Cara L

So I made a survey for the youth in El Porvenir -- something to collect information about the youth population. The survey is meant to collect a bit of everything: basic personal info to personal attitudes on education and future dreams. And, hopefully, also pick up on any similarities/differences in attitudes between those in the youth group and those not (as this would be the basis for further qualitative, evaluative research on the impact Kallpa has had in El Porvenir.) Recently, we just finished up meetings about the plan of action for this research, and when/how the surveys should be distributed. ….Afraid yet I am going to write this blog all about the powerpoints, last minute scrambling to translate 16 page documents and three-hour meetings? Fear not! I do, however, welcome you to the sexy jungle ... read more

Yesterday morning myself, Stephy and Jesus were in El Povenir to help the kids in a community project - a community sports day event. Pretty much the same thing for any kind of community sports day - relay races, team events, mini-competitions, and eating contests… But with a cultural twist. Twist #1: Eating Contest…where’s the pie? In planning the day, the kids wanted to have a papaya-eating contest. However, due to premonitions of belly-cramps and the afterward mess of papaya-induced cramps, Stephy steered them towards some bannaners and apples. So, no pie. My buddy Segundo won by shoving 2 bananas and 2 apples in his face in about a minute. And won a hat. And, hopefully, all cramp-free. Twist #2: not really a cultural twist, just funny. There was also the two-legged race. Mi amiga Cledy ... read more

Happy friggin' birthday...to me! I'm a pretty lucky girl. Two years ago I got to celebrate with new friends in Harlow, England. Last year I got to party in our new place on Prescott. This year I got the aforementioned...junglebirthdaydanceparty! The whole day was awesome. It began with a workshop with the kids out in the El Povenir community centre - a mask-making and design session. After three hours of balloon-popping, gesso-exploding craziness and hilarity, we had some lunch and I assumed we would be on our way home...but...alas, no! Yanki (?) (the group's president) asked me to get in the middle of the floor, and all the kids (20ish) made a circle around me, and sang happy birthday to me! I received kisses and birthday wishes from all of them, and then Yanki told me ... read more

Hola! This is my first ever attempt of a blog. So bear with me. So far, I love Peru. My first experience was with Lima, and because of that, I could easily forgive the fog, the drizzle, the cold and the bustle of big cities I am generally uncomfortable with. However, the language isolation and the dislike of the bustle of the big re-entered...and the dreadful flu I contracted made my last four days kinda rotten. But then....ILEFTANDCAMETOIQUITOS! This city is awesome. Although still a busy city, it's motos instead of cars, and there's sun, and it's along a lovely river called the "Amazon", and the people in this mighty jungle are absolutely lovely. So...why am I here? - follow the money: Money form CIDA (for international interns) is given to the Atlantic Council International Cooperation ... read more