Wednesday 26th June
Today at the baby orphanage it was assumed that I spoke fluent spanish. This meant that I would be able to translate for some visitors to the orphanage. I surprised myself and was somewhat able to translate (what I wasn't I just guessed and made up). Rarely do I see visitors to the orphanage and so was interested in the older white couple and the two South American young people. I found out that the young girl was adopted by a Norwegian couple from the orphanage, and the boy was also adopted from an orphanage in Ecuador. Her adoptive parents and adoptive brother were touring the orphanage where she spent the first few years of her life. It was so amazing to see such a happy family. As a volunteer, I have welcomed new children and said goodbye to some, but we never know about what happens before or what happens after. All we can do is try and make the children feel loved and be happy. I felt so honoured to be able to meet this family and learn about their story. It takes some truly amazing people to welcome children into their family and treat them as their own, with little to no knowledge of their past. I wish that everyone could see the beauty of these children. It saddens me that already in their short lives, these children have dealt for more than many ever will in their lives. During my time volunteering in Peru I have fallen in love with my babies at the orphanage. I wish that every one of them could have a life full of opportunities, happiness and love.
Paloma And My Babies
Friday 21st June
The day started off completely normally, taking a short 30 minute bus ride to the hospital where the orphanage is. I went to my room and said hello to all 6 of my darling babies, who are 1-2 years old. I give them kisses and hugs and share as much love with them as I can. In 6 short weeks these angels have found a strong place in my heart. But today was different. Today I had to say goodbye to one of my babies from the orphanage. Paloma was lucky enough to be adopted into a wonderful new family. As the mama bathed her, dresses her in her nicest clothes and brushed her small amount of fine hair, I reflected on how much she has grown over the 6 weeks that I have known her. Paloma was moved into my room in the first week I was here. In that time she has learnt to walk, can almost jump and loves to dance. She is such a happy child, rarely crying and always having the biggest smile on her face. I hope that this beautiful child has the opportunity to become an amazing person, full of love, kindness and a sense of belonging. As much as I will miss her beautiful happy face I know that she now has the opportunity to have a better life. Although she does not know it, she and all my other babies have had a massive affect on my life, giving me so much love. They are special children who will bless any family willing to have them.
The day started off completely normally, taking a short 30 minute bus ride to the hospital where the orphanage is. I went to my room and said hello to all 6 of my darling babies, who are 1-2 years old. I give them kisses and hugs and share as much love with them as I can. In 6 short weeks these angels have found a strong place in my heart. But today was different. Today I had to say goodbye to one of my babies from the orphanage. Paloma was lucky enough to be adopted into a wonderful new family. As the mama bathed her, dresses her in her nicest clothes and brushed her small amount of fine hair, I reflected on how much she has grown over the 6 weeks that I have known her. Paloma was moved into my room in the first week I was here. In that time she has learnt to walk, can almost jump and loves to dance. She is such a happy child, rarely crying and always having the biggest smile on her face. I hope that this beautiful child has the opportunity to become an amazing person, full of love, kindness and a sense of belonging. As much as I will miss her beautiful happy face I know that she now has the opportunity to have a better life. Although she does not know it, she and all my other babies have had a massive affect on my life, giving me so much love. They are special children who will bless any family willing to have them.
Eaaaarrthhhhhquaaakkkkeeeeee!!
Tuesday 18th May
What others may consider a dangerous part of life, us foreigners think is fantastic. My first Peruvian earthquake was more of an excitement than anything else. I was a bit taken back by the children running out of my english class as I didn't think my lesson was that boring! It was interesting that many of the other volunteers didn't even feel the quake.
Although it was exciting for me, I did notice some of the children were very shaken up. It made me realise that although that one was a small tremor, bigger ones do occur here and have potentially devastating affects. I guess that growing up in Australia, where close to no earth quakes occur, I can't fully understand what the affects that a big earth quake can have. Australian's grow up learning about bushfires and more recently floods, but rarely does a earth quake have any affect on us. Part of living in another country and continent is learning the different ways of life, and that includes the different types of natural disasters. I guess the best attitude to have to the prospect of a disaster is to be prepared, aware and stay calm.
What others may consider a dangerous part of life, us foreigners think is fantastic. My first Peruvian earthquake was more of an excitement than anything else. I was a bit taken back by the children running out of my english class as I didn't think my lesson was that boring! It was interesting that many of the other volunteers didn't even feel the quake.
