Semillas de Amor: A growing garden!

The following post is from our two interns in Colombia:

Michael: It was an interesting week, a bit harder than the first. On Tuesday the road up to the school was flooded so we were not able to go work with the children. When we got there on Wednesday we were amazed to see that the garden we had planted the previous week had started growing vigorously.

The cucumbers are doing the best so far with the cantaloupe close behind but almost everything has started growing. We had a hard time keeping the children from stepping in the garden at first but after putting in a distinct barrier and working in it with them they earned respect for it. The children loved to help plant the garden and they get excited when they see it grow. I hope they take this experience with them and continue to produce food for themselves and their families.

Stephanie: It’s been a good and challenging week; we had a couple setbacks but did what we could to keep things going. On Wednesday we were at the foundation early cleaning the floors and we got news that the food Uris had been preparing all morning was bad. The meat that was donated was no good and unfortunately she didn’t realize this until after she had put all the vegetables in it. This meant no food for the student, which is heartbreaking because for some of these kids it’s their only meal that day. Alfonzo is Uris brother and he comes with us to the foundation most days , He was ready to go home when he got that news and skip after lunch activities cause he knew the kids wouldn’t come if there was no lunch. I ran to the store and bought some bread and told Elevis (the lady who lives next to the foundation) to tell the kids if they come to the foundation I will have a snack for them. All the regular kids showed up I was able to do an activity and give each of them a small snack (not much, but something). I have been teaching English and I feel it’s very important to keep a routine with them as much as possible and so I was really happy when I was still able to hold a class with them despite the loss of the food.
The kids who attend my English classes’ everyday are progressing and it’s really exciting. I have a hard time getting all the kids to come so Friday I made a chart with everyone’s name and put stickers next to the names of those who came, after a student has 20 stickers I told them I would buy them a popsicle from the house next door (they cost 5 cents each, so I’m not worried about breaking the bank on this one) I really hope that it will be encouraging to the kids. I also want to encourage them to bring their homework somehow because I have been asking the kids if they have homework some of them say yes, so I ask them to bring it and not one time has any of the kids brought their homework. I have told Uris but she just kind of nods her head like “those crazy kids”.

As for the gardens we are very excited as well as the students we came back after last weekend and a bunch of plants had already sprouted, it had only been 5 days. The cucumber plants are about four inches tall and the kids are stoked about it, they want to help water and weed and take care of the plants. I think it was really important that we let them put the seeds in the ground and help with garden preparation. They seem to have taken ownership over the garden, some of the kids will get after other students for not being carful around the garden. It’s interesting because we have two gardens at the foundation and the kids are really only interested in the one they have planted, the other garden that Michael, Alfonzo, Cookie, and I made they seem to have no interest in. I know this is a simple concept but it shows to me how important it is to have the population you want to assist be a part of whatever it is that we are trying to do. We are also trying to teach some of the locals how and about gardening we healed a little class with the family across the street from us and now they have their own little garden.

It was really cool right as we were finishing the garden it started raining so we didn’t need to water the garden, it was great. My goal is by teaching students and family how to garden it will become more sustainable and so eating fresh produce will be more available and money that would be spent on this kind of things can go to other needs.

Last week I started tutoring a lady in the neighborhood in English, this week the time spent has turned into more of a class with currently only 3 students. I have taught English to kids plenty but this is the first time teaching to adults and I really like it, It's fun to get into the grammar part of things. It’s actually a really good review for me too, I have to keep getting on youtube and looking up tutorials to help me.

Semillas de Amor: Our first week

The following is a post from Stephanie, who is a new intern in Colombia:

First off the family we are living with are just about the most hospitable and humble a family could be. As soon as we walked in the door Michael and I were attacked with hugs from the kids, a very warm welcome!  

This week has been very productive, and  Michael and I are very excited about how things are going.  In the first week we have started with construction, teaching English classes, we have established two student gardens and simultaneously taught the children how to garden which has been really exciting for us. It’s really easy to network in Turbaco because everyone is so open, welcoming, and happy to help. While teaching the kids in the foundation about the garden a few of the kids got up and ran off, I tried to catch them but they are quick! After about five minutes they came back with different kinds of seeds for the garden and excited to plant them, one came back with mandarins seeds and another came back with a dried flower it was exciting to see them wanting to get involved.  This week I would like to start meeting with the mothers and hold groups with them on important issues they are currently facing. It has been expressed to me that some of the mothers of the kids in the foundation are facing issues such as different kinds of abuse in their homes and as for the single mothers, there is a struggle to just make ends meet. It is issues like this that I would really like to dive into and help out with. 

