Thank you for the opportunity to serve with VAVV! The trip was well organized with the different teams and well run. Missionaries were well prepared spiritually and physically through the 2 meetings beforehand. It was more spiritual than before, yet we still accomplished much. It was on honor to serve the poor of Peru and work with such great people. Small group sessions worked well and were more sensitive to people's time and energy. Accomodations at Santissimo Sacramento were outstanding as always. Our shower did not have much pressure and sometimes no water, but there were 6 other showers to use, so that was not a problem. Thank you so much for the support to get a driver for the last day in Lima, and for the day at the beach. Everyone in our family loves that. Three recommendations for future trips: - Get the care packages fixed before you mail them. We would be glad to help in Feb or whenever needed, but we need to get a date (Saturday morning?) on the calendar soon, before it fills up. We spend too much time messing with care packages In Peru each year, and it makes for longer days than needed. - Run through the training activities on Monday, so that missionaries know what to do and how to help. - Relook at the charity meals we provided and how they relate to VAVV's core mission. I think they are great, but maybe 1 a trip instead of 2. Thank you for your "fiat" to Christ and allowing us to support in a small way.

I absolutely loved going on mission and couldn't have been better provided for as a missionary. Sanctisimo Sacramento was perfectly comfortable. I slept very well. The stairs were only a problem after I damaged my knee Inca dancing at the girl's school. The bed was really comfortable. I finally figured out how to get hot water. 😊 My fellow missionaries were a blessing, and the Peruvians just couldn't have been more affectionate and grateful. I truly enjoyed my interactions with all of them. The beach day was a blast. It was a very generous last gift to us. My stomach did not appreciate the change from my eating schedule (often only one meal a day between 11:00-2:00) and very simple, lower carb diet, though the food itself was delicious. I do suggest that the people with whom we visit understand that in general we don't want to eat meals when we visit their homes making deliveries. Rosa's family went to so much trouble and expense? to share food, but we had been continuously warned against doing that. It put us and them in a very awkward position. That needs to be handled better from now on. Other than that, it was a marvelous, beautiful rewarding experience. Thank you and AMDG Olivia

I had a good experience on the VAVV Piura mission trip. The group was very friendly, energized, and cooperative. There was a good mix of new arrivals and more experienced missionaries ready to help guide efforts. There were multiple missionaries who served as translators. The accommodations and food were excellent and convenient. Transportation was well provided for, with multiple vans capable of getting the missionaries from one place to another. The schedule kept us busy and largely on track. Logistics for the following day were discussed each evening. There were frequent pauses for prayer, daily mass, and the opportunity for adoration. Leaders and other members of the mission team were easy to talk to. We were able to visit several communities and everyone in the communities seemed very eager to see the missionaries and to welcome us with song and dance. The main difficulty I found was in the actual specifics of the mission. I didn't get a clear sense that the infrastructure development component of the project was moving forward very effectively. Other than that, the schedule and pace of activities was challenging at times, with several missionaries volunteering to stay up late to work supporting activities (care packages or meal prep) to ensure readiness for the following day. Additional prayer or socializing also tended to get pushed late into the evening. The more experienced missionaries indicated this trip was better organized than previous trips, so I feel it's safe to say that schedule challenges will be improving in upcoming iterations. Overall, I would highly recommend this trip for those interested in an entry-level mission trip abroad. The variety of locations and activities was good, the logistics are well managed, and the group was outstanding at connecting with the locals and with one another.

Great trip. I enjoyed seeing the communities served by Vera Aqua Vera Vita. Hats off to Father Joe and the folks at Santissimo Sacramento for all the work they do for the people in the Piura area. Also, the staff at Santissimo Sacramento is wonderful and provide great service and food.

Nothing short of amazing! Looking forward to the next opportunity to join this group of wonderful people doing wonderful things.