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
.jpg)
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
.jpg)
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
.jpg)
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
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Days 9, 10 and 11
Day 9
Day 9 of our Peruvian adventure was of the more relaxing kind, at least the beginning of it. The day started with packing and last minute preparations for our further travel, and later on we had the choice of staying at the house for some relaxation or going to town for supplies or souvenirs. At 3 pm, we were picked up by two mini busses and driven to Tumbes airport which was about an hour and a half away from Mancora. We arrived at the airport with two hours to spend till our flight to Lima, but with our travel luck, our flight was two hours late. We had planned to go to Hotel Carmelo in Lima to rest for a few hours, but with a flight leaving for Cusco at 6 am and an arrival time in Lima at 1am, we found a base and slept at the airport. The whole team remained strong and supportive and it was actually quite a fun experience. At the same time, we were also all very exited to move on to a completely different Peru, Cusco, Urumbamba, the Rainbow Center and the amazing scenery around it.
By Alex
Day 10
After sleeping at Lima airport and taking an early flight to Cusco, we finally arrived in Urubamba, the place we were looking forward to the entire trip. Seeing glimpses of Cusco, the places we had been to before and having Delfina recognize us from two years ago was absolutely amazing.
It was so great to be here, we hadn’t been this excited about anything in such a long time. We kept on talking about our previous experiences, reminding each other of what happened, and getting even more excited about arriving in Cusco.
We probably can’t describe our excitement in words. We’ve been struggling quite a lot with this blog so far. It’s so difficult to find the right words.
After a nice nap, we were taken to the Rainbow Center for a short tour. Out of excitement, Ezgi actually ran up the hill, to the Rainbow Center, despite the high altitude. It was amazing seeing the rainbow again, the murals we had done, that had aged over only two years. It was indescribable, seeing everything that we had seen last year again, but with small improvements, and small changes.
Upon seeing the Rainbow Center again, then and there, we realized that this is a place we truly love and that we want to come back as volunteers. There’s just something about the Rainbow Center, the mountains surrounding it, the sunlight there and the amount of love inside those walls that is quite powerful. “it’s so magical” says Maria.
WE LOVE THIS PLACE!
We came back to the delicious chicken, rice and vegetables of Delfina. I don’t think anyone had been so excited about broccoli. Especially Maria. We had had quite a long day, and after having food and making contact with the rest of the world with a little bit of Internet, we crashed. At 8 o’clock.
Ezgi and Maria
Day 11
Today was our first day working at the Rainbow Center and it was absolutely stunning. It was way beyond anything that I expected because of my experiences at Mama Cocha. It is a lot more developed and it just shows how things can improve over a period of years. I expected the rainbow center to be outside the town and up on a hill but it was off a narrow road in the center of town. The rainbow center was an inspiring, magical and a beautiful site to see after the Mama Cocha house and just shows what the future holds for these kids. The Rainbow Center is truly a sanctuary for all of the kids and it makes me so proud to be a part of it.
It was breathtaking to see how much the community cares and it was great for us to see how much they appreciate what we are doing. The environment around town and in the center was so welcoming. I can honestly say that this is a place that I will come back to volunteer in.
The kids from the Rainbow Center are so different compared to the kids in Mama Cocha because they have had care for longer. I have seen so many videos of them from the last trip but to actually meet them was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. They have so much love for people that they just met and it made me realize that just us being their means to much to the kids.
It was supposed to be raining the entire time we were here but I suppose you could say we brought the sunshine with us. I can honestly say that this is the Peru that we are all in love with.
By: Natalie
LOTS AND LOTS OF PICTURE COMING VERY SOON...
