Guest Blog Post: Kat and Myles Turk.. Machu Picchu

When we got to Cuzco we went on a fantastic tour of the Saqsewaman ruins. We took some amazing photos BUT unfortunately we had a few camera tragedies. Somehow a few photos were deleted on one camera and then the other mysteriously stopped working. We said some major camera prayers and whenever there was an opportunity for a memorable photo, our camera worked. The day we visited Machu Picchu, my camera didn't work until we arrived and stopped working the moment we got on the train to go home. Hmm? Tender mercy I would say!


This is Chinchero where many people live a very simple and traditional life style. Everyone is extremely friendly.

We were able to see the native women spin and dye alpaca yarn. They used organic methods incorporating regional resources to achieve the different colors. Some of which you wouldn't expect...they use purple corn to create a deep purple dye and they use bugs from the cactus rubbed with different types of stone to get several hues of red.

On the right you can see a basket of brown wool, and on the left it is purified snow white. They made a special shampoo which bleached it white! 

No, it wasn't Clorox but a combination of yucca root, various plants, and hot water.

Here the women demonstrate how they weave the fabric. The woman who explained the whole process was very funny, she showed us a few instruments that they use to weave the fabric including a bone of a tourist who did not purchase any clothing ;) (it was really an alpaca bone).

Here is the finished product. Each are hand woven and are completely unique.

The Sacred Valley market had lots of awesome hand-woven clothing and handcrafted goods. Kat got a nice wrap and we picked up some great chuyos for our nieces and nephews in Ohio…they will need them a lot more than us Arizona folk.  

We were very impressed with the city of Cuzco, it was like a miniature Spain. The Catedrals were beautiful. I wish I had photos of the inside but they are strict on their "NO FOTOS" rule. It was interesting to see how the Quechuan or native Peruano's interpreted Catholicism.

It was also FREEZING cold as it is winter down in Peru. It was about 30 degrees Fahrenheit, which is rare for Mesa, AZ. Good thing The Turks had given us a few chuyos! Here we are on the train to Machu Picchu.

*cue--angels singing* not only because it is breathtaking but my camera started working! I don't care how fancy your camera is, no picture can do justice to this place! 
If anyone has the opportunity to visit Peru, make Machu Picchu one of your stops. 
You won’t regret it.

Thanks again to Presidente and Hermana Turk. We love and appreciate you! Thank you for all that you do, and we can’t wait to see you again very soon. You and your missionaries are in our prayers.