Immersing in the Culture of Cusco

Hello Friends and Family!

I really miss you all. Thank you for your emails and Skype dates! I love still being able to share life and time with you despite the distance.

This was a pretty busy week for me. I had to finish a report, which was past due, for World Vision. It was actually kind of fun to do at the beginning but agonizing towards the end. I am happy that everyone was happy with it and glad I could help out in some way. I have to culturally adapt all the surveys and questionnaire's I will hopefully be using for the research project to Calca. Please continue to pray as I still await for IRB approval. I send them an email yesterday and hope to hear back from them soon.

I am glad to report I am feeling much better. Cusco has been one wild party all week. This past week was the peak week of celebration.I joined the World Vision dance team and got to parade and dance through the streets of Cusco dancing a "Mestiza Quoyacha." I had a blast. The steps weren't difficult, but the rhythm took a bit to adjust to. I felt really privileged and blessed that they would allow me to dance with them. I mean they were representing Peru and World Vision Peru, and it really was an honor to be able to join them. We got to be on TV and we literally danced in front of what seemed like all of Cusco and thousands of tourist. It was a lot of fun. I was actually flattered and thought it was funny that after the presentation I was asked several times to be photographed by tourists. I look very Peruvian till I say something, and then my accent rattles me away.


I also got to attend the Inti Raymi on Sunday. (http://www.unique-southamerica-travel-experience.com/inti-raymi.html) You should read more about it. It marked the beginning of a new year for the Incas. Peru knows how to put on a good show. I really enjoyed the beginning part of the ceremony a lot more at the Koricancha. There was a lot of nostalgia with past times and associated with it. I really did almost cry when they sang the hymn of the Inca.


I guess I just really ask myself sometimes what happened to these people groups. I see them now, relics of a great empire, and they are some of the most forgotten and marginalized people in the world. I spent last week with some of the descendants of the Inca's in almost forgotten places. I really did enjoy attending the Inca Raymi and it was quite the experience, but I wish the same attention were given to the people groups that still exist today.

If anyone is concerned, they don't really sacrifice the llama at the ceremony. They put on quite the show. The costumes, which they change every year, are absolutely gorgeous. The whole event takes place in Quechua. Apparently, it hasn't been of much public and international notice till recently. I added a small video. I apologize for the lack of zoom. My camera has failed me and I have had to resort to my iPhone. I met and made some wonderful Colombian friends during the ceremony. I just really love Colombians. I have yet to find one that I can't get along with. Perhaps I should take off to Colombia after graduation!

I'm a bit concerned. I have had to change the location of the research project and still don't have IRB approval. Although now I will be working in the Sacred Valley of the Inca's, once I get IRB approval I will have to immediately submit an amendment. I really just want to get started. I don't have much more time left. On top of everything else, the professors from the high schools are on an "indefinite strike." Apparently, they want the director of education for the area removed from his position. Working with people is difficult! I gotta admit that sometimes I do miss the cell and tissue culture labs. I had a bit more control, but it drove me crazy that a microliter mistake could ruin days of work. I guess everything has its challenges.

I really miss being in the States. I was telling one of my friends that. I can't even believe I am saying that. I really do. I miss my friends and my freedom and the culture a bit. I've loved being here, but part of me is just ready to get back to life and settle down for a bit. This weekend I'll be climbing Macchu Picchu. I also have to meet with facilitators for the educational and health programs which I will hopefully be participating next week. I have lots and little to do all at the same time. Mostly, I have to wait. Well, God is teaching me patience.

Praises:
1. No more stomach problems! Yeay! Praise God for antibiotics!
2. Report for WV is completed and it was very beneficial for them.
3. Opportunities to immerse in the culture and friends God has blessed me with.

Prayer Requests:
1. IRB approval. I need it ASAP. Please pray it is soon and everything goes quite smoothly.
2. Professor strikes to get resolved soon! Ideally they would be back to work as soon as I get IRB approval. I am also somewhat worried because classes end at the end of July. I need to get my data in before then.
3. My heart and mind. I really want to be here for everyone, but lately I've been in thought about other things. Please pray for God to bring peace and to help me regain focus, vision, and clarity again.

This is me prior to antibiotics.

This is me after antibiotics. :)

Ready to dance! I loved my hat!

There were actually 24 of us dancing. This is half of the group that got ready at one side of the city.

The Inca flag actually has all the colors of the rainbow. I loved the guys dance suits. 

