Meeker, Stories

Meeker girl has life-changing experience on trip to Peru

Aubrey Walsh (third from the left) enjoys a surprise birthday party thrown for her by the children she worked with at the New Life Children’s Home in Cieneguilla, Peru. The party was on the last day of Walsh’s mission trip, which ran July 8 through Aug. 15.
Aubrey Walsh (third from the left) enjoys a surprise birthday party thrown for her by the children she worked with at the New Life Children’s Home in Cieneguilla, Peru. The party was on the last day of Walsh’s mission trip, which ran July 8 through Aug. 15.
MEEKER I Meeker resident Aubrey Walsh, a 2012 graduate of Meeker High School and currently a senior at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley, spoke recently about her her five-and-a-half week mission trip to Peru, running July 8 through Aug. 15.
Speaking via telephone during her lunch break, Walsh shared about the immediate and long-term impact the trip had on her.

Herald Times: What is your major there at UNC?
Aubrey Walsh: I am an elementary education major with a minor in special education teaching. I plan on being in the field of education, but (I am) not sure yet where I want to go with that.
HT: What prompted your trip to Peru?
AW: I got really involved in a campus ministry called Christian Challenge. One of my friends told me that she went to Peru the previous summer to work for Peru Missions. That piqued my interest, and I applied for the program.
HT: Where in Peru did you actually go?
AW: I went to Cieneguilla, which is about an hour and a half southeast of Lima. I worked for Peru Missions, which owns New Life Children’s Home, and was an intern for the home. Peru Missions (a Baptist missions organization based in Lima) was founded by two missionaries who started planting churches. They also always wanted to start a children’s home and did so about 10 years ago.
HT: What specifically did you do at the children’s home?
AW: I worked with a group of seven girls. I would wake up really early, get them ready for school and then take them to school. I also went out with other mission groups from the United States who did work in Lima. Sometimes they would go to a market and hand out Bibles or they would go to a rehab center and talk about the Gospel. There was never really a schedule. We did things on “Peruvian time,” which meant we didn’t know what was going on until 10 minutes before it happened.
HT: How did you prepare for the trip? Was there anything you needed to do mentally or spiritually to prepare yourself?
AW: I left on July 8, a couple of weeks after I got out of school, and I met up with one of the girls who had been to Peru and another girl who had been on a lot of different missions. I also just dove into the Gospel, read a lot more of my Bible, and prayed a lot about what I was getting into. I had no idea what was going to happen, but I just wanted to go for it.
HT: What kind of experiences did you have? Does anything stand out?
AW: I’ve worked with kids quite a bit throughout my life, but they’ve always been kids that even though they came from broken homes or were foster kids, they weren’t abandoned like (these children). After seeing these kids—(they are among) more than 600,000 abandoned kids in Lima alone—and not being able to comprehend what they went through, but then seeing their love for Christ, that was kind of the biggest thing.
Also, the power of testimonies. When we went out to share the Gospel, we would give our testimonies a lot and speak to people openly about the Gospel, and I saw a lot of people come to Christ. So my fear of evangelism kind of disappeared.
HT: Was there a moment or situation that stands out as the primary impact on your life?
AW: Yeah, there is one. One trip we went out on was to a men’s rehab center. We had gone to a lot of places, but this one had the biggest impact on me. The (people in charge of the) rehab center were skeptical about bringing in several girls since a lot of these men had been in prison or were sex offenders or had murdered someone, (and were in bad condition because of their addictions). I was pretty afraid to even walk in. We were told to stand in the back of the room and not look at any of them in the eyes. That was pretty nerve-wracking. Two of the guys in our group got up and talked about the Gospel (through a translator), and I just prayed the whole time that (those men) would be open to the message.
At the end, one of our guys asked if anyone wanted to give his life to Christ and many indicated they did. I don’t know if they all gave their lives to Christ honestly, but right after that moment all of my fear of those men disappeared because I considered them brothers in Christ.
HT: Do you think this trip is going to have long-lasting impact in your life?
AW: Definitely. It’s a pretty hard transition to come back to the states after seeing everything I saw. Being with those kids and being able to connect with them even though there is a language barrier gave me a new respect for them. As I look forward to the future and about where I want to teach, and even doing more missions work, I think I will always have in mind those people who I connected with in Peru.
HT: Is there anything else you want to get across to those reading this story?
AW: One thing I learned was that my faith has grown a lot through this process. When I first thought about going to Peru, it was not the best time financially; I had no means at all of getting there. I was pretty nervous about sending out support letters, but I reached out to family and the Meeker community and just prayed that if this was going to be where God wants me, then He would make it happen. And He did, times 10.

Comments are closed.

Come say hi!

@ht.1885
  • Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
  • Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
  • More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
  • 🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
  • The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
  • Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
  • Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
  • The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
8 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
9 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce! Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues! @bailey_waldref_rew 💚💚💚 Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! #locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
12 hours ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier. “For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.” Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

Thank you, advertisers!