hola!

After 24 hours of traveling....we have finally made it to our destination, Iquitos, Peru. I will start by saying that I have only had about 3 hours of sleep and exstatic about being out of an airport and plane!!

Yesterday, we arrived in Miami at about 3-30 (no key for the right time symbol), and because our layover was 8 hours long a few of us decided that we would go explore. South Beach...there we went! We got to put our toes in the sand, enjoyed a very delicious Italian meal, and got to people watch like crazy! The time flew by and we were back off to the air port to board the midnight flight to Lima.

When we arrived at 4-30am...it was time for the BIG transfer over (including luggage, check in, check points, and money) This took approximately 3 hours with one to spare before heading to our final destination! I boarded the last plane, and for the last time sat next to someone I did not know and that did not speak English (make that two women that did not speak English) One wearing a fur hat with pearls hanging off of it and a fur coat! She was STYLING!!!! The lady directly beside me did not know how to fasten her seat belt, bless her heart, but I helped her find the two ends that went together eventually...this was the most amazing flight yet. After we were up in the air I look down and my breath was literally taken away!Huge beautiful mountains....the pictures will better explain what words cannot even do justice for!

Then, amongst arriving in Iquitos we met one of Dr. Paul´s friends in the air port. He took care of all of our luggage and had our cabs waiting and motor cars waiting! Motor cars by the way are Honda and Yamaha mopeds/dirt bikes with little bench seats behind them.They zoom in and out of traffic and honk at anyone and eveything. It is like a city full of these things that drive as tough they are in a bumper car rink! So FUN! For those of use staying at the hotel, we had to check in and walk to what is called the El Harden. This is where Pam McAbee lives, and is the missions house. Some of our crew is staying there too. There we had some wholesome sandwiches and dried plantains for lunch, got the rundown of the city and our agenda, and then took the grand tour. Like I said picures will speak much louder than the words I can type.

This is a breath taking city, in which there is no such thing as middle class. Some of what I have seen already has broken my heart to pieces and reassured me that we are here doing a great thing! The children and people are absolutley beautiful! Before I came, I didnt remember to think that there would be dogs and animals...on which I have no words to describe at the moment.

BUT....we HAVE made it and I cannot wait for what I will learn next!! God Speed...I am praying for you all back home. (shh...I do miss you already!) ;)

xoxoxo!