This is Juanita, Lucerito, and Rita. They helped me get everything I needed for the parade. They are wonderful and great dancers!

This was our sign!

Representing World Vision! Not sure if you can see, but the handkerchiefs we were wearing said World Vision.

Koricancha. All hailing to Father Sun. This is an incredible site because you can see the Koricancha that was partially destroyed by the Spanish to build the Monasterio de Santo Domingo (white).

There were four "legions" of soldiers that came from the 4 regions of the Inca Empire.

 This is in Sacsayhuaman for the actual Inti Raymi. We were on the mountain of tourist sections. I didn't want to pay the full price ticket to go in. It cost $115.

 You can't see this very well, but the opposite mountain was full of locals. Sacsayhuaman was packed!

 I did have a good view of what was going on, but my camera did not capture it. I thought it was funny that the sky was gray as we were invoking the Father Sun.

 My Colombian friends! I'm telling you they are great no matter what part of the world they are in.

I went to a fair and these are products of some of the local communities WV is helping consolidate into networks to promote their work and hopefully provide better incomes for those communities and families. It is beautiful work.

 I've made a new friend. She is awesome! This is Noemi and she just got back from a graduate engineering program in France. She is Cusquena and such a blessing to know!

 Noemi took this picture. Off in thought as usual...

 This is Cusco.

You can't see the sign very well...I forgot the name of these people but they are there so that people will respect crossing the streets on the designated crossways. Apparently they are legally authorized to hit you with their rope if you don't.

 Heather...this if for you. Remember how you had to help me pack 5lbs of granola bars for the trip... I would trade them all in for this one bar! I love it. It is made out of something called "Kiwicha" and they are the best thing I've ever had. I love them!

Cuy Farms Transforming Lives

(This is the view from ADP K'Ana)

Hello Friends and Family!

Blessings to all! I miss you all so much. I gotta admit that I am getting slightly homesick. It doesn't help that I've been having gastrointestinal problems for a week now. I've been having a really hard time with the food. I am really scared to eat anything now because I feel everything makes me sick. I don't understand. I love the food here, but I have had a really hard time digesting it.

On a good note, I had an incredible first week in Cuzco. I got to join World Vision International's Knowledge Manager on visits to some pretty interesting micro-financing and economic development projects. Peru is a proud consumer of Cuy (Guinea Pig) and I got to see how World Vision Peru has really achieved some outstanding work helping local, rural, and small producers to join and market their products to provide a better income for the family.

Cuzco is at about 3,500 msnm and full of life and energy. I actually came in peak season because the Inti Raymi takes place on June 24th. The Inti Raymi is Cuzco's Festival of the Sun and is a tradition with Inca roots. I've heard they sacrifice a Llama, so I am looking forward to another interesting experience. The streets are filled with parades everyday. There are also other festivities taking place, since it is also the month of the Corpus Christi and the month of celebration of Cuzco itself. There are lots of activities and Cuzco is full of energy.

However, I really haven't had a chance to explore very much since I've been visiting surrounding communities most of the time. We got to visit the ADP (Area Developmental Program) of Cussipata and K'Ana. The views were absolutely breath taking and the people touched my heart. In Cussipata, I was so moved hearing the adolescents talk about the small businesses they had started. They thought me a thing or two about marketing and business plans and their confidence was exuberating. When I see that confidence and security, I really see the transformational change that has begun to occur. These kids shared about how having a business has taught them so much about life and making decisions. They had such high dreams and aspirations that it brought me to tears. When I start to see that hope and those dreams in these adolescents, who literally are in what seems like forgotten communities, I see the transformation has begun to occur. In fact, these adolescents are the ones now teaching these skills to their peers to carry out the business and grow.

I was also so impressed by the work of the World Vision Peru staff. Not only had they began these micro-financing projects, but they were developing plans of sustainability for them. These programs they had started had managed to train teachers in how to incorporate these business skills into their class curriculum and helped the teachers get certified to improve their curriculum, teach other teachers around the region, and developed the skills in the adolescents so they were teaching other adolescents. It was an incredible domino effect! The teachers, the adolescents, the families of the adolescents, and the community were absolutely being transformed with these honey, chocolate, and cuy businesses! It was an incredible experience.

