Ica - Casa Girasoles

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Day 5 - Lesmahagow to Peru.

This morning was a trip to Oasis Huacachina for some riding of the sand dunes and a dabble at sandbaording. Sand is now firmly lodged in all places imaginable and unimaginable! But is was fun. And no bruises to report either. Does this now officially make me an extreme sportsperson?

Today was the official opeing of the Ica boys' home - Casa Girasoles. It was a truly wonderful day. The service at the home was broadcast simutaneously back to Fife. We sang, 'How Great Thou Art', both in Spanish and in English, and the boys put on a play for us. A short story to depict the transformation of a street boy fom selling in the streets, selling themselves, sniffing glue, to the Sunflower that he becomes when he is found and brought to the SU. The whole service was very moving. I was told about one of the younger boys this afternoon. A few days ago someone from his extended family appeared at the home and took him away. Bearing in mind that the 8 year old is in the home because his family threw him out. He was taken away because his mother was dying and he was told that he had to go and watch her die. He had been returned to the home this very morning, and left at the door. At least now he has a home and is with people and a family who will love him.

The home has the added treasure of a swimming pool! In the middle of the desert, a pool. Wonderful. When the SU acquired the land it came with a permit for a well, which was an extremely valuable asset. Permits for wells are very rarely given, so the permit was priceless. And so... the boys have a pool. And so too will any work party that comes out in the future!

After all of the despair and the lack of hope that we have seen over the past few days, it was great to be a part of an incredibly hopeful and amazing day. Faith was evident in all the people that we met, and it was so great to see so much faith in action.

The home itself was looking fantastic, and like the home at Kawai, there are bungalows being built which will be available for rent to help generate income. Lots of grass. Lots and lots of grass. Which also meant lots and lots of bugs. But super bug spray to the rescue - and yet again I survived the invasion. I reckon it must be about: Karen 6 - Mossies Nil.

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Photos

Casa Girasoles
Director Pablo, and the house parents