Peru 2014 (3)

We were approached by some police officers the other day while we were at camp. The had hunted us down to tell us how happy they are from the bottom of their heart to see us stepping in and doing what the government could not. They mentioned that our arrival and ongoing presence has sparked a ripple effect in the community, creating a general mindset to clean up and take matters into the hands of the people so they can make their small town a better place for everyone. It was a beautiful way to begin the day.

       

So since my last post, we've accomplished a lot. I know I mentioned some of what we're doing here, but as of now the project is almost complete. As of July 17th, 2014 we completed the deworming/glasses drive, which took most of the day, the water tower supply was buried and the base for the water tower itself is built (now we just have to get it up there - it's rather small), the new classroom (a nice, wood portable) is built and for the most part is weather-proofed (still needs another coat though), the playground is near complete with the exception of the wall - which needs to be painted, and the ground of the school is now levelled and prepped for a layer of cement. It is looking great. 

                                           

                                    The buried water supply and the base for the water tower. 

July 18th, 2014 -

After we finished at the school, we headed into town to do some more touring. Our first stop was the catacombs. It was an interesting tour, but not nearly as detailed as the one I had previously visited in Paris. There wasn't too much information given at the graves. In fact, the only information provided was that over 50,000 people had died building these tunnels and the most recent death was in the 90s. If being surrounded by thousands of human remains isn't enough to get to you, that was. I'll also mention that if you're claustraphobic and/or have a fear of dead people - don't go. I felt as if that would have been fairly obvious. One member of our group, as well as myself got stuck behind a woman who didn't think much of that through, so were separated from everyone. Let me just say that if being alone in a dark place, surrounded by dead people was ever on my bucket list, I can sure cross that shit off now. I had just made it back for the end of the tour when I finially recovered my group. We were being showed a painting strikingly similar to "The Last Supper", however the tour guide made it especially clear it wasn't. In fact, he said "People, this isn't actually The Last Supper, this is the Peruvian version with the devil and a guinea pig". 

         

July 19th, 2014 -

We went to Luna Huama (approx. 3 hours from Lima), where we had some R&R time. We started the day with some white water rafting, which took us into the early afternoon. It was great. The water was clean (in comparison to Lima), it was cold (but refreshing) and overall a complete blast. By the time we had finished it was time for lunch, which consisted of locally grown corn on the cob, a salad, a baked potato and, for those who eat meat, free range chicken from a little patch of land which they also owned. After lunch we did some zip lining, which gave us an incredible view of the mountains, river and village of which we had been exploring. I absolutely loved this place, but this area in particular was amazing. The kitchen itself was such a cool sight. It was located outside and completely exposed in the side of a small cliff, overlooking the river and mountains (pictures to come). 

        

                                                                  Beginning rafting

July 20th, 2014 - 

Today was our last day on the project before we begin our journey to Cuzco tomorrow (Monday, July 21st). The school looks so much better now. Newly paved grounds, a new classroom (weather-proofed and all), the water tower and it's backup supply is up, the playground is much cleaner (as are the classrooms), no more rubble, glass, ect in sight, a new tire park was installed by some of the locals, and the rooftops have even been fixed up. I would say mission accomplished. As we exchanged our final words to some of the kids, the other Peruvian volunteers, and the teachers, there was an all too familiar feeling in the air. We were all about to leave another family behind as we continued our journey. It was a mindset that we all had, and despite all the good we had done, just couldn't shake it. As we all took one final look around the grounds, we departed, only leaving a few people (myself included) packing up the remainder of our belongings. It was at this point that the principal ran out in tears. As we struggled to understand her, our partial translator approched us. She had said how incredibly thankful she was, that we would remain in her heart forever and that it was a deed that would never be forgotten by the community. We lost count how many times she proceeded to say "gracias". Then with a hug, and a kiss, with tears running down her and many of our faces, we parted ways. 

Dylan. 

       

                                                            99.9% finished the school