3. Getting into the Jam

I'm going to start this blog off with a promise: I will think of better, slightly less cliche titles. (Still, did anyone catch the Electric Six reference?) Until then, there's a lot to be said about my first two weeks of service here at the Healing House and my life in Cusco in general.  If you haven't already read it, click this link to learn a little bit more about my various duties as a "volunteer intern." If you've already read it, you'll know that just like any other intern at any company, the majority of my time is spent doing small tasks around the House to help things run smoothly. Even though this is a nonprofit international development organization, it's still an organization that needs people to do small every day things (like cleaning and gardening) to allow it to grow and flourish. It's not all about swooping in and saving lives during all my volunteer hours, it's largely been about learning how things run around here and figuring out what sorts of things I can contribute to what's already going on.

So speaking of what's already going on, each Saturday here at the Healing House anywhere from 5-35 neighborhood kids show up in the afternoon to participate in our programas para niños, our creative kids programs. Both boys and girls anywhere from 5 to about 13 are here from 2 pm to 4 pm to do some yoga, sing or play instruments, make an art project, and have a healthy snack, all in that order. At least that's exactly how it's been for the past two weeks. The program has actually existed for much longer, and has gone through a variety of changes, but that's where it is now. It's quite successful in a variety of ways. The kids who come seem to really like it. We offer them a safe place to be and some cool things to do on a Saturday afternoon. Plus, the kids' parents, I've been told, really like it because to them it's free babysitting.  However, those of us in charge of the program have also had a few meetings so far about what we can do to improve. We've all agreed that we need some long-term objectives for the kids. That's a sort of hard thing to accomplish because most volunteers are here for a short period, usually around three months, and then they leave. We're all trying to work through that by making a lesson plan book that contains what we covered each week and ideas for the weeks to come. The idea is to have a theme that ties all their activities together each week, like talking about gratitude or our dreams and aspirations.

We threw out loads of ideas, and last Saturday we did a jungle theme and talked about deforestation of the Amazon. Our yoga section featured a variety of animal poses, and for the music, we taught them "In the Jungle." This week one of the other volunteers, Tori, made a PowerPoint about the different jungle animals and what's happening in the Amazon. After that we made masks of our favorite animals for the art section.

a hilariously candid photo, credit to Tori

All in all, it went quite well, and I was particularly pleased with the music section. "In the Jungle" features the repeating awimbawe, awimbawe section that everyone can keep going while different groups of kids could take turns singing the chorus. That's a great way to keep everyone participating and engaged while keeping behavior issues at bay. We do spend a lot of time trying to get kids to focus, and that's a pretty creative way to accomplish that without stopping and asking them to listen.

I've had quite a lot of fun working on the music program for the kids. Two guys, Giancarlo and Daniel, already run it regularly. They live in Cusco and work playing gigs around town, but donate some of their time to help the kids on Saturdays. Most of my contributions to this creative kids program have been in conjunction with their efforts. They'll still be here after I'm gone, so I've been doing what I can to help them do their thing. The three of us do make a pretty interesting team with my classical training and their tremendous affinity for more contemporary music. We sort of balance each other out. I've actually gotten to know them pretty well over the past couple of weeks, having some late-night jam sessions playing and singing tons of classic rock favorites. They're pretty cool guys, and I look forward to working with them over the coming months.

Another program that I've recently gotten involved with is our Wednesday night live music yoga class. That's one of our more popular offerings, and I can definitely see why. That class is really focused on getting people to try new things, experiment and create within their personal yoga practice. Meanwhile, a few musicians improvise songs to go along with the general mood of the class. I'll be honest, we have rehearsed one or two songs as a good go-to and also to get people in the class singing as well, but it's mostly just 90 minutes of raw improvisation on our part. The class environment is very freeing, and I found that I've been able to really let go of some of my inhibitions and experiment creating my own stuff, without too much fear of noodling around before I figure out what key everyone's playing in. A large part of that is Shevaa, one of the House residents. She's absolutely wild about music and makes a lot of her own instruments. She's never had any formal training, but she's wonderful about just putting herself out there regardless and just making some noise. She's really nice and encouraging to others too. Having her there makes me feel a lot more comfortable about doing a bit of experimenting myself. Also, she's let me borrow some of her instruments for the class including her mini harmonium which is wicked cool.

So, I've really been learning a lot about the different programs offered at the Healing House, how they go about helping others (quite creatively if I do say so myself) and actually being helped out myself, freeing myself to experiment musically. I'm quite excited for the weeks to come and especially this Saturday. We're going to be singing a song one of the guys wrote and talking about our dreams and aspirations. It should be great.