Aldea Infantil: Angela's last post

The following is a post from Angela, who volunteered at La Aldea Infantil this summer:

August 29

Oh my goodness, I left Aldea exactly one week ago.  I got home from Peru on Friday.  Since then I have had so many different thoughts run through my head.  Certainly, I have returned to America, mi pais, with a changed heart.  I was only in Peru for a short time, barely a month and a half, but the lessons I learned will stay with me forever.   In all, Peru was amazing!  The scenery is beautiful, the culture and history rich, the people personable and hard working.  I quickly became enchanted with the world around me.  Every day I became more and more intrigued, as well as impressed, with the lifestyles of the Peruanas.  Certainly, the most dominant characteristic I observed is that the people are willingly friendly with everyone.  From my observations, people matter to those in Peru, and I certainly felt my heart open to that concept.  I had so much fun striking up a conversation, working alongside, and learning from my new friends in Peru.  One of the first lessons las Peruanas taught me is: People matter.  They are the most important part of life and one must work hard to maintain a friendly, happy relationship with all of our neighbors. 

In Iquitos, the lush and beautiful Amazon, I learned how important it is to put other’s needs before my own.   I had the opportunity to work alongside personas muy buena con corazones muy grande.  Yes, I did work with 29 amazing, selfless gringos.  But the people I was most impressed with were the 15 or so Peruanas in charge of the service projects.  These people were humble enough to step out of their own busy and difficult lives and notice others, their own neighbors, were in need of their help.  They sacrificed not only their meager resources, but also their time—a very precious and expensive commodity.  I was honored to add my own simple hand to the efforts of the Peruvians in the service group “Las Aguilas” from a LDS Stake in Iquitos.  I seriously completed some of the most rewarding work with my new friends in Iquitos.  They taught me so much about putting my God and my neighbors before myself, and doing so happily and willingly.  Everyday my heart was touched and softened a little more.

And then I got to la Aldea Infantíl, a government funded orphanage in Santa Rosa, Simbal a city district near Trujillo.  It was here that I fully came to love las Peruanas.  On my first day at the orphanage I felt like I would never learn the all of the children’s names let alone become someone they could feel support from.  Luckily, I was very wrong.  I quickly fell into the daily life at Aldea—there are 64 children and twenty or so adult employees.  I came to love and respect each employee (los tios) and came to deeply care for each one of children (los niños) individually.  Over the month that I was there I participated in several activities (a running race, drawing contest, dance lessons, ect.), field trips (including a tour of the ancient ruins of the Chimu tribe, Chan Chan and a trip a la cine, etc.), and even a two day Anniversary Celebration with the orphans.  While the activities were exciting and enjoyable, my most treasured moments were when I was simply a friend to los niños.  We played together, took strolls arm in arm, raked leaves together, even talked while watching the stars (to only mention a few).  Every moment I spent with a child, particularly one on one, was special and unique to that child and myself.  I feel I was able to learn the personalities and different qualities in most, if not all, of the children.   Love and support developed on both sides. 

Aldea-los niños y los tios—taught me love.  These children are lacking so much—not only in physical and temporal conditions, but more significantly emotionally. They simply do not have a strong foundation to lean on or draw strength from.  They lack the comfort gained from a constant, caring parent.  They do not have a mother or father by their side to teach and build them up.  Los tios constantly sacrificed to try to create a foundation of love.  And I was indeed humbled to have the opportunity to give a little of my own love and as well as the Lords love to these struggling children.   I was always in awe to witness the simple acts of love and sacrifice in the management of Aldea.  The orpanage was conducted through the love of God.  The people, los tios y los niños, taught me the importance of love and how to open my heart to those in need.  I am so grateful for every moment I had in Peru.  I undoubtedly believe the good done was for me.  My Peruvian friends served me as I lived among them this summer.  I will forever keep a part of my heart in Peru—stuck with my friends in Iquitos and con mis hijos y amigos in Aldea. 

Muchas gracias al Dios, Ealge-Condor, y las personas del Peru por un verano muy significa en mi vida!