Day 9 of our Peruvian adventure was of the more relaxing kind, at least the beginning of it. The day started with packing and last minute preparations for our further travel, and later on we had the choice of staying at the house for some relaxation or going to town for supplies or souvenirs. At 3 pm, we were picked up by two mini busses and driven to Tumbes airport which was about an hour and a half away from Mancora. We arrived at the airport with two hours to spend till our flight to Lima, but with our travel luck, our flight was two hours late. We had planned to go to Hotel Carmelo in Lima to rest for a few hours, but with a flight leaving for Cusco at 6 am and an arrival time in Lima at 1am, we found a base and slept at the airport. The whole team remained strong and supportive and it was actually quite a fun experience. At the same time, we were also all very exited to move on to a completely different Peru, Cusco, Urumbamba, the Rainbow Center and the amazing scenery around it.
By Alex
Day 10
After sleeping at Lima airport and taking an early flight to Cusco, we finally arrived in Urubamba, the place we were looking forward to the entire trip. Seeing glimpses of Cusco, the places we had been to before and having Delfina recognize us from two years ago was absolutely amazing.
It was so great to be here, we hadn’t been this excited about anything in such a long time. We kept on talking about our previous experiences, reminding each other of what happened, and getting even more excited about arriving in Cusco.
We probably can’t describe our excitement in words. We’ve been struggling quite a lot with this blog so far. It’s so difficult to find the right words.
After a nice nap, we were taken to the Rainbow Center for a short tour. Out of excitement, Ezgi actually ran up the hill, to the Rainbow Center, despite the high altitude. It was amazing seeing the rainbow again, the murals we had done, that had aged over only two years. It was indescribable, seeing everything that we had seen last year again, but with small improvements, and small changes.
Upon seeing the Rainbow Center again, then and there, we realized that this is a place we truly love and that we want to come back as volunteers. There’s just something about the Rainbow Center, the mountains surrounding it, the sunlight there and the amount of love inside those walls that is quite powerful. “it’s so magical” says Maria.
WE LOVE THIS PLACE!
We came back to the delicious chicken, rice and vegetables of Delfina. I don’t think anyone had been so excited about broccoli. Especially Maria. We had had quite a long day, and after having food and making contact with the rest of the world with a little bit of Internet, we crashed. At 8 o’clock.
Ezgi and Maria
Day 11
Today was our first day working at the Rainbow Center and it was absolutely stunning. It was way beyond anything that I expected because of my experiences at Mama Cocha. It is a lot more developed and it just shows how things can improve over a period of years. I expected the rainbow center to be outside the town and up on a hill but it was off a narrow road in the center of town. The rainbow center was an inspiring, magical and a beautiful site to see after the Mama Cocha house and just shows what the future holds for these kids. The Rainbow Center is truly a sanctuary for all of the kids and it makes me so proud to be a part of it.
It was breathtaking to see how much the community cares and it was great for us to see how much they appreciate what we are doing. The environment around town and in the center was so welcoming. I can honestly say that this is a place that I will come back to volunteer in.
The kids from the Rainbow Center are so different compared to the kids in Mama Cocha because they have had care for longer. I have seen so many videos of them from the last trip but to actually meet them was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. They have so much love for people that they just met and it made me realize that just us being their means to much to the kids.
It was supposed to be raining the entire time we were here but I suppose you could say we brought the sunshine with us. I can honestly say that this is the Peru that we are all in love with.
By: Natalie
LOTS AND LOTS OF PICTURE COMING VERY SOON...
Friday, March 14, 2008
Days 8 and 9
Day 8
Today was the culmination of all our time in Mama Cocha, and put a final full stop to our journey here. From the morning, working yet another three hours in the new home to put the final finishing touches on the house with toilet labels and a swing and varnished table, we had our last sweaty couple of hours.
We then accompanied the children to water therapy at a hotel nearby with a swimming pool where the children come twice a week to play around and have fun. We watched them fool around and have fun for a couple of hours before having to say our goodbyes. It was incredible seeing them enjoy water so much, and how much good so little can do. Saying the final goodbyes was tough, and we all got kisses and hugs from them all before getting back in the van and heading back to the beach house to settle for the day.
