February 2013 Pembroke Diocese Youth Work Experience In Chincha Alta, Peru: DAY 5

Today was an amazing day! Our whole group went to the children’s mass this morning. We sat down in our benches and were greeted by many people, two of whom were little boys who had sung to us on Friday night. We listened to all the readings and gospels in Spanish. Lucky for us the children of the choir had printed off English versions of the readings. We also had photocopies of the songs we were going to be singing during mass so it would be easier to follow along. Towards the end of mass the priest had told the entire church that a group from Canada had come to visit Chincha. Every single person in the church had turned to look at us, it was a bit awkward but we all just smiled. The priest finished saying what he needed and the group went up in front of the church to give out balloons and Canadian pins to the scholarship children. There were so many students that were getting help from people in Canada it was amazing. Giving out the balloons was so much fun because it was amazing to see all the little girls´ and boys´ faces light up. Some of the children even said Thank you as opposed to gracias and it was so cool to see them put in effort to make themselves understood. I couldn’t help but respond in Spanish. Seeing the children so happy to have us there with them was truly the highlight of my day, I will never forget their adorable faces. Sabrynna

The Children’s mass was a lovely start to the day – lots of children singing with actions across the front of the church, accompanied by guitars, drum and tambourine. Angela and I met our sponsored teen. I thought I recognized her from the photo, so asked her name to be sure. She was excited to see us. We will be connecting again at a later date, as well as with my sister, Sharon´s, child and Lily & Gerry Mungham´s child. I met the Desrocher’s sponsored children earlier. Yesterday, Chris Cole, Angela and I visited Jim and Ali Keogh. We connected with our sponsored single mom who has done well to upgrade her schooling and is now taking computer training. She’s probably much better than moi. J The heat and humidity have been something to get used to, even at night. The light breeze is welcome. The Sisters and Yvonne have treated us to pools to cool off. Later today we went swimming and a water slide at “The Paradise”, and enjoyed a meal by the pool under grass covered huts. The few people with earlier stomach ailments are on the mend - working in the sun and humidity can sneak up on you in the eagerness to serve. We´ve given Gatorade lots of business! I feel very blessed and privileged to be among this beautiful group of youth who remind me of Christ – peaceful and quiet even when their strength is at a low at times. Grace

Today we had a relaxed day. We went to Mass and got to meet all the scholarship children and teens. We handed out balloons and pins. The Mass was so lively and there was lots of fun up-beat music. Later we went swimming at a public pool, which was a lot of fun. We had lots of time to talk and get to know one another better. Each day I like being here more I cannot believe it is already Sunday. I also got to see the family that we took shopping yesterday for gifts at Mass and most of the children were wearing their outfits, they looked so cute. Sydney

On the streets of Ottawa one can see a great number of people headed to work and going about their business. People going this way and that, yet the streets lack life. I’m not quite sure why this is, but I think it stems from peoples inability to see, or ignorance of, the world as it moves around them. It seems that many people are so detached from the world they live in that would fail to notice even the littlest of things, like a soft spring rain, like an English rain. As far as the feeling of vibrance goes, cities like Ottawa pale in comparison to a place like Chincha. Here the streets are teeming with life, people are so much more involved in the world around them, and by comparison the atmosphere here is much lighter and happier, despite all the depravities that come with being a very poor town. Compared to Chincha, cities like Ottawa seem dead. Jordan

Today we went to mass. After mass was over we met all the scholarship students. The rest of the day was a relaxing day at a pool. Kayla

Today we went to mass, then after that we met the scholarship children and handed out balloons and Canadian pins. After that we all went to a public pool which was a lot of fun. I also learnt some dances that they dance here with the others this morning. Kristin

This morning even though we had free time until mass at 11 30, most of us were still up early and had a lot of time in the morning. Before mass started the children all got up to sing a few songs and it was great to see that even the people sitting in pews were singing along or clapping and doing actions. From what I saw of this mass, their church is a lot more upbeat than the ones back home. Later in the afternoon the group went to ´´Paradise´´ which is a public pool complete with a waterslide. On the way home we stopped for more picarones, which we tried for the first time yesterday. Today was a relaxing break from the work we’ve been doing but I’m excited to get back to that and take some more kids shopping. Marissa

Long before mass started today, a girl named Mille came to the mission house to teach some of us a traditional Peruvian dance. Apparently it’s a flirting dance (awkward but fun). Lots of posture, back arching, hip swaying, and smiling. I think my post-Peruvian resolution is to have proper posture. Angela

Wonderful day today, as attested to above, finished off by some relaxing reflexology by Sr. Gloria’s sister, Maria. She gave our feet a much needed workout as the heat and humidity is playing a toll on them. We should be rejuvenated for a few days and have a good night. Yvonne

The Parish of Our Lady of Fatima here in Chincha is supported to a great extent by the Parish of Mount St. Patrick in the Diocese of Pembroke so it was nice to have Kistin and Kayla Mulville from Mount St Patrick with us on this first youth mission. The huge resurrection cross at the front of the church was donated by the People of Mount St. Patrick at the time of the renovations and ever since then Our Lady of Fatima Parish has been the recipients of the Peruvian Mission Collection done yearly in Mount St. Patrick.

I have attached two pictures of the scholarship children (7&8 year olds and one of the 9 & 10 year olds)

Also attached are two pictures of the youth learning to do a typical Peruvian dance.

I want to attach a picture the family that was visited yesterday, they are sporting hats that were generously donated by Marks Work Wear house. My sister-in-law Heather Coulterman works at the store in Renfrew asked if hats would be appreciated in Peru, well I must say we have given out a number of them and still have many to distribute. The first group went to the families living out in the bamboo homes we are repairing and this family living on the farm we visited sure were sure happy to have them as well. They are out in that hot sun longer hours than many.

Tomorrow is a day at the ocean in Pisco and a visit with the sea lions. Good night! Pauline

Group in front of the altar at The Parish of Our Lady of Fatima in Chincha Alta. Note the resurrection cross behind the altar was donated by Mount St. Patrick's Parish.