Aldea Infantil: It means the world to them

The following is a post from Shayla, who volunteered this summer at La Aldea Infantil: 

August 28
Fabricio came to Aldea when he was 4 months old. He came from a family where he was not loved. To the extent of his mother tried to kill him. She suffocated him until she thought he was gone, but Fabricio didn’t give up. When they found him, Fabricio was as close to death as an infant could get.  He was immediately rushed to the hospital, and thanks to the doctors, he is alive today! However, his lack of nutrients, oxygen, and purpose, created some functional problems that will effect him for the rest of his life. Fabricio is now two years old, and is unable to crawl, stand, or even sit up on his own. Aside from the normal giggles and grunts babies make, he is unable to speak. 
    This month I was fortunate to accompany Fabricio to three of his several doctor appointments. I was amazed when the doctor told me that when she first started to see Fabricio, he couldn't even follow a light up toy moving right and left with his eyes. He would just stare blankly forward. The doctor and I talked about how rewarding for her it is to see the improvement in her patients, especially Fabricio. The Doctor pointed out that even though she has been seeing him for almost two years, from one to three times a week, and there has been little improvement. She explained that it was worth it, because it means the world to Fabricio.  
    This is a prefect example of my time here. I am in Aldea for four weeks teaching, planning activities, playing with, and just being there for the kids here. It is hard to spread my time out to reach all 64 kids. Some might ask if it is worth it. My work here may be small, but to the kids, I know it means the world. 

Aldea Infantil: Never ending smiles

The following is a post from Angela, a volunteer at La Aldea Infantil:

August 19

This week the kids returned to school from their vacation.  Therefore, every morning I had the opportunity to help more with the little babies and the other children that did not go to school.  On Monday I was able to spend time with two precious children, Perla (a handicapped eight year old) and then Maria Luisa (a little three year old).  We drew pictures, read stories, and walked around together.  It was beautiful.  I certainly felt a stronger bond with both of the children after our adventures together.  Perla has grown quite attached to me, she is constantly sitting in my lap or calling me “Mamí”.  It almost breaks my heart. 

Another day I spent the morning with Elvien.  She is a 16 year old girl who is six months pregnant.  She does not go to school.  I wanted her to be able have some kind of educational activity so I pulled out some basic piano books and started to teach her how to play the piano.  Again, it was a beautiful moment.  When I first came to Aldea, Elvien would not really look at me, talk to me, even smile.  But now she has finally opened up.  We are friends.  I hope she can remember my love for her, for I certainly do love her.

Every week has been so different at Aldea.  This week I have more fully realized my love for each of the children personally.  The children quickly show me their love as well.  Hugs are constant, smiles never ending.  I have a different relationship with each child and I will remember them all for their own personality.  It is indeed going to be difficult to leave these kids this next week.  I have tried to be a nurturing, stable figure for the kids to believe in.  And now I am leaving.  These children are missing a solid foundation (parenthood) and nothing, no matter how hard people try, can take that place.  I have certainly gained a stronger appreciation for my own family and developed a stronger commitment to build a firm foundation for my own children one day.  Thank you Aldea and Eagle-Condor for all of the memories and lessons learned from this experience.  

Iquitos: Last post from Karen

The following is a post from Karen, who volunteered this summer in Iquitos with her husband Ben:

It’s time to say, “Goodbye” to Iquitos, Peru. It’s time to say, “Goodbye” to the city that has taught me so much, and the friends that have changed my life. There were extremely difficult moments that brought me to tears, there were deep soul searching moments, and there were long and exhausting moments. There were moments that made me laugh so hard I cried, moments of awe at the beauty around me, and moments where pride and joy filled my heart. I’m sure I have felt every emotion possible in these past 2 months, and through it all, I believe I am returning home a different person. I believe that I am stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.            

            It’s hard to choose a picture to go along with this post. No single image can sum up this experience. No single image can include all of the people and places that I love, nor all of the things that I’ve learned. I finally decided on a picture of me on the Boulevard in Iquitos, by myself.  I left Salt Lake City, Utah to go help people and maybe change their lives, but in the end it was me that changed.

