Peru Cuzco Testimonials
Jimbo Culter - Artist/Construction Worker
More Information on Journey's of the Heart from Concrete Pictures
I just got off the train from Machu Picchu. There are no words to describe the experience. So I'll just try to do some computer web site later on. Disappointed the group was ready to leave after a half day I made 3 days out of it. (not really it's just a stretch of time). It was probably a good thing we left when we did. (damn I hate this CRAP they play in this cafe.) I was already warned not to rock out on top of the walls which I was (ac/dc would be proud). So one more warning and I would be escorted out. So I took my own spiritual tour. The girl I was with had to goooooo baddddddddd, so we went to the road less taken and beaten found a cave and handled business. The trail soon disappeared. It's all terraced land in cut sections for crops ya know? So instead of goin' back I thought it would be a grand idea to go down this cliff to the next level and take it from there. Half way down ! I decided to take the packs and place them on a ledge. Mine first. When I go to reach for hers, the pack plummets to the next level hoping it would stop...it didn't (may I remind you how steep these mountains are and I'm on the back side of MP where no one else is) it tumbled off the last piece of MP AND DOWN INTO THIS DENSE FOREST...caught by a tree. Cliffs below. So being that's all my cash camera pics passport train ticket just about all the tangibles you don't want to land deep in this jungle. So I take the challenge and attempt moves that would have y'all pissin out your eyes. I got it. Come on you know me.
On the way back this rock that sticks out the side of the mountain. It's a screamin, face that looks out to the valley (which was covered in a thick fog........some were weather mad......how many time do you see the mystic side of walkin fog) any who I imitated this rock. Let out a yell. It was the most body movin echo you could ever hear. These mountains are miles apart! So all things happen for a reason...I believe that I saw a sacred spot that no one ever gets to see. I know this cuz your not aloud to be where I was. It was only next to the rock that this happens. Just a few feet away and it won't work.
AWESOME
So all belongings are safe as well as myself. Later I hiked to the highest peak of WANNU PICHU ( cant spell sure ya can tell) which looks down on MP. Leaped a 90-degree gap with a wall in the way which was a second warnin' so it was a good thing I made my way back to the less adventurous group who was waitin' for 3 of us. Well 30m seconds and I'm over peace. jimbo
Bob Link - Instructor in History & Language
More Information on Journey's of the Heart from Concrete Pictures
Instead of talking about the specific things we experienced in Cuzco, I thought I'd reflect on the volunteer experience in general. I know many of the other volunteers can speak more eloquently about what we experienced and accomplished in Cuzco.
Why would one volunteer for a trip like this? For me, it was a combination of adventure travel and doing something positive. It is kind of a payback for the luck of where and when I was born. Five years ago, I decided I wanted to start volunteering instead of just contributing monetarily to the causes that I felt were important. So in 2000, my wife and I resigned from our jobs and joined the U.S. Peace Corps. We spent two years in Belize, mainly teaching computer literacy to Belizean elementary school teachers. This turned out to be a great experience and made me more open to other volunteer opportunities. So when I heard about the chance to volunteer in Cuzco, Peru, I was excited about the prospect. I love to travel, so coupling travel with volunteering was a very appealing opportunity.
As with any volunteer venture, one feels much better about himself as a result. It is a feeling that may surprise you with respect to its intensity and effect on your life. Of course, the principal result of your volunteering is that you are helping someone. Aside from the specific assistance you are providing, I believe North Americans need to get out in the world, not only to experience other people and cultures, but also to have them experience you. This a main premise of the Peace Corps, promoting a better understanding between Americans and other people of the world.
Was this particular volunteer vacation difficult? It was hard and it was easy. There were challenging moments and not everything went well, but overall it was a wonderful life-changing event for me. Traveling to developing countries provides a perspective on how you live as well as how others live. Learning about another culture, not as a tourist, but as an active participant is a wonderful experience. Most people who return from volunteering in developing countries will talk about how they will have a greater sense of appreciation for the lives they lead. While I wholeheartedly agree with this, the thing that stands out to me is that people can be happy without many of the materialistic things we deem as necessary in North America.
