November 3, 2011

Message from my Heart

In the last two newsletters I shared two very unique opportunities  Part 1 and Part II to volunteer and serve others while on vacation (also known as Voluntourism) in Peru. Today I would like to share the experience of our final service project through GlobeAware that we participated in during our memorable trip to Peru.

Thinking of our final days of service in Cusco just reminded me of how fortunate we are to have our children living with us. We have the means to provide an education to them and certainly have many opportunities to be proud of their accomplishments and talents as we attend soccer games, swim meets, award ceremonies, class plays, musical performances and concerts, dance recitals, etc. etc. We see their self-esteem and confidence flourish. Needless to say, it felt really good to be doing something for the children in Cusco who did not live with their parents, but were given an opportunity to be educated, learn some basic life skills and nurture their talents.

 

Today's Inspiring Story

We left the Sacred Valley for our final two days of service projects in Cusco at the Albergue, a home for 22 children between the ages of 10-18. Most of them have parents who live on farms and in villages that do not have access to schools, nor can they afford them, so they apply for their children to live at the Albergue and hope to get lucky. Most of the children have been sponsored to live here and go to school for at least 5 years. Some are fortunate enough to be educated for up to 7 years. When they leave the Albergue, they have a basic education and they have acquired some life skills in carpentry, sewing, metalwork, cooking, and gardening. Some of them will go on to become educators in their villages so that they can help their own communities. 

Upon arrival at the Albergue, our two teams were pumped and ready to work. One group started building the Adobe brick walls of a future classroom and the other group started sanding pre-cut logs for a fence. It was a lot of heavy lifting, muddy, dusty and tiring work, but very gratifying when we were done for the day. We could see progress and were ready to continue working the next day.

But before we left the Albergue for the day, the kids treated us to a surprise talent show showcasing their traditional song and dance. They even managed to get some of us to get up and participate with them. After the performance they all came around and gave us hugs and thanked us for our time and effort with beautiful cards. Seeing their beautiful smiles made the day’s hard work all worthwhile. 

The next day, our team was anxious to make more progress even though we knew the work would have to be continued and finished by future volunteers. It was satisfying to see the structure coming up, especially the log fence which we managed to get up and even paint. The younger volunteers really enjoyed the painting. It gave them an opportunity to leave a personal touch and made the fence more fun for the kids at the Albergue. 

We enjoyed another healthy lunch before saying goodbye to all. We even had time on the last afternoon to hit the cobblestone streets and main square in Cusco. We really enjoyed the walk, the sights, the shopping, and could not decide where to grab dinner. One of the most beautiful sights was the church at the hotel Monastario. The carvings were so intricate and the colors so vibrant. 

Our trip to Peru was a lot of fun. We really enjoyed all the sights. Machu Picchu was definitely a highlight, but all the service projects we worked on throughout the week were truly inspiring, fulfilling and really gave us an opportunity to interact with the local Peruvian people. They are very friendly, grateful and welcoming. We came home with a perspective we will treasure for a lifetime. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vacations That Matter Recommends

Join one of these trips and experience FUN, SUN...A LITTLE GIVING...A LOT OF GRATITUDE!!!

GUATEMALA, YEAR ROUND

Enjoy ancient ruins, Mayan culture and way of life, hiking in the mountains, volcanos, lakes & Jungles. Spend time volunteering at a coffee plantation or plant trees and maintain reforestation efforts.

PERU, YEAR ROUND

Experience Peru’s intriguing culture, landscape and the lost kingdom of Machu Picchu Spend a day assembling and distributing wheelchairs, building stoves or distributing shoes; provide basic Medical care, water, or help out at a women’s shelter and soup kitchen.

MEXICO, YEAR ROUND

Treat yourself to beautiful beaches, Mayan Ruins, culture, food, & adventure activities Spend a few hours visiting a women’s shelter or implementing a recycling program, helping farmers, conserve forests or monitor sea turtles.

VIETNAM & CAMBODIA (INDOCHINA), - NOVEMBER 2011- APRIL 2012

Experience the tranquility of Angkor Wat and Ha Long Bay Spend a day building water filters and distributing them to Villages or spend time at orphanages. Help farmers or teach English.

JAMAICA, YEAR ROUND

Indulge in sugar white sand, warm tropical sun and crystal clear turquoise water, Blue Mountains, Reggae & Jamaican Jerk cuisine Spend time with the Children of Jamaica in their schools or orphanage SCOTLAND, MAY – AUGUST, 2012 Enjoy Golf, Castles, Distilleries & Gardens out at the local soup kitchen.
For bookings or inquiries please contact
NINA PATEL

Vacations That Matter
714-925-1769
nina@vacationsthatmatter.com
http://www.vacationsthatmatter.com

 

 

About Vacations That Matter

Vacations that Matter specializes in planning customized group vacations for families, friends, collegues, church members, associations, corporations, clubs or any affinity groups who would like to enjoy their vacations and make a difference while bonding, sharing gratifying experiences, and memorable journeys together.

Our customized group vacations are about having fun, sharing dreams, and giving hope, by incorporating a few hours to a couple of days of volunteer work such as visiting a school, orphanage, women's shelter, and soup kitchen, or working on projects including wildlife conservation, trail maintenance, building, painting, sharing professional expertise, and much much more.

Matters of the Heart is an electronic newsletter serving as an inspirational tool for anyone who wishes to pay it forward while enjoying their vacation, published by VacationsThatMatter.

 

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