La Chureca

Today Delanie and I took a taxi to Casa Bernabe to meet up with a group that is staying at the orphanage this week. We found out that they were going to La Chureca today and they let us tag along with them for the trip. We first met up with a couple who started a ministry near La Chureca about a year ago and they told us all about their mission to better the conditions of these peoples lives. They have a tough calling from God to be there and it's definitely not a job for just anyone. Prayers are definitely needed for them to continue their passion for this place and its people.

La Chureca is a garbage dump. More than a dump, it is a way of life. There is a village and an entire community that lives here. When you first drive into La Chureca your senses go into overdrive. The sight of trash everywhere, emaciated cows and horses, children running around in the dirtiest environment possible, men picking through a mountain of garbage to find recyclable items, and the smell...the smell alone will make you want to leave and never turn back. Simply put, it is like hell on earth. It hits you hard. It feels apocalyptic. It doesn't make any sense in your head to see people living under these conditions. It's like nothing you've ever experienced.

And yet, this place is full of life, love, and hope. There have now been three generations living here and these people call it home. They make their living by going through the trash to pick out anything and everything that could be recycled in any way possible. They wait for old meat to be dumped and cut off the freshest pieces to feed their families or sell for money. They collect plastic bags that may have decaying food or worms inside and wash them to sell on the street. This is their way of life, this is what they know. They have families, children, a school, and a church. They welcomed us into their homes and told us about their lives. They love the Lord and are joyful people.

We had the opportunity to go to the feeding center at La Chureca. A group of young children came during lunch and we served them rice with chicken and juice. They were very interested in us and we made some new friends! These children are full of life just like any other kid you know. They played games with us, laughed with us, and showed us around their village. It was great to be able to serve these beautiful children.

All in all it was a tough day to take in. This is the second time that we visit La Chureca and it was still just as difficult to see as the first time. We felt blessed to be welcomed into the village and feed the children. We drove home feeling exhausted and hungry! Enrique (our taxi driver) drove us home safely and we thanked him for his wonderful service to us. Please pray for the people living in La Chureca and the ministry that is helping them.

I am today what yesterday has made me; tomorrow I shall be changed by today's experiences.

xoxo

Priscilla and Delanie