One week at Los Martinceto's

I have completed my first full week of placement at Los Martinceto's and it was a great week. Each day is an experience and I'm so thankful that I am able to be there and to have this experience. While my placement is Monday to Friday for two weeks I know one cannot change the world in 10 days of volunteering. What I am able to do is become part of a collaborative support system all working towards the same objective. The staff at Los Martinceto's is a self sustaining system that appreciates the kindness and generosity of those volunteering their time and efforts. Each day when I leave I feel I have provided at least in part a portion of that overall objective. The daily structure is very straightforward and I am finding my place amidst that structure.

I love every moment of being there and seeing the happiness of the residents is all the more I could ever want. A warm joyful smile and a hug mean more than any materialistic item in this world. It is these moments that make this experience unique and powerful and I want to cherish these memories now and forever.

I know now in my heart I want to return to the states and continue to provide the same joy and happiness to others. Just because my international journey is drawing to a close doesn't mean my lifelong journey has to cease. Looking ahead I have one more week to be a part of this experience here in Peru and a lifetime to reflect upon the lessons of this journey.

Sorry for the delay

Sorry I haven't had a new post up. Been a busy few days but I will have one up by the end the day Sunday. Hope everyone is having an awesome weekend. 😃

Martes & Miércoles

On Tuesday, June 25 I got to conduct home visits as part of my placement at Los Martinceto's Senior Center. We picked up Tony who is the program director at our placement and headed out into Villa El Salvador to visit some of the residents at their homes. To protect the privacy of the residents I am not going to disclose any information  other than to say never take for granted what you have. Be glad you have your woes and tough times because they are nothing compared to what some people must endure daily. These home visits shocked me to my core and forced me to reexamine my life and what I previously held relevant to what is truly important. I knew these visits would impact me emotionally I just never dreamed how significantly it would alter my perceptions of life. To day that it is profound is an understatement.

My heart is forever touched by those who I have met thus far and those who I will meet over the next week and a half.

On Wednesday I was back at the senior center and having a great time. Today I got to help cut rolls for breakfast and then served breakfast to the residents. I  enjoy this time of day as I get to walk around and I interact with the residents. Each day their smiling faces warm my heart and teach me lessons in life I will cherish always.

Following breakfast the market goers returned and we set about preparing lunch. Myself and the other volunteers cut vegetables, stirred pots of yummy soups and helped in any way we could. Today we were treated to a taste of the amazing food that we helped prepare. It was a soul warming soup with leafy greens, chick peas, various spices and broth unlike any other soup.

We then took runoff water from the kitchen outside the gates and watered the trees and plants. This is important as it almost never rains in this region. Also today it was bingo for the residents hosted by the students of an area school. It was enjoyable to watch the bingo games and see the students interact with the residents.

When I go in on Thursday it will be another round of home visits in the area. I look forward to seeing the residents as I'm sure they are happy to see us.

Welcome to Los Martinceto's

Today I began my placement at Los Martinceto's Senior Center in Villa El Salvador. Following my one day visit during my first week I knew that I absolutely had to spend my second two weeks at Los Martinceto's Senior Center. In that one day visit I was welcomed into the center and I felt as though I was part of a family. It just warmed my heart so much to there.

I arrived today and was immediately greeted with warm smiles, hugs and kisses. The residents make me feel so welcome and are genuinely happy to see you. My morning included serving breakfast and socializing with the residents. I helped to clean up afterwards and then got to go with another volunteer to the local market. Okay, the local market is so amazing and so much fun and a truly unique experience. It is an open air market that sells pretty much everything you can imagine but I stayed at the poultry booth and watched them cut the birds. Lets just say it involved more than I need to specify here. But it was definitely interesting to watch and to experience the market for the first time. We then carried the food and veggies outside to a rickshaw who drove two of us back to the senior center while myself and another walked back.

Back at the senior center I helped to prepare lunch by cutting the vegetables we bought at the market. I also got to help stir and strain different things that were cooking in pots. By the end of this experience I will be well versed in ways of meal preparation. To just be included in the kitchen and to help the staff prepare meals and know my time is benefitting the residents is so worthwhile. As much as I enjoyed Anjo Gabriel I feel the Senior Center is going to fulfill my expectations of international volunteering in an entirely new way. I just love being here and seeing the smiling faces of the residents and other volunteers.

Tomorrow includes home visits in Villa El Salvador and I know it is going to be another incredible day.

