Peru, Spring 2009 SST unit

Send Off

6 Apr 2009 10:53 EST

The students departed for the airport and all they left was memories. Students will be arriving in Goshen around 4pm depending on transportation delays.

Final Retreat and Send off

5 Apr 2009 14:46 EST

Students trickled in from their various distant locations all day on Thursday. Friday morning we left for Final Retreat at a little beach-front church camp, Kawai. We listened to final project presentations and debriefed in preparation for "reverse culture shock." In between sessions we dipped in the pool, played soccer and enjoy crimson...

Dietrich and Jesse working in Chincha

29 Mar 2009 09:38 EST

Our service visits end with a visit to the land of Afro-Peruvians, Chincha. We got to the church where Dietrich and Jesse are working on construction projects. Their first project was to destroy a cistern, dig a hole for a new one hole and put in a new cistern. Their latest project is builing a wall around the perimeter of some recently...

Leanndra and Hannah S. in Chancay

29 Mar 2009 08:45 EST

Not Far from Lima is a green oasis, Chancay, where fruits and vegetables grow, fish is fresh and the air is so much lighter. We arrived to Hannah's house. Heard stories of her progression and the family's delight in her delectable pastries, as well as her host-brother's appreciation for the English homework help. From there we ...

Arequipa, the white city, visiting Luke

29 Mar 2009 07:51 EST

Sillar, is the white volcanic rock that has been used for buildings in Arequipa, hence "the white city." Luke, was our first student to go to Arequipa for service. He has been working with an organization called La Casa Verde that works with street children and now more chidlren that have gone through the courts who are unfit to live ...

visiting Ross in Tarica

28 Mar 2009 15:20 EST

Ross was in good spirits when we met him for work at eight-o'clock in the morning. We went up the mountains, driving on bumpy, curvy, sometimes muddy roads, where we would get stuck and we had to get out of he overloaded minivan. Once we made it to the village the children and families gathered. World Vision gives birthdays to all the...

visiting Hannah R. and Audrey in Mancos

25 Mar 2009 07:19 EST

Mancos is set on the slopes of Huascaran, providing spectacular views. Hannah and Audrey have been living with a host-family that are also owners of the hostal where we stayed. Naomi, their host-mother is a gracious and generous host. She is full of stories of her pet llamas and alpacas, she is also a community leader in charge of government...

visiting Emily and Daniel in Caraz

25 Mar 2009 06:49 EST

Emily met us in the main plaza of the small town of Caraz, and led us to her host-mother's home, where we were overwhelmed by the spectacular view from the large balcony. From there we visited Daniel's family who graciously welcomed us as we talked about Daniel's work and how the non-profit approach is changing the face of charity in Caraz...

Arriving in Mancos to visit Emily, Hannah, Audrey, Daniel and Ross

19 Mar 2009 17:20 EST

We arrived from Chimbote to Mancos in the evening. The students had had a full day hiking in the mountains, swimming in a glacier lake and having a wonderful time. The five students who live in the three locations of the "Huaraz area" had gone with a guide, and host-brother of Audrey and Hannah. After catching up a little bit we made...

Visiting Marissa, Reuben, Brian, Kaila, Chelsea and Josh in Chimbote

18 Mar 2009 18:56 EST

Josh, Chelsea, Marissa, Brian, Reuben and Kaila in Chimbote

13 Mar 2009 01:32 EST

We met the six students in front of the Parish in Chimbote and quickly made our way to eat dinner. We were full of stories, each one had their own dilemmas, challenges and victories. The students have gotten to know Chimbote through the connects of Padre Juanito, an American priest who has lived there for over 30 years. We visit the students in the work locations tomorrow.

Visiting Christa and Carla in Chulucanas, Piura

11 Mar 2009 10:56 EST

All the way to the north of Piura, not far from the Ecuadorian border lies the town of Chulucanas, normally a desert town, it is very green in the rainy season. Seasons are marked by the fruits they produce during each season. Right now the mangos are flowering, because of the flowering countryside there is an increase in honey that ...

Service Departures

2 Mar 2009 10:50 EST

After we returned from Machu Picchu we prepared for departures for service. We had a brief orientation and just hours later the first three students departed. From Saturday evening to Monday morning students were departing for service locations. During our orientation we managed to slip in a birthday celebration for Ross, who turned 21.

