Arriving in Peru

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 18, 1915

On reaching Arequipa, Peru, where it was arranged for Brother Achenbach and his wife to spend some time in studying Spanish, he writes:—

“We arrived here July 30, and are grateful to the Lord for the safe journey. I enjoyed the trip very much. It became somewhat tiresome toward the last, but on the whole it was interesting. Miss Sauerwein and Mrs. Achenbach, being seasick, spent considerable time in their berths. I did not have even the slightest symptoms of the malady.

“We feel as if we had come to another world; everything is so strange and unlike what we were used to seeing in the States. However, we are glad we are here, and hope we shall be able to be of some use in this field.

“When we arrived at Callao, we were met by Brethren Maxwell and Westphal. They took us ashore, and we spent a few hours with them in their homes. At Mollendo our vessel anchored about half a mile from the shore. As the water is very rough there, we were taken ashore in a small rowboat. It looked like a dangerous undertaking, but we landed safely. At the dock, or landing, a chair was let down for us to sit on, and then we were hoisted by a derrick onto terra firma.

“We had made the acquaintance of some men who were going up the mountains, and they helped us in securing our tickets. As only Spanish is spoken, it is difficult to get along without a knowledge of that language.

“At Arequipa we were met by Brother Kalbermatten, who is working in this city. We are quite comfortably located. We rented two rooms near Brother Kalbermatten’s home, and shall remain here for some months, studying the language. Brother Kalbermatten speaks German and a little English, so we are getting along nicely.

“There surely is a great field here for work. The people need not only the gospel of salvation from sin, but also instruction in sanitation. Every day we see conditions which impress this forcibly upon our minds.

“Miss Sauerwein left last Sunday for La Paz. Mr. Knowles, an ex-ambassador from the United States to Peru, was going to La Paz, and he said he would see that she arrived at La Paz safely.

“A man to whom I have given a few treatments, invited Brother Kalbermatten and me for a horseback ride yesterday afternoon. We went out to a spring called the ‘Water of Jesus.’ There is a large bottling factory here, where water is bottled to be sold in this city and in other places.

“We are of good courage, and are endeavoring to get the language speedily, so we can be used successfully in this needy field. Remember us in prayer.”

Brother Achenbach and his wife will soon go on up to Puno to assist Brother and Sister Stahl in work for the Indians.