This photo was taken in Ayabaca.  There are not a lot of foreign tourists in Ayabaca but lots and lots of Peruvians who pilgrim there to see “El Senor Cautivo de Ayabaca”  (the captive Lord of Ayabaca).  This is a statue of Jesus that the people believe was sculptured by angels who were sent by God in the early days of the town.  Peruvians pilgrim there especially in October to pray in front of the statue.

It is impressive in some ways but I found the image very hard to connect too.  I just can’t fully believe that praying to a certain statue of Jesus will mean my prayers will be heard and I worry that all the fuss around it just gives more power to the church etc etc.  However, I know some people do find it very helpful so I will try to keep an open, non judgmental mind.

On the day we were there, this man was playing with a little girl outside the church.  He would throw the toy bird and the little girl would run and pick it up and give it back to him.  Nina watched them for awhile and then joined in.  The man would throw the bird and they would all squeal with delight as they ran to be the first one to collect it.  The other girl mostly got there first but Nina got it a few times.  This is her giving it back.  Watching them I certainly connected with Jesus.