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June 03, 2010
Day 1 (5/24) - After a long day of travel that began early this morning, we (Vance, Alex, Jon, and I) landed in Lima around 9pm, and met up with our guide (Gaby). Then we headed to our Hostel in Mira Flores, Lima. :) After taking a few minutes to refresh, we headed out to find some dinner. On the way we got to see a quick glimpse of the city at night. So grateful to be here!!!! Day 2 (5/25) - Today we did a quick city tour of Lima and then headed to Expand Peru in Huancayo on a fairly long bus ride. On the bus ride we watched Life is Beautiful, The Aviator, and August Rush, as well as slept and discussed our plans for the next few days. Upon arrival at the bus station, we had the honor of meeting Bernabe and Franco. After grabbing a quick snack and finalizing some more plans we headed to bed. So much great and excited energy amoung the group!!!} Day 3 (5/26) - Today marked our first full non-travel day and day of filming!!!!! What an exciting day of visiting Expand Peru projects. We went with Bernabe to Aca, a town just outside of Huancayo. Our first stop was the local elementary school. We visited three different classrooms containing ages ranging from 5 to 12). In the first class (1st grade) we introduced ourselves, videoed, visited, and exchanged songs (I sand Twinkle-Twinkle). In the second (4th grade) we also introduced ourselves and thenVance taught a little of geography. In the third, we reviewed with them the colors in both English and Spanish during which both sides learned a little. After the classrooms I played volleyball with some of the girls while they were on a quick break, the most fun of the trip so far. :) The videos and photos so far are turning out quite promising. The school is such a great opportunity for the children to learn and grow. Some of the things that they need are supplies including textbooks and books. They also love having Volunteers who teach the children English. Next we walked through Aca to two of the WaWa Wasi programs that Expand Peru works with. (WaWa Wasi houses are government run daycare centers.) Walking through the streets of a more rural part of Peru was an extremely eye-opening experience and gave us the chance to connect even more with the incredible children we had just met. At the first house we met Linda, an Expand Peru volunteer who was assisting the woman with the 8 babies/children she was in charge of for the day. Upon leavingwe headed to Casa, an after-school project run by Expand Peru. It is such a great project because it gives the children a place to go after school where they can do homework, earn, have fun, and stay off the streets. After some interviews we got the opportunity to play with the children. Like earlier at the elementary school, it was one of the most fun experiences yet of the trip. Some of the things that the Casa project teacher expressed a need for was once again supplies including basics such as pencils and paper. I also noticed that it would be nice if they had a ball pump to inflate some of the balls they have for volleyball and catch. One of the things that Bernabe would like to see is the Casa project in another location as well. The children learn and grow so much from it, that it would be nice to see other students in other parts of Huancayo grow from it as well. The work that Expand Peru is doing is so inspiring. All of it is much needed and appreciated. You can see the effects it is having on the children and the gratefulness of the adults who have assistance in their jobs as teachers or caretakers from the volunteers Expand Peru provides them with. After a quick dinner led by chef Vance and some organizing of plans, off to bed we headed! Such a great first full day. Can't wait for what is ahead of us!!!!! Day 4 (5/27) - This morning we headed to a local all-boys orphanage. On the way we stopped and sent some postcards of Huancayo back home. At the orphanage we had the pleasure of meeting Brian (16) and seeing one of his paintings. It was not even completed yet, but i was at a loss for words; he has such amazing raw talent. All of his other paintings were in Huancayo because he recently entered a National art competition and won!!!! The supplies that he uses are the supplies that Vance took him to buy last year with the money that Pacific Ridge raised selling donuts. After signing the guest book of the orphanage we got a glimpse of Hector's (17) paintings. Again I was at a loss of words, the fruit and wine on the canvas looked so real that one might have mistaken it for a photograph. The talent at the orphanage was impressive and inspiring. After a quick lunch, we headed back to play soccer with the boys. Once again I have been impressed by the organizations that Expand Peru works with as well as by Expand Peru itself. Bernabe is an incredible and inspiring man. He is both honest and trustworthy with a true heart. Before dinner we found August Rush (the movie) and met up with Linda. Then after dinner we watched the end of August Rush and made preparations for the JUNGLE!!!!!! Day 5 (5/28) - Everyone woke up this morning excited for the day ahead. We got an early start and took a van to the jungle in the town of Chanchamayo. Along the way we passed the broken down bus of the band containing Peruvian celebrity Christian (you can bet Gaby and Veronica were excited)! Upon arrival and after a quick lunch, we headed out on a tour of the jungle during which we hiked and climbed up a few waterfalls. :) Once again a fun day spent with such inspiring and amazing people. Day 6 (5/29) - Today we woke up and spent the morning relaxing. Then we headed back for home (Bernabe's house in Huancayo). Along the way we visited a giant waterfall and a butterfly habitat. Day 7 (5/30) - This morning we woke up early to go to the bus station for a ride back to Lima. It was so sad to have to say goodbye to all of the incredible people we'd met, especially Bernabe. On the bus ride to Lima, Vance won the game of BINGO!!!! In Lima, we got some of our laundry done and ate dinner near the Plaza. Tomorrow we head out for Pisco!!! The trip so far has been inspiring and so much else that I am at a loss for words for describing. Expand Peru is a great organization with work that deserves a grand applause.
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