APRIL NEWSLETTER

You´re what! Volunteering in Peru?

When you come to Cusco, you come to the unknown,

Leave blind your loved ones, bit you are not alone.

Fear not my friends, there´s no need to worry,

Life here is simple, no worries chicken curries.

Money and possessions become a thing of the past,

Life is no longer stressful, chaotic or fast.

Your problems seem trivial and you just cannot compete,

With the experiences you´ll find and the people you will meet.

When I first me the kids, I felt a tear in my eye,

An outpouring of love for the stranger passing by.

Their grubby appearance and a face full of snot,

Who could deny hugs & kisses from Luz Clara, the bloody little grot.

Home visits can be hard - to see the reality of this life,

It´s not easy to comprehend such poverty and strife.

Every home has a story and you realise how lucky you really are,

to have a nice warm bed, food to eat and don´t forget the lovely car!!

The story of Peru´s Challenge is a true inspiration,

From humble beginnings, now a living sensation.

Jane & Selvy are everyday people helping the average Joe,

With hearts of gold, all for the battling spirit of the people of Cusco.

Of Inca decent, Wilfredo must surely be.

He works like a Trojan, doesn´t even stop for tea.

Your Mum away from home is found in Santoosa,

She cleans, cooks and if you have a cold, brings you a hot lemon soother.

Karen will kill you; you will laugh till you drop,

So watch out for that beautiful, loveable, gregarious Scot.

Felix he loco, but he´s such a cool cat,

Big brother to the kids and drinks Pisco at the drop of a hat.

The lights of the town are a vision to be hold,

Mountains all around - green, tall and bold.

The Plaza de Armas with its tourists and shops,

And Cristo Blanco watching over the blessed lot.

The Inca Trail, Sacred Valley and the Pisaq ruins,

Are an unbelievable sight to see when you get to 'em.

All these sights and volunteer work to boot,

Makes your time in Peru and absolute hoot.

Something here has changed me; I see the world with different eyes,

The voice inside my head has gone and I feel at peace inside.

The experience will make a difference to each one of us all,

As I´m sure you will find that something, be it big or small.

The honour and privilege to come and volunteer,

To give your love and time will be something held so dear.

Peru´s Challenge, Picol, Huandar, the kids and parents too,

You´ll be in my heart forever, my love I give to you.

Have a beer, eat some chocolate, have a piece of cake,

Celebrate the fact you´re hear and the difference you will make.

Enjoy every precious moment; grab it with both hands,

Knowing your footsteps have left a mark upon this land.

Written by Theressa Lavender from Australia.

Theressa volunteered with us in April 2005.