Economic development is so key to eliminating poverty. I couldn't believe it. My eyes were opened. For example, these cuy farms provided the family with a better income. It also impacted the family in pretty much every other aspect I can think of. Traditionally,  cuys were raised in the kitchen. These new projects taught the importance of having a separate place to raise these animals (who are carriers of lots of microbes...) and to maintain them clean and healthy. It wasn't just about keeping the animals healthy, but these farming projects provided the basis for proper sanitation for the family as well!! The family had a better source of food, as the cuy is rich in protein and a lean meat believe it or not. The family, because of a better income, was able to send their kids to school now. They could afford to pay for books and uniforms. I even met a farmer whose child was in the university now! In the adolescents, these girls I met were absolutely inspiring when they talked about their cuy farms. I mean they were learning how to make decisions about their life, and they felt empowered and valued. It wouldn't surprise me if teenage pregnancy with this girls would not be that big of an issue. Actually, one of the girls I met was even saving the money because she wanted to go to school to be an archaeologist. The kids were great.

There is still so much to do. Things won't really start changing in Peru or the world until these people really become part of the public agenda. The world won't start changing till we really begin to value the life of vulnerable populations and bring back the value of human life itself. I feel so powerless sometimes, because I really want to help to make a change and a difference, but it isn't enough for me just to serve the communities. I really feel responsible to make the reality of these people known and I want to influence the policies that are being made. I don't know how the Lord will use me, and most of the time I wonder how capable I am of making a difference.

At about 5,000msnm in one of the communities part of the ADP of K'Ana I had a chance to visit Amilcar's father's cuy farm. They were so thankful for the help provided that they literally gave us the best they had to offer. They put their best dresses on and sang us a song. I feel exactly how they do a lot of the time. There is so much you want to transmit and wished you had more of the means to do it, but you give the best you've got. I've decided to give Jesus all I've got, and well by faith I know He will make the difference.

Love you and miss you all!

These are "Galpones de Cuy." (Basically Guinea Pig stalls?) World Vision projects have award winners, and the cuy below is one of the prized cuys.

This is the Cussipata river. It is absolutely beautiful. The view was just remarkable during the entire trip.

 Jonathan is going to kill me for putting this picture on my blog, but it is hilarious. Coca leaves are legal in Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. Mate de Coca (Coca leaf tea) is suppose to help prevent altitude sickness. I've had a ton of it and I've been fine. The cocaine in the leaves is suppose to be minimal so don't worry too much. It's got some interesting properties. You should check it out! Jonathan seems to love the stuff!

Loving the cuys!

 This is super cuy. He was a hit at the Sunday parade! Work it Super Cuy!

A Quick Update Before the "Sierras" :) (Andes Mountains)

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Hello Friends and Family!

I just wanted to give you all a quick update before my internet situation changes. There has been a lot going on in my life as usual. I quite frankly just think way too much sometimes. LOL!

1. I leave for Cusco tomorrow. I will be spending my first week with a team from World Vision International. That means I get to visit the programs with them! The next couple of weeks I will be working in Cusipata. It will, Lord willing, be the site of my research project.  
2. Thesis Project Proposal has been submitted to IRB for review. The World Vision Ethics committee has already approved it. Now, I am just praying that  I will get approval soon to begin my project. I am so excited about it!
   
3. I can still dance and love to dance! After a bad and difficult night salsa dancing a couple of months ago, I've had a hard time getting the courage to dance again. I went to Son de Cuba in Miraflores district and had a blast. I was very flattered that one of the instructors asked me out to dance. We literally danced the night away! (I didn't mean that romantically BTW) He helped me on my moves and taught me how to dance Son. I had so much fun and he was a great teacher. I've been encouraged to dance again and very blessed that he helped me regain some of my confidence back.
4. My stomach survived street food! I have found a remedy to deal with the Aji and heavy potate/rice diet. I drink water with gas literally for every meal. I've even ventured to have some street food. I've finally gotten approval from World Vision staff to try the "Real Ceviche." (I just pray I don't get food poisoning before I leave for Cusco). 
5.  I am thankful for independence and freedom.  I have appreciated so much the freedom I have here to work from home, Starbucks, the office, and while doing some field work. As long as the work gets done and I meet my deadlines, my preceptor has given me the freedom to work wherever and whenever I want to. I like my freedom and independence and the ability to create my own schedule. Don't worry... I've got plenty of work to keep me busy.
6. Free time is great! :