It may seem difficult at first to do something like what our group did. However, it is just a matter of making that initial switchover to a "here I am, what can I do" frame of mind. From then on, it is easier than you would think. You need to be flexible and patient. You have to be prepared to do what is necessary, not what you think you should be doing. Be prepared to chop wood and carry water. One of the moments that I will never forget occurred after about two weeks, when we had a kind of group down time. The group was starting to complain about things such as food, curfew, and the frustration of things happening too slowly. But these are the things that teach us lessons. During this period one of the volunteers called her father and talked about being homesick. He told her "it is not supposed to be easy when you help people. Do not even think about coming home early."
I would have to say that one of the important things that helped me through this experience was our great group of volunteers. I was the oldest member of the group by more than ten years, but I learned so much from the others and was inspired by their contributions. We were a very diverse group, but each person brought important skills and energy to the tasks at hand.
I would heartily recommend volunteer vacations to individuals or even families. Of course, inspiring others to become citizens of the world is the purpose of "Journeys of the Heart." I think everyone should help the community in which they live, but volunteer vacations in other countries can be a unique and amazing addition to your life.
I remember the ending of a Martin Luther King Day holiday speech I heard many, many years ago concerning a call to activism. I think it applies to volunteering. It goes something like:
You can't do everything, but you can do something.
If you can do something, then you should do something.
If you should do something, then do something.
Jo Link - Elementary School Coordinator
Hi! I'm Jo, wife of Bob Link who was one of the eight original Journeys of the Heart volunteers. When Bob had the opportunity to participate in the Peru volunteer experience, I heartedly encouraged him to go and be of assistance. Upon hearing of all his amazing experiences, I could not resist "playing hookey" from my teaching job and joining him and the other volunteers for the last two weeks of their Cusco stay. What a life-altering event it was! While Bob and I have volunteered on other projects, including the US Peace Corps, this was the most moving and positive one in which I have ever participated. The orphans were amazingly upbeat, despite such tremendous handicaps - I only wish we'd been able to do even more to impact positively their lives. Teaching the mountain villagers to make simple mud cooking stoves was a sustainable project that will improve their lives for generations to come. Not only the Peruvians we worked with but also the volunteers and film crew were forever changed by the Journeys of the Heart experience.
I wish to thank all the people associated with this fantastic production for the incredible opportunity to get to know them and to be part of a wonderful team of caring individuals who did a little bit to make the world a more positive place in which to live.
Robyn Liston - Marketing Manager
One of my monk friends from Thailand, Tiger, told me that one of the key elements to leading a good life is to be mindful in everything that you do. When it's time to listen, listen 100%. When you're required to give advice, be absolutely aware of the power of words. If it's time to eat, be mindful of all the flavors and elements you invite into your body. At every turn, life gives us something to enjoy...so slow down and pay attention so you don't miss it. So I try to live my life mindfully.
Coming home from Peru and re-entering my daily life in San Francisco was a challenging adjustment period. The moment I walked back into my flat I barely recognized my own life. I had changed and everything now seemed so foreign. My first emotion was the desire to go straight back "home" to Peru. I desperately missed the kids and the other volunteers. But then I realized that what I had learned and how I lived in Peru was something I needed to incorporate into my own daily practice.
In Peru, my routine consisted of comforting as well as laughing with children who have nothing. My priorities shifted greatly which allowed me to see that my life was bigger and wasn't meant just for me. All of my personal "challenges" that I temporarily left behind still existed but my experience has allowed me to approach the roadblocks with compassion, gratitude, and loving-kindness. I am still and will forever be a work in progress. But I thank God every day for the seven weeks in Peru that have changed me inside.
At one time or another we all ask ourselves what our purpose is. When you hit that point I encourage you to go outside of yourself and give. You don't have to leave the country but perhaps it's a simple act of kindness during your day. You will see your own value and that each of us has a part to play in changing this world. That gives each of us a purpose and importance.
To the kids who have granted me the opportunity to be a sister, a mother and a friend to them, I thank you for changing me and letting me see what having a joyful heart means. To my fellow volunteers, I thank each of you for being who you are...absolutely amazing. And to my loved ones...I'm learning to love you more with an unexplainable eternal love that goes well beyond human comprehension.
Now go out there and do good things!
