We hope you have enjoyed our blog.
There are new photos on
http://picasaweb.google.com/teamperudk
We will upload more photos when we get back and there will be a reflective piece from each team memeber.
See you in Copenhagen!!!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
A poem from Donna
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As our journey ends…
Where desert sits between ocean blue
And mountains of a heavier hue,
We saw the dusty, dirty towns,
We gave a home, we dressed like clowns.
We all reached out, the distance broken,
Though not that many words were spoken.
And took away so many things
Now they wait for what their futures bring.
Next airport floor and an early plane,
As we were on the move again.
Flying to the heart of the high Andes,
Majestic peaks and flowering trees.
The centre there is bathed in light
And the smiles of children who’ve escaped their plight
Of loveless, painful, hopeless lives
Now under beaming rainbows, each one thrives.
And last of all, we pushed our way,
Through morning dew and jungle sway,
Emerging where the cloud met sky,
A city lost perched way up high.
The sweat of the sun in our golden skin,
The tears of the moon as the rain set it.
But what’s to come? Our journey’s taken…
Just watch as our souls awaken.
Donna
Reflection from Alison
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With one day to go our tired bodies and minds, sun kissed faces and hearts filled with love for the children that we have met over the past 16 days now start to prepare for our journey homeward.
It is very hard to sit down and reflect upon the events of the past couple of weeks simply because so much has happened that I just don’t know where to start, A whirlwind of adventure, challenge and excitement has swept us away and I find that only now that we are unwinding and enjoying a bit of normality that I am starting to take in exactly what we have achieved! This trip has been amazing! What an experience! For many of us, an opportunity to explore a new culture, to experience new tastes such as alpaca, guinea pig and trout on the side of a mountain, to witness changing landscapes as we traveled hundreds of miles on planes, buses, taxis and tuk-tuks, to learn and witness first hand the amazing story of the Incas and visit Machu Picchu, to listen to wonderful sounds of children laughing and playing, the sea crashing against the beach, rivers gushing down from the mountains, panpipes playing and sweet voices singing to the sounds of guitar. However more than all of that, it has been an emotional journey in which we have met, hugged and played with children who have experienced hardships that we can never even begin to understand. Our journey peaked as we proudly introduced these children to their new homes both in Mama Cocha and in Urubamaba – homes that they now have thanks to the fundraising and donations raised by Copenhagen International School!
The team has come a long way and what a great team they are! All thirteen have had a challenging journey both personally and as a team. Facing difficulties such as flight delays, change in diet, sick tummies, language, extreme heat and difficult working conditions, they have proven the ability to work with and overcome all challenges presented to them. “ Meet the Challenge” has been Team Peru’s motto and it is with pride that we say that all members of this group have managed to do so! Our team members will each take home a different story, a different highlight and a different smile to treasure forever. However one thing that is definite is that they have all found a place in their hearts for the children that we met both in Mama Cocha and the Rainbow House. Each one of them became a big sister or brother and a friend. The team were not put off by the language differences or the children’s individual disabilities but instead opened their hearts to these children. This I am sure you will see in the photographs – extremely touching moments to witness.
Our decision to visit the two projects turned out to be one of our best ones! Despite the fact that we encountered travel difficulties and sickness, the team have a far better understanding of what we as a team are doing to help Kiya and the importance of our continued support. Witnessing first hand the early stages of development of Mama Cocha and the school in Los Organos was a truly unique opportunity which demonstrated the true plight of Kiya and we all have no doubt that with hard work, commitment and perseverance to provide financial support, Mama Cocha will develop in to the children’s paradise that we experienced at the Rainbow Centre. This has only been achieved through the hard work and dedication of all supporters of Kiya such as CIS to fundraise money to make this possible.
Having been involved in this project now for almost 4 years this has been an anxiously awaited trip that I have made with a truly exceptional team. It was a hard decision for me to come out here and leave my 16 month son home with his dad (who is incidentally pretty amazing to let me do this! Chris I owe you one! ) However it has helped me to truly understand the meaning behind Kiya and the different projects. Kiya are doing a truly amazing job out here in Peru and it is thanks to Suzy and her founding of Kiya Survivors that these children are being given the opportunity to learn and live in a safe environment. I hope that Matt and Adam, our additional team mates (the Camera men) will be able to also provide television viewers the opportunity to understand the importance to provide sustainable support to Kiya through their documentary.
