March 15th, 2010

Quote of the day: Llancay, the Incan Principle of Work, or the Gift of Service says;

"Work is a blessing, an expression of interaction with care of the creation. It is not a punishment but an opportunity to give a hand to Mother Earth to bring abundance and prosperity to all. Whatever we do for Mother Earth repays her care for us, for all the blessings she has given to us.”

From “Andean Awakening” by Jorge Louis Delgado

Today Jessica joined Sara and June for their 6 AM walk along the Pacific Ocean which added a newness to the 1st day of second week. We enjoy our delightful ride to CDLN talking with Juanita and her daughter.

We head for our respective homes and the tasks that await us. Sara and Jane finish their ironing of the boy’s clothes left from Friday.

They then went to visit Barbara and Jane at San Martin’s. Barbara is continuing painting of the outside wall and is now on the yellow coat. Jane is covering the books and has a system now. They are invited by Hermana Jose to see a video of Arequipa in the southern most part of Peru where his family and his wife are from. It is very beautiful there, home to the Condor and Vicuna.

Meanwhile Barbara and Jane interacted with their boys after the boys finished their homework. They report the boys are seeking them out to help with English words for pictures they have to draw and name in English. One just wanted to learn a few English words on his own and how they were said and written.

The day ends with Juanita’s husband picking us up for the drive back to the Hostal. We learn with the help of the dictionario he is a busy and talented man. He is studying for a part in a play, is an editor and journalist as well as a taxi driver.

I return to continue my own reflection on and analysis of our collective concern last week. How is my washing windows, clothes and floors helping these precious children? How is this increasing my cultural awareness? As I reflected on the Incan principle of llancay from my current readings I begin to understand. Even a simple task done in the service of others is a blessing and creates a bond of mutuality between people. It is my hope that when these boys hear negative comments about Americans they will remember the laughing and kind American ladies who washed their floors and clothes and helped them with their homework. The only reward wished for was their bright smiles, nothing more was expected of the boys.

Likewise, as I remember those wide smiles I challenge myself to actively advocate for better US policies that address the social justice concerns and the real needs of developing countries. I continue to challenge myself to act for immigration policies that view immigrants as enhancing not diminishing our own multicultural heritage.

- Sara