The last four months in Peru have been such a learning experience. I didnt think there would be too many surprises for me in Peru, but I was very wrong. Every week Im struck by the stories of Peruvian life. Whether its the amount of corruption on the streets of Lima or that kids in Pachacutec are being stolen off the streets.
The kids in Pachacutec are a crazy bunch who I love working with. During the past few months I have had the chance to get to know each one and to learn of their individual family situations. My Spanish isnt anywhere near perfect, but I have been able to lead Sunday School classes with the wee ones on a few occasions. Some days I find it frustrating, that my Spanish really limits how much I can do so little things like this are a big encouragement. Realising that I now know enough Spanish to be able to read a story which the kids can understand is a reminder of how much of the language I have learnt.
As most of you probably know, I have also been working in two different Lima schools. In Jean Calvin I have been helping in English classes with kids of three to fifteen years old. Teaching isnt an area I have a lot of experience of, but being a native speaker is an asset in itself. The pupils are excited to have me in class, which is a great encouragement. One student is very keen to present me with a Cuy a Guinea Pig, one of Peru´s national dishes. I havent yet worked out how to get out of that one. I have started an after school English club for primary school classes to give them an extra opportunity to practice. The first day I invited along first and second grade45 students turned up! I have learnt from that mistake. A class of that size wasnt exactly ideal. In San Andres I have been helping out with the ´Christian Mission´ Program, which has elements of economics and RE. Fourth and fifth Grade students are setting up small businesses to fund the building of houses in Pachacutec and an Earthquake affected area, Ica. It is a great opportunity for these kids to see those in Lima who are not as well off as them and for the school to further instill their Christian values. Working in San Andres, I have seen first hand the extreme class differences present in Peru. Peru is a country of vast differences between rich and poor and faces many challenges to building a more inclusive and fairer society.
This week is school holidays, so I have had the chance to travel and see a little more of Peru, heading north to Cajamarca, Mancora and Trujillo. Ive been staying with other church families along the way, a great way to learn a little more about Peruvian way of life and sample some yummy regional food. Today I ate a chicken footI will say no more.
Mucho Amor,
Rachel