Sarah Oakes - Globe Aware Coordinator
The time we spent in the hogar was a learning experience for us all, volunteers and crew alike. We learnt from Peru, from the specific situation we found ourselves in, from the people we spent time with, volunteers and children alike. I especially feel likeÊI learnt a lot during my time in the Hogar San Francisco de Asis, andÊI have taken that forward to whatÊI am doing today. I am still in Cusco, having spent the past year and a half in Peru bothÊleading volunteer groups and now organizing volunteer programs in all of Latin America, and every day I learn more about the needs of the people and places I come across, which only makes you want to learn more so that you can do more to help.
Volunteering affects us all in different ways, what we bring to it, and what we take from it.ÊWe all see things a little differently, and have something unique to offer to a situation, some people absorb one experience and take it with them back to enrich their everyday home lives, others take one experience and it gives them a thirst for more volunteering. For me volunteering has been something life-changing; maybe I will not always be doing this job, but I will always be learning from the world, because volunteering has opened my eyes to this world, toÊits riches and to its tragedies, and this job gives me the opportunity to share that with others. For the moment, I can't see an end to my work here until I feel I no longer have something to give.
ItÕs nice to still have contact with some ofÊthe group from Journeys of the Heart, because we really shared something special. Being out here itÕs excellent to have volunteers still caring about the kids, getting in touch and asking how they are doing, and for me to be able to give updates on how they are, some have been adopted, some are speaking after speech therapy for example. For volunteers, their experience should never just become a nice memory,Êinstead they should realize thatÊit is a continuous living truth that is still happening.
Volunteering is a two-way exchange. It is not the omniscient white man saving the world. It is recognizing the limitations of yourself, the limitations of those you are helping, and the limitations of a situation, and working with these limitationsÊto push those boundaries togetherÊand challenge things. It is being frustrated, and feeling guilty, and seeing how joy comes from things you would never imagine, and challenging your own way of life. ItÕs about opening your eyes. You come to give, but you take back something much more valuable, something you never knew you lacked before.
This is why anyone can volunteer, anywhere, for any length of time. It isn't surviving on rice for a year, working yourself to the bone everyday in self-sacrifice. It is about giving what time, energy, skills or knowledge you have as an individual, and through that giving-process, learning and taking that knowledge and doing something good with it. That knowledge, those eye-opening experiences, theyÊare what make change inÊthe world. It is not the deeds - it isÊthe thoughts that have a longer-lasting impact, the ripples on the pond.
Ana Quintanilla - Globe Aware Coordinator
In the comfort of our homes, we read about hunger, poverty, and disabilities. But we are not affected by those distant worlds.
"Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Willing is not enough; we must do..."
-JOHANN WOLFGANG VAN GOETHE
Volunteering is one the greatest things anyone can do. It is something everyone must experience, because it is an opportunity to step out side of your self, and bring change to a never-changing situation. The children of the orphanage lived in a never-changing environment. When you touch a child, you touch a life. When you touch a life, you inspire hope. And the life you inspire can change a world. We are but instruments through which inspirations must flow.
Volunteering is a series of inspired moments that will awaken feelings you hadn't felt, and present you with circumstances you could not imagine. It is not the physical work that will challenge you, nor the long hours that will exhaust you. It is the emotions that you must manage while you are busy giving, that challenge you. It is the feeling of helplessness that exhausts you because you cannot give enough of yourself. Because when you are in the moment of giving, you cannot stop identifying the millions of other things that you can make better. And when you go to bed at night there is a voice in your head, whispering and counting the issues you identified in your working day, asking you "How will I get everything done? What will happen when I leave? Who will continue helping when I am gone?" And, you want to witness a resolution to some of the issues. You want to go home knowing that you fixed the problems, or that you have stopped the "bleeding." But you won't see a resolution, or completely stop the bleeding. What you will do is contribute change while making things better. And change is hope to those who live in never-changing environments. The children of the orphanage will take this hope and carry forward.
You will come home and encourage others to join you in giving because the continued flow of hope will continue to inspire, those in need, to push forward. And you will try to describe your experiences, your efforts, and your challenges, but it won't be enough. You will go back. You will do it again, because you will experience and witness a greater change in yourself than in those who you went to inspire. Truly, you will never be the same. You will be greater for the experience, and those you helped will live in your heart forever.
