Posted on August 5, 2012
What an honor! The mayor of Saylla called my husband and I up to the stage at a ceremony hosted by Corazon de Dahlia on July 19th, and he named us honorary citizens! At this point, I pretty much feel part Peruvian, so I guess it’s a good fit. In the U.S. paperwork, I am…
Posted on July 31, 2012
When we got to the Corazon de Dahlia Center in Saylla, I was so excited to see the kids. I raced up the stairs and entered the room. They were all sitting on small plastic benches around the room in a circle. I was motioned toward a seat. When I looked up I saw Anthony,…
Posted on July 13, 2012
As I was leaving Saylla a few days ago after spending the afternoon with the kids, one girl with a sweet face ran up and gave me a hug and a kiss. Then she asked, “Do you remember me? What’s my name?” I looked at her and said, “I don’t remember your name, but I…
Posted on July 11, 2012
Nationalism. Pride. Culture. All evident this morning at the Raising of the Flag Ceremony in La Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s main square. Every Sunday people gather to raise the Peruvian and Cusquenan flags. They sing the national anthem and the anthem of Cusco. Then different groups (police, army, school children, teachers, and parents) march through…
Posted on July 11, 2012
Last night I took a taxi (the tiny Tico kind) from La Plaza de Armas to my Peruvian family’s house. Bumpy and terrifying as I remembered! No regard for stop signs or lanes. It’s like a game of chicken at the intersections. On the bright side, the taxi driver was very friendly. He asked me…
Posted on July 4, 2012
Sometimes, I ask myself, “Why care?” There are so many disasters and tragedies in the world, both natural and manmade. Then, there are hundreds of thousands of organizations around the world trying to deal with all of the social issues & hardships out there. Somehow, in the mix of so many efforts, some people just…
Posted on July 3, 2012
In 2 more days I will be on my way to JFK with 4 suitcases, and 2 carry-ons. Why so much luggage one might ask? Want the answer? 3 out of the 4 suitcases and 1 out of 2 carry-ons are filled with items to give to the Corazon de Dahlia Community Development Center in…
Posted on August 17, 2011
“While in Peru for our honeymoon, we were lucky enough to be able to spend some time with the staff and children at The Center. Andrew has a spent many years playing & coaching basketball and managing school physical education classes so we planned our visit around sports activities. We had so much fun delivering…
Posted on August 1, 2011
Hola, yesterday was my last day at The Center. It was very sweet. Despite my warnings not to, Laura set aside a little time for the kids to enjoy some fruit and yogurt and take take turns saying thanks. She also gave me a wonderful, small drawing/writing note book. Here are two links to two…
Posted on July 23, 2011
On Tuesday, a bright double rainbow appeared over the mountains that surround Saylla. I’ve seen a few rainbows in my life, but never a clear double rainbow like this. Many of the children ran to the window with me to take it in with giggling awe. Sharing a sweet moment like this with some of…