I believe the team are now ready to come home,….thoughts are drifting towards rye bread and liverpøstej ( I will simply never understand this one), family and homework! Myself ….I am longing for the moment when I can pick up my little son and give him the biggest hug ever!
Well done Team Peru!
Alison
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Reflective thoughts from Ben
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As the second Team Peru trip draw to a close I would like to personally thank everybody involved from the bottom of my heart.
Working at Mamma Cocha, Los Organos was testing and pushed the team to its limit. However, we overcame every challenge and the changes we have made are to the community are insurmountable. As the priest in Los Organos said “we have planted a seed for the future.”
Working at the Rainbow Centre, Urubamaba was joyous and illustrates what can be achieved in Los Organos. The kids are so open and loving and so well looked after by a credible team.
Two personal highlights during this trip were when Jose Antonio received his wheelchair with the money raised from the student council and when Fernando received some clothes bought by my mum. These were great examples of direct action and if only you could have witnessed the happiness in their eyes. Wow!
The Peruvian people we have met over the last two weeks have been so gentle and hospitable. I believe it is our duty to support those less fortunate than us and help them build for a prosperous future.
Team Peru’s main aim when returning to Denmark is to help provide Kiya financial stability. It is inconceivable to think what would happen to these kids and families if Kiya could not continue. We intend to do this by setting up sponsorship schemes. Please see our website for future details on how you can help.
The team has all been deeply touched by our experiences and can now see why our support to Kiya is so important.
I am looking forward to sharing our experiences and am very excited in you all seeing the documentary.
I am very proud of the team and what we have achieved.
Ben Ward
Day 13 & 14
Day 14
Yet another day began with an early start, after an unusual night in a “hyggelig” tent. We started the day with delicious camp food, and tea, and then prepared for a long journey. We hiked what seemed like a million steps, however after reaching our destination we were filled with happiness and glory. We began the day with an interesting tour, about Machu Picchu, and the Incas. The tour was very fascinating and truly gave us an idea of how the Inca civilization was. We learnt that it is still a mystery, how the Incas managed to create such an amazing city on such a high mountain without the technologies we have today. For domestic and agricultural uses the Incas were able to transport water from 2km away with the help of small streams running through the city. After the tour we were given free time, around the site, which gave us an opportunity to experience the city and the surreal surroundings. Like Ben said, we will have the picture of the beautiful mountains in our minds forever and we can always look back on this amazing experience.
Xandra Maria and Marcus
Day 12
Second Day at Rainbow Centre
Today was the day when we met some of the kids that go to school at the Rainbow Centre. Spending time with these kids today has been one of the greatest days of my life because they give so much love and affection all the time. They have barely anything, and still all they wanted from you is a smile and a hug. These kids are unique because although they know that we have more material things than them, I still feel inferior to them because they manage to see the positive in everything and everyone. They give everyone a chance to be a part of their lives.
A brother and sister called Renée and Lucilla especially touched me. Throughout the day, they always wanted to play with me and joke around. They seemed for some reason just like the kids I baby-sit at home. After lunch however, they put all the leftover food in a bag to bring home. The reality suddenly hit me; these kids are not like the kids in Denmark. They do not have the feeling of stability and security like the kids back home. They don’t always know when their next meal will come. However the grimness of the situation is lighted up by the fact that the Rainbow Centre has changed their lives significantly. They now have a community where they can feel secure and loved if the parents are unable to give this to them. They have a place they can be kids without having to deal with the problems and the responsibility of the real world. I see the Rainbow Centre as a haven where kids are allowed to be kids.