Goodbye Anjo Gabriel

So today marks the end of my journey at Anjo Gabriel school for Special Education in San Juan de Miraflores. The past two weeks have been an emotional event unlike any other I've experienced in my life. There were moments of frustration, joy, confusion and even sadness as I tried to find my place at the school. I do consider myself very fortunate that I had an amazing teacher who was incredibly patient with me. We took each day one step at a time and found our own way to work harmoniously as one. Perhaps equally important is my time with the children I worked one on one with each day. For the first few days it was tough because they didn't know what to make of me and vice versa.

I will never forget the moment Sojoshi actually acknowledged my existence in the classroom. I was drawing worksheets for the teacher and he came up and put his arm around me, leaned on my shoulder and was very affectionate and loving. It was such an amazing moment to know that he actually acknowledged me, it made my heart fall to pieces. As the days progressed he continued to acknowledge and interact more with me as well as Jesús who waited at the door each day to see me. I will say Jesús was the most engaging socially and I know it was hard for him at times as I didn't always understand. But we tried to work through it and for the most part we were able to understand one another.

I don't even know where to begin other to start by saying it was an amazing day and one that has touched my heart in ways I can't fully describe.  When Maria and I arrived at Anjo Gabriel it was a little chaotic to say the least as the majority of students were all in one classroom. As loud and busy as it was I really enjoyed it because it allowed me to interact with the younger students who were typically upstairs all day. So it was enjoyable to say the least. Throughout the morning we busied ourselves by helping the staff upstairs and downstairs with anything we could do.

As the morning progressed it soon apparent the staff of Anjo Gabriel was planning something, which was quickly revealed. They had us sit down in a circle amongst the other staff members and students and one by one began to thank us for all we have done. Hearing each staff member tell us how much of an impact we made and that we are kind hearted and special for being there was so heartwarming. As if I wasn't emotional already they surprised us with cards they made. at that point I lost it and began to cry. Never have I felt so emotionally touched as I did at that moment when surrounded by the staff of Anjo Gabriel. The rest of the day was a fiesta for sure with drinks, snacks, music, laughs, hugs and kisses. Even now as I type this blog I can't help but feel emotionally humbled and a little teary eyed as I reflect on the day.

My journey at Anjo Gabriel has been once in a lifetime and will always be in my heart. I don't feel this experience would have been as amazing as it was without the staff and students. They truly made this experience unique and opened my heart and broadened my horizons to a level I never dreamed possible.

To everyone at Anjo Gabriel I thank you all for making my time in Peru memorable and I will always have you in my heart, prayers and dreams. May our paths one day cross again.

Insight into my daily experience

It has been a great week with so much going on it has just been nonstop.  Not only am I really enjoying the local culture and getting to experience new things but my placement at Anjo Gabriel this week has been amazing. I never dreamed that I could be so happy 3,700 miles from home. The staff and students where I work have made this a truly once in a lifetime experience and I feel like I am part of a family.

Over the past few days  I have been able to gain a better understanding of how Mis Lordis runs her classroom. Each day is very structured and she has routine she follows, which is very important when working with students diagnosed with Autism. Each day begins with student arrival and getting the kids in the room and situated. Following a bathroom visit she opens her day with a the equivalent of hello & how are you song that she sings to the class. As she sings she has each student identify their name and then take it to the board. We practice the days of the week, the daily weather and then we move in to some type of activity. Activities vary daily but typically involve arts and crafts or daily living skills of some kind. Lunch was typically around 10:30am and involved having students clean the tables and placemats and a lunch song led but the teacher. I helped set out lunch and utensils then monitored students and assisted as needed.

Following lunch was cleanup during which time the teacher had the students wash dishes and clean up the tables, etc. During the final two hours we often had different activities to work on, I aided with drawing worksheets for this activity time or for homework, we then had music time which allowed time for movement around the room and then it was clean up and preparing to go home. I would help with the students and she would fill out their daily reports to send home. Also during the day students were pulled out for various activities such as physical therapy and speech therapy.

Each day at Anjo Gabriel has been a gift and one that I will cherish forever. While things may be done slightly different at times but the core structure of education and teaching independence is intact and Anjo Gabriel is a godsend in a community that truly needs their services.

To Blog or Not :)

This week has been so busy with both volunteering and experiencing the local culture. Each and every day is an experience unlike anything I've ever done before and I try to make the most of it. I am currently writing the next blog about this past week, reflections on new experiences and some really big news for the remainder of my trip. Check back soon.

