From 2004 – 2010, my firstborn and his family lived in Peru. My son was a missionary doctor seeing patients in a clinic in the Andes Mountains of Peru. They enjoyed their work there in the rugged, beautiful mountains of the Incas. They lived among the Quechua people, coming to know and love them. My granddaughters were 4 and 2 years old when they left for Peru, so they grew up speaking Spanish fluently and playing with their young Quechua friends. While there, they were blessed to adopt their youngest daughter.
In 2008, I enjoyed spending three weeks in Peru. During my time there, I visited the historic city of Cusco, the Sacsayhuaman and other ancient ruins, trekked through amazing Machu Picchu and had an unforgettable visit with my son and his family.
While there, I also came to know and love two young people that I will forever consider grandchildren: Vladi and Evelyn. They are brother and sister and have one other sister whom I did not have the privilege of meeting. My son and his family met Vladi and Evelyn at their church and took these precious, young Christian people into their hearts and lives.
Vladi and Evelyn’s early lives had been difficult. I don’t know the whole story but I do know they had not had easy childhoods. My Spanish was limited and, at the time, they were just learning English, so we communicated the best we could. I think they knew, however, that this Grandmom loved them. Vladi lived with my son and his family and enrolled in dental college while they were in Peru. They have continued to support him in this endeavor. Vladi graduated from dental college a few weeks ago and is now in his internship in general dentistry. It would be great if he could come to the states after his internship to continue in a pediatric dentistry program which I believe he is considering.
Evelyn is enrolled in the university there, studying agriculture. She works part time in an internet cafe. Although the tuition is free, she has to purchase her school books and supplies. I know this has not been an easy journey for either of them, but I am proud of each of them for pursuing their dreams. I am proud of my son for his part in helping a young man to become a dentist there in Peru.
I haven’t seen Vladi and Evelyn for six years now, but this Grandmom would love to see them again! We keep in touch on Facebook and I pray for them each day and for the journey ahead of them.
Below: My sweet daughter-in-love Jeanine and Vladi in Peru earlier this year
when Jeanine flew down to translate for a mission group.
Above: I love this photo of Evelyn! She’s so beautiful. Here she had traveled by one of the small buses there to take a chicken to someone who needed it! Evelyn and I laughed together that she was traveling with a chicken but it needed to be done. She has such a heart of gold.
Below: Two beautiful granddaughters: Evelyn and Kate
Below: Vladi carrying Kate on one of our treks through the ruins…2008
Below: A recent photo of Vladi (far right), who excels in soccer, and his teammates.
Below: Congratulations to Vladi for having finished dental college.
He is now in his internship in general dentistry. Way to go, Vladi!
A few more photos from my visit to Peru in 2008…
