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Sounds like you had a busy week! I spoke to Ely on Sunday and she told me about the parade. She said that PLE was the largest organization in the parade, with five schools represented. I am so proud of you guys! Mom and I really want to thank all the volunteers from around the world who go to PLE and help Ely and Nilton with their mission of increasing self-reliance, income and education in the remotest regions of the Andes. Karen, we especially thank you for helping us with "Mission Merardo," by taking him vitamins, medical supplies, etc., and helping Ely in her work with him. We are very excited at his progress. However, I read in your last blog that he has an appointment with surgeons. I spoke of this with Ely and reminded her that Merardo does not have a visit with Rotaplast this August. The medical director told us that his needs are beyond what they can do at a traveling clinic and that he would need more intensive interventions at a more permanent facility. He is not off their radar, tho. Dr. Capozzi has forwarded Merardo's photos and medical history to their staff dermatologist to see what interventions may be possible in the future. Our other beneficiary, Presli, does have an appointment in La Oroya next week (I can't believe it's here already!) and Ely will be gone with him for at least 5 days while the team evaluates him and perhaps begins his long road of reconstructive surgery. His story will break your heart. For anyone who has not already seen our website, please visit www.perudonations.org to find out about both Presli's and Merardo's stories and their needs. I need to update our website, and I will do so when I am done writing this hematology case study! But in the meantime, we are planning our second benefit concert and compilation CD release, both to occur on September 1. Wish us luck! Lisa Sturm

I think you clean the mud floor with that sprig of vegetable material that Vanessa has the death grip on. It looks like you guys probably already figured that out. T.C.

In Ireland the phrase was "ah, sure, what's a few hours between friends?" God, the Germans hated that. Bring back Aiden and Tommy a llama would ya? It's their favorite Ross Park exhibit, next to the Penguins (Your not going to the South Pole any time soon, are you?).

Hi Karen, Looks like you are enjoying yourself. I think the best way to clean a mud floor is, well, look at it.(?) Good question. I can just think of all the stunned faces - okaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy we have to make hats(?) and that was supposed to be before now. You know one great lesson for us (me) is that the rest of the world just doesn't beat to the same clock. What stress we create for ourselves. I have to say I like the 'before' pictures of the cuys rather than the 'after'. I can't believe it is already August. Everday I have to do something for school. I am glad the teachers are back - what was it like having them return? Did you talk to them? You seem to be wearing lighter clothing. Is it warmer now or are you getting more acclimated to the weather and altitude? So was the bread good? What else do you eat (like to eat)? Use any cipro (name, sp?) I love the one block parade - does the parade only go one way or do they turn and go back - in case someone missed it the first time? So when is the next holiday? Thanks for the journal and the pictures - Julia

I love reading everyones comments. And to make it clear, we did not eat the cuy...I have had some stomach ills and almost used the cipro. Tom, I will try to bring back a llama. I did get to feed llamas and alpacas at the fair. FYI - we had a llama drawing competition last night. The American llama was a strong contender but the Spanish llama won (a volunteer from Spain drew his Spanish llama carrying Peruvian gold - a clear winner). TC - yes we finally figured out how to clean mud!

I finally met Merardo on Monday...he is so INSPIRATIONAL!!!!! He his very appreciative of all the donations. He especially thanks you Lisa and Sheri. I am to visit him this afternoon and he is going to share his poetry, I cannot wait. On Monday I was able to give him the medical supplies, some peanut butter for caloric intake and we got the gauze off that was stuck inside his skin. He is so brave and his personality shines. Unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to meet Presli (I am not teaching in Anhuac). Count me in for a CD and let me know if you need any other photos. I have been more than impressed with Peru Luz de Esperanza.