I was lucky to participate in this program and to observe the eight volunteers give unconditionally. They not only implemented the projects we set out to accomplish, they answered the questions that little voice asked them at night. They created, replaced, installed, and repaired all the little things they noticed in their working days. I witnessed them change the lives of the children at the orphanage, as well as the lives of the peoples of Salkantay. And, most memorably, I watched the volunteers evolve through difficult circumstances, and challenges. I watched them walk away not only as greater individuals, but as GIANTS.
Through volunteering you will share your inspired spirit and touch a life that will grow in to greater directions because of your time and efforts. Please get involved.
Sofia Ratcovich - Student
More than anything I'm so grateful I was chosen to be part of this project. Not knowing what to expect or what I would encounter on my experience, I prepared for the worst conditions. What I should have been doing is studying sign language, or at least bought some notes for quick reference. I had a wonderful time on the trip. I felt I was able to give what was most needed, my valuable time. There were too many children but not enough staff, too many wet pants and dresses not enough hands. When some of the other volunteers freaked out at the smell of urine, I smiled at the opportunity to use my skills as a babysitter and now soon to be mother walking the kids up to the nursery and changing their clothes. I sometimes think I took my responsibilities of enforcing health and hygiene a bit too far. In my backpack everyday, I carried a pack of baby wipes I kept with me at the hotel and sought out the kids with dirty, boogery faces. I soon came to be called the ''moco-monitor'' by colleagues, the equivalent of the booger patrol. I enjoyed going out every night, and running up those dreadful steps to get into the hostel by curfew time.
One time Jimbo and I totally missed the curfew and got locked out, so we went and sat by the church and saw the city transform beneath the rising sun. It wasn't so much fun having to work that day but at least we started the day off rightÊwith a complete breakfast served upon arrival-thanks Betty. I loved exploring the off-limits sites around Machu Picchu and eating strawberries grown on sacred land (one of the guides let me try it). I was also proud of the fact that despite my exhaustion I still managed to climb up Wynapichu and have a fun photo session.
The one moment that doesn't escape my mind is my first 15 minutes inside the orphanage: the moment when all the kids run up and grab at your watch, steal your water and go through your bag. It has never been more difficult for me to say hello. I'm in Peru, I speak Spanish, I'm great with children and I can't communicate beyond a smile and a wave. I'm a Gemini, communication is my strength and at no other point in my life have I felt more disabled. The kids weren't the ones with the handicap; I was. They can communicate with each other but I can't understand.
Each day I came to learn a little more and I learned how to ask, to say ''How do you say?'' So in my bag I began to carry what I needed, along with a pen and paper pad.
Elaine Sombrutski - Special Education Teacher
Considering the many experiences I have had to date, I can only express this as the most humbling, inspirational and awe-inspiring journey I have taken. I would highly recommend that all persons seeking inspiration and self-growth consider participating in a volunteer vacation. Although the roller-coaster of emotions was sometimes stressful, growth is not achieved without inner turmoil. The wondrous joy felt with the genuine and continuous love expressed by the children erased all moments of fear, sadness or homesickness. As a volunteer, it is inevitable that all manner of emotions surface as a result of being away from home, where the language and customs are unfamiliar, but what a superb learning opportunity! I feel I have emerged with a new and more positive outlook on life. I have gained a higher degree of appreciation for the many blessings I have been given.
I owe this newfound knowledge to the children in the orphanage who have so little in comparison to what my children have known. Firstly, they are not able to experience the love of their parents on a daily basis. For many reasons unknown to us, the children had to be placed in care, not because their parents did not love them, but because their needs could best be met at the hogar. They may only see their parents once or twice per year. This alone was heart wrenching, without mentioning the cramped quarters, sparse clothing, inadequate care due to limited funding, too few caregivers, insufficient physical contact, lack of proper hygiene and education, and most distressing the lack of freedom to come and go. The children are locked behind the walls of the hogar twenty-four hours per day. Yet still they were cheerful, caring, loving and appreciative of any attention or small gift bestowed upon them. They brighten the lives of everyone they touch. The staff of the hogar is to be commended for the care and affection they provide for the children under such trying conditions.
