In a nutshell...

Here is a photo of some of my workshop participants.  My workshop covers topics like: the importance of saving money, how to use micro-finance tools responsibly, and (most importantly) how to gain the self-confidence required to make good life choices.  These girls come from impoverished backgrounds, and many of their peers suffer from addiction, have joined gangs, and/or have become mothers at a very early age.  These girls are amazing, and so kind.  Today they sang me Peru's national anthem in Quechua (so beautiful).  This is exactly why I'm here - in a nutshell.

Afro Peruvian Dance!

I am taking Afro Peruvian Dance lessons with some of my fellow Cuso volunteers.  Afro Peruvian music was originally developed by African people who were brought to South America as slaves.  I love that our instructor plays the cajón (box-shaped percussion instrument originally from Peru) instead of just having us dance to recorded music. 

Babe

I went to the district of Huachipa again, to visit a pig farm run by nuns.  They raise pigs, slaughter them, cook them, and sell the meat to raise funds for the all-girls school which they run (the school is also located on the same plot of land as the pig farm).  As part of my job I will be helping to provide the girls with training on how to access and use micro-finance.  Above is a picture of how the pigs live, and below is a picture of where they are slaughtered. 

Incendio

                       Photo credit: Lino Chipana of El Comercio

                       Photo credit: Lino Chipana of El Comercio 

A fire swept through an entire block of downtown Lima on the night of May 9th.  It is estimated that 46 families have been left without homes.  I went out with my co-workers and the municipal response team yesterday morning to distribute snacks and juice to those affected by the blaze.  Although the cause is still under investigation, many believe it was caused by illegally extended electric wires.  Luckily no one was fatally injured, although I saw many with obvious burn marks.

Ummm...a little homesick perhaps?

Horrified by the thought of my super sophisticated pyjama top (which Ryan brought me from home) getting lost with the regular wash service, I started getting it dry cleaned separately.  Ridiculous!  Luckily I will be home for a visit in one month, to satisfy my craving for home. 

Pachamama

The first Friday of each month many indigenous people perform a special ceremony - an offering of thanks to "Pachamama", or Mother World.  Participants are given four coca leaves and asked to wish on them.  They are arranged in a circle, adorned with various seeds, kernels, and flowers, wrapped up, and burned.  It was explained to me that the smoke from the offering goes to the heavens, the offering itself is representative of earth, and the ashes are buried and said to go to the underworld.  At the end, participants are covered in flower petals, which they said symbolizes solidarity with Pachamama  (sorry for the strange look on my face - the smoke was burning my eyes!).  I went out with friends after this with stray petals still in my hair, and smelling strongly of campfire.  It was interesting to participate in a ceremony of gratitude.