Our
trip is complete, but our experience is far from over. We have lived out our
dreams and experienced a part of the world most of us have never seen. On our
last day in Peru, we dined together and reminisced on our favorite moments from
the trip. We were even lucky enough to “Share a Coke with Oscar” as we shared
our favorite memories.
“Playing tag
with the students at Panticalle.” -Hannah Duque
“Exploring
Machu Picchu and getting to look out over the Andes.” –Michelle Heuer
“Sitting
next to the Andean girls in the van on the way to the Panticalle school.”
–Katie Nuss
“My
favorite moment was our last day in Lima, before heading to Cusco, where we had
time to relax and enjoy the sunshine after being under gray skies all week. I
enjoyed laying in the “Love Park” and wading out into the ocean during the
sunset. Everyone was in good spirits and spending time with each other was
nice.” –Cathryn Taylor
“My favorite memory was when a stranger on the
street came up to me and asked me where I was from. I told her the U.S and she
said, “No, what race are you?” I told her I was African American and she
reached up and squeezed my hair, smiled really big and told me I’m beautiful
and may God bless me! Our group then crossed the street but I could see the
woman still smiling and waving at me!” –Sian McNeary
“Climbing
up the ‘hard part’ of Machu Picchu!” –Jodi Adams
“Trekking down the side of the Andes mountain with
children that do it longer day after day. Those moments were so unique! That
whole last day was my favorite!” –Amanda Cardwell
“The entire day my group spent at the
Panticalle school in the Andes mountains was my best memory—I am truly unable
to pick just one moment. When we first walked up to the school that takes most
students 1-3 hours to get to, I kept thinking these people have nothing; no running water, no
electricity, long journeys to and from school or work and a hard, laborious
life. The majority of people I live and work with will never know life such as
this. However, as I walked away I
realized everything these people did have;
an eagerness to learn, generosity of spirit and a deep-seeded love for their
environment. I am humbled, in awe and full of love and respect for these people
and their culture…their mountains…and their smiles.” –Erin Pille
“Sitting
at Machu Picchu on a ledge, relaxing and taking in the view.” –Rebecca Carroll
“My favorite
memory of our trip was participating in the actividad vivencial “trilla de
habas de trigo y cebada” in Sullca. Giving our thanks to the apus, or
mountains, burning coca leavings, drinking chicha and eating lunch at the tia’s
house are memories that will stay with me forever.”
--Cabrina
Bosco
“I would
have to say giving the gifts to the students as payment for food at Rural
School #56022 in the Andes.” –Dr. Kyle Ingle
“The moment that had impacted me the most, by far, was the trip
to the Panticalle school. It had impacted me in a
way that I cannot find a parallel. Ironically, it was a brief trip, but the one
I cherish the most. I feel privileged of being welcomed to this school and
children, privileged of sharing their happiness, privileged of being able to be
part of their lives, now, as they have it. Never felt more privileged in my
life.” –Dr. Oscar Aliaga
--Erin Pille
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| In Paticalle: Yacha (elders) and children |
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| Traditional ceremony in Sullca |
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| Schools in Cusco |
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