Machu Picchu

2 Mar 2009 09:57 EST

We arrived from Ollantaytambo on the swaying train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu town, from there we take a bus to Machu Picchu park and from there we hike up to an outcrop to take in the magnificent view of Machu Picchu. After a few explanations from the guide about the rules of the park and the layout as well as a bit...

Pisaq and Ollantaytambo

2 Mar 2009 09:24 EST

After a refreshing night in the hotel in Cusco we drove down to the Sacred Valley where we explored ancient Pisaq up in the hills and enjoyed a long hike. After a lunch in what is currently Pisac we left for Ollantaytambo, another stop in the Sacred Valley. We happened to catch a Carnaval celebration in the town square before climbing...

Cusco City Tour

2 Mar 2009 00:28 EST

We arrived to Cusco last week. The altitude required our bodies to adjust to the thinner air by taking a slower pace than sea-level exertion. We started by settling into the hotel and drinking mate de coca, coca tea. Using coca in higher altitudes goes back to ancient medicine and is still common practice. After resting a bit and...

Daniel's poem

23 Feb 2009 11:24 EST

Lenguas I try to speak Open la boca And let the castellano flow forth pero no recuerdo las palabras I stammer and strain my memory trying to recall those distant classes with Don Rafael as mi hermano interjects English words trying to help Mi mama esta charlando muy rÃ¡pido I smile and nod pero siento como que no entiendo nada she...

Despedida

20 Feb 2009 21:51 EST

We celebrated our last day of classes with a presentation for the teachers. Each class did a skit representing the joys and the quirks of each of the Castellano , Spanish teachers. We enjoyed this celebration with skits, poems and dancing. That evening we had a Despedida , farewell presentation for the families. We enjoyed reflections...

Soccer Game

16 Feb 2009 00:17 EST

After Tambo on Wednesday we went to a soccer game, a friendly match between Paraguay and Peru. Score? 1-0 respectively.

Villa El Salvador

11 Feb 2009 13:24 EST

Villa el Salvador started 37 years ago as a shantytown. Most shantytowns begin by land invasion. There is unused land and refugees are fleeing to the city. Shantytowns make up more of Lima than formal districts. Villa El Salvador is only on of these shantytowns that has since become its own district with 500,000 inhabitants. On...

Pachacamac: Largest archeological site in Lima

9 Feb 2009 22:59 EST

On Friday we visited Pachacamac, a truncated pyramid, built in not only Pre-colonial days but Pre- Incan days. We heard myths of creation. The view of the ocean was stunning and the breeze much- desired. photos courtesy of Daniel.

Ross explores a new side of Lima

9 Feb 2009 22:44 EST

After visiting the Institute for Liberty and Democracy, I walked down to Avenida Arequipa to catch my bus. As I waited, I noticed a strange- looking church nearby. I walked over to check it out. Only a block off the busy road, I was surprised how quickly the cafes and shops started looking more upscale. Rather than catching my bus, I opted...

Mamaine and Balumbrosio Family in Chincha

5 Feb 2009 17:35 EST

Friday we left for Chincha, a three hour bus ride south of Lima, to where 2007's earthquake hit the hardest. By time we arrived it was lunchtime and we went to Mamaine's for some traditional food from the region. By that time it had warmed up considerably, approaching 90 degrees we looked for some escape in an artisan market ...

Victor Delfin in Barranco

5 Feb 2009 15:24 EST

Thursday we went to Barranco, well-known for its community of artists and renown for its access to the beach. After a brief introduction by Celia, our coordinator and guide we crossed the "Bridge of Sighs" and went to a lookout passing on of LIma's oldest Cathedrals with a mud/straw roof. Shortly thereafter, we arrived to Victor Delfin...

Islas Palomino

25 Jan 2009 15:31 EST

On Friday we visited Islas Palomino. We started from the Port of Callao, on ferries that took us to the Ecocruceros yacht. Our boat ride was about one hour to get out to the island; we enjoyed a calm sea and lots of sunshine. On our way to Palomino we passed by Isla San Lorenzo, a military camp, and also another island that was home to a high security...

