OK...the computer is being ridiculous.
So I am going to go ahead and put these photos the blog just deleted back in to share with you. One of the things we learned this year in Peru and Bolivia is that things do not have to be perfect.....and flexibility is essential to sanity and peace.
We are thrilled that Debbie and Jeff above, will be coming early spring of 2011 to live as Individual Volunteers in Mission in Copacabana. We could not be happier with our replacements. They have many strengths and experiences, including construction, economic development, connections with public health institutions....the locals are also very excited they are coming. They came to visit the mission the last two weeks, and all four of us had a great time getting to know each other and planning with the local communities and church leadership. We will get together again with Debbie, Jeff....and Cammeo in Chicago before they leave the states.
By the way, this is a greenhouse near completion....and built totally by women!
Yes, it was a little bittersweet and hard to leave some of our extended family behind. Especially so for this little guy, Christian, the son of Venancio and Yessica. As his godparents, we participated in his baptism the week before we left.
The Puno Church, almost completed. It was a big project to oversee, which Scott did well.
We have returned to Idaho, and are in the midst of reconnecting our ties with friends, family, home....and technology. Prior to our departure we spent a few days in Lima with Liz and Lucho, and with our replacements Debbie and Jeff. It was a helpful transition time. One evening we visited the new outstanding water park in Lima with: (left to right) Liz, Lucho, Juan Carlos, Frine, and you know who. For anyone going to Lima, an evening visit to the water park in Jesus Maria is a must.....first class!
This fountain is a favorite of families and kids of all ages. Like most of the fountains, it is set to music but this one changes its formations randomly and is designed for people to enter to try to stay dry. Most end up quite wet!
Some glimpses of projects and activities in our final days. Much hope and momentum has been left behind that will prompt our return.
We have submitted a Rotary Grant for a literacy/agricultural development project in two rural communities outside of Puno. Fifty adults will learn literacy skills they will apply to a greenhouse agricultural and educational project to increase their ability to grow and market vegetables and flowers at 12,500 ft. above sea level. The greenhouses will be made by the communities out of adobe, with plastic roofs.
Proof that apples and fruits can be grown at this altitude!
One last training and clinic up north. Isidro was one of 11 Promotores de Buena Salud to be certified in our Basic Course, with 10 more who are in the process of studying. Using the Healthwise Handbook as their guide, they assist their communities and health outposts. Focus is on education and prevention, so when the promotores decided they wanted to implement dental health programs in their local schools we were thrilled. They are awesome!
Venancio and Scott are working on Venancio's father who has a corneal ulcer, probably a result of their house fire in September that destroyed everything. This happened the day before we left, and watching Venancio, also a Promotore de Buena Salud, respond to his father's emergency appropriately was very validating to us all.
An appropriate farewell to Lake Titicaca.....but we know we will be returning annually to continue our support of the Peru-Bolivia Lake Titicaca Border Mission.