Well, that's all for now. I'll keep ya posted!

Sylvia

Peruvians Take Tea Bags to the Next Level

So, all around town you'll find street vendors selling emoliente, this delicious hot tea that's supposed to be really good for you. Usually you'll see people handing around the stand, drinking the tea out of glassware. However, if you're in a hurry, they'll gladly bag it for you. Literally. 

Crazy Cat Lady in the Making?

As an interesting side-plot to my time here in Cusco, I've built up a passionate love-hate relationship with Ayni, one of our house cats. She's not allowed inside at all, but she's a smart one that sneaks into the kitchen and various bedrooms all the time. We've grown pretty close, she and I, every time I have to catch her and put her back outside. After being quite allergic to cats, I never thought I'd think they're so cute. Still, she hopped up on my lap the other day and fell asleep and well, who could resist?

And then the other day, she and one of our other cats, Chuck, feel asleep on my chair after I got up for a minute.

Maybe after getting to know these guys better, I'll get over my allergies? Is that too hopeful?

Ruins in your Everyday Life

This past week I had off on Tuesday and Wednesday. Living and working in the same place definitely creates an interesting environment that can be overwhelming at times. So, someone suggested I try to get out of the city and relax a little on those days off. I had every intention of getting up to the Temple of the Moon but on my way, and I wasn't even out of the city, I came across some ruins that looked like just a park in someone's neighborhood.

What must it be like to live next to something like that, that's thousands of years old? To just walk by ancient sites on your way to school or work?

Volunteer Life

What first comes to mind when you hear the term volunteer, or rather volunteer abroad? I don't know, but I ran a google search of that term, and you can click the links and see for yourself what that might look like. Certainly lots of organizations work directly with locals or community members, tackling issues such as clean water availability, poverty, hunger, and education. Plenty of student volunteers come to do service-learning (or learning service rather) with ideas in their mind about making a life-changing experience for the people their going to serve.

Personally, I know that's what I had in mind for this summer a while back when I signed up to teach a music class at the Healing House in Peru. But in learning more about my duties as an intern and going through ten-week pre-departure training through the Omprakash EdGE program, I realized that's not quite what this is all about. I'm so lucky to get to teach my own weekly music class to the local kids and in that learn more about the kids and myself as a future music teacher. However, my success with that project isn't really determined by "making a difference" in the life of "at least one kid." Sure, I'd love to make that happen, but I'd say my efforts will undoubtedly be rewarded by a more realistic idea of what it means to put together a small children's choir. In doing this, I'll learn more about the age group I'm trying to reach and the culture and community they come from. So, this summer I hope to learn more about life in Cusco and how to overcome some of the challenges of a new music teacher.

Still, my music class project is just one of my many duties here at the Healing House. Similar to an intern at a law firm or corporate business, I'm also here to help things run smoothly at the House. So that means a lot of my day-to-day work consists of answering the door, cleaning the kitchen, running errands, folding the House laundry, among a score of random odd jobs that need doing. Sure, this work isn't bringing me directly into contact with those I'm aiming to help, but it's just as necessary as our other out-reach initiatives and all of us volunteers are expected to pitch in.

Sorry Mom and Dad, no pictures of me building a well or saving a kitten from a tree this time around. Without further a due, I present to you my own 

Behind-the-Scenes Adventures of a Volunteer Intern

First off, we have this sign at the House to let the others know who's on duty in case they need to ask us to do something or leave a message for someone. Up until this morning I didn't have a name card to stick into the sign, so it was part of my job while I was on duty today to make one for myself. I think it came out lookin' pretty good. What do ya think?

Yep! That's me! :)

I might have mentioned that the first day I was on duty I was asked to paint part of a wall. Well, here it is. This is what you see when you first walk to the foyer. The black chalk-board paint didn't go past where the schedule currently is, but I painted it down that one column for us to have some space to write special event announcements.

We put a chair in front of the black smudge I  made at the bottom of painting.

Yesterday, Julia, one of the women who lives here at the house, mentioned that one of the trees in the garden didn't look so "happy" in it's pot. So, I helped her transfer it from the pot to the ground. 

our small tree and the pot it used to live in

Julia shared a lot of gardening secrets right then and there with me, such as to plant a tree you should dig a deep, square hole, so it's roots can grow into the corners. Also, we put in some broken pieces of an old pot to add some more space in the soil so the plant could breathe.

That stick on the left is bamboo we're using to support 

Everyone here uses the kitchen, so it get's dirty pretty quick. All of us, volunteers and residents, are expected to clean up after ourselves. Still, volunteers are expected to pick up the slack when things aren't in tip-top shape. This is our kitchen, after I did the dishes this morning. 