Although it was exciting for me, I did notice some of the children were very shaken up. It made me realise that although that one was a small tremor, bigger ones do occur here and have potentially devastating affects. I guess that growing up in Australia, where close to no earth quakes occur, I can't fully understand what the affects that a big earth quake can have. Australian's grow up learning about bushfires and more recently floods, but rarely does a earth quake have any affect on us. Part of living in another country and continent is learning the different ways of life, and that includes the different types of natural disasters. I guess the best attitude to have to the prospect of a disaster is to be prepared, aware and stay calm.
My favourite thing - Food!
A typical meal in the house consists of some kind of potato, a chicken dish, white rice and some salad. I absolutely love it, however I'm not sure how much my body is loving all the carbs! Oh well! When in Rome!
An interesting day with strange experiences.
Thursday 6th June
Although spending 3 hours on a bus a day, traveling to and from work is often less than exciting. However on the rare occasion that something exciting does happen, one must blog about it. So this morning on my bus to work I met a Peruvian man who spoke very good english. He asked me where I was from, where I was going and whether I was enjoying Peru. Finally he got to his stop and just before he got off the bus he asked me if I had tried Maca juice, I said no and he proceeded to give me a jar of juice.
Later when we were at the school, I asked the coordinator if it was ok to drink the juice. He uncertainly replied that it should be fine. My next question was more revealing, "would you drink it?"..."no!". So now I was stuck with a jar of juice. The next option was to try and pawn it off to a kid at the school. A couple of girls walked past and I gave one of them it, although they were very suspicious... As they walked off the coordinator says "She's going to die..." I have to say pawning off my juice was a very interesting experience.
Another interesting thing happened in the house today. Unbeknown to me, American's don't know what Tim Tam's are. To me this seems a foreign concept, and it is sad that they are neglected of this chocolatey heaven. So today one of the Australian girls brought out Tim Tam's for them to try. Of course they all got out their camera's to check out what this strange Australian biscuit was. Of course they loved it!
Just a little side note. I want to wish my friends Amberly and Abby a safe trip home. It was amazing to meet you guys and you have made me laugh on so many occasions. The memories we've made will always stay with me. I hope you have enjoyed your time in Peru and carry this experience with you for the rest of your lives.
Although spending 3 hours on a bus a day, traveling to and from work is often less than exciting. However on the rare occasion that something exciting does happen, one must blog about it. So this morning on my bus to work I met a Peruvian man who spoke very good english. He asked me where I was from, where I was going and whether I was enjoying Peru. Finally he got to his stop and just before he got off the bus he asked me if I had tried Maca juice, I said no and he proceeded to give me a jar of juice.
Later when we were at the school, I asked the coordinator if it was ok to drink the juice. He uncertainly replied that it should be fine. My next question was more revealing, "would you drink it?"..."no!". So now I was stuck with a jar of juice. The next option was to try and pawn it off to a kid at the school. A couple of girls walked past and I gave one of them it, although they were very suspicious... As they walked off the coordinator says "She's going to die..." I have to say pawning off my juice was a very interesting experience.
Another interesting thing happened in the house today. Unbeknown to me, American's don't know what Tim Tam's are. To me this seems a foreign concept, and it is sad that they are neglected of this chocolatey heaven. So today one of the Australian girls brought out Tim Tam's for them to try. Of course they all got out their camera's to check out what this strange Australian biscuit was. Of course they loved it!
Just a little side note. I want to wish my friends Amberly and Abby a safe trip home. It was amazing to meet you guys and you have made me laugh on so many occasions. The memories we've made will always stay with me. I hope you have enjoyed your time in Peru and carry this experience with you for the rest of your lives.
Parque De Las Leyendas - The Peruvian Zoo
Sunday May 9th
Today, in true sunday fun-day style, we took a trip to the zoo. Although the weather wasn't that nice it was great to get out of the house with all the girls and be tourists for a day. The zoo was surprisingly big for an area which is in the middle of suburbia. We saw so many animals and had a wonderful time.
Most of the animals we could name, but we did come across these half rabbit, half kangaroo creatures. I tried to Google what we though was their name when we got home but I must have miss spelt it as there were no results matching what we saw. If anyone can name this animal, it would be much appreciated.
I can say with complete confidence that my favourite animal at the zoo today were the goats. I don't think I have ever seen this many goats before. They were so cute, especially the little baby ones. I was amazed to see how high they can jump. And they are so playful and friendly.
