Third Goal

Curious about the new machine

This photo exemplifies the differences between the traditional cultures that live off the land and the culture of the sky. The former usually saw airplanes only in the sky; seeing one up close and personal was mystifying.

Town Meeting

I was invited to one of my communitie's town meeting where the town's leader announced the construcion of a new health post in their town. These ladies were patiently waiting for the meeting to begin.

Nueva Vida

I live right next door to the health post and one night, our obstetrician came over to tell us that a woman was giving birth next door. I came over to see if I could help, and ended up witnessing my first birth. The baby was not breathing when it first came out, but my community partner skillfully and confidently brought the baby back to life.

Tamales & Friendship

One of the local mothers groups called a "Comedor Popular" invited me to make "tamales" one day, one of the typical food made from corn in the andean area of Peru. What I thought was only going to be an hour tutorial, ended up being a full day affair, and not just about "tamales," but also getting to know the women. In the end, I ate lots of good food and made a few more friends.

Knitting in the Sierra

I was invited to a meeting in one of my communities only to find out that the meeting didn't start on time. The women, however, didn't seem phased, as they were all busy knitting and talking to one another.

Quesillo

My neighbor invited me to watch her make cheese one afternoon. Everyday she collects milk from her neighbors, and in the afternoon, she puts all in a large vat and mixes it with the culture and salt. Then she fits it all into molds once it start curdling. This is called "Quesillo" and is eaten plain or on potatoes.

Food or Pet?

Guinea pig in Peru are raised as food, and lucky for me, I never had one as a pet. They are prepared normally by either frying them or preparing a stew with them. I prefer them fried, but only without the head. I don't like that part so much. They are normally served at special occasions, such as weddings, baptisms, school graduations, or various festivals in town.

Clean Hands!

After a handwashing activity my elementary school kids were so proud of their clean hands and fingernails.

abuelita y nieta

My host grandmother and her granddaughter had a very special relationship.

making ceramics - the ancient way

The ceramic artisans of Piura, Peru produce fine pieces of ceramic using the ancient techniques of the pre-Incan Vicús culture.  The first step is to knead the clay from the river beds.     In this pictures I'm learning to do just that, using the tradition tools to knead the clay: your feet.

Mollendo, Peru

First time for these children to see the ocean.  They lived in a barrio in Arequipa, Peru at an altitude of 8000 feet.   Was an exciting and joyful experience for all of us. 

Small Business Development Projects in Peru 2008 - 2010

Huayno Dance Off

A little girl and I were having a dance-off to the native dance of the Peruvian Sierra called "Huayno" one rainy afternoon. The little girl won.