Ezgi and Alex
Day 9
Today is our last day in Mancora, and at 3 we’re headed off for Lima to take a flight to Cusco, where we will have 2 hours of sleep. To reflect on the last week each group has written a poem.
Mama Cocha
We arrived in Mancora town
Without a single frown
We painted the new home for days
Under the sun’s blazing rays
We went to the Plaza
To celebrate the new Casa
We acted like clowns with a red nose
After we’d finished painting rainbows
The change that we’ve made
And the lives that we’ve saved
Has made the work worth the while
We’ve planted a seed
Without malice or greed
That we hope to see grow with a smile!
By Camilla, Catharina and Maria
Kiya Survivors: A Team Effort
The kids are the reason we’re here
For those we have helped for a year
From Hectors screams we hear
To Alisia’s drops of tears
Claudia, the boss of them all
Her slaps, her smiles, her love for the guys makes us all lol
Jose Antonio, not able to walk
With a constant smile, has the bravery of a hawk
Here we’ve come to build a house
And plant a seed for the future
Over the days we’ve grown so close
For us to leave them now will be torture
By Marcus, Lisa and Natalie
A New Home
Maria. 21 years of pain and suffering
Alone behind bars in her very own home
Maria. Matured with an abusive sister
Alone in a place she must call home
Coming to her house one morning
Opening, forcefully, the gate to her future
Coming as Kiya Survivors,
Hoping to supply with a brighter future
Alone no more she will be.
By Ezgi, Xandra and Alex
The Seed
The priest came to bless,
Planted seed of the future
Thus, sprouted children
Past is laid to rest
Feelings are overwhelming
Our roots have grown deep
By Ida, Paul, Chloe and Maddie
Today was the culmination of all our time in Mama Cocha, and put a final full stop to our journey here. From the morning, working yet another three hours in the new home to put the final finishing touches on the house with toilet labels and a swing and varnished table, we had our last sweaty couple of hours.
We then accompanied the children to water therapy at a hotel nearby with a swimming pool where the children come twice a week to play around and have fun. We watched them fool around and have fun for a couple of hours before having to say our goodbyes. It was incredible seeing them enjoy water so much, and how much good so little can do. Saying the final goodbyes was tough, and we all got kisses and hugs from them all before getting back in the van and heading back to the beach house to settle for the day.
Ezgi and Alex
Day 9
Today is our last day in Mancora, and at 3 we’re headed off for Lima to take a flight to Cusco, where we will have 2 hours of sleep. To reflect on the last week each group has written a poem.
Mama Cocha
We arrived in Mancora town
Without a single frown
We painted the new home for days
Under the sun’s blazing rays
We went to the Plaza
To celebrate the new Casa
We acted like clowns with a red nose
After we’d finished painting rainbows
The change that we’ve made
And the lives that we’ve saved
Has made the work worth the while
We’ve planted a seed
Without malice or greed
That we hope to see grow with a smile!
By Camilla, Catharina and Maria
Kiya Survivors: A Team Effort
The kids are the reason we’re here
For those we have helped for a year
From Hectors screams we hear
To Alisia’s drops of tears
Claudia, the boss of them all
Her slaps, her smiles, her love for the guys makes us all lol
Jose Antonio, not able to walk
With a constant smile, has the bravery of a hawk
Here we’ve come to build a house
And plant a seed for the future
Over the days we’ve grown so close
For us to leave them now will be torture
By Marcus, Lisa and Natalie
A New Home
Maria. 21 years of pain and suffering
Alone behind bars in her very own home
Maria. Matured with an abusive sister
Alone in a place she must call home
Coming to her house one morning
Opening, forcefully, the gate to her future
Coming as Kiya Survivors,
Hoping to supply with a brighter future
Alone no more she will be.
