You know you have been in Perú for 6 months when:
- You always grab extra napkins or keep a roll of toilet paper in your purse just in case you need to use and public restroom
- You begin to forget words in English, but you know them in Spanish
- If it doesn’t have rice, you don’t consider it a complete meal
February so far has been an extremely busy month. We are planning group therapies for children, a retreat for adolescents, and refining a program for women. On top of everything that I am working with Laura on, I also asked to be able to go to the Albergue (shelter) once a week. The Albergue is where all the children, adolescents, and women stay when their abusive situations prevent them from staying in their own homes. It is about 30 minutes away from Huánuco, and I have to catch a bus early in the morning in order to go. This past Wednesday, I went for the first time alone in order to spend time with the girls there. I will admit I was intimidated at first to go, but as soon as I walked in I was greeted by kisses on the cheek and hugs. I was home. I agreed to teach a basic English class in the mornings, so I spent two hours going over introductions, days of the week, months of the year, and numbers. I give all teachers out there so much credit, your job is hard!
For the rest of the day I simply sat and talked to the girls. They asked me what different words were in English, we sang Enrique Iglesias songs (their favorite singer), drew pictures together, and played lots of volleyball. It wasn’t much, but it caused lots of laughter, smiles, and hugs, and that’s all that is important to me. I came home completely exhausted, but wishing I could go back again the next day. I think my visits will be a very important part of my time here in Peru. While talking to the girls I learned that most of the girls like it at the shelter, but most wish that they could go home and be with their families. Not only have they been abused, but taken away from their family and friends. It’s something that I can’t possibly fathom.
The Albergue
On Sunday, after church Laura and I decided to make it a full day of football/ fútbol. First we went to the fútbol (soccer) game in which the Huánuco team, Leon (the lions) played against a team from Uruguay. Towards the end of the game, a fight started between the players, and they had to end the game early. I was so incredibly shocked, but Laura tells me that it happens occasionally, especially with big rivals. Huánuco did win though! After leaving the stadium, Laura accompanied me to the gringo Superbowl party that Kurtis planned. The party was at a wonderful restaurant called Alua. The manager put the game up on the big screen, and also made us American types of food like wings, chilly fries, and hamburgers. I think Laura was in culture shock the entire time, but it was fun for me to relax and explain part of our culture to her.
Fútbol Stadium
Our Superbowl Stadium
Now it’s off to another busy week! Hope everyone had a wonderful Superbowl Sunday! Much love to all!
Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.
Great stuff, Hannah! I am glad you are having some new experiences and especially happy about the time you will be spending at the albergue. I wish it were more, too! So proud of you, girl.
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