Thought of the Day: “In the midst of winter, I found within myself an incredible summer”-Albert Camus
I have always loved this quote but I find it especially applicable to this volunteer experience here. It is literally winter here, the skies are grey, the air is grey, it is cold, damp and dreary, and yet every face from those around the breakfast table to Edith’s at the front of the bus to baby Daphne’s in her baby swing, to baby Talia’s as she jumps up and down in her crib—everyone exudes a warm sense of summer that permeates my soul. I am seen winter in the poverty of the shantytowns and the Taxi drivers and the vendors who beckon us to buy from their carbon copy stalls—BUT I see an invincible summer in the pride of the Peruvian people of their heritage and culture and in the eternal hope visible daily through the compassionate and patience of the staff and volunteers that endlessly love, shelter, and care for the children at the PPA. As the end of this experience winds draws near, I can honestly say, I have met my goals. I have improved my Spanish—or at least made an honest attempt to communicate; I have most definitely experienced the food and culture of Peru and without a doubt broadened my understanding of another part of the world. I am extremely grateful to Edith for her ceaseless energy and willingness to answer all of our questions and educate us in all aspects of Peruvian life. And I don’t need a camera to create the images in my mind of thirteen-year-old Viviana’s smile, her interest in my life and her desire to learn or Maria Alejandra’s face with reflected the purest of pride and joy when she realized that I was among those who visited her home. There are the snapshots that have created the invincible summer within me. It has been a great time and an amazing two weeks!
--Susan
I have always loved this quote but I find it especially applicable to this volunteer experience here. It is literally winter here, the skies are grey, the air is grey, it is cold, damp and dreary, and yet every face from those around the breakfast table to Edith’s at the front of the bus to baby Daphne’s in her baby swing, to baby Talia’s as she jumps up and down in her crib—everyone exudes a warm sense of summer that permeates my soul. I am seen winter in the poverty of the shantytowns and the Taxi drivers and the vendors who beckon us to buy from their carbon copy stalls—BUT I see an invincible summer in the pride of the Peruvian people of their heritage and culture and in the eternal hope visible daily through the compassionate and patience of the staff and volunteers that endlessly love, shelter, and care for the children at the PPA. As the end of this experience winds draws near, I can honestly say, I have met my goals. I have improved my Spanish—or at least made an honest attempt to communicate; I have most definitely experienced the food and culture of Peru and without a doubt broadened my understanding of another part of the world. I am extremely grateful to Edith for her ceaseless energy and willingness to answer all of our questions and educate us in all aspects of Peruvian life. And I don’t need a camera to create the images in my mind of thirteen-year-old Viviana’s smile, her interest in my life and her desire to learn or Maria Alejandra’s face with reflected the purest of pride and joy when she realized that I was among those who visited her home. There are the snapshots that have created the invincible summer within me. It has been a great time and an amazing two weeks!
--Susan
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