By Ezgi, Xandra and Alex
The Seed
The priest came to bless,
Planted seed of the future
Thus, sprouted children
Past is laid to rest
Feelings are overwhelming
Our roots have grown deep
By Ida, Paul, Chloe and Maddie
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Day 7
Day 7
Today was the official opening of the new Mama Cocha center. The entire staff of the old center attended along with some of the more supporting town people, a local priest and obviously Suzie. Upon listening to some speeches from both Suzie and the Priest which included the thanks given to everyone on the team as well as the staff for making this entire project possible the children were able to enter their soon to be home and see all that had been done for them by TPDK. All though unfortunately we were unable to see their reactions to seeing the new rooms, the sentiment was definitely overwhelming and I finally understood what this entire thing is about. Seeing the children so happy truly does make you understand how much good our effort in the last year has accomplished. For myself, personally, the most touching experience however, was meeting Alicia in person and being able to watch her smile and play. After seeing the video in which she is abused by her older sisters, it would be hard to imagine that a child living in those awful conditions could in fact come out and be so genuinely “normal” and be a child in the full sense of the word. Even though there were many more children there I found myself being far more observant of what happened with Alicia and focused far more on what she was doing. I noticed the same thing in several other members of the team and I’m positive this was due to actually seeing this child’s condition in a video and how she was treated. When you see something so tragic first hand and know that you are a part of something that puts a smile on their face, it makes every second of the effort put in worth it.
-Paul. C
Remember more photos on http://picasaweb.google.com/teamperudk
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Days 5 and 6
Day 5
The ups and downs of Team Peru
After only 4 days away from Denmark, the Team has already had the chance to experience the indescribable highs and stomach-sinking lows of people who set out to really truly see the world and it’s people. The waves wake us each morning- the power of the Pacific Ocean, a resource that could give the people of Northern Peru so much but which provides less and less each year. From our garden, stretching, yawning and shaking off the sweat from another tropical night’s sleep, we watch the local fisherman stoically rowing out into the blue on tiny rafts, hoping to bring back enough to keep the inhabitants of the entire area going for another day.
After our breakfast of freshly baked bread, and a swim for those who brave the layer of intrepid insects which heroically tried to cross the pool in the night but didn’t quite make it, we load into our vans ready to do some work. The drive to Los Organos is beautiful- the area has a harsh beauty, which is difficult to understand. Mountains rise in the distance that look so fragile and barren, like enormous sand dunes that have dried up and never moved. There are trees and grass over most of the landscape but in sporadic patches and all of it so dry, the slightest flame would leave a trail of fire from Mancora to Los Organos.
Remember more photos on http://picasaweb.google.com/teamperudk
The ups and downs of Team Peru
After only 4 days away from Denmark, the Team has already had the chance to experience the indescribable highs and stomach-sinking lows of people who set out to really truly see the world and it’s people. The waves wake us each morning- the power of the Pacific Ocean, a resource that could give the people of Northern Peru so much but which provides less and less each year. From our garden, stretching, yawning and shaking off the sweat from another tropical night’s sleep, we watch the local fisherman stoically rowing out into the blue on tiny rafts, hoping to bring back enough to keep the inhabitants of the entire area going for another day.
After our breakfast of freshly baked bread, and a swim for those who brave the layer of intrepid insects which heroically tried to cross the pool in the night but didn’t quite make it, we load into our vans ready to do some work. The drive to Los Organos is beautiful- the area has a harsh beauty, which is difficult to understand. Mountains rise in the distance that look so fragile and barren, like enormous sand dunes that have dried up and never moved. There are trees and grass over most of the landscape but in sporadic patches and all of it so dry, the slightest flame would leave a trail of fire from Mancora to Los Organos.
