My first ever trip to Peru July 2007
"It was undoubtedly a step out in faith, for 26 of our Church family, on a journey of discovery to Peru. We were part of a Vine Trust work party from East Calder and Kirknewton Church. We were going to Kusi, high in the Andes, to help towards the construction of buildings in a small community in Kusi. Already established there is a home for 21 boys together with a school for the younger boys, which is also attended by local children. In Puerto Alegria we were required to do some maintenance work on a children’s home which supported boys from nearby Belen, a place I do not think I will ever get out of my mind. Such desperate poverty! Vultures every where you looked!
However, never in my wildest dreams, did I think I would ever travel to such a far away place. The whole experience was incredibly humbling inspiring, just amazing and I can say in all honesty it was personally challenging, if not a life changing experience! Makes you put things into perspective - what‘s important and what - just isn’t!
In Kusi, we awoke each day to the breathtaking beauty of the Andes and surrounding landscape, but for me, the really beauty lay in the smiles on the faces of these disadvantaged children who had no material things, only dark secrets of unspeakable cruelty, experienced in their young lives. Yet they were so grateful for the care and safety they now enjoyed.
The second stage of our trip took us the jungle to Puerto Alegria, a two hour journey by boat from Iquitos, to another home for street boys. The beauty of this location was stunning but so different from the altitude and fresh mountain air and warmth of the sunshine in Kusi. The noise of the jungle never ceased. Every noise represented a living thing which generally could not be seen, but did create a sense of wonder as to what animals were actually out there! The temperatures were “sweaty” to say the least but did not prevent work of the group going ahead. Work was of the labouring nature – a far cry from pen pushing back home – but morale and job satisfaction were incredibly high. Unfortunately, we had less chance to get to know the boys here as our stay was short, but never the less vulnerable children from such impoverished backgrounds and horrendous life experiences were safe and receiving an education they would never have had on the streets.
Emotions ran high! There were times of both incredible highs and desperate lows. But out of really bad situations, good can prevail and that must give hope to the many work parties now going to Peru with the realisation that ordinary people working together can effect significant change.
What I am now convinced of is that there is something ordinary folk like us can do. We cannot do everything but we can do something. There is no option to do nothing! Seeing with your own eyes convicts you of this in no way that TV or photographs can!
You can only marvel at what has been accomplished by the Vine Trust Projects thus far with so much more to do. God is good.
One of the lovely outcomes of the trip was the special bond we had one with each other. Our group all looked out for one another and that too remains special still. Peru will remain forever in our hearts and prayers together with the Vine Trust and Scripture Union Peru.
There is so much need in the world today which is daunting to say the least. But rest assured, whilst we cannot do everything, importantly, we as individuals, can do something! God Bless."
Read more about Marion's experiences...
Marion Goodall, KNEC Work Party 2007