23 things for which I'm thankful

Since Thanksgiving was just celebrated last week in the USA, I've been thinking about being thankful. I thought it would be a good exercise for me to write down many things I'm thankful for in my life here in Peru. It's sometimes easy to focus on the difficulties and differences and to spend time complaining about how things aren't how I do things. So here is a list of 23 things for which I am giving thanks to the Lord - some are more serious than others!

I am thankful that the Lord hears my prayers and is with me at every moment.
I am thankful that I live in a safe apartment with people who care about my well being.
I am thankful for a Christian school environment in which to get some teaching experience.
I am thankful for the Baileys and for their concern and care and provision of amazing Sunday lunches.
I am thankful for the other English teachers and volunteers who are good company and an encouragement.
I am thankful for an opportunity to use my music skills in the classroom and for the two very pleasant music teachers I can work with.
I am thankful for the snack kiosk, my free coffee every morning, and the good meals that are provided at school - and the care the kitchen staff take over my egg allergy.
I am thankful that I can walk home from school.
I am thankful that Rachel and Jodie don't live far away, that there is a Starbucks near them, that I can get fresh milk in the Vivanda (a shop) near them, and that there is a bus service that goes from their house to near mine.
I am thankful for those children who give me big hugs and show me affection.
I am thankful to have a mobile phone to use here and internet access in the house.
I am thankful for the foods I can eat here and the availability of some things familiar to me.
I am thankful for a chance to see whether teaching is for me and a chance to work with children.
I am thankful that I'm growing in my knowledge of Spanish and my confidence to use it.
I am thankful for MC and Erick and for the care they take of me, making sure I get to church safely with them and inviting me to their house.
I am thankful for a small church that preaches the true gospel and for the friendly members there.
I am thankful for the infrequency of the times I feel unwell due to the food and water.
I am thankful for a growth in independence which allows me to get a bus by myself, walk to the little supermarket nearby, and not have to wait at school for Diana.
I am thankful that my accommodation costs are covered by the school and that I have a monthly allowance to keep me going on daily necessities.
I am thankful to be living near a main road (Salaverry) and near an important landmark (the hospital) - this is important for bus services.
I am thankful that I haven't found it impossible to get up each morning at an early hour.
I am thankful that the shower is not stone cold anymore.
I am thankful for a comfy bed and for the good sleep I've been enjoying.

Pachacutec: Christmas come early

Today a group of us from Colegio San Andres went to a part of the city (about 1 and 1/2 hours from the school...it's on the outskirts) called Pachacutec. It's a very poor area. The housing is basic, and the only attractive thing about the place is its position on the coast. There are dogs covered in fleas wandering around, and the roads aren't necessarily paved. It's so desert-like too.

There is a small Presbyterian church in this district, and it was to the children of this church's Sunday School that we were giving gifts. Of course, there are often children who come to these San Andres visits who are not associated with the church - they just want the presents! - but there was a good group of children of all ages waiting for us when we arrived.

The 4th and 5th year prefects in secondary, the chaplain Juan Jose, another teacher Carlos, the Baileys, Jodie and myself were those who went on the trip. The students had prepared a short programme, with quiz, games and a play. They did really well, and the children were full of energy and excitement. Then the school chaplain Pastor Juan Jose gave a brief message about the Christmas story and about how God does miracles and changes people's lives. After all these activities, the children were called out one by one to receive their Christmas gift.

The gifts were toys and clothes that had been donated by San Andres children, parents, teachers and volunteers. They were all wrapped in Christmas paper, which made it even more exciting! The children opened their presents as soon as they got them - who would wait?!

It was lovely to see their reactions and have an opportunity to talk to them and give them a cuddle. Some of them are in such sad circumstances and have some problems that most children would have seen to immediately. As much as I loved going there and being with them, it was very sobering. It makes my complaints about a lukewarm shower seem so petty. It's good to have something like that to put my life and comforts in perspective. Please pray for these children and their families. Pray also for the church there, that it would have a good influence in that area.

From the bus, on the journey upwards to Pachacutec. Basic housing in the desert.

The Pachacutec children, waiting for their Christmas presents!

With a sweet little girl called Darma.

The San Andres students who presented a programme for the children.

Little Stefanie was thrilled with her baby doll!

Our group outside the church.

Hooray for Starbucks!

One of the best things about being a student in Aberdeen is meeting up with friends and having FCYA meetings and YF committee meetings at little cafes and tea shops like the ones on campus and Kilau. I miss that soooooo much! I can't wait to see you all again, my dear Aberdonians!

Anyway, what I was going to say is that I am happy that there is a Starbucks just down the road from where Rachel and Jodie stay! We've been...a few times... :-) Chocolate caliente, anyone? Or a frappuccino? Yummm.... It's not very Peruvian. Actually, when I walk into Starbucks I feel like I'm walking into the USA or UK. It looks exactly the same as at home.

I can't believe that Christmas is coming so soon. It's November the 23rd already! (And Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends for tomorrow!) It's so un-Christmas-y here, in terms of weather and all that. I was in a department shop earlier this evening, and on the ground floor there were bikinis galore, while just a floor above were the Christmas tree decorations and toy snowmen holding 'Let it snow!' signs. It's rather amusing!

In Starbucks last week, the background music was a jazzy collection of British/American Christmas songs, including 'Let it snow!' I laughed out loud at the words 'Oh the weather outside is frightful' and then 'How I hate going out in the snow'... It's almost summertime here! It's just so weird...

On a rather different note, please remember in your prayers a trip this Friday to a far-away part of the city called Pachacutec. It's a very poor area, and a few of us from the school (older students and helpers) are going out there to distribute presents to children. Jodie and I went toy shopping after school today; it's been a while since I've done that, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I got a little doll for a girl and a ball for a boy, and Jodie bought PlayDoh. Children at school have been donating toys too, so we should have a happy collection of Christmas presents for the Pachacutec kids. Pray that we will have good opportunities for service on Friday and that the Lord will bless the people we meet.

Jodie and myself in Starbucks a couple of months ago :-)

There is a hope

Just wanted to share this song with you all. It's quickly becoming one of my favourites, and after the ups and downs of the past few weeks it has become special to me.

THERE IS A HOPE that burns within my heart,
That gives me strength for every passing day;
A glimpse of glory now revealed in meagre part,
Yet drives all doubt away:
I stand in Christ, with sins forgiven;
And Christ in me, the hope of heaven!
My highest calling and my deepest joy,
To make His will my home.

There is a hope that lifts my weary head,
A consolation strong against despair,
That when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit,
I find the Saviour there!
Through present sufferings, future's fear,
He whispers 'courage' in my ear.
For I am safe in everlasting arms,
And they will lead me home.

There is a hope that stands the test of time,
That lifts my eyes beyond the beckoning grave,
To see the matchless beauty of a day divine
When I behold His face!
When sufferings cease and sorrows die,
And every longing satisfied.
Then joy unspeakable will flood my soul,
For I am truly home.

Stuart Townend & Mark Edwards
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCQj5zU6PPI

Art History Presentation

I've just woken up from a nap