And then we arrive at the new children’s home, which everyone back at home has paid for. All the money pots, the bottle drives, the change collecting, bake sales, Motionsdag. If only everyone could see what it has meant to such a poor community as this. It means a modest house, in the middle of abandoned wasteland. Made of bamboo and cement, it is a cool and safe sanctuary for 6 children who have experienced horrors we can thankfully only imagine. More will come to know this as their home. And after today, that home is a little brighter, a little more special and hopefully exactly what these children, what 6 year old Claudia and 18 year old Hector need to help them live as normal a life as possible.
Our combined efforts created a flower, rainbow and butterfly room for the girls, an underwater paradise for the boys and 3 bold and beautiful signs letting everyone know “This is Mama Cocha. This is our home”.
Back into the trucks, with the scorched landscape whizzing by, we arrived back at our sanctuary. Our beach house, a place to reflect and come together and build our strength for this whole adventure. And this-afternoon, a place full of clowns as we let our inhibitions go, dressed ourselves up in crazy costumes and bright red noses and felt the power of laughter and fun. Tomorrow, the clown doctors who showed us their magic today, will hold clown therapy sessions with the children and the staff of Mama Cocha.
All of these things were uplifting, the ups to balance the downs. But what were the downs today? Quite simply seeing how the inhabitants of Mama Cocha Children’s home are wrenched from their dire situations in the first place. We sat together and watched footage from just before we arrived. Footage of a family whose youngest are locked in dark rooms behind bars. Who are beaten and made to fear their older siblings. Children who would be lost if it weren’t for a few tireless people saying to everyone in this community “No, this is not OK”.
That footage will be used to make the documentary of our time here but most importantly, it will tell the story of Suzy, of Kiya, of the amazing women living as surrogate mums and teachers with the children, of the families struggling with poverty and pain and of the children themselves. It’s a story worth telling and one definitely worth seeing. Let’s not hide ourselves away from these lows, from the harsh reality of life in a large proportion of the world. If we take the lows alongside the highs and never turn away, we will come to understand more about ourselves even if we will never understand the bad things that happen to others. That will make the difference.
By Donna
Today was a hugely eventful day for both Team Peru and Kiya Survivors. With an early start to the day we were able to further continue the decoration of the new Mama Cocha Children’s home. The bedrooms are now nearly completed and we are proud to see such a difference in the environment, the new colors have brought the whole house to life.
Our combined efforts created a flower, rainbow and butterfly room for the girls, an underwater paradise for the boys and 3 bold and beautiful signs letting everyone know “This is Mama Cocha. This is our home”.
Back into the trucks, with the scorched landscape whizzing by, we arrived back at our sanctuary. Our beach house, a place to reflect and come together and build our strength for this whole adventure. And this-afternoon, a place full of clowns as we let our inhibitions go, dressed ourselves up in crazy costumes and bright red noses and felt the power of laughter and fun. Tomorrow, the clown doctors who showed us their magic today, will hold clown therapy sessions with the children and the staff of Mama Cocha.
All of these things were uplifting, the ups to balance the downs. But what were the downs today? Quite simply seeing how the inhabitants of Mama Cocha Children’s home are wrenched from their dire situations in the first place. We sat together and watched footage from just before we arrived. Footage of a family whose youngest are locked in dark rooms behind bars. Who are beaten and made to fear their older siblings. Children who would be lost if it weren’t for a few tireless people saying to everyone in this community “No, this is not OK”.
That footage will be used to make the documentary of our time here but most importantly, it will tell the story of Suzy, of Kiya, of the amazing women living as surrogate mums and teachers with the children, of the families struggling with poverty and pain and of the children themselves. It’s a story worth telling and one definitely worth seeing. Let’s not hide ourselves away from these lows, from the harsh reality of life in a large proportion of the world. If we take the lows alongside the highs and never turn away, we will come to understand more about ourselves even if we will never understand the bad things that happen to others. That will make the difference.
By Donna
Today was a hugely eventful day for both Team Peru and Kiya Survivors. With an early start to the day we were able to further continue the decoration of the new Mama Cocha Children’s home. The bedrooms are now nearly completed and we are proud to see such a difference in the environment, the new colors have brought the whole house to life.
