Sebastian, Lila, Sydney, Becca, Simone, Avery, Galit, Lindsay, & Sofia –
Can you believe how much time has passed since our Peru trip together!? It seems like yesterday that we were standing at chow circle before dinner and handing off alpacita to each other. Do you all still have your alpaca!? I hope you have adjusted okay to life without soup before every almuerzo and postre after every cena. I imagine at this point you are back at school (or if you are Becca you are at college… go Becca!) but we wanted to remind you that in Cusco Peru there is a school that is a little bit better off because of your visit. Thank you.
Our time spent together here truly did make an impact – and you should all know that when you flew out of cusco you left nothing but good energy and a positive impact (and maybe some hand warmers, shampoo, and towels). Whenever the children walk by the playground they will have fond memories of playing and getting to know you all – and when they climb the stairs to Mario’s school they will look up and remember to “aprender, jugar, y crecer.” I am not sure when the new school will be complete – but when it is done it will stand as an example of what can be accomplished when many hands come together to work towards a common goal.
Another part of the trip that is heavy on my mind is how much we all truly enjoyed each others company. Weather it was rocking out to music in the car with Don Roberto, trying to not be a rotten banana in banana-grams or playing essence at happy hour with a warm cup of chocolate, you all are truly a special bunch. I wonder if you remember the steps to salsa and if Galit, Lindsay, and Simone have managed to stay out of the hospital!
We really worked hard together and had fun while doing it. As you continue to learn and grow as leaders, we hope you remember the lessons that you took away from this place and taught each other. Thanks for helping to make Children of The Andes a once in a lifetime trip for everyone.
Some special moments from the trip:
-Celebrating Sofia & Becca’s birthday – and Becca having her face smashed in the cake!
-Learning about the Andean culture and Inka history with our guides Mary Luis, Santiago, Sonya, Jose, and Naty.
-Building a snowman while our horsemen built snow alpacas when we were unable to go on the lares hike because of all of the snow!
-Lila bringing the spirit during classroom day and proving that “dance is art”.
-Mixing cement and painting fences while singing our favorite throwback songs.
-Having our futures revealed during the “pago a la Tierra ceremony”.
-Playing soccer against the Peruvian team at la cancha.
-Eating more galletas and helado than our stomachs could handle.
-Delicious food at home base such as those amazing tacos, papas rellenos, and wonderful warming soups.
-Our end of program talent show that included a beautiful dance, one fish two fish slam poetry, wonderful acapella music, a guest appearance from Freddy, and a playing card disappearing into an orange!
Much Love –
Mel Canna (International Mentor) & the GLA Peru team
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