Volunteering followed by the Inka Market

It continues to amaze that even though I am 3,700 miles away from everything I know and rely upon there are many reminders of my job back home. Whether I am in Peru or Greensburg, Pennsylvania the fundamental basics remain intact when working in special education. The teacher is consistent in her daily classes and maintains this from day to day. Her students are also able to see the schedule visually thanks to a visual schedule that is available at the top of the page. So many similarities and just a subtle variance in the way it is executed here in Peru,

Even though I may not fully understand Spanish I do understand that with dedicated staff who love their job and genuinely are there for the student anything is possible. To be so welcomed into a classroom in a foreign country and be part of their lives makes my heart fall to pieces. I truly love it at Anjo  Gabriel and love being apart of this new family of friends.

Today I was able to help prepare materials for the students by drawing objects that will be used tomorrow. Lets just say my ability to draw is being used, which is great. While I am working on these projects the teacher is able to spend more time one on one with the students and that is what I am here for to allow her to give more time to her students. I was also able to work one on one with the students practicing color identification, hand eye coordination and attention to task. Following lunch we listen to the radio and I find myself recognizing more and songs and signing along as they come on. For instance Thriller by Michael Jackson came on and we ere able to connect via a mutual appreciation of music of all kinds.

As anxious as I am to learn more spanish they are equally interested in English and learning the English words for various items. I was able to follow conversations better and to reply at least in small increments. We talked about trip to Caral and they asked if I'd bring photographs in to share. Just to be able to have small conversations and to somewhat understand what's happening is an improvement.

Following lunch volunteers were bused to the Inka Market for a chance to shop in the seemingly endless stores. Everywhere I looked there were amazing items for sale like original paintings, jewelry, clothing items made from alpaca fur and so much more. I did may share of shopping and got some amazing deals like an original painting for s/. 55 soles or $20 US. It is important to know that when shopping at these places never pay asking price as you are expected to haggle. The painting for example started at s/. 70 and I got it down s/.15. Multiply this across many stores and the savings add up. In the instances where I struggled with Spanish I had the store owners get a calculator and we haggled via a calculator. I would make an offer and they would counter offer and this is how I got it done. So much fun to do. In case your wondering the painting is a beautifully painted garden scene with rich vibrant colors and great textures. Pictures when I get home. I just couldn't walk away from it.

The day is not done yet and it has been fulfilling in every aspect thus far.

The Museo Nacional de Antropología e Historia del Perú

The weekend is coming to a close and it is time to prepare for another great week of volunteering tomorrow. Today we went to "The Museo Nacional de Arqueología Antropología e Historia del Perú / National Museum of the Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru", which is the largest and oldest museum in Peru, located on Plaza Bolívar in the Pueblo Libre district of Lima. The museum houses more than 100,000 artifacts spanning the entire history of human occupation in what is now Peru. Highlights include the Raimondi Stela and the Tello Obelisk from Chavín de Huantar, and an impressive scale model of the Inca citadel, Machu Picchu. Going to the museum today was a reminder that I am in a different culture and the language barrier still prevails. I'd say the majority of the exhibits were in Spanish but some had an English translation available. I did notice I was able to understand more of the descriptions and at least pice it together.  Also when I needed something today at the museum I was able to ask for it in Spanish which was a great feeling.  Also the security guards were very friendly and took turns showing us to some exhibits we might have missed. For instance part of the museum was an actual house and is now tied into the museum. It featured artifacts and information about the former owner and the guard took us through and described various features. Also we were able to see a well preserved mummy, which we might have missed if it weren't for the insistence of the security guard. It is a great museum showcasing the rich history of the region and I am glad we went.

Afterwards we went to lunch at a place around the corner. Four Americans in a restaurant in Lima and no one could speak fluent Spanish equals a mess. Fortunately for us someone at a nearby table saw our woes unfolding and graciously helped. I can manage basic Spanish but I needed help for this and thankfully someone was kind enough to help. Good thing to because the cau cau menu item was cow stomach, which would have been interesting had I just guessed. I did successfully manage to hail a cab and get us home. (The cabbie spoke a little English so I did good.) I always open conversations now with "habla inglés" in the hope they do.

The remainder of the day was spent at the house relaxing and just enjoying this great Sunday.

A Day Trip to Caral

While my primary focus is to volunteer in the surrounding communities I am also here to learn more about the history and culture. On Saturday a group of us got up very early, 5:30am, and loaded into a van for a three hour drive.  Our destination, Caral. So what is Caral you ask?