Iquitos: Last post from Ben

The following is a post from Ben, who volunteered this summer in Iquitos with his wife Karen:

For my last blog post before it’s time to go home, I thought I would write about the overall changes I’ve both seen in others and experienced myself. Helping to teach the self-reliance classes here in Iquitos has been one of the most fulfilling things that I have ever done. It’s so wonderful to see people who are in the program progress to finally find the parts of their lives that have been missing and in some cases, not even know they were missing till they found them. The people that I’ve grown to know and love are amazing and inspiring people who only need an opportunity to change their lives. This program has been that opportunity and I’m very lucky to have been apart of it this summer.

            As for me I’ve learned that self-reliance isn’t a goal that can be achieved in a single moment in life, but is something that takes a lifetime to earn. I can always progress, my finances can always progress, and my community can always progress. I know I am going to take what I’ve learned here and apply to my life back home as I continue to grow in my personal self-reliance.

            The attached picture is of a handful of members of one of the self-reliance groups. They call themselves “The Eagles,” because they feel like the gap between the “eagle” and the “condor” is being bridged through the efforts of Eagle-Condor’s support as well as their own.

Aldea Infantil: Danery

The following is a post from Shayla, who is volunteering at La Aldea Infantil:

Unlike myself, Danery loves to practice math! However, learning together was a lot of fun! We would take turns rolling the dice, writing down the number, then adding or subtracting to practice! This is one of the many math games we played using the dice. It was so rewarding to see her excitement when she got an answer right. After several math problems, we began adding die one by one. We got up to four dice! I was impressed with how fast she improved!

It is moments like those when I wish education were more accessible. Danery has so much potential. However, that potential is limited to her resources. She does go to school, but learning beyond the basic isn’t a priority. This is the case for majority of the kids living in Aldea. It is so hard to watch, but satisfying when I can help. Volunteering in Peru has been an experience of a lifetime. Being privileged to help kids like Danery has changed me for the better. It has made me appreciate my education, and the opportunities I have been blessed with.

Aldea Infantil: A grand marathon

The following is a post from Angela, an intern at La Aldea Infantil:

August 11

This week in Aldea, I have learned so much from every activity, conversation, and even the simple observations of the kids and employees.  I have had several moments where I paused, took a step back, and realized how amazing los niños here are.  I am living their life for only a couple of weeks (and even then it is not the same for me).  I have clothes and shoes that fit, I have a family and support waiting for me back home, I have opportunity and the means to engage progress in my life.  These children, bless their hearts, are lacking.  The Tios really do love these children.  I have been so impressed by the employees and their obvious love and service towards these kids.  The children call them “Mamí” for a reason.  However, there are eight to ten children in one house (about 70 kids in all) and it is very difficult to provide a foundation these children can lean on when they need comfort, support, and love.  It is my hope that during my time here at Aldea I can help give them some of my love and more importantly God’s love.   I hope, through my efforts, the children can realize how special each and every one of them is.  I know everyone of them has talent and potential, the only challenge is getting them on the road to success.  

This week Aldea actually had a lot of activities planned for the kids.  One day all the children participated in “un gran marathon” (a grand marathon), a race. Each child had a number on their back and were split into groups according to their age.  During the race the children cheered for their comrades and the race exerted not only physical exercise but love and encouragement.  It was so much fun to run with the children and grow closer through companionship.  Another day everyone went out to “el cine” (a movie).  The kids expressed so much excitement for the film, and once again it was so much fun for me to put myself at their level of the children and participate with them.  During the movie I held an eight year old girl named Perla.  Perla pulls at the strings of my heart, she is mentally handicapped and is constantly running around searching for what appears to me more love.  I held her close to me the whole movie.  The climax of the movie turned out very eventful for both of us—as the music and action increased so did Perla’s anxiety.  She screamed out “Mamí” and quickly turned her head to my chest.  It took a couple of moments to calm her, but then we finished the film peacefully.  Later in the week, we took a field trip to Chan Chan, one of the largest ancient ruins in Peru and I believe in the world.  It was marvelous to learn Peruvian history with the children.  During the field trip I spent time one on one with the kids and we talked excitedly about what we were seeing. 

