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!