Very Grateful

I am so lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life.  All the cards, emails, and fb messages have meant the world to me, and have made a huge difference in terms of my success here in Peru.  Love you all.

Feria

Today I was in a place called Puente Piedra.  The municipality of Lima was sponsoring a fair where all the trade schools came together to display their work and participate in fun contests.  I was running around behind the scenes, so I didn't get many pictures, but I did manage to get some shots of the "recycled dress contest" , as well as the cakes and bread made by the students.  There was also tons of handmade clothing, nail and makeup art, hair design, electronics, crafts and knitting - all prepared by the students.  The majority of these kids come from families who are experiencing poverty and they cannot afford to attend university or college.  They choose to study at trade schools instead.  My favourite by far was the popcorn dress!  (picture 2)

On the way to Cineguilla

I was sent on a trip to a place called "Cineguilla" last week.  Cineguilla is about 30 minutes west of Manchay, towards the interior (close to 3 hours away from where I am living).  The driver referred to these as, "human settlements".  I want to find out more about the people living here. 

Festival de Arte y Cultura

There was an event in Manchay today where the kids had a chance to finger paint, play, and dance around with some clowns.  There was a chalkboard being passed around with the question, "what would you say to the world?"(photo 3).  One of the little girls answered with, "I would say we need to take care of the world and give it love and protection"(photo 4).  One of the women responded with, "life is good, and with each passing day, we should smile upon each minute that God gives us"(photo 7).  The little girl in pictures 1 & 6 is in the English class I help teach - she is so sweet, and very proud of her painting skills.  The women in the last picture are part of a knitting group that produces beautiful scarves.  The group allows them to connect with other women, and contribute to their family's income.  I finished off the day with a thick layer of dust on my skin, paint in my hair and chalk on my clothes - an other good day.  

All done.

I was in Manchay again today, and got a picture of the finished garden.  

Jardin

The weather is getting warmer here now.  I was in Manchay again today.  They are going to start planting a garden, and the plants were brought up to the community centre.  Today also marks my 8th month in Peru.  It makes me sad to think I am over half way done.  ¡Te amo Per ú! 

Telar de Cintura

Traditional Peruvian weaving using a backstrap loom.  One end is attached to a stationary object, while the other is strapped around the weaver's waist to produce the tension necessary for weaving.  Level = expert. 

More street art

Love these. Girl's t-shirt reads, "I love being a woman". 

La Clase de Ingles

Some pictures from today's English class in Manchay.  The two little girls on the right like to knit during class (!)  I will ask them to teach me next time.  The two brothers in the front love to win stickers and stick them all over each other.  I love teaching them.  They call me "profesora"....which is giving me waaaay too much credit!  I am undoubtedly learning more from them.