We stayed very busy this week, but what I think was most meaningful was the quiet moments when I sat down and talked with the kids.  Last night I looked at the stars with one of the boys.  His name is Miguel.  He is thirteen years old, and is also a little mentally and physically handicapped.  He finally opened up last night and we had a marvelous conversation with about Halloween, la playa, the planets, Argentina, soccer, and several other random subjects.  Even though our conversation was pointless, love was certainly expressed.  When I left for my house he gave me a big hug and a kiss on first the hand, then the cheek.  The look in his eyes was precious, a moment I will never forget.  I know that Miguel understood my love for him.  I hope he will always remember it!  I have had these special moments repeatedly this last week.  These kids are so wonderful and I want to touch each and everyone of their hearts, because they certainly have touched mien.   I am so grateful for this opportunity.  Attached are a few photos of different activities and children.

Aldea Infantil: Isaac

The following is a post from Shayla, who is volunteering at La Aldea Infantil:

Like Isaac, all of the niños in Aldea are learning to write. It is so comforting to hold a child in my arms and teach them something that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

I believe that all children should have the opportunity to learn. I brought mini notebooks for all of the kids to have so they can practice their writing. Having something new to work with has motivated them to practice. Every day, I see different kids practicing their writing. Some even practicing in English! Knowing two different languages can open different job opportunities, and even confirm to the niños that they can do anything if they set their mind to it.

In some cases, there might not be opportunities to learn. This reality makes me determined to teach as many kids that I can, to effect multiple lives in my short time here in Peru. From the reactions I get while teaching, the kids grasp onto any moment when they are feeling loved. Giving the children here in Aldea “love”, in my opinion, one of the most important things that I can give to them. I can give this to them by spending one-on-one time with them teaching. Several of the children here have never had a family. Others, were abandoned, abused, or taken from their homes because of other circumstances. The kids live in a house with up to ten other kids and one tia (aunt). The tia has a big responsibility of taking care of the meals for the day, house care, and juggling 10 children. With all of the other things that need to be done, it is easy to put love on hold. My obligation is to spend individual time with the Aldea kids, and to show them the love they have been lacking.

Aldea Infantil: From Angela

**My apologies for my lack of posting recently. I just had a baby and we moved 2 weeks later! Regular posting should commence soon!**

The following is a post from Angela, who is volunteering at La Aldea Infantil:

August 4

Aldea is a very quaint, well-mangaed square of ten casas, each (menos casa sies) has eight to ten ninos, their ages ranging from a five month old baby to 18 years, living under the managment of a Tia.  The kids are well taken care of, every child recieves a good meals, clean clothes, and sanitary living conditions.  It is obvious that the children's health is important to the Tias--not only because it is their job to watch over the children but also because they sincerly love these kids. 

On my second day I was able to witness and then gain my own concern and love for los ninos.  Three of the babies (Fatima-ella tiene un ano-, Devyious-el tiene tres anos-, y Maria Luisa-ella tiene cinco) were ill and needed to go to the doctor.  Tia Flor y Tia Margarita needed one more person to help hold the kids so I accompanied them to a hospital just outside of Aldea.  We traveled on the bus and held the kids in our laps.  When we first arrived at the hospital we needed to check the kids in, but Tia Flor y Tia Margeta needed to take one of the kids to the bathroom. So they had me wait in line, holding sweet Fatima in my arms.  While I was waiting I talked with the Peruvain women in front of me, all of them also holding a sick child.  I was impressed with the obvious love each had for their own children and then for me.  When it came my time to check the children in and las Tias were still missing the women were quick to help me.  Latter, as we were waiting for the doctor all the women in the waiting room talked amongst eachother, discussed their childrens' illnesses, and gave eachother support and advice.  They were quick to show that they cared for the other women's situations and children as well as their own. I witnessed women who were proud to be mothers.  I really appreciated the sisterhood between the women at the hospital.  The people may not have all of the resources as we do in the United States, but they certainly have companionship and charity towards one another.

Many of the women assumed or asked if the children I was holding were mis hijos.  I quickly explained that I was simply a volunteer, temporary mother for the children.  But their questions made me realize how important a role of a mother is and that I could act as that figure for the next couple of weeks.  These children need as much love and support as is possible to bestow upon their sweet spirits.  As we left the hospital, all three of the children fell asleep in each of the Tias y mio arms. It was the most precious experience to carry a sleeping baby all the way back to Aldea.  My heart certainly grew as I carried and worked with the ill children, the caring Tias, and the supportive women at the hospital.  I know my heart will continue to soften and change as I experience many different moving adventures here at Aldea.  Un otra vez, tengo mucho feliz para mis oportunidades aca.