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