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!