Monthly Archives: September 2017
The time has come for site exploration. After about a year of waiting, site assignments for the Peru 30 group were finally recieved. Much to my contentment I was placed in the Ancash department of Peru. Specifically, I will be living in a community called Matacoto in the Yungay province. A family of 8 is waiting for my arrival. Mother, father, grandmother, and five kids– ranging from 3 to 21 years old…. Read More
When I think about you, my cup overflows with excitement. Hitting the ground, my gratitude for you seeps deep into the earth. Inundated with affection, a seed sprouts a new life. Tickling the soil’s surface, the sun provides its warming attention. Never too much, but instead just enough. Elated, the seedling grows strong and blossoms bright. Yellow and tall a sunflower takes form, providing smiles to all.
Water turns to snow and the earth begins its glow. A blanket swaddles the earth, except cold and not of the hearth. We animals seek refuge inside. Afraid of summer’s winter bride. Waiting, we try to survive. Only some are able to thrive. They are those who dealt with the froze. They are those who find the first rose.
Like a knight and his chainmail, I wear you on my chest; Cotton armor. You guard me not like metal or kevlar. But with advice and loving embrace; Look around. I wash you not with a machine, but with my hands. Memories shake free with each pass through your hair; Two long lost friends. Water flows to help wash the stain, Mixed with nostalgia and tears; Forever pain.
Wednesday: Wednesday we traveled to a district called Acobamba. The day began at the municipality. We arrived early and had time to burn. My friend, Alex, and I meandered to the local market to enjoy a cafecito. Afterwards we were greeted by the mayor. He had a few words and so did some of the trainees. We then listened to the psychologist from the local health post. We shared coffee and muffins… Read More
Where one gaze ends, another begins. Connected by what we see now, and where our dreams wander. The roads we walk are different, And the shoes we wear we cannot share, But the destinations of our journeys end all the same. How we get there is up to us. The lessons we learn are meant to be told, and the attitudes upheld, together they meld.
Field based training (FBT) was a whirlwind of a week. Everyday was full of activities; visits to local governments, schools, restaurants and PCV’s homes. It was a really good feeling to use the information we have been learning in PST. The interactions I had with Peruvian youth and parents were by far the best. Besides that, the aesthetic beauty of the valleys and mountains were traveled through was extremely comforting. Here’s part… Read More
As the sun sets, a new day begins. Where it goes and whom receives its shine; that is not a matter of mine. It’s darker now and colder too. Moon and stars provide their light; I feel you shiver and hold you tight. Old day for us and new day for them. Waking up, breathing deep; lay down now and rest your head for sleep.
Teddy Dondanville 