More Pictures from Cusco

After going over the geography, our hosts, Josephine House, and Santo Tomas let's go back to Cusco to look at some of the facilities that are part of the Hinterland ministry.  A lot has developed in the 12 years the Powlisons have been in the area.

Here's the Powlison's house.  It is definitely rustic, but is perfect for where they are at.  The views they have are incredible! 

This is a well on the Powlison's property.  It is covered to keep varmint droppings out.  The spiral staircase is to provide easy access to prevent a "Baby Jessica" situation.  A similar well is going to be built at Josephine House to ensure the orphanage has an uninterrupted water supply.  The kids at church collected nearly $2000 at VBS this year to support building the well. 

The large full court basketball court and soccer field were built in the late 90's.  They are open to the community.  Keith has noticed a decline in alcoholism among the local men due to the role of the court, field, and the church.  During the day the kids from Josephine House run and play on the court.

This is a great big ginormous playground for the kids.  At the time of our first trip last fall, it was incomplete.  We have learned a team earlier this year finished the job.  We just might have to try it out ourselves...

Gardens, crops, and cows in the vicinity are part of an over all strategy to make Josephine House more self-sustaining.  The Powlisons have a really good view that someday they won't be around, but want to see their work last.

The biggest cash crop for the Powlisons are Cui. They can fetch about $3 each at the market...

High up above the main property is 15 acres of land.  The truck ride up there was a blast.  The altitude probably did me in last time.  All that aside, the Powlisons intend to use this land for dairy cow raising.  If successful this leads to greater sustainability.

This is the sign to a building is called "The Ark."  It was a building that used to house short term teams.  It is formerly home of the Bible Institute.  It currently is being used as an orphanage to house 45 older children. It is run by friends of the Powlisons.  They are currently building a permanent site in the jungle.  After they move to the permanent facility it will revert back to use by the Powlisons.

This is Dr. Bill Allen of La Fuente clinic.  It is a medical missions work not far from the Powlison's property.  

The following text is from the MTW website describing the work of Dr. Allen and the clinic.

Based in Cusco, Peru the Health Ministry seeks to care for whole person spiritually, mentally, and physically.  The heart of the Hinterland Health Ministry is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Knowing that we have been saved through grace alone, we are propelled to tell others about the love that has transformed us.

The clinic, La Fuente, is located on the edge of the city and serves the poor who do not have access to quality medical care.  It is open Monday through Friday and currently sees approximately 270 patients per month.  Many of the patients have chronic illnesses that have gone undetected and untreated.  The health ministry comes alongside these patients to give them support and medical treatment.  In most cases it is not just the patients that are treated but the whole family as well.

This is the local church.  There are several churches affiliated with this one around Cusco, but this is the one closest to the Powlisons.  It is directly adjacent to the medical clinic.

With that you have seen all the major places and facilities the Vision Team toured in Cusco that pertain to the Powlison's ministry. 

You have not yet gotten a large dose of the children of Josephine House.  With only a couple days left before we leave, I may not get a chance to do that before we go.  


I will say there has been a new addition to the Josephine House.  Her name is Zoe and she has already put a big imprint on our trip.  The complexion of the trip has changed since we learned about her.

She is a 3-4 week premie with a severe cleft palate and weighs ~5 pounds.  She is currently being fed by an eye dropper.  We are bringing special bottles that will hopefully improve the quality of her feedings.  

To reduce her infection risk, she is staying at the Powlisons house.  She is watched 24/7.  Our team is showing up at a good time to help relieve the Powlisons some.  Hopefully we can be helpful to them!