Doesn't that look spiffy?

I did mention as well that I'm also supposed to fold and put away the House laundry, right?

We dry our laundry old-school.

Well that's all for now. I'll keep you posted as I learn all the ins-and-outs of running the Healing House.

Finally, the sun came out this morning!

2. Lazy Days on the Riverbank

Okay, okay. I haven't seen any rivers in Cusco yet; although, I did cross a few streams as I hiked up to the top of the mountain I now live on. After you pass one of the only non-cobblestone, two-way streets on the outskirts of Cusco, there is a really faint grassy trail you can follow to the Temple of the Moon. I got out there, but to be honest I didn't even go all the way out the ruins. Just the trail getting there is so beautiful, I had to stop and take it all in. Also, who could resist singing your heart out at the very top of the mountain. How lucky was I to borrow such an impressive place for my practice room that day.

my take on the quintessential "relaxing by the beach" picture

Still, that's what it seems these past few days here have been about. I've honestly just been wandering around town, trying to gather my wits about me. I'm pleased to report that I can now easily get to the two biggest, open-air markets where I've been buying all of my food, mainly avocados and papayas, except for bread which I've been getting at a nearby bakery. It's surprising how inexpensive fresh, raw foods are here versus packaged, processed goods. I can also find my way to the closest public library, several good cafes, and a variety of Catholic churches.

In my various adventures in and around town, I already feel like I'm slowly immersed into the "culture" here. In general, I've found Cusqueños to be very warm, friendly, and helpful with directions. People you've just met are quite likely to kiss you on the cheek, something I'm not quite used to, but I really appreciate the thought. Still, I've also had my bumps in the road. On my very first day here in Cusco, I had my digital camera stolen from me, right out of my bag. I even felt it being taken from me, turned around, and a man told me that the man who had taken it was long gone. Well then, that certainly threw me off and had me feeling anxious for days. I just didn't want that to happen to me again. What probably upset me most wasn't that something I owned was gone and now I'd have to rely on my somewhat unimpressive iPod camera, it was how quick I was to generalize that behavior. I was still afraid to trust I could have bad luck like that anywhere, I guess it was just more notable that it'd happen here, while I was still adjusting to being in a new place. It would be incredibly unfair of me to generalize that to all new people I meet here. The exact same thing could have happened at home, and I wouldn't feel compelled to mistrust everyone I met there. For now, I can say that it's been quite a learning experience in maintaining self-awareness and awareness of my surroundings.

My volunteer work didn't officially start until Wednesday, so the days leading up to that we're really quite interesting and relaxing. Of course I had to take it easy to adjust to the altitude, something that still catches up to me whenever I try to climb upstairs or move too quickly, but I was really excited to jump into that metaphorical river from my cheesy title and get started. I did have a meeting with Niki, the founder of Healing House, on Monday about getting my music class project off the ground, but in addition to that the other volunteers and I are in charge of keeping things going at the house. Cleaning up the kitchen, answering the door, making flyers, working in the garden, etc. are all part of my duties when I'm on the schedule. So, on Wednesday my first assignment was to paint one of the walls in the foyer. Part of it was already painted with chalkboard paint for us to write our yoga/meditation class schedule, but there was a need for an announcements section. So, one of the volunteers and I found the rest of the chalkboard paint, eye-balled an alright amount of paint thinner for our assignment and just went for it. And actually, it turned out alright. I did make a mistake at one point and painted down past where we were supposed to go, but I was told that if it looked too bad we could just turn it into a bit of artwork later on. My shifts have been going quite smoothly since then, and meeting new people and answering questions at the door has been pretty interesting. And it's an excellent opportunity to practice my Spanish.

My involvement with the music classes here is what I'm looking forward to most. There are lots of opportunities to get involved with the weekly kids and young adults programs on Saturdays. I'm also working on getting some to come for a separate chorus class outside of that. Tomorrow, I'm actually going down to one of the local schools that hosts a very large Saturday program for children and parents that can't send their kids to school. I sat down with the principal today, and he was very happy to allow me to observe and offer the music class to those kids, for me to gauge interest levels and work out some logistics to making possible for as many as possible to come. I was able to meet him and have this opportunity thanks to Alvaro, a House affiliate who teaches music at that school.

I suppose I'm just dipping my toes in the water (sorry to the that mediocre river metaphor going) but I'm really happy to be here and finally start my volunteer work and contribute what I can to the good that's already going on here.

¡Feliz Día de las Madres!