After lunch we all participated in clown therapy workshop, where we dressed up and learnt to express our emotions through alternative methods of communication. After much silliness, we were shown the true reasons for why we are here, through very raw video footage of Kiya’s latest house visit. It was extremely hard for us to watch the violent and disturbing image which is the reality for so many Peruvian children. The footage showed how and why Kiya Survivors is so important to Peruvian children. It also showed us what kinds of situations Suzy (founder of Kiya) had to deal with on a regular basis which only fueled our respect and admiration for her. During several heart to heart discussions which followed the video, it was easy to see how much Suzy inspired the Team. We were all determined to work our hardest to provide Suzy with the money she so desperately needs.
By Chloe and Maddie
Day 6
Today was all about finishing up the bedrooms at the Mama Cocha Children’s Home, putting the finishing touches on what we have worked so hard on the past two days. Unfortunately, last night was when four people got sick, so they could not participate in painting. But the hard work everyone put in the last few days, meant that there wasn’t much for us to do. It felt so good to finally see the finished products, and all that awaits us, is to see the children’s reactions.
Getting back to the beach house, we had the whole afternoon to relax and refuel. Throughout the day, more people started getting sick, and the mystery remained, on why everyone suddenly was getting the same symptoms. But thankfully, I am the only one who hasn’t gotten sick yet! Let’s hope I didn’t jinx it!!
By Lisa
The pickup trucks doors creaked open and a pair of colorful clowns sprung out. There were around 16 very excited kids stood waving frantically to welcome them.
Dressed with massive fancy hats and colorful clothes and smiles, they danced around the room that was filled with ecstatic Peruvian kids, and handed out musical instruments, balloon animals and warm hugs.
The atmosphere was absolutely magic, everyone (including every teacher and carer) were joining in with the energetic dances and games.
All of a sudden the gates swung open and in came a man bearing a large freshly purchased parcel courtesy of CIS and co. Within seconds the wrapping was ripped off to reveal a brand new wheelchair. Jose Antonio entered grasped in the arms of his carer and introduced to his fantastic new mobile companion. What a thing to witness! As he settled in his padded seat we broke into a roar of cheering and clapping, filling the room with brilliant sound.
Sargundo, a good friend of Jose who was standing close reached his arms around and squeezed him tight.
Jose Antonio watched the rest of the clown’s fancy acts from the comfort of his new seat, There he sat, smiling a smile he´d not smiled in a while.
Adam
Day 6
Today was all about finishing up the bedrooms at the Mama Cocha Children’s Home, putting the finishing touches on what we have worked so hard on the past two days. Unfortunately, last night was when four people got sick, so they could not participate in painting. But the hard work everyone put in the last few days, meant that there wasn’t much for us to do. It felt so good to finally see the finished products, and all that awaits us, is to see the children’s reactions.
Getting back to the beach house, we had the whole afternoon to relax and refuel. Throughout the day, more people started getting sick, and the mystery remained, on why everyone suddenly was getting the same symptoms. But thankfully, I am the only one who hasn’t gotten sick yet! Let’s hope I didn’t jinx it!!
By Lisa
The pickup trucks doors creaked open and a pair of colorful clowns sprung out. There were around 16 very excited kids stood waving frantically to welcome them.
Dressed with massive fancy hats and colorful clothes and smiles, they danced around the room that was filled with ecstatic Peruvian kids, and handed out musical instruments, balloon animals and warm hugs.
The atmosphere was absolutely magic, everyone (including every teacher and carer) were joining in with the energetic dances and games.
All of a sudden the gates swung open and in came a man bearing a large freshly purchased parcel courtesy of CIS and co. Within seconds the wrapping was ripped off to reveal a brand new wheelchair. Jose Antonio entered grasped in the arms of his carer and introduced to his fantastic new mobile companion. What a thing to witness! As he settled in his padded seat we broke into a roar of cheering and clapping, filling the room with brilliant sound.