Seeing the way the Rainbow Centre has grown and developed in Urubamba makes me want to fight so much more for the same development of Mama Cocha. I’ve talked to many of the team members about our experience here and in Mama Cocha, and I’ve come to the conclusion that this is one of the only situations I’ve ever been in where money can buy happiness for these kids. If we raise a lot of money, Kiya Survivors will have the means to develop more. It makes me sad to think of that I didn’t have that much time that I could spend with these kids, but I know from the bottom of my heart that I am coming back. There is no doubt in my mind. I have decided long before this trip that I want to work with the UN or a non-governmental organization like Kiya Survivors, but this has just applied more wood to the fire. I am not saying good-bye to the Rainbow Centre today, I’m saying see you soon!
By Camilla
The Rainbow House
Excitement and anticipation pulsed trough the air of our packed, overheated van, as we pulled up to the entrance of the rainbow house. A shocked, sharp intake of breath was echoed throughout the group, as we gazed upon the new house. Beautiful in its simplicity, the two story house stood, front gate open, ribbons adorning the doorway.
Transfixed by the sight of it, we watched the children dance towards the front door, attempting to pull us in after them. Still in awe, our small group followed them into the polished wood hallway that lead to a brand new kitchen, where two substitute mum’s patiently awaited the children’s arrival home from school. The rooms were still very bare, but window’s allowed sunlight to fill every room, and the looks on the children’s faces as they toured their new home made every room sparkle.
Once the group had seen the house, we gathered in the front garden to watch the official opening by Suzy. After thanking everyone for their support and briefly speaking of the enormous benefits this new home presents the children with, it began to dawn on Team Peru that our time with the children of Kiya Survivors was drawing to a close. Tears fell thick and fast, as we lamented the fast approaching closing of our journey here, in Peru; and as we celebrated the new beginning for the children of the rainbow house, who have been forced to cope with so much hardship in their short lives, and have finally been given the chance to live safely and happily under a new roof.
Goodbye came too quickly, we finished our cake and games, and the van arrived to take us back to Delfina’s house. Saying goodbye to the children was really tough, it seemed unfair that we only got to see them for such a short amount of time. Kiya Survivors and Team Peru has made such a huge difference in their lives. Coming from severely abusive and negligent families, the gift of this new home gives the children the chance to learn and thrive, despite the set backs they have so far encountered. It was amazing to see how the school’s support has benefited these children’s lives, and we can’t wait to return to Urubamba again!
By Maddie
Today was the day when we met some of the kids that go to school at the Rainbow Centre. Spending time with these kids today has been one of the greatest days of my life because they give so much love and affection all the time. They have barely anything, and still all they wanted from you is a smile and a hug. These kids are unique because although they know that we have more material things than them, I still feel inferior to them because they manage to see the positive in everything and everyone. They give everyone a chance to be a part of their lives.
A brother and sister called Renée and Lucilla especially touched me. Throughout the day, they always wanted to play with me and joke around. They seemed for some reason just like the kids I baby-sit at home. After lunch however, they put all the leftover food in a bag to bring home. The reality suddenly hit me; these kids are not like the kids in Denmark. They do not have the feeling of stability and security like the kids back home. They don’t always know when their next meal will come. However the grimness of the situation is lighted up by the fact that the Rainbow Centre has changed their lives significantly. They now have a community where they can feel secure and loved if the parents are unable to give this to them. They have a place they can be kids without having to deal with the problems and the responsibility of the real world. I see the Rainbow Centre as a haven where kids are allowed to be kids.
Seeing the way the Rainbow Centre has grown and developed in Urubamba makes me want to fight so much more for the same development of Mama Cocha. I’ve talked to many of the team members about our experience here and in Mama Cocha, and I’ve come to the conclusion that this is one of the only situations I’ve ever been in where money can buy happiness for these kids. If we raise a lot of money, Kiya Survivors will have the means to develop more. It makes me sad to think of that I didn’t have that much time that I could spend with these kids, but I know from the bottom of my heart that I am coming back. There is no doubt in my mind. I have decided long before this trip that I want to work with the UN or a non-governmental organization like Kiya Survivors, but this has just applied more wood to the fire. I am not saying good-bye to the Rainbow Centre today, I’m saying see you soon!