Mother's day is actually a really big celebration here in Cusco. Fireworks have been going off since about 5:30am this morning. So many people we're at church with their mothers. At least that's what they told me when I asked why the cathedral was so full. And it seems every electronic store has some great special for cellphones guaranteeing nothing but the clearest calls back home to mom. While, I did get to talk to my mom today, back at the Healing House we had a special girls day complete with all-natural facials and chocolate. And of course, we made a sign special to take pictures with and send back to mom.

Hi mom! I hope you had a wonderful day! I love you and I miss you already!

That's not all I've done so far! Just yesterday, I got to participate in my first special creative kids program, and that was a total blast. We recorded a music video with the kids all dressed up and marching through the streets, also to help raise awareness about our arts and music programs. It was really fun to get to observe how the kids acted and played through out the class. Next week, I'll be leading a chorus class with them, and soon I'll be teaching my own regular music class.

I've really enjoyed the past few days here, getting to know everyone and finding my way around town. I've had my bumps in the road so far, getting lost for a bit and struggling with my Spanish vocabulary. Still, the Cusqueños I've met have been really great and most know at least some English because of how many tourists come through here.

Well, that's all for now. More updates soon!

¡Hasta luego!

Sylvia

So much for getting away from the familiar

Okay, okay. I feel silly now thinking I'd ever escape the corporate giant that is Starbucks. Oh well, this doesn't mean I have to go there or anything. Still, it's unbelievable how many tourists I spotted carrying their paper Starbucks cups!

The view from my window

I took this one with my iPod touch camera, and unfortunately this doesn't quite do the breathtaking beauty any justice. Still, I can't get too upset, especially considering my chosen blog title.

1. The Calm before the Storm

As I'm sitting here at terminal J7 waiting to board my flight and sipping my deliciously bold  Starbucks' Three Regions Blend coffee,  it finally starts to sink in. This is probably the last time I'll even see a Starbucks. How am I ever going to survive the next three months? (I'm only half-kidding.)  Still, I can't believe how much I took something as simple as that for granted. Living here in the United States, it seems you can never wander too far from all-too-popular franchise. However, the more I think about it the more I realize I'm not too upset to be getting away from all that. As much as I do enjoy Starbucks, I can hardly imagine what different kinds of coffee I'm bound to try while in Peru. 

Maybe I'll even get to see a llama up-close and personal for the first time. In that sense, I'm still the naïve young girl excited to go to a new place and meet new people. I can't believe how lucky I am that I can go abroad and experience something like this. Even though this is a volunteer internship, it's undeniably  true that I'm going to get so much more out of this than those who I'm supposed to help. Sure, I know everything won't be peaches and cream all the time, but I think even the multitude of challenges I'm also sure to face will be such great opportunities for my personal growth. Maybe I won't be saying this in a day or so, after I experience the altitude sickness associated with being high up in the Andes mountains or I get lost in Cusco for the first time and in my freaking out forget all the Spanish I know. For now, I'm eager to get going and start already.

I just really don't want to forget anything that we've covered so far in the EdGE course. I feel like I've been getting a lot out of each weeks readings and discussions. In these past nine weeks, I've had my apparent preconceived notions about this trip challenged quite a bit. I'm so glad we've discussed how good intentions can lead us astray. I'm more aware now of how easy it is to make implicit assumptions of what others need, and I hope that awareness stays with me in the coming months. Also, I feel like I just a lot more lenses for understanding and making sense of the situations I'll find myself in this summer. I wonder what other perspectives on inequality I'll encounter. I certainly hope I can keep enough of an open mind to empathize. Perhaps I'll even be able to share some of the many stories I'll hear.

So, even though I'll be away from all the familiar faces (and coffees) I know and love, I'm really looking forward to this. I've finished packing, I have all the documents I need, and just a little while ago, I waved good-bye to my mom and dad after getting through airport security. Tomorrow morning as the sun is rising, I'll be just flying into Cusco. I guess I should have typed this, my first "pre-departure" post a lot sooner, but hey, my plane doesn't board for another twenty minutes. Technically, I haven't left yet, but the adventure has already begun.

¡Hola a todos!

For those of you that don't know, my name is Sylvia and I just finished my freshman year studying choral music education at Florida State University. This summer, I will be living and volunteering in Cusco, Peru at the Healing House. Peru Through a Peephole is my attempt at sharing some of the many stories, adventures, and experiences I'll have over the coming months. I'm set to arrive in Cusco on May 10th, so stay tuned for more posts, videos, photos, recipes, all live from the field.

For now, if you'd like to learn more about the Healing House and their mission check out the video below!

Anyway, I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone at FSU Global Scholars and Omprakash for making this incredible opportunity available to me and for your continued mentoring and support. I'm really looking forward to the next three-and-a-half months!

Muchas gracias,

Sylvia