Ashaninka, volume 2

We learned today that the community we are visiting, called the Bajo Kimiriki, consists of 70 families, many more than we expected.  They jokingly call themselves "civilized" when comparing their tribe with others.  We also learned that most of the children don't know much of their native tongue, Ashaninka, even though their mothers talk to them frequently using it.

Today, 12 children, 1 teenage girl and 5 adults crammed into the rough living room of our host, Lydia.  The bottom floor of her house is made of mud bricks held together with mud, and the second floor is made of wood planks.  She set out a plate of pituka, also known as malanga, a potato-like root that had been boiled and left for us to peel and eat with our hands.  Honestly, I felt sick eating it, but I swallowed and quietly gave a big chunk to a little girl who gladly accepted it.  I am not a picky eater, but something about it.......

Brent talked about what God is like and what man is like.  I think they learned a lot about God's bigness and goodness.  What a sweet group of giggly, eager students!  When he was done, they wanted to sing, so we sang.  One young mother sang a song for us in Ashaninka, a praise song.  It was beautiful.

We gave New Testaments to every child who can read and they were so happy to receive them.  One mom told them they had to take good care of them and bring them next week, clean and neat.  They all nodded in agreement.

As we left, we were given a lovely papaya, taken from their papaya tree.  Also, Lydia shared her concern for her husband who is addicted to coca leaves, which are used to make cocaine.  He is also not interested in God or learning about Him.  Please pray with us for Eduardo that he will hear God's voice and answer.

Here we go......