Dance-The arts of Peru

25 Jan 2009 15:01 EST

Thursday we learned traditional dances of Peru's various regions. Students learned to dance Tondero, an Afroperuvian dance, as well as Morenada from Puno, Valse from Lima and a dance from the jungle. Valse is the Spanish criollo version of the Waltz.

Institute for Liberty and Democracy watching the Inauguration

25 Jan 2009 13:05 EST

Our visit to the Institute for Liberty and Democracy (ILD) coincided with the Inauguration of President Obama. Between the presentation and the questions we watched the inauguration of our 44th president from a high rise office building in San Isidro, Lima. Gabriel and his colleague explained how the economy and capitalism is failing a large...

Lectures and Ayllu Groups

21 Jan 2009 22:21 EST

The students have enjoyed some time to visit locations in small groups and with families. Several families have taken their students to the local water fountain park that has the tallest water fountain in the world, shooting as high as 80 feet. This site is best seen at night with the lights shining on the 13 different water fountains. Other students...

Stone Beach

16 Jan 2009 20:07 EST

After the tour of the Fort in the blazing bright sun we made our way to the beach. The Humbolt Current makes the ocean refreshingly cold. A few made their way not only into the water but swam a bit. Others enjoyed lunch as they tried to get comfortable among the stones.

Fortaleza Real Felipe (Royal Phillip's Fort)

16 Jan 2009 19:37 EST

Built by the Spaniards to protect against the pirates raiding gold-laden ships and ultimately used by the Spaniards to protect against the Peruvian Independence army; the Fort is located in Callao, an independent province of Lima. Callao is a port where mercenary ships come and go frequently. One of the most interesting parts of the 5 point, ...

Ayllu Travel Groups

16 Jan 2009 18:56 EST

Ayllu means community, kindred, a group of family. We use this term in reference to the small groups of students we send to their choice of 12 locations around the city. The students have four such assigned experiences throughout the study portion of the semester. Their choices include mostly museums. Ayllu groups provides an opportunity for students...

Family

16 Jan 2009 18:35 EST

Life in Lima centers around family. Students are very integrated into the lives of their families. Most students go to birthday parties with their families, go to the beach, go out for the weekend, watch movies together and go to church retreats with their families. This not only helps the students learn more Spanish and Peruvian culture...

Market Day Research

15 Jan 2009 11:38 EST

Tuesday the students were sent in teams to different markets in their neighborhoods. Their assignment: find the ingredients to make something to share with the group at Tambo on Wednesday, the best quality and the best price, observing the customs and culture of the traditional market. Wednesday the students arrived to Tambo with 7lbs of potatoes...

Learning the transportation system

9 Jan 2009 13:58 EST

Although you might not believe it if you see it, there is a system to transportation. Buses are organized by colors, numbers and letters. Today students learned how to figure out how to get around the city, more specifically, how to get home, as well as what parts are not recommended for exploration and where are the best places to eat. ...

Central Lima

9 Jan 2009 13:54 EST

After Spanish assessments we left for downtown Lima, slowly climbing by bus amongst the developed shanty town at San Cristobal Hill, we arrived to the cross at the top from which you can see a panoramic view of the city. As we came down the hill, and crossed the trickle of the river Rimac we arrived to the central plaza in time for the changing of...

Orientation Day

8 Jan 2009 23:10 EST

We started off taking it easy Thursday morning. We eased in with introductions, anxieties and excitement. We turned to Oswaldo, the second level Spanish professor for advice on culture shock. Shortly after, the students had their first menÃº experience, with lunch at a local venue, after which the students were guided in the art of ...

Arrival

8 Jan 2009 23:06 EST

The students arrived safely but tired. We took the scenic route along the ocean front. Passing by the crashing waves and the tower of cliffs. As we glanced out over the ocean the bright shining cross gleamed across the water giving us peace. We climbed the pebbled road to Miraflores where we found our hostal on a narrow street close to Goshen ...

Family Meeting

6 Jan 2009 05:58 EST

Last night was the gathering of all the families. New information was shared, and new experiences gleaned from the wise. Everyone excitedly opens their envelope to find out who is the new addition to the family. This never fails to excited the families.