• I am currently reading a book by Tim Keller called The Reason For God. It got me thinking about "Neocalvinism," and it has also challenged me to kind of find my denominational umbrella. I went back to the basics and started comparing Calvinism and Arminianism. I am having issues on both sides of the debate. I think next semester I ay be auditing a class at the Divinity School regarding church history.
• I had an epiphany upon attending " A Dialogue for Concertion on Teenage Pregnancy in Peru." I have to thank my father for listening to my crazy ideas and plans after attending this event. I was a bit flustered. I want to be able to influence the policy making business.
• I have also began looking at the job market. I've pretty much decided I want some more experience before the PhD and some of the organizations I am interested in are in the Virginia, N. or S. Carolina, Washington D.C, or Georgia area. I am praying for jobs to open up when I graduate. I have an idea of what I want to do, and now I just really need a good opportunity.
• I have also realized a need to acquire a lot more knowledge and skills before I graduate. I think next semester I will be taking Maternal and Child Nutrition, Immunology, Social and Behavioral Science, Evidence Based Health, Lab and Field Study (HIV, Substance Abuse and Partner Violence Research), EMD Seminar and Global Health Seminar. I also want to take French! Lord willing, I will also still be part of HealthCORE and join the Student Consultant Group at YSPH, and still work at La Casa!

Life is good and I've been enjoying it :) Blessings and love to all!

PS. No I haven't met someone. My parent's recommended I go back to cave times and just club on the head the man I want. LOL. I am learning to be content exactly where God has me.  I love the freedom and independence I currently have as a beautiful, strong, passionate, godly single woman. I am sure being in a relationship is great, but until it happens, I love where I am at. Thanks for all of the encouragement, prayers, and love from afar! Miss you all!

Second and Third Week in Peru :)

“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven: […] a time to plant and a time to uproot, […] a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to  mourn and a time to dance, […] a time to embrace and  a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear down and a time to mend […]” Ecclesiastes 3:1-7

Blessings friends and family!

I miss you all. Thank you so much for your prayers and words of encouragement. I felt so blessed to have received emails from you, and there is an indescribable peace and love that comes over me knowing that I am so loved and blessed to have such good friends and family supporting the work of God in my life no matter the part of the world I may be in!

I am sorry for the late update. I have been extremely busy these past weeks and also wanted to find a good time to update everyone on what has been going on. My last two weeks at the National Office have been stressful, eventful, full of blessings, lots of activities, a lot of building, a lot of tearing, and you will see how this passage has become very alive in my life over the past weeks.

So as I mentioned in my last update, I have had this burning desire and project on my heart the moment I got here. As some of you may know, my personal passion and professional interests lie in the field of STIs and sexual reproductive health especially concerning young and adult women. I have been working with the specialist in sexual reproductive health and adolescents at World Vision Peru’s National Office. Her name is Maria Cecilia and she is a walking encyclopedia! (please see her picture below J) She is absolutely fantastic! I am learning so much from her; her passion for the field and adolescents is contagious! We have been working over the past weeks on a specific project for me to complete during my time in Peru. It was a bit frustrating because I was suppose to be part of a project but it was no longer a possibility when I arrived. God most certainly opened a window when He closed that door.

Upon a lot of discussing, planning, reading, and searching I found myself inclined towards a research project understanding the interaction between associated factors in adolescents in Peru and indicators of sexual reproductive health (aka “how things affect their sexual behaviors”). I wanted to begin a research project that would be the foundation for my thesis for next year. After long debate on the population I should focus, the “Sierras” (the mountain region) won my heart over again. Therefore, I will be living in Cusipata for the next 5 weeks.  Not all is set in stone, however. The bioethics committee at World Vision has basically approved my project, but I have to wait for IRB approval from Yale. If all works out, I should begin collecting data towards the end of June and beginning of July. I basically want to get an understanding at what factors might be influencing sexual behaviors in adolescents in Cusipata, whether they be internal or external, and in what ways organizations like World Vision could incorporate these into their programs to better address the needs of the community.

My time has been spent just coming up with the right protocol and tools to use to measure indicators and factors. I have been writing in both Spanish and English and translating documents both back and forth attempting to please all parties involved. I have to spend the next couple of weeks figuring out logistics until approval from Yale IRB committee as well as writing a report about an adolescent program that World Vision is leading in one of their Area Developmental Programs in Lima focusing on reducing stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDS in the community. Bottom line is I have lots of work but I am loving being incredibly busy.

