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Greetings from somewhere in between Cusco and Puno, Peru! We had a minor delay in our departure from Cusco because Paul spent a night in a local clinic this past week. He was diagnosed with an intestinal infection and they treated him with antibiotics intravenously. He's doing much better now!
Our time in Cusco was well spent--meeting new friends and fellow travelers from California, Colorado, Texas, Canada, Australia, Denmark, and of course, Peru. We each completed 60 hours of class and finished our basic Spanish workbook (we still have a long way to go in speaking proficiently). We also got to know a school supported in part by the ELCA, called Huch'uy Runa, which is Quechua (native language in Peru) for little important person.
We spent five afternoons at Huch'uy Runa, getting to know the rhythm of their routine. They run a multi-faceted ecumenical school that emphasizes a holistic program (see pictures in album). In the morning, students grades 1-6 study various subjects. In the afternoon, students learn various trades, such as carpentry, jewelry-making, drawing/painting, baking, etc. The students come from all over Cusco an beyond, traveling as far as 2 hours each day. About 20 students stay onsite. Many rely on their own resourcefulness to survive. One of the students, Milagros (miracles), latched on to our friend Kelly and the two of us as we left school one day. She wanted to take us to her home and kept saying it was close. After 15 minutes of walking toward our homestay, we realized she wanted to come home with us. When we explained in broken Spanish that we couldn't take her, she smiled, waved goodbye and went to catch a bus to San Jeronimo where she lived. Milagros is 8 years old. Kids grow up fast here, but they sure do know how to play. We're grateful to the school, the teachers, social workers, and directors (Vida and Clara especially) for welcoming us into the school and allowing us to gain a glimpse of how they are developing strong, healthy, and spiritually-nurtured children in Peru.
We're on our way via bus to Puno as we write and we are contemplating spending some time in Bolivia as well since we are so close! We will let you know in a matter of days...
Please forgive the lag in updates and video posts. Often, we are able to find wifi, but It takes quite a bit of time to upload large amounts of data on sometimes very spotty Internet connections. As you might imagine, it can be frustrating to spend 2 hours in an Internet cafe waiting for a video to finally reach 100%, only to realize the Internet connection has been lost and you have to start over! We're trying to balance staying fully present in our daily life here and keeping people up to date at home. Thank you for your patience!
- comments
Mom & Dad Erdmann (Judy & Melvin) Glad things seem to be back on track for you both. We are so glad to hear any news you have to share about your days in Peru. Take care of each other!
Rachel & Sherman We are always happy to hear more details about your travels but understand how time consuming trying to get messages sent can be! Hope Paul continues to feel better. Much love. Mom & Dad
John and Jennifer Urbanski I enjoy reading your blog of adventures in Peru. These experiences will influence you for the rest of your life. In turn, you will have influence on others in Peru and back home. And the ripple effect goes on and on. Thanks for sharing your stories and insights. We look forward to hearing more when you return. Rejoicing with you and God!
Julie Diedrich You are greatly missed at TLC Stephanie! Mentoring begins tomorrow night with parents. I am really excited and ready to begin! It sounds like you are on an adventure of a lifetime...I am hoping Paul is feeling much better now. Peace and Safe Travels!
Erica Loken Hearing about your adventures is wonderful! What an amazing and life-changing adventure you are on together. It is very inspirational. Hope that you both remain healthy! We miss you at TLC and can't wait to hear more!
Keith and Donna Hedlund Trust all is well with both of you. It is so fun seeing the pictures of the beautiful children you worked with. As we also experienced they are so lovable and so in need of love. Hard to leave them. Keith and Donna Hedlund
Dolores sounds like Peru!.. yes the internet is slow.. but they at least have internet ;) enjoy your adventure and thanks for writing as you have time.
Heidi Heidi, Kjell, Nora, and Iris- Thanks for the update. Paul, probiotics? Prayers are with you. Keep adventuring! Love you!