You have all heard about the earthquake in Peru. Its epicenter was just 20 miles south of Cañete, which is about 100 miles south of Lima.  Jonathan Lopez of Camino de Vida and I were in Cañete back in February 2005, giving out 75 wheelchairs. It seemed like a lot of wheelchairs for that small town. Things changed rapidly this past week.  Along with Cañete, the big cities of Pisco, Chincha Alto and Ica were hard hit.  Camino de Vida has a reserve of wheelchairs in Lima, and once the bleeding has stopped, people will get shelter and food.  Then, when the dust settles, they will start bringing our wheelchairs.

It will take some time to get some stories for you.  In the meantime, I want to share one of my favorites that you have not heard; one from Jonathan Lopez.  Peruvians are strong people, and they will make it through this, but your prayers are also needed.

When I walked over to talk with Silverio she did something that really touched my heart. When I gave her the wheelchair, in return she handed me her walking stick and said “For 20 years I have used this walking stick but now I don’t need it anymore.  Please take this and show this to those beautiful people who made it possible for me to have this wheelchair.” I keep her walking stick beside my bed and each morning when I wake up I look over and see it and I remember why I do what I do. Together we are transforming lives! 

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