Saturday, March 14, 2015

Adios from the Peru Crew 2015


Well after a year of planning, incredible fund raising, and 2 wonderful weeks on the ground, I am coming to the end of the story telling of the Peru Mission Trip 2015.  I had never done a blog before this, but I thought it would be a great way to share the adventures while we were away.  As you know, it wasn’t without its challenges, but for me, it’s been a labour of love.  I’ve told the story many times, that I had wanted to do something like this for a long, long time.  As a Mission Team at St. Paul’s, we just weren’t sure where to begin to do an international mission.  There are so many needs in so many places in this world…..

So, back in November 2013, when I read a tiny little ad in the Village Voice about a possible mission trip to Peru, I answered it.  They invited me to come to a meeting at Knox United in Embro.  When they started telling the stories about their trips to Nicaraugua, it was magic for me.  This started the dream that unfolded in real time in February of this year.  For me, the team, the children and Machu Picchu, created a magical trip that I will never forget.  It was a simply a "Dream Team"!!  Each member of this team was “all in” in everything we did from Day 1.  We were inspired by a common dream.  We shared so much laughter, poignant moments, some challenges (ie. bug bites and a fear of heights), but everyone cared for each other from the moment we left the ground.

It has been an incredible privilege to have shared this experience with so many beautiful people.  If you have ever travelled with a group like this, you create memories that will last a lifetime.  Like my group trips to the Holy Land and Greece with Dr. Lonnie and Joan Atkinson, and many other wonderful people, you find yourself transported back to these special times and places on a regular basis.  At times, you simply break into laughter as you remember something crazy you did together.

Thank you to so many of you who regularly checked the blog.  I have received such lovely feedback, and that kept me going when the connections became a problem.  There has already been some discussion about the possibility of another trip like this down the road.  If you have been inspired at all to consider such a trip in the future, please start the conversation with any one of the team who went to Peru.  You will never regret the opportunity to see the world, and spend special moments with like-minded people.  But I think the greatest gift is the belief that perhaps you have made a positive difference in some small way in this world.  We have been greatly moved by the children in Peru, and loved being part of a team that was able to show up and demonstrate to them we cared enough to come.


I am always inspired by Margaret Mead’s beautiful quote:


“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”


Here’s a final collection of some of the special moments along the way.

Love,
Kathy:)

Jackie Zister - what a beautiful soul!!  She gave her all to the children…...

Special friends on the ground…….:)



Jackie and Kieran worked so hard for the children.  For them - a labour of love…………")
n

We just couldn't get enough of these dear children!!!






They were just so precious!!!










What ever would we have done without our banker??  Day after day someone would come and ask the same question, "Charlie, do you have any small soles?"  I'm sure we were driving him crazy, but he just smiled and went and got what we needed.  Thanks so much, Charlie, for taking care of all the funds.  You rocked on that job!!!


The sand fleas were certainly a challenge for some of the team  members!!  Kathy and Marg thought they would "compare notes"!!  By mid week, Kathy had developed a thick rash on both ankles.  In fact, we were even having a hard time finding our ankles!!!  Some of us were starting to get concerned our legs would never be the same again…. However, thanks to some incredible care by many team members, who offered up Cortisone cream, Derma-Gel, After-Bite, Benadryl (you name it, we tried it!!), our legs have recovered.  The good news is, we've rediscovered our ankles again………:)  Loved Sonya's term for the problem: "Cankles"!! Who knew this term was actually in the "Urban Dictionary"???  Yes, I will admit that I looked it up:)







We loved the dogs when they were sleeping!.  Although we will admit we loved Keisha any time.  She just plunked herself down anywhere for a snooze.
Many of the spots looked anything but comfortable…….  Nice life:)








Travelling through Peru, you develop a great appreciation for toilet paper - especially when it is more that "1 ply" and can simply be tossed in the toilet…….
Funny how you take the "little things" for granted!!



We fell in love with the people of Cusco.  This beautiful woman and her precious daughter were so lovely.  She so appreciated that we bought several paintings created by her husband…….:)




Our incredible team leader!!   I'm sure we drove him crazy some days.  He'd tell us the plan for the day, and immediately, someone would go up and ask him what we were doing.  He'd explain it again, and someone would go up and ask him what we were doing.  I'm sure, at times, he just wanted to yell, "Seriously, people!!!!!".  Yet, he never did.  Here, he could still smile on the last night……… 
We can only say a sincere thank you for all his hard work and 
tremendous organizational skills on this trip.
 Job well done, Chris!!! :)



Enjoying life in Cusco!!!!


And then, once again, back in Lima…….









Our "last supper"……..



Last night in Lima -  3:15 am flights can certainly be challenging…...






Ok, in fairness they did work hard……. 






Just had to add one more sunset!!  There is some benefit in being the blog writer!!!! :)





Adios from the Peru Crew 2015!!!!!


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