How Time Flies

HASTA LUEGO, ARIZONA!

Just two short days left!  I have come so close to my goal and remember back a few months ago when I never would have imagined this type of support possible.  I have a list (or two) of stuff "To Bring" and am packing bags.  Martha has sent many emails over the last couple weeks.  We will have workshops when we get there.  Teaching english, cooking, and crafting  are a few.  Soon, very soon I will be traveling abroad on a volunteer vacation, something I have always wanted to do.  I will miss my Jeramie, kids,  and animals but will be home soon to tend to them again.  

Hogar es el lugar de donde tus pies pueden alejarse, pero no tu corazón. 

Spanish to English Translation: Home ...where your feet may leave...But not your heart.

An article in the newspaper!  How exciting!  On Saturday our Arizona Republic printed this article about the wonderful things Martha is currently doing in Peru and the things we will be doing.  I will include a link to the website where it will be easier to read.  It is less than two weeks away.

My wonderful mother and Erica helped me this weekend and we did some fund raising.  We had a booth at the Armory in Prescott at a  Non-Profit Bazaar. We raised almost $600!  

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/2008/12/20/20081220giveback1220angels.html

E-mail from Martha in Peru

Martha is in Peru working with the shelter and waiting our arrival.  She has this small note this week:

     

   We are looking forward to seeing you soon.  I have been working all day today wrapping and tagging gifts for 60 children.  I had to find me a volunteer here, a lady (her name is Isabel) that helped me to do the shopping, (that was quite a project) and Mike, Isabel and I worked all day today wrapping the gifts.  Tomorrow will be the grocery shopping for the party that has been moved to the 18th.  We bought balls (18 soccer and basketballs), cars, beading kits, motorcycles, etc.  I brought 27 dolls from home, but I didn´t have nothing for the boys and the big girls.  We had huge packages and it was just Isabel and I and we had to walk among thousands of people for several blocks pushing our way through to find us a cab.  They closed the streets to cars in the toy wholesale area, where the vendors come from all over the country to buy the toys to resale them in their areas.  I have never been in an area like this.

Time is ticking away, the trip is SOOOO close now.  We are doing a fundraiser in Prescott this weekend Saturday to help cover more funds.  Almost there!   Already quite the experience as I never could have imagined the support I have received so far.  I have the BEST friends and family!

Meeting in Prescott 11/28/08

I attended a meeting for the trip this last week and am even more informed and excited.  The meeting was at Martha's home in Prescott (Martha is in the picture above in the baseball cap, this picture was taken at the shelter we will be working at).  I have learned that we will be working with Sister Zoila's shelter (a shelter is different from an orphanage as the children are constantly rotating through as they need help).  There are approximately 30 to 40 children there at a time and two adults to care for them.  The shelter is not government run and depends on donations of time and money to run.  We will try to make the trip memorable for the children by taking them on a field trip to the beach on one of the days.  Most days will be working on what needs to be done at the shelter.  I have taken a duffel bag home with me to take on the plane.  Per the airline each person is only allowed one extra bag at 50 pounds so we will each take a bag full of clothes and toys for the kids (and very possibly bricks as I swear this bag weighs a good 150 pounds).   I have been told to boost my immune system and "don't wear white shoes".  Yes, I asked about the white shoes and it is so I do not look too much like a tourist... I have a feeling it will not help as I will most definitely have a camera attached to my face the entire time.   

A Short Note from Mom with more detail. FUN!

"We will actually be working in Callao (it's on the map on the video) which is right by Lima and we'll be staying with Martha where she lives in Mira Flores (means Look at the Flowers!), also right by Lima.  We will see some things in Lima when we are off work - a fabulous water fountain park and probably surfing beaches.  But most of our time will not actually be in Lima - that's just where we fly in and out.  Look at your map & you see Cusco (also sometimes spelled Cuzco in English) - that is where we will fly to go to Machu Picchu - a 1 hour flight over the Andes.  It's just awesome."

Callao google map

Why have I decided to do this?

My mother approached me months ago with a volunteer opportunity for anyone I knew.  A friend of hers had started a non-profit organization and needed volunteers to make a trip to Peru.  I had taken the information and given it to a friend who had promised to get it to her sociology teacher.  I never thought of myself.  My mother approached me a few weeks ago and asked if I thought this trip would be something I would want to do?  I am remembering constantly thinking how neat it would be to do a trip like this.  I remembered reading with such interest a family friend's adventures abroad.  I just never thought I could put it together.  I decided to stop thinking about it and just do it.  Jeramie has told me he will still be here when I return and the house will still be standing.  He promises to take care of the giant dogs, turtle, cat, and fish while I am gone.  What else can I ask for?  I have a giant support group who would never have let me pass up this opportunity.  I have savings I will be using and am hoping to receive donations as well to help with the costs.   PERU HERE I COME!