Sargundo, a good friend of Jose who was standing close reached his arms around and squeezed him tight.
Jose Antonio watched the rest of the clown’s fancy acts from the comfort of his new seat, There he sat, smiling a smile he´d not smiled in a while.
Adam
Remember more photos on http://picasaweb.google.com/teamperudk
Monday, March 10, 2008
Day 4
Day 4
We’ve finally started the work we came here to do, and it was absolutely incredible. Today, we saw the old Runa Wasi centre and the new Mama Cocha children’s home. We saw the town of Los Oreganos and most importantly, we met some of the kids. Los Oreganos is impoverished and it is a very difficult area for Kiya Survivors to work in. From what we saw today, it is clear that they have had an incredibly impact on improving these children’s lives and they are really starting to make a difference here.
We’ve finally started the work we came here to do, and it was absolutely incredible. Today, we saw the old Runa Wasi centre and the new Mama Cocha children’s home. We saw the town of Los Oreganos and most importantly, we met some of the kids. Los Oreganos is impoverished and it is a very difficult area for Kiya Survivors to work in. From what we saw today, it is clear that they have had an incredibly impact on improving these children’s lives and they are really starting to make a difference here.
It’s a very dry, barren place and Los Oreganos is primarily a small fishing community. They’re struggling to bring in food and money because of commercial American fishing ships that are located right outside the boundaries and taking all the fish. It’s a very poor place. I found this especially powerful comparing it to the Rainbow Centre and Urubamba that I visited two years ago, where the centre is much more developed. I think it’s good to see the difference between the two.
It is so amazing to see the difference that we are making as well. Today we saw where all the money that has been raised has gone, and what great changes it’s making. The six children who are now living in the day centre for approximately 30 other kids will finally get a home of their own.
The kids are incredible. They’ve been through so many horrifying experiences, they’ve been treated so wrongly and live in such a poor community and yet they are the happiest people. Hector with his bright smile and lively attitude, Claudia with down syndrome is absolutely beautiful, all of the kids finally getting the love and attention that they deserve.
I love this place and I love helping this amazing charity. If it wasn’t for my family and friends at home, I wouldn’t want to leave.
By Maria
Even though the kids have special needs they are all such high spirited and inspire our entire team to fight harder for them. Meeting these kids today was the best experience ever because we have been hearing about these kids for so long. The first thing one girl ‘Claudia’ did was greet us with big hugs and show us around her home which is a part of the center. The center was incredibly small with running water only two hours a day. They live in rooms swarmed with flies in the 30 degree weather. One of the kids, Jose with cerebral palsy has to be carried around in a chair because he can’t walk and the center can’t afford a new wheel chair for him. This is one of the things that we plan to buy for him this week. Today was a really tiring day even though we got up late because we worked so hard at the center but now we can relax and enjoy dinner, looking forward to what tomorrow brings with ‘clown therapy’.
Natalie & IdaRemember more photos on http://picasaweb.google.com/teamperudk
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Days 1 to 3
Day 1
Starting with completely positive attitudes, the entire team was piled up at the Copenhagen Airport at 4.30 on Thursday morning. Thoroughly disappointed to find that our flight to Amsterdam with the trust-worthy airline KLM was canceled, it was not hard to calculate that we would consequently miss our flight to Lima. There is only one flight per day to Lima, and this meant that we would have to be delayed an entire day. This pattern of bad luck was surprisingly similar to that of the previous team of 2006.
After missing the flight, we waited. And waited. And waited. By 14.20 we filed in a row into the plane that was to take us to Amsterdam. Finally. We arrived at Hotel Van Der Valk and had a great time in the pool. We realized that it was all for the best, really. We would end up charging an entire hotel stay and team-building pool experience on our favorite airline KLM and on top of that, we would take a plane to our destination (Mancora) after Lima, instead of a 14-hour night-bus ride that could possibly turn out to be a terrible experience. We would initially be missing only one day in Lima and no time in Mancora.
