IRM March Blog

As we endure this seemingly endless harsh winter, we are anxiously anticipating a beautifully busy spring.

Since not much roofing and construction work can be done in these below-zero temps with snow-covered roofs, Rick Jumpa, Illinois Roofmasters President, and his wife took a trip to Peru, South America early last month.

They spent some time in Lima (the capital city), Iquitos (an island of the Amazon River), and Cusco (the home of one of the wonders of the world, Machu Picchu).

The city of Lima was exciting, despite the fact that the taxi drivers drive crazy fast, and on the ride from the airport to the hotel, the Jumpa’s taxi got into an accident, the taxi was totalled, but thankfully they only sustained minor injuries.

They continued on their trip not letting adversity stop them. Their next stop was Iquitos, and the ride down the Amazon River to meet an original Indian tribe called the Boras was even more exciting.

Their last stop was Cusco, home of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is 7,970 feet above sea level and the air is extremely thin. Despite taking all the precautions to alleviate altitude sickness, the altitude hit hard and the trek up was difficult. But once you finally reach your destination, and are standing at the top of Machu Picchu, you feel great, and the views are absolutely amazing!

Despite visiting all these exciting and beautiful spots in Peru, their last stop was the defining moment of their trip. They met with an American couple, Alan and Laura, that founded the El Arca orphanage in Cusco. Originally from Texas, they moved to Cusco with their 7 children, 16 years ago to rescue the children of Peru. Their orphanage currently has 40 children and they are also building another home in the jungle, which has a huge farm that they are cultivating, with the hope of becoming self-sustaining one day.

The children were so precious and so full of joy, despite all that they have had to endure throughout their lives. Their stories are heartbreaking, but they are now receiving the love and care that they rightfully deserve from Papa Alan and Mama Laura. This orphanage is unlike many that the Jumpa’s have been to, it is not run like an institution, it is run like a tight-knit family.

Needless to say, the Jumpa’s will be returning to Peru, taking a missions group with them next year, to help out El Arca orphanage. We will be taking a few of our Illinois Roofmasters employees with us to help build out the new homes in the jungle, as well as partner with Alan and Laura to partake in some local philanthropic outreaches. If you would like to join us or would like more information about our next trip to Peru, please send us an email or give us a call and we would be happy to speak with you.

So, don’t let this harsh, long winter get you down. Join all of us here at Illinois Roofmasters and together let’s look forward to an amazing spring! Remember that we are always here to help with any of your roofing and home exterior needs.

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