Also, building the stoves was invaluable. As with the children in the hogar, the families we worked with to build the stoves have incredible stamina, and boundless love and appreciation for the assistance we provided them. They have so little in terms of material wealth, but the love they have for their children, family, community, nature and spirituality make up for the great many possessions that are visibly missing.
The experience of presenting the wheelchairs was most humbling. The families that received the wheelchairs for their loved ones were so filled with gratitude we were overwhelmed with emotions. As a result, it is my hope that when I return to Cusco with my daughter and husband, one of our projects will be to build additional wheelchairs and give them to families in need.
As I look at my last journal entry before leaving, I recall how rewarding it was to be told that I have a 'Corazon Mas Grande.' Personally, I feel the people and children of Cusco are the ones with the 'Big Hearts' and welcoming arms. I miss them on a daily basis.
I will treasure my time in Peru forever and continue to maintain contact with the amazing volunteers I did service with. I look forward to returning in 2006.
Yes, we felt our work project was very meaningful. Both because we as a family got to help to improve the grounds of the orphanage by cleaning out the gardens and building fences as well as teaching the students English and being able to interact with them.
We liked how the free time/ breaks were spread out throughout the day. After a morning of working, it always felt good to have a break after lunch and then one after dinner. As the week wore on we tended to look forward to the breaks more as we were tired! The only suggestion I would make is to not plan an outing for the first day of arrival. We arrived on a Saturday from Lima and had not adjusted to the altitude. We wound up not being able to go on the walk/ tour through Cusco as we slept for several hours and were too tired!
We learned a lot about the culture of Peru. Especially about the lives of the children and how they needed to travel to Cusco to get higher education. We especially felt enlightened by our trip to one of the students home in the community. It was during this visit when we made a stove and really got to see and absorb how families live off of the land. It definitely put things into perspective for my family of 5 as we have three daughters ages 12, 14 and 17. - Kimberly Snapper, July 2014
We tiled a floor, painted and helped clear away grass in the play area. These were all areas that will be used by the children.
It was a good balance of work and free time. We feel we learned a lot about the culture of Peru through our excursions during our free time. The food was incredible, Alicia is a fantastic cook.
The best part was going to the homes of people and seeing how they lived. That gave me the most insight into the culture. We decided to have the kids experience the American tradition for Easter eggs. We had a difficult time answering why there's an Easter bunny and why it hides eggs. They did enjoy the hunt, and the candy. You realize how happy people are with a simple life. They didn't have internet and TV 24 hours a day, but spent their time talking to each other. - Donna Kaylor, March 2013
We tiled the floors in a new building, painted and cleaned up the kids playground area.
The volunteer coordinator did a great job of showing us around, Our time was maximized.
Our experience was outstanding. The albergue is such a warm and loving place where the kids are provided the tools for success and opportunity. The volunteer coordinator does a wonderful job of caring for the kids and ensuring that they learn and gain valuable skills. We were graciously welcomed by all those we encountered. Most of the kids had a good deal of confidence and they all showed tremendous respect. It was eye-opening for my kids to see how much of the world lives and the amount of responsibility some kids have.
What we liked best were the direct person to person experiences - we went to Hugo (student)'s house and to Carlota's sister's home. I really thought everything was great.- Jeff Roberts, March 2013
For me personally it was very enlightening and I had an amazing time. I believe it's a very good way of knowing the culture and the people of a different country. I found amazing people who struggle every day with such different situations and problems from my own, that it helped me face my own reality with a different perspective. And of course, I feel good for having tried to improve others lives even for just a few days, with my presence, work and my monetary contribution.
I had more than enough free time, the food was great (many thanks to señora Alicia!). During my free time I went to beautiful places, all well arranged by the volunteer coordinator (Rocio).
I believe it was an advantage for me to be able to speak spanish. It enabled me to have a closer link to the children and all the people I met. I had a specific task - handwork, where I worked with local people helping build a new study room, but it was also good to help the children with their homework - math and english. It felt more integrated than I was expecting, they treated me as I belonged there, and it felt really good.
I liked the whole experience, being there on their day-to-day situations, receiving their knowledge and sharing mine. I think one week is enough to get involved, but I left feeling and wishing to have done more. - Marta Carvalheiro, September 2012