"Caral is a 5000-year-old 626-hectare archaeological site of The Sacred City of Caral-Supe is situated on a dry desert terrace overlooking the green valley of the Supe river. It dates back to the Late Archaic Period of the Central Andes and is the oldest centre of civilization in the Americas. Exceptionally well-preserved, the site is impressive in terms of its design and the complexity of its architectural, especially its monumental stone and earthen platform mounts and sunken circular courts. One of 18 urban settlements situated in the same area, Caral features complex and monumental architecture, including six large pyramidal structures. A quipu (the knot system used in Andean civilizations to record information) found on the site testifies to the development and complexity of Caral society. The city’s plan and some of its components, including pyramidal structures and residence of the elite, show clear evidence of ceremonial functions, signifying a powerful religious ideology. Caral is remarkably intact, largely because of its early abandonment and late discovery. Once abandoned, it appears to have been occupied only twice and then not systematically: once in the so-called Middle Formative or Early Horizon, about 1000 B.C.; and once in the States and Lordships period, between 900 and 1440 A.D. Since both these settlements were on the outskirts of the city, they did not disturb the ancient architectural structures. In addition, since the site lacked gold and silver finds, there was little looting. The site has no modern permanent constructions in its immediate surroundings (except for tourism facilities built from local materials). It is part of a cultural and natural landscape of great beauty, relatively untouched by development. Most development has occurred in low valley areas near Lima (to the south of the site). The middle Supe Valley, where the site is located, is an area dedicated to non-industrialised agriculture. There is little argument about the authenticity of the site. Radiocarbon analysis carried out by the Caral-Supe Special Archaeological Project (PEACS) at the Caral site confirms that the development of the site can be located in time between the years 3000 to 1800 B.C. and, more specifically, to the Late Archaic Period."

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1269

The drive there is long but with the great group that with went it was so much fun. Once we arrived we hiked for about 20 minutes to the site. As we approached the site you can see the pyramids rising out of the desert and it is such an awe inspiring moment. Prior to entering we purchased our tickets and with Enrique as our guide we set out into the ruins. There are approximately eight pyramids currently excavated and also a variety of homes, structures and an amphitheater. I had a moment of just shock by the remind of one home and adjacent temple. It is believed to be the home of a priest and the temple was where he worshipped with his congregation. I was more or less standing in the front yard of a 5,000 year old home. To think there were people here living in a community was simply mind blowing and surreal.

As we walked around the ruins it became apparent that another group of local visitors had taken an interest in us. So much so that they followed us throughout the ruins and frequently asked for certain group members to pose for pictures. One female group member with us became a celebrity of sorts as she was a blonde American and I guess blonde is not common here. So they absolutely loved her and others. It was a surprising experience and one that none of us anticipated but found fun.

In addition to the ruins there were two stones of significance that I found to be very interesting. First was a stone the rests at the foot of a temple and a spiral engraving on its surface. This spiral is the first documented reference and it has since become synonymous with Peru and is seen everywhere. This singular carving is where it began, on a stone slab in Caral. The second stone is equally impressive as the residents had an understanding of astronomy and this stone demonstrates this. It looks like a weathered stone to the passerby but in reality each indentation aligns with a constellation. When water would fill in the indentations the onlooker can see the stars reflected in the water.

Being in a recently discovered archeological site, 18 years old, and seeing the stone structures and learning the history made this a once in a life time event. It has been an incredible trip and I am so glad I was able to be apart of it.

A week abroad

This first week has been fun and chaotic with so many ups and downs its hard to keep track of everything. But I wanted everyone to know that I am doing well and wouldn't be here without your support. During the first half of the week I was able to begin my placement at Anjo Gabriel in San Juan. I get to work in a physical support room where I aid e teacher with daily tasks, such as one on one activities, daily living skills,  behavior management and so much more. Since some of the kids have been out sick I was only able to meet three students so far. But each day is amazing with kids and the school is wonderful with a great staff who are like family and truly care about the students they are helping.

In addition to my placement I have been able to go out into the city and surrounding neighborhoods to experience the local culture. Each time I venture out I learn more and more about the city and it makes each day that much better.  The people I am meeting along the way are just as amazing and each person brings something special and unique to the overall group.

I was fortunate enough this past Friday to try something a little different and was allowed to visit the senior center and enjoy the Father's Day fiesta. I helped cut vegetables and to prepare meals for breakfast and lunch with the other volunteers. It was a truly humbling experience being there. Everyone there is so welcoming and genuinely happy to see you each day. During my visit a sweet lady gave me a Father's Day pin and even though I'm not a padre it meant a lot and me smile.