As a side note, I have been really intrigued by the great contrast in geography and culture that exists among the Peruvian population which reminds me that I want to apologize for a statement made before. I had limited, in my last blog, the vast diversity of Peru to Quechua, Spanish, and different types of Quechua. Although that statement is partly true, there are over 51 indigenous groups in Peru. Some have still not been identified and live deep in the amazons. There are three main languages: Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara, and by main I mean the largest speaking people groups. There are far more languages spoken in the country. It is an incredibly diverse country and the diversity has raised a lot of internal conflict going back to the time of the Incas. I was actually really softened to the history of Peru and its indigenous population as I visited “Yuyanapaq” (meaning to remember in Quechua) exhibit at el Museo de la Nacion in Lima. This exhibit was dedicated to remember Peru’s 20 year period of internal conflict. I won’t go in depth about it, but please feel free to read more about it (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internal_conflict_in_Peru). About 70,000 people were estimated to have died during this time. The images were just devastating and testimonies were heartbreaking. University students went missing and were found in pieces by their mothers after having suffered much torture. The indigenous groups were tortured and oppressed by terrorist groups (the famous “Senderos Luminosos”) and fled to the cities were they suffered more oppression by the city folks who thought they were invading terrorist groups as they also were undergoing a lot of oppression themselves. It was such a dark and painful period in their history. The people and country are still in recovery. I can still sense the fear and hurt subtlety expressed through the conversations I have had. I’ve been able to see a lot of programs directed to tearing down the division and mending the brokenness among the people groups.

Personally, I have had lots of time to tear down and build project and proposals over the last few days. I currently feel I am in a season where I am trying to plant heavily to be able to uproot good fruit in the work I will be taking part of. I’ve had times to mourn with the people here in Peru, as I’ve shared time hearing of their violent history, but I have also greatly enjoyed dancing and rejoicing with them in their beautiful culture and a lot of the great initiatives the country has taken. I have personally spent a lot of time giving up and tearing down false ideologies in my life concerning relationships and hurts in my life. It has been God mending my heart, and although healing is sometimes a hard process, I have seen how God continues to use it. The other night I used some of the experience from my last relationship to share about God’s timing and love for me and the person involved and had a really great opportunity to bond with my neighbors!

It is so hard to sum up everything that happens! I feel so alive when I am in Latin America. I just feel I come home every time I visit one of the countries and Peru has been no different. God opens my eyes and heart to the people here, and I know that he is stretching many aspects of my life. Maybe I do live life too intensely sometimes! God is so good and I can’t wait for the adventure that is ahead!

Praises:

-      World Vision staff. I am incredibly touched by the passion and commitment that I have seen in World Vision Peru’s staff. I have been able to see it from the director himself all the way down to the facilitator who works directly with the community. Their passion for their country and their commitment to the children of Peru as agents of change is incredibly inspiring. Praise God for them and for the other staff around the world whom God is using to reach out and change lives for His glory!

-       Safety! I feel a lot more confident taking the public transportation and feel a lot more Peruvian about getting around in the city! My grandmother was especially encouraging. She open a Skype account just to sign on and remind me who had sent me there and to not live in fear but faith and peace knowing God was with me even before I got to Peru!

-       Research Opportunity with Adolescents. Just writing the project proposal itself has been an academic and personal advancement. One thing is to know things in theory and the other is taking them out to the field! I feel just blessed having been able to design a project, protocol, and come up with significant tools to measure outcomes.

-       Friends. I have just been so blessed with the people God has placed in my life. I have made great friends at work, home, and at church. They have all been incredibly supportive and loving. I have felt incredibly welcomed and always have a packed social agenda! I love it!

Prayer Requests:

-       My project. I really need to get approval from Yale IRB committee soon. I am not worried about getting approval, but more concerned about timing. I need it to be very soon to gather all the information I need. Sometimes I feel like I’ve delayed too much in the process, and I will be honest that I am really stepping out in faith here. Sometimes the committee takes a lot more time and the timing for review varies. Please pray that IRB approval is fast and timely. If this project is God’s will then please have Him open doors accordingly and give me the wisdom and knowledge necessary to carry everything planned.

-       Future work plans. These next two weeks I will be interacting a lot with representatives from World Vision International. I have considered that working with them after I graduate would be a great experience, and perhaps during the next couple of weeks I may encounter some key contacts for a future job. I think I’ve almost pretty much decided that I want to work or have more field experience after I graduate from Yale and then return for the PhD. If World Vision is that opportunity then please pray God opens and closes doors accordingly.

