Mission work day 1 - Stairbuilding

It is difficult to explain the experience of being in such a poor area. With no street signs we missed our turn off and ended walking around the hills with no discernible landmarks. What strikes you in this area is the minimal amount of vegetation - mostly barren rock and dirt. The smells, the damp mist, the stray dogs, one room sheds as homes - yet they are satisfied, happy humble people. Yet this was not the poorest area of Lima. There were those who actually lived in cardboard boxes. Our Sydney youth were absolutely amazing in the way they bonded and worked for the poor of Pamplona. It is amazing what young people with hearts for the poor can achieve. We managed two concreted staircases in the day we were there.