The trip had us tour Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu and more. Then we got to the good stuff, not that the other part wasn't good, but this was BETTER! The service.
Day 1: We arrived in Umasbamba, a small community nestled in the Andes at 11,000ft. This community was very rural and needed help in a myriad of ways. We were greeted by the community with traditional instruments, flowers, and what was a rural parade of joy, welcoming, and love. It was breathtaking.
We spent the morning helping the community to harvest potatoes. We even had fun while working by engaging in the traditional "papa" fighting in the fields.
After lunch, we went with the women where we learned how to weave. After our lesson, we got to help them spin wool, dye it, and then helped them work on their textiles.
Their patience, generosity, and spirit was inspirational on so many levels.
Half of us cried saying good-bye, and this was only day one, we knew we would be back tomorrow!
Every time I read your blog I feel inspired. I wish that I had more energy right now to do something with it. I wonder if that is what a lot of people feel and why we give money more than we give time. I know that I should think about my dad as he gives so much of himself to community service in his town and without volunteers like him many of our towns in the U.S. wouldn't be the way they are. Keep up the good work.
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