By Ezgi
Day 2
Even a second ridiculously early flight could not dampen our spirits, as Team Peru boarded the flight to Lima. After 13 hours straight of in-flight “entertainment”, we finally arrived in Lima; sweaty and exhausted, but quietly exhilarated to finally be in Peru! We checked into El Carmel Hostel, ordered pizza’s and finally collapsed into bed… but not for long….
By Maddie
Day 3
After around 3-4 hours of sleep, we then set off for Mancora. At around 1.30 a.m. we were all eating the delicious ham and chicken toasts before the bus journey to Lima Airport. Marco (the bus driver) got us there in good time and as we drove, we saw both the American impact on Lima as well as the poor lifestyle, which is very hard to miss. We took off and landed well with all our baggage onboard. We got into our groups and prepared for a two and a half hour taxi ride, to our beautiful beach house in Mancora. The trip was incredible, and for the first time we saw the beautiful landscape and culture, which we had heard so much of. Seeing mountains under a cloudless sky was something one would never experience in good old Denmark.
We arrived with big excitement after finally arriving after a hectic traveling and little sleep, mostly because of my lovely snoring. The house was “the best” and it had a perfect location along with several rooms and a nice pool. Even though the difference in time was confusing, there was and will be nothing that can stop Team Peru, after this chaotic beginning of our Peruvian adventure.
By Marcus
Starting with completely positive attitudes, the entire team was piled up at the Copenhagen Airport at 4.30 on Thursday morning. Thoroughly disappointed to find that our flight to Amsterdam with the trust-worthy airline KLM was canceled, it was not hard to calculate that we would consequently miss our flight to Lima. There is only one flight per day to Lima, and this meant that we would have to be delayed an entire day. This pattern of bad luck was surprisingly similar to that of the previous team of 2006.
After missing the flight, we waited. And waited. And waited. By 14.20 we filed in a row into the plane that was to take us to Amsterdam. Finally. We arrived at Hotel Van Der Valk and had a great time in the pool. We realized that it was all for the best, really. We would end up charging an entire hotel stay and team-building pool experience on our favorite airline KLM and on top of that, we would take a plane to our destination (Mancora) after Lima, instead of a 14-hour night-bus ride that could possibly turn out to be a terrible experience. We would initially be missing only one day in Lima and no time in Mancora.
By Ezgi
Day 2
Even a second ridiculously early flight could not dampen our spirits, as Team Peru boarded the flight to Lima. After 13 hours straight of in-flight “entertainment”, we finally arrived in Lima; sweaty and exhausted, but quietly exhilarated to finally be in Peru! We checked into El Carmel Hostel, ordered pizza’s and finally collapsed into bed… but not for long….
By Maddie
Day 3
After around 3-4 hours of sleep, we then set off for Mancora. At around 1.30 a.m. we were all eating the delicious ham and chicken toasts before the bus journey to Lima Airport. Marco (the bus driver) got us there in good time and as we drove, we saw both the American impact on Lima as well as the poor lifestyle, which is very hard to miss. We took off and landed well with all our baggage onboard. We got into our groups and prepared for a two and a half hour taxi ride, to our beautiful beach house in Mancora. The trip was incredible, and for the first time we saw the beautiful landscape and culture, which we had heard so much of. Seeing mountains under a cloudless sky was something one would never experience in good old Denmark.
We arrived with big excitement after finally arriving after a hectic traveling and little sleep, mostly because of my lovely snoring. The house was “the best” and it had a perfect location along with several rooms and a nice pool. Even though the difference in time was confusing, there was and will be nothing that can stop Team Peru, after this chaotic beginning of our Peruvian adventure.
By Marcus
New photos on http://picasaweb.google.com/teamperudk
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)