Sobering Thoughts

Third day in Lima, and we´re all already feeling at home, and definitely not wanting to leave! Yesterday we started out morning with joining the locals in their 7 o´clock mass at the church next to our Retreat center. Though in Spanish, it was still an awesome experience, and a few of us were even able to pick up a few words from the service. The community in North Lima welcomed our group with open arms to their worship service. They made a point to come to us and say ‘el pas’ during peace be with you to all of us.

Speaking to the priest after, before the Mass, the Priest came by our group and asked us where we were from and why we were in Lima. He was a friendly individual who invited us to sit closer and participate in the Mass with the people in the community. He made a point to explain the homily to us - which was about the spiritual and physical ascension into heaven. After the Mass the priest met with our group outside the church and explained how elections are run in Peru. He noted that if the people did not vote in the election that they would receive a fine and would be denied access to public services until they paid the fine. However, this choice is a difficult one to make for some residents in Peru because they do not have the economic means to transport themselves to the polls and vote and transport themselves back. Thus they must weigh whether or not it is more beneficial to pay the fine then to transport themselves to and from the polls.
He asked us about why we were here and we got to talk to him a lot about our trip so far, as well as all we´re looking forward to! We were welcomed and wished safe travels by a few of the locals.

Through in an a different language than our own, we were able to follow along, and pick up on most of the service, joining in the communion, and even singing some of the songs with them. One difference Jordan and I noticed from our home churches was the differences in music. There were fewer songs in this service, and no instruments, just voices that sang despite the fact that no prayer books were provided. Yet, everyone knew all of the songs of by heart, and the whole community embraced in the worship ceremony.

For communion, they did not serve wine because it is actually illegal to drink alcohol during an election period, at least 2 days before and 2 days after. The priest explained that this is to attempt to control any fighting that could be an outcome of the results. So that there is a lower chance of violence, and any fighting that may occur would be sober.
Today we are continuing our journey in Peru where we will further learn about the political stances of the Peruvian parties.

Love Jess & Jordan