-       Provision and Management. God has been providing thus far. I ask for wisdom to use money accordingly. I will be covering research expenses and want to make sure I am honoring to the people that have invested in me to carry out my project and also don’t want to run short on my living expenses. Both were under my project proposal, but I don’t have budget for any unexpected costs.  Otherwise I would have to use some of my own personal funds, which are very limited, to finish covering research costs.

-       My heart. I have to admit that never in my life has a relationship and marriage been so much on my mind and heart. It may be seeing more and more of my friends moving on, but I have really started praying a lot about a future family. The more I am in ministry, the more I feel really limited being single. Sometimes I want to talk to mothers and wives, but I often find my advice and impact limited. As funny as this next part may also sound, in part I do feel I need a man: a real godly man. As I think about my future wishes of serving full-time in community development, I kind of need a husband to be reaching out to the men in the community. I am already somewhat concerned about how the adolescent boys will share their experiences with me because I am a woman. I don’t think I have the same impact. I know God will provide everything I need wherever he sends me, and I most certainly see singleness as a blessing, but I really feel in my heart and believe that I kind of want the experience of growing in a marriage and in a family setting. I want my family to be a ministry tool, and well, if it is within God’s will, I ask him to lead me.

-       Sickness. The food is catching up to me. I have had a hard time with the diet. I absolutely love the food here but the seasoning and heavy carbohydrate diet is getting to me. I will be moving to a more rural area, with more limitations on the diet. I have also heard that it is very offensive if you don’t eat everything that they serve you! I am not worried about what I will be eating as much as how much they will want to feed me! I know it’s a blessing but my stomach can only handle so much.

-       Discipline. With a normal job schedule, it has been hard to incorporate exercise in my daily life. I have been out running a couple of times, but that involves getting up at 5:30am-6:00am. I need to stay active and fit, especially if I want to be trekking the mountains at high altitudes.

I love you all! Thank you for your prayers and support. I love getting your emails and encouraging messages! My prayer is that God has also been able to use these blogs to bless your lives as well.

“What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made EVERYTHING beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men: yet, they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. “ Ecclesiastes 3:9-11

Not knowing or fully understanding the plans God has for me and Peru, but seeing He is at work, trusting He is good, and knowing the best is yet to come,

with great love,

Ana

This is a Cusqueno Nativity Scene. There is a llama included and as you can see everyone's necks are elongated in the same shape as well.

These are images from the “Yuyanapaq” exhibit.

This is Maria Cecilia and her daughter Luana. Please pray for Luana she has been a bit sick over the last couple of weeks.

These are some of the teens heading the "Expressions of Life" program. They are using theatre to teach the community about HIV/AIDS and what its like to be an HIV positive person.

This is Jose Luis, Karina, and Tom. They are my host parents here. I had a picture of their daughters for the last blog and now I have included them. Sorry I couldn't take a better picture. I am still learning how to use my camera!

Lima is the land of great disparity. This is Lima. This is the downtown. It is absolutely gorgeous. There are some beautiful colonial sites and incredibly modern places.

 Be jealous Las Vegas! The "Parque de Aguas" was created as an initiative to help teach community about water as a resource and how to conserve it. I loved the fountains and presentations.

This is also part of Lima. This is one of the areas where World Vision Peru works. This is nearer to the coast and is the ADP of Ventanilla.

 This is Vladimir, whom I work with at the National Office, and Kary, one of the facilitators in Ventanilla. She is so proactive its like watching the energizer bunny on steroids. She loves her kids!

 So World Vision is incorporating these learning centers. They are called Ludotecas and are being incorporated to help in cognitive and motor sill development in the kids in Ventanilla and other communities. They have a variety of programs and very creative and fun ways to work with the kids.

 This is also Ventanilla. This is actually an Evangelical community that lives together. I am not quite sure as to the reasons, I mostly believe it is safety, but if I find out more I will let you know!

We were blinded by the sun! Smiles and love to all! Oh and Vladmimir wishes you peace!

Peruvian Vocab:

(Peruvian,Spanish or Castellano, English)

choclo, maiz, corn

palta, aguacate, avacado

canita, pajilla(in Honduras), straw

Estoy Pina, Estoy confundida, I am confused!

Love to all!

I went to a presentation of several Peruvian dances. This is one of my favorites. Marinera is their national dance. Trujillo is a place in northern Peru and their marinera is different to the coast one. I hope I can learn how to dance it! I think it is incredibly romantic and fun!