Now while most people go to the zoo to see the animals, sometimes you are lucky enough to come across another more interesting exhibit; the gringos (white people). Blonde hair and pale skin is a fascinating trait according to the Peruvians. At one point when I was looking at the bears, a Peruvian guy with his girlfriend asked me something. I assumed they wanted me to take a photo of them so I went to take their camera, but the guy didn't want a photo with his girlfriend, he wanted a photo of his girlfriend with the strange pale creature with yellow hair and blue eyes. So I proceeded to have my photo taken with this Peruvian guy and his girlfriend, all the while the my other volunteer friends were cracking up laughing. By the end I was a bit embarressed.
I thought the bears were another especially cool exhibit since Australia doesn't really have any bears. This one was particularly funny as it was doing laps around its rock.
Today, in true sunday fun-day style, we took a trip to the zoo. Although the weather wasn't that nice it was great to get out of the house with all the girls and be tourists for a day. The zoo was surprisingly big for an area which is in the middle of suburbia. We saw so many animals and had a wonderful time.
I can say with complete confidence that my favourite animal at the zoo today were the goats. I don't think I have ever seen this many goats before. They were so cute, especially the little baby ones. I was amazed to see how high they can jump. And they are so playful and friendly.
It was also hilarious seeing some animals from home and watching all my Canadian and American friends flock to these animals. The Peruvians also seemed to love the emu's.
Now while most people go to the zoo to see the animals, sometimes you are lucky enough to come across another more interesting exhibit; the gringos (white people). Blonde hair and pale skin is a fascinating trait according to the Peruvians. At one point when I was looking at the bears, a Peruvian guy with his girlfriend asked me something. I assumed they wanted me to take a photo of them so I went to take their camera, but the guy didn't want a photo with his girlfriend, he wanted a photo of his girlfriend with the strange pale creature with yellow hair and blue eyes. So I proceeded to have my photo taken with this Peruvian guy and his girlfriend, all the while the my other volunteer friends were cracking up laughing. By the end I was a bit embarressed.
"We are crazy goat ladies" - Ellyn and I
House life
Saturday May 8th
Yesterday was a stay at home day. I spent a lot of time with my roommates Charlotte and Shonnaugh. Although we did do a lot of sleeping it was nice to just chat to them. It has been a difficult time in the house over the last week. Its is very difficult saying goodbye to old volunteers who have become your good friends, and welcoming new volunteers who you don't know. As much as I love meeting new people, living in a house with all sorts of people can be a challenge. Naturally drama is a constant occurrence, and is dependent on the people living in the house. As much as drama can be exciting in the movies, I think I prefer it being on the big screen. Hopefully as we all become friends and bond we will learn to live with each other a bit more harmoniously.
I had a very enjoyable quiet Saturday night, spending time bonding with some of the girls from the house. I am so glad to have met these girls and am excited for the time I will be spending with them. The promise of new strong friendships is exciting and I know there will be many adventures to come. Although we haven't known each other for long, living with people in a foreign country means you share a lot in a short amount of time, and I have already shared so many laughs, tears and stories with these girls. Of course this was followed by the planning of exercising more and doing more things outside of the house. Who doesn't love a good pact during a girls bonding session? The only thing missing was a block of chocolate and a box of tissues. Of course this bond was solidified by a couple of girls doing a midnight run to Macca's (McDonald's for all you non-aussies reading) and waiting up for them to come home.
Overall is was a surprisingly fun night :) I have much love for my new friends.
Yesterday was a stay at home day. I spent a lot of time with my roommates Charlotte and Shonnaugh. Although we did do a lot of sleeping it was nice to just chat to them. It has been a difficult time in the house over the last week. Its is very difficult saying goodbye to old volunteers who have become your good friends, and welcoming new volunteers who you don't know. As much as I love meeting new people, living in a house with all sorts of people can be a challenge. Naturally drama is a constant occurrence, and is dependent on the people living in the house. As much as drama can be exciting in the movies, I think I prefer it being on the big screen. Hopefully as we all become friends and bond we will learn to live with each other a bit more harmoniously.
I had a very enjoyable quiet Saturday night, spending time bonding with some of the girls from the house. I am so glad to have met these girls and am excited for the time I will be spending with them. The promise of new strong friendships is exciting and I know there will be many adventures to come. Although we haven't known each other for long, living with people in a foreign country means you share a lot in a short amount of time, and I have already shared so many laughs, tears and stories with these girls. Of course this was followed by the planning of exercising more and doing more things outside of the house. Who doesn't love a good pact during a girls bonding session? The only thing missing was a block of chocolate and a box of tissues. Of course this bond was solidified by a couple of girls doing a midnight run to Macca's (McDonald's for all you non-aussies reading) and waiting up for them to come home.
Overall is was a surprisingly fun night :) I have much love for my new friends.
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