling when they realized I was taking a picture of the dog!

Dogs here aren’t seen the same way we see them in the U.S.—they’re usually kept for protection, not as pets or companions. That’s part of what made this moment stand out to me. I didn’t take many pictures of animals during the trip. Honestly, it bothered me to see their condition in other places. But this one? This dog reflected the care of its owner and gave me a little spark of joy in the moment.

What moved me most was watching these elderly people carry heavy food bags—some walking up to two miles home. Their strength and resilience amazed me.

⚽ A Gift for the School

On our walk to the next house, we stopped at an elementary school. They had soccer goal posts but no soccer balls. We gave them two, and the teacher and kids were so happy! We prayed over them and then moved on toward Isabella’s home.

🌸 Meeting Isabella, A Joyful Light

Isabella lives with disabilities, but she is pure joy. Her young parents work so hard to care for her. Years ago, Kim and Juan learned about Isabella and started helping the family regularly. Because of this one little girl, they’ve been able to help her whole community. It’s beautiful how God works—how one life can ripple out and change so many others.

🧭 The Journey Continues

Next, we tried to deliver a wheelchair to a man in need, but he was taken into Pucallpa for medical treatment. A neighbor told us about someone else in need, so we walked further—but found out he had moved. Juan said we’ll try to meet with the first gentleman later in the trip. Ministry doesn’t always go as planned, but every step is still worth it.

On our way back to the boat, we passed some artsy murals and met a monkey thief! This monkey is a pet and apparently knows how to distract you with his little hands—while using his tail to rob you. Watch your water bottles!

🏀 A Night to Remember: Honoring a Life Through Sports

That evening, we had a very special celebration. Don Palmer, a church member and lifelong friend of Kim, had passed away. Instead of flowers, he asked that donations be made to Off the Trails Mission. Don loved race cars and basketball.

Juan and Kim found out about a basketball team for players with disabilities. They had talent but needed athletic wheelchairs to compete nationally. Thanks to Don’s legacy and his family’s generosity, we were able to present the team with brand new wheelchairs and team shirts.

It was emotional and powerful. The team honored him with a sign and picture, and the local news covered the event. His wife Terry was given the newspaper the next day. What a beautiful way to carry on a life of faith and love.