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 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 June 12, 2011
One of the tinier girls gave me a drawing! She’s the one that draws a heart on a blank piece of paper and comes running over to show me, then runs away and comes back a few minutes later and shows me the paper and it now has pedals to a flower drawn on the…