I wish I could share every moment of the trip with people but that is not a realistic goal. I will however share as much and as often as I am able with everyone. Thank you all for supporting me and helping make this experience a reality.    

Greetings from Peru.

All my planning and preparations came down to the final twenty four hours.   The day was spent with family and my fiancé, which is exactly what I hoped for.  As grateful as I was to have that time it was hard knowing it was almost time to leave. I wouldn't have made it to the airport packed and ready without their help and I couldn't be more grateful.  That said I can only imagine how difficult I was to be around those last couple of hours.

As I stood in line at the airport security check point I found myself lingering with the difficult choice of leaving for Peru. The final goodbye was so hard but I knew that greater challenges awaited me and that it would all be worth it. Before I knew it I was through security and sitting at the terminal waiting for my boarding announcement. While waiting I was fortunate enough to meet other volunteers also traveling to Lima, Peru with Cross Cultural Solutions. It was a joy and pleasure and I am very lucky to have made some new friends who will share in this experience With me. A quick flight to Newark and a layover that allowed time for a quick lunch and time to think about my next stop.

Once aboard the plane it was seven and half hours of movies, snacks and fun conversation with other groups traveling to Peru. As we approached Lima I couldn't help but feel anxious as my destination rapidly approached. So much was about the happen in just a short time. For instance, could I navigate the airport, could I find my luggage and could I survive the customs checkpoint? Before facing the uncertainty of traversing a foreign country I had a moment of pure joy. When the wheels touched down and the captain said welcome to Peru I couldn't help but feel proud. That very moment was the culmination of 300 days of dedication to a dream and everything needed to make it a reality. I've worked and planned for this moment and all that follows and it was an amazing feeling that I succeeded. It taught me anything is possible through determination.

Once off the plane it became very apparent I was no longer within the United States and the cultural barrier had been breached. To see all the signs of the airport and even familiar signs were in a different language. Thankfully, the airport is set up with Spanish and English language signs and everything is clearly marked. Basically, it was a matter of following the arrows to Customs and baggage claim. First you go through customs where they verified my passport and signed off on the forms received on the plane. The forms are for the purpose of visit and then a baggage claim form. Next I went to baggage claim and searched for my belongings and and then an airport employee checked my baggage receipt I got in Pittsburgh.  Only now do I regret the amount of stuff packed as I dragged it through the airport.  Lastly, on the way out I had to show my papers to the attendant and push a green button before exiting. If it flashes green you can leave but if it flashes red then you are subjected to an additional screening. Guess who had a red flashing light, I did. It's simply a matter of putting your luggage on a conveyor belt and it gets scanned. So finally after all that I was able to leave, a Cross Cultural Solutions rep was waiting for all participants with a sign. After everything it was a relief to see a CCS rep and know that I had arrived in Peru. He assisted us out to the car and was very helpful and got us all packed up and before I knew it we were on our way to the house.
What a cultural experience seeing the sights and sounds of Lima  as we traveled to our destination in San Borja.

After a short drive we arrived at the house and the feeling of being home and at ease only continued. Everything was in place for our arrival including our rooms, our mail boxes, a welcome message and courteous staff members. Such a joy to be here and I can only imagine what awaits.

Almost Time to Go

The months became weeks and the weeks became days and soon it will be hours till I leave the United States and travel abroad.  In the beginning the idea of international volunteer work intrigued me and got me thinking, could I do it? For weeks I thought about it and wondered do I have the passion and ability to leave all that I know behind and travel to a foreign country? Perhaps equally as important who can I trust to guide me through this process and give me the tools necessary to succeed? I have confidence in myself and my abilities and knew that I absolutely could travel abroad and become an international volunteer with the right organization. I chose Cross Cultural Solutions, why? Simple, they are the one organization I could learn more about, provide a Better Business Bureau rating, offer numerous positive affiliations and happy alumni’s who’ve traveled the world helping others. From the moment of initial contact when I requested my brochure I felt welcomed and at ease with my decision to volunteer with Cross Cultural Solutions. Each step of the way I was given tools and resources necessary to succeed and I always felt I could approach CCS staff with questions about my trip.

Now, the time has come to leave behind all that I know as part of my life here in the United States. I could not be more excited for the experiences, friendships and new challenges that await me in Lima, Peru. Join me as I count down the final days and hours till I become an international volunteer at "Anjo Gabriel" Special Education School in San Juan de Miraflores.

I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way and made this dream a reality. I wouldn’t be where I am today without your support. Thank you. 

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