We have had a very busy February, traveling to meetings with church leadership of both Peru and Bolivia in Copacabana and Lima; the general assembly in Lima; and two 1/2 weeks traveling and working with the first team from Boise FUMC, Cathedral of the Rockies. It was wonderful to reconnect with old friends, as well as make new ones.
A lot of our work is about relationships and experiences shared. This last team, including Karen Hintz from Boise, got into the spirit of things very easily!
One of our projects in Cusco was in response to the horrible flooding they have had, contaminating their water sources. This is Wilbur, who works for our friends Eliana and Willy in Cusco at their hostal, Kay Pacha Lodge. His community is a 5-6 hour walk high into the hills and their water source which was totally destroyed will not be repaired until June or July. Many are ill, yet only have the contaminated water to drink; so we trained him as a trainer to share a basic chlorine water purification system, as well as the proper administration of worming meds. The team prepared the purification containers and all necessary supplies seen here with a very appreciative young man. He has promised Scott and me a hike to his village before we leave.
This Quechua woman outside of Cusco (and her assistant!) is showing us her cuy (guinea pig) production project started by our Oregon/Idaho conference to generate sustainable funds for community members and the local churches. It has been a very successful model here. Yes, we have eaten cuy quite a few times here.....I try not to remember pets, and think of it as a special meal generously given!
Working with Victoria, a local nurse from La Paz, during one of our health education sessions. We often have translations needed from Spanish to Aymara, so working with locals is a must. We also involve local medical professionals as much as possible. Our focus is on education and prevention; and the areas we have focused on are dental care, eyecare, disease prevention, and nutrition. Many people have never brushed their teeth, so they need a little hands on assistance!
Cammeo and Charlie help a woman who is learning to brush her teeth. We tinted teeth with blue mouthwash to helped them see the areas they needed to brush. Cammeo did a wonderful job presenting, as did Charlie who earned quite a reputation as a great spitter in his demos.
At this altitude certain eye problems (like pterygiums, dry eyes) are frequently seen due to the intensity of sun, the wind, and dust. Prevention is key...hats, sunglasses, learning to keep their eyes lubricated through blinking and closing their eyes.
In Copacabana, Bolivia we are able to refer to a Cuban eye mission for free treatment. We have enoyed getting to know their doctors, one of whom is a Methodist!
We explored the Sacred Valley, including a little hike in the Incan site of Ollantaytambo. All teams start with a few days in Cusco to acclimate to the altitude and to learn more about the Incan culture and rich history of the people they will meet and work with.
Our first team from Boise First United Methodist Church, Cathedral of the Rockies. (minus Steve and Vicki who were in Lima) What an amazing job they did at adjusting to a number of unforeseen events: flooding which closed Machu Picchu, flights that were cancelled, schedules and activities that had to change. We all decided we had grown and learned a lot together.
Our thanks to each and every one of you!
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