They really did have fun I think! Peruvians just don't smile in photos.

The adventure began when 3 of the 4 girls arrived with news that the fourth was at home crying because her mom changed her mind and wouldn't let her come. You'd think we were taking teenagers, but no, this is a 26 year old with a 5 year old son (single mom, living at home). Sierra went to look into the situation and worked her magic. The 6 of us hopped on the bus to Huaral.

The first moments of the retreat were some of the sweetest for me. I had especially been hoping to spend time with the girl in red, A. Her family is very connected to our missionary team but doesn't attend any of the Comunidad Cristiana's events because of conflicts with another family there. The division breaks my heart. There's something breathtaking about this girl, her vivacity, her feisty character, that draws me to her. I want to be her friend but don't know how. On the bus we sat together and got to talk about some more personal issues. It was a great time for me to connect with her, and I feel like she came out of the retreat a little more convinced that I really do like her and want to know her more. I hope so at least.

One of the highlights of the retreat was visiting a Hare Krishna community nearby. Bizarre. And at the same time lovely. I was struck by how seriously they take the task of knowing God.