Bagua to Nuevo Horizonte (New Horizons)

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Nuevo Horisonte (New Horizons)

Today (Friday) we got in another taxi about 10:00 and made it to New Horizons by 12:30. It was only my 3rd time here but everybody commented on what a quick trip it was. Most of the road, except the last 25 miles or so, is paved now. It’s hard to imagine that when Larry and Addie first came to the jungle they were on gravel roads from Chiclayo. Now it is only the last 25 miles. The other things that are different are the compound has electricity (used to be a generator) and the station has a phone. It’s an odd site when you come up the little hill and see the sign for Nuezo Horizonte. It now has a white sign on the left that says 200 meters to a public telephone. Larry called Addie and he was amazed at the quality of the call. He used to have to get on the ham radio and find somebody in the US that would call who he wanted to talk to. You had to finish every sentence with “over” so the ham operator would know when to key the mike. Every so often we would come to what looked like a bus stop but the people were wearing military fatigues and had guns. They are a "civilian patrol" (Larry calls them vigilantes) that stop the car and explain they are keeping you safe on the highway and they are volunteers, could you spare some coins? They were never threatening. We would give them 3 or 4 soles (about $1.50) and we’d be on our way.

We had lunch at Jose and Maria Lopez (brother to Manual Lopez in Bagua). Jose was trained by Larry to take over the clinic. Due to some district political decisions Jose had to move off the compound and currently lives across the street. Politics followed him there and he is currently building his own house down the street from New Horizons where he will also continue the clinic. I always laugh when I hear the story of the Christmas pageant they had just after Jose and Maria had their first son, Jesus. Think it through and then you’ll smile too.

I’ve pretty much spent all afternoon catching up on my writing. I’m hopeful of getting an internet connection before we head down river tomorrow morning (no luck). Greg and Larry met with several old friends that are pastors and district superintendants throughout the jungle.

For dinner we met at Jose’s house and he drove us the short distance into Mesones to Felix and Babina’s new house. We ate by candle light as they do not yet have electricity at the house. My memories of coming to New Horizons always include Felix in the woodshop building beautiful boxes and the little crosses made from bloodwood and Babina working with Addie in the kitchen or behind the house. Felix, Jose and Manual are all brothers with Felix the oldest. Babina made Lomo Saltado (scored!) and it was worth the wait. I didn’t think I had a chance of having Lomo once we hit the jungle. Felix is no longer with New Horizons (see story above re: Jose). I’m perplexed and saddened that these great men have been pushed aside. They are humble, hard working men of God. Young Pastors like Pastor Flores no longer have the opportunity to learn an additional skill while attending Bible College. Any of you that have had the pleasure of meeting them will know that it hasn’t affected their desire to serve where they can one little bit. That tells you everything you need to know about them.

I'm several days behind, it's Wednesday as I post this. The pictures are taking longer than expected but they tell the story better than I do. We are in Iquitos and Steve heads home today. We are off to Belen (the market).

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Photos

The Emperardor
Our temporary home in Bagua. A short walk to Hilda's great cooking is it"s #1 feature in my book.

Bagua roads
They are going to pave this section of the road.

Phase 1
Bagua church is in a two phase building plan. What is about to become the ceiling will eventually become the floor of the second story.

Bagua church construction
They should be pouring the ceiling this week

Hard work
A chop saw would make this alot easier

Bamboo supports
These bamboo supports will (porbably) support the weight of the cement ceiling after it's been poured.

Satellite dish
I know I'd want one if I lived in the jungle but it still seems out of place to me.

Call Ripley!
Is this the incredible 2 headed boy of the jungle?

False alarm
No, mom just dresses them the same.

Sleepwalkers beware
I almost titled this one "One small step for man..."

Frankentractor
Part motorcycle, part tractor

Satelite dish in the jungle
All the villages that pop up on the way to New Horizons are right on the street.

Beautiful scenery
This photo was taken from the road. We really are in the jungle.

End of pavement
With about 25 mlles left, we run out of pavement

Taking the road less traveled
Wherever she is going, she has a long walk ahead of her.

Rush hour
That would be a back jarring ride in a mototaxi

Can you imagine?
10 years ago this was the road all the way to Bagua. 30 years ago this was the road all the way to Chiclayo.

Made it
There is a white sign on the left that I cut off a little. It says 200 meters to a public telephone.

Law of the jungle
Soccer must be played. It's some kind of law of the jungle.

Comments

[Aubree]

What do you mean!?!?
What do you mean "Like PK's only better"!?!? I'll have you know that I am the BEST (Forget about Spencer) haha Love the pictures Andy thanks for Bringing New Horizons back for us!