“To gain that which is worth having, it may be necessary to lose everything else.”
~Bernadette Devlin
Wow….has it really been 3 months??
Surreal to think that just a few months ago I began this amazing adventure (well, the latest chapter anyway) and oh so much has happened since…
The town of Pisac (Pisaq) is one of my favorite places in the Sacred Valley. I fell in love with Pisac the first time I came five years ago, and have fallen more in love with it ever since. It’s about 45 minutes from Cusco city and about 15 minutes from Casa De Milagros. Pisac is known for its amazing ruins, and for its popular artisan market. The entire town is lined with ancient Inca agricultural terraces that are still in use today, and the ruins provide an impressive backdrop to the town below. I’ve visited the ruins about 3 times, and there is still so much more for me to see and learn…
Being out of my element, dealing with the transition and stress of the task at hand, and weathering the intensity of Cusco winter season has taken its toll on me physically and emotionally. I knew I needed to do something to care for myself…of course yoga is always the best medicine to tune in and love myself.
Oh how my body misses yoga…Read More
This past week I had the pleasure of meeting the most amazing couple who founded and run a medical clinic here in the Sacred Valley in our neighboring town of Coya (Qoya). Their clinic is called Kausay Wasi, and they offer general medicine, dentistry, gynecology, obstetrics, operating facilities, and currently offer the only fully functioning x-ray lab in the entire Sacred Valley. The founders, Guido and Sandy Del Prado, graciously invited the kids and I to come and take part in the Optometry Campaign they were hosting this week in partnership with a wonderful group of expert optical care physicians from the U.S.
In addition to their general care services that are offered 7 days a week, Kausay Wasi hosts between 12-15 visiting Volunteer U.S. Medical teams a year. Volunteer doctors have worked with Association Pro Salud Calca since 2003 and have operated on children with hearing difficulties, restored sight to elderly people blinded by cataracts, conducted orthopedic, cleft lip, palate, and reconstructive facial surgeries for burn and accident victims.Read More
I’m home…
Officially landed here at Casa on Wednesday after a couple of weeks in Lima and on my Qoyllurit’i adventure…
Was welcomed with warm and loving arms – the kids and staff have been so wonderful. The first day I arrived, Mama Yeni and Michael gathered a group to come and clean my house…I joined in and we spent a few hours wiping off cobwebs, dust, and unpacking my suitcases…at one point I looked up and noticed a beautiful painting, and smiled as I realized it was of Mama Kia and her dear friend and “sister”, Nikki. It was as if they were extending their arms and welcoming me home…;-)Read More
Last November, I went back to Peru for my grandmother’s 80th birthday. It was my first time back in over a year, and it was a full two weeks of mostly family, but also a short but sweet visit back to Casa and the kids.
As usual, leaving Peru was very hard, but that time it felt even harder. I really felt like I was leaving behind where I was supposed to be…when I got back I had a very clear message that I needed to go back – not just to visit, but to begin building a life there. Ever since I can remember, I have dreamed of having a life in both worlds; a lifestyle that allowed me to divide my time between Peru and the states. My trip to Peru 3 years ago planted a very big seed, and I came back from that trip being very clear about the 3 things I needed in order to make my dream happen: acquire my citizenship, finish my college degree, and build a virtual business that I could run from anywhere in the world…Check, check, and pretty much check ;-)Read More
Just came across this video of one of my happiest moments working with Casa de Milagros & Inspire To Do. A reminder or what is possible with focused energy, passion, and a willingness to serve. Please watch – it would mean a lot….xo
Bonita helping Mommy clear out 3 full Banker’s Boxes!
This Sunday I decided to roll up my sleeves and attack my storage unit. It was one of those looming projects that I just hadn’t had the time, energy, nor the desire to take on for months. By months I mean almost one year. I had boxes in there that I hadn’t opened since being tucked away almost exactly one year ago when I sub-leased my apartment and left for three months to live in Peru.
One whole year.
The project took on a “full circle” feel in more than one way. Not only did I go through stuff that had been tucked away over the past year – I went through boxes of documents and random stuff from when I first came to the Bay Area as an innocent, naive 18 year old; my time at Menlo College; and the many chapters ever since…Read More
I miss Peru. And today it hit me like a ton of bricks how much I miss the kids and the entire family at Casa…;-(
While my time in Peru was not without challenging moments – at the end of the day, it was one of the most special experiences of my life. The kids of Casa de Milagros are incredible…I feel blessed to be considered part of the family, and to have been received with so much love.
In addition to working at the Casa, I was also able to spend some time in my country, and soak in my culture in ways I had never been able to before…spent some quality time with family and loved ones in Lima, traveled to regions of Peru I had not been to before, and experience two of Cusco’s most amazing festivals: Corpus Christi and Inti Raymi.
In addition to settling back into life back in the states, since being back – I have mostly been consumed with school. I was able to enroll in all five classes that I need and will finally be graduating in December! It’s been a 12 year journey – so graduation day will be super sweet ;-) What this means in a practical sense for me is that with five classes I will have a very full plate and have already begun the process of “clearing the decks” so I can focus on school and get the most out of my final semester. As you all know – I like to juggle many projects and interests – so this is no easy task ;-) I am super excited about my classes! My Political Communication professor, Joe Tuman is running for mayor of Oakland, so our class gets to live an actual campaign with him. Also, I am taking a California Food, Wine, and Culture class, which totally sucks since you guys know how much I hate food, wine and culture…;-)
One of the major decisions I have made recently is to step down from my responsibilities as a Board member of Casa de Milagros. I will continue to be involved in the kids’ lives, and will be returning in December and January to visit, volunteer, and help with some big projects that are in the works. However, due to my school and client responsibilities, I do not have the space to commit to the Board at this time. Once I graduate in December, the Board and I will reassess where things are on both ends and how I can continue to stay involved, what role I will play, and what projects I will be involved in. I will keep you guys posted! In the meantime, if you guys want information on how you can help Casa or any other volunteer opportunities in Peru – contact me and I will send you information.
By the way, the pic above was taken my last night in Cusco – Aiden and I went into a cute little jazz bar on the corner of Choquechaca and Cuesta San Blas and got to meet and listen to the phenomenal sounds of Amber Field and her array of instruments from all over the world. Only in Cusco can you have a didgeridoo in your ear and it’s not weird at all…
I’ve posted the rest of my pics and you can see them all HERE…enjoy! xo
Me and Beautiful Ada
Must…be…strong…must…not…cry…
Argh!!! I don’t want to leave!!! ;-( I know I have to – and I am actually looking forward to being home for many reasons…but the reality of leaving here and not seeing the people here whom I have grown to love so much is going to be really hard.
There were moments when I wasn’t sure I would be able to make it all three months – mostly when my immune system tanked, and I was freezing the night away in a Cusco hostel…or when my wallet was stolen, or when my vest was stolen…Read More