Having been the youngest in my year at school, a gap year has always been in the back of my mind. When I first applied to Project Trust, everyone thought it was just a crazy idea that I would never go through with. But when my acceptance letter arrived in September, informing me that I got a space for a one year placement in Peru, I was thrilled and got right into my fundraising, to prove everyone wrong! Having now raised my total of £4,950, everything is starting to feel so much more real! Ive almost had all of my eight injections (ouch!), so there is definitely no going back now!!
My project in Peru is 20 minutes away (by MOTOTAXI!) from Pucallpa, which is the countrys fastest growing jungle town (Yes, Im going to be swinging from trees in my spare time), located on the banks of the river Ucayali off the mighty Amazon River. At the end of August, I will be flying to Lima, with 9 other volunteers, before hopping on a boat with my project partner, Shannon, to Pucallpa! The childrens home accommodates around 60 orphans and abandoned kids, by being split up into 9 different family units, each managed by their own Tia, or house mother.
Our main role is to help with the running of the institution, looking after the kids, whilst organising different activities to keep them busy (and out of mischief!).
It is all incredibly exciting, but it is going to be the most daunting thing I have ever done especially because I have no idea how Ill manage to pack for an entire year!! The language barrier is also going to be a tough hurdle to jump over But hopefully Ill get a head start this summer before I go! I really cant wait to learn about a whole new culture and country, which I will have a chance to travel round and explore in my spare time and holidays. One thing is for sure I will be packing my hiking boots, to conquer some of the amazing Andes Mountains!
Muchos gracias, Hazels Footprints Trust, for giving me a leg up to reach my goal!
Adios!
