Life here is chaotic, with a new problem to solve and bumps in the road everywhere you turn (literally and figuratively because for real, the roads here are absolutely wild). When I came to Casa I knew it was going to be difficult to see the poverty and to listen to the stories of tragedy that these children have lived. However, I didn’t realize just how quickly and how deeply it would affect me. We have kids living here who have lost everything, yet they live with more joy than most people I know. Padre, as the kids call Father Joe, has taken me to see various parts of the city surrounding Casa. The conditions and circumstances that these people are living in here are appalling. It is extremely overwhelming and the idea of trying to help is daunting, as the problems are much more than surface deep. While discussing this with Padre, he pointed something out to me.
“The thing is that this is not abnormal. Not only for here, but this is how most of the world lives. We in the United States, we are the ones who are abnormal”
So with that in mind, please consider praying. For me, so that I may know how best to help these people and have the courage to do so. For the children living here, who have experienced trauma and the harsh realities of life all too soon. For Padre and the staff who work here, that they may continue to persevere despite the challenges and the immense sacrifices they make for these children. Finally, for the people of Peru, some of whom lack food, water, electricity, or love, that they may feel God’s presence.
On a brighter note, the weather has been much more interesting lately. I have seen the sun twice and this morning the ground was wet, indicating that we got a little rain last night! I have been busy practicing Spanish and forming bonds with the children. A favorite activity of the kids is to collect “canicas” (meaning marbles, however we use plastic beads). Padre has a slingshot, so when groups of children are outside he will send some their way for them to run after. At night he also hides them throughout the yard, in trees, under rocks, between bricks in the walls etc. The kids can then exchange the marbles they find for candy.
In the past two weeks, I have gotten to visit a girls home also located in Lurin called Caritas Felices (meaning, happy faces). It is home to 15 girls and a few stray dogs and cats that often make an appearance. I have also gotten to attend masses in several different churches around the area. My favorite was on the feast day of Saint Rose of Lima. There was dancing and a marching band, followed by a procession through the streets. The area is called “the flood zone,” because last year the whole city was under water. The damage is still evident as the people work to rebuild their lives there. We handed out toothbrushes that were donations from a group in the United States. To see the joy that kids and adults alike got from receiving something as simple as a toothbrush hit me hard. For many of them, it was possibly the only toothbrush they had.
Despite the daily challenges, I have fallen in love with Peru and the people who live and work at Casa. Everyone has been so incredibly welcoming and there is so much love here. One of my favorite things here is how much joy the kids have. Not a day goes by that I don’t get bombarded with hugs and laughter. I have found that the language barrier is not as difficult as I had initially thought, dancing and tag are universal languages; no Spanish necessary! When in doubt smile, laugh, or say si and hope for the best 🙂
This week a new volunteer arrives! I am excited as I am currently the only volunteer living at Casa. The time is absolutely flying by; it is crazy to think that I have already been at Casa for more than 20 days! Thank you to everyone for the continued support. I couldn’t do it without you all! God is always blessing me. Everyday is a challenge, however he always sends me something to remind me that he is there. Be it seeing a puppy on the street that follows me to the market, pasta with pesto for lunch, or the peace that only night time holy hour can bring. God is always there, reminding me that everything is going to be ok; just take it one day at a time.
Alexandra's Adventrues Abroad 