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Saturday, March 17, 2012

Eleven days in the city of Pachacutec

     Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui ( or Pachacutec). He was the ninth Sapa of the Kingdom of Cusco, which he transformed into the empire Tawantinsuyu, or the Inca Empire. Most archaeologists now believe that the famous Inca site of Machu Picchu was built as an estate for Pachacuti.

Statue of Pachacuti,
     In Quechua, Pachacutiq means "He who shakes the earth". During his reign, Cuzco grew from a hamlet into an empire that could compete with, and eventually overtake, the Chimú. He began an era of conquest that, within three generations, expanded the Inca dominion from the valley of Cuzco to nearly the whole of western South America.
     Pachacuti is considered as something of a national hero in modern Peru.
    The city I stayed in for eleven days bears his name. The family that I stayed with, the Cruz's, told me that the city and land was given to the poor, mostly the Quechua speaking peoople, about 10 years ago by one of the past presidents. It has few paved roads and most of the buildings are not vey well built but the people are really kind.
     God really placed me in a good home with people who have the love of Jesus in them. I needed someone, anyone to "stop for the one" which was me this time. Sometimes you need people to be able to discern that you are not only physically hurting but that you are emotionally drained because of the pain and really can't think well or make quick decisions. The Cruz family, especially Pator Marin, Pastor Cruz, and his daughter Luz had and have this discernment and took care of me .It wasn't easy at first because of the language problem but because of the love of Jesus in them I'm doing much better physically.
     Two years ago I prayed to God to humble me. He has continuosly been doing that and I'm grateful for it. The process is not always easy, rarely, but if you obey and incline your ear to Him it always the best. Blessing, thanks for your support.

Pastor Carlos and his wife.They took care of  me when my back and leg was really hurting me.

Luz, Pastor Carlos's daughter.

Samuel, Luz's boyfriend, was a great help to me in Pachacutec because he spoke english. He is called to Israel. He is a really interesting guy. I'm glad I got to hang out with him. He is a messianic Jew. He is going to take me to a Jewish restaraunt in Lima this next week.
Streets of Pachacutec

"Festival of dance". I would later find out that it was a dance to each one of their gods. They had very colorful outfits. This was right in front of Pastor Carlos's house. It was on my second to last day in Pachacutec
Quachua indigenous girls practicing before the festival
Inside Pastor Carlos's house.