By Camilla
The Rainbow House
Excitement and anticipation pulsed trough the air of our packed, overheated van, as we pulled up to the entrance of the rainbow house. A shocked, sharp intake of breath was echoed throughout the group, as we gazed upon the new house. Beautiful in its simplicity, the two story house stood, front gate open, ribbons adorning the doorway.
Transfixed by the sight of it, we watched the children dance towards the front door, attempting to pull us in after them. Still in awe, our small group followed them into the polished wood hallway that lead to a brand new kitchen, where two substitute mum’s patiently awaited the children’s arrival home from school. The rooms were still very bare, but window’s allowed sunlight to fill every room, and the looks on the children’s faces as they toured their new home made every room sparkle.
Once the group had seen the house, we gathered in the front garden to watch the official opening by Suzy. After thanking everyone for their support and briefly speaking of the enormous benefits this new home presents the children with, it began to dawn on Team Peru that our time with the children of Kiya Survivors was drawing to a close. Tears fell thick and fast, as we lamented the fast approaching closing of our journey here, in Peru; and as we celebrated the new beginning for the children of the rainbow house, who have been forced to cope with so much hardship in their short lives, and have finally been given the chance to live safely and happily under a new roof.
Goodbye came too quickly, we finished our cake and games, and the van arrived to take us back to Delfina’s house. Saying goodbye to the children was really tough, it seemed unfair that we only got to see them for such a short amount of time. Kiya Survivors and Team Peru has made such a huge difference in their lives. Coming from severely abusive and negligent families, the gift of this new home gives the children the chance to learn and thrive, despite the set backs they have so far encountered. It was amazing to see how the school’s support has benefited these children’s lives, and we can’t wait to return to Urubamba again!
By Maddie
Monday, March 17, 2008
More on Day 11
Starting the day with a fresh cup of the famous papaya juice, we all felt ready to start working at the Rainbow Center and were excited to meet the kids. We found the paintbrushes and began painting. The kitchen was painted, and the playground was too. The working conditions, here in Urubamba, are really good! The sun was shining the whole day, but every now and then a breeze would pass, and it was nice and refreshing.
The Rainbow Center is beautiful, and so are its surroundings. Everywhere you look, you see the mountains that enclose the center’s colors.
Coming back from lunch in the town, we finished our jobs, and saw the truck filled with kids come through the rainbow gate. It was finally time to meet them. Unfortunately, not all the kids were there as it was Sunday, but all the orphans that live in the Rainbow House came to welcome us.
We spent our time making picture frames and playing with the kids, which was great fun for both them and us. The kids were all very open and playful which was a big difference from the kids in the Mama Cocha home. We noticed that Fernando was a bit held back, but considering his past, he is making huge improvements. Fernando was the boy who Suzy found tied under his bed, so the Rainbow Center has truly changed his life. We finished off the day by visiting a ceramic shop/museum where we saw the true Inca traditions and the making of different items.
Another exciting day awaits us tomorrow, and we are all anxious to meet the rest of the bunch.
By Ida and Catharina
Mix of photos on http://picasaweb.google.com/teamperudk
The Rainbow Center is beautiful, and so are its surroundings. Everywhere you look, you see the mountains that enclose the center’s colors.
Coming back from lunch in the town, we finished our jobs, and saw the truck filled with kids come through the rainbow gate. It was finally time to meet them. Unfortunately, not all the kids were there as it was Sunday, but all the orphans that live in the Rainbow House came to welcome us.
We spent our time making picture frames and playing with the kids, which was great fun for both them and us. The kids were all very open and playful which was a big difference from the kids in the Mama Cocha home. We noticed that Fernando was a bit held back, but considering his past, he is making huge improvements. Fernando was the boy who Suzy found tied under his bed, so the Rainbow Center has truly changed his life. We finished off the day by visiting a ceramic shop/museum where we saw the true Inca traditions and the making of different items.
Another exciting day awaits us tomorrow, and we are all anxious to meet the rest of the bunch.
By Ida and Catharina
Mix of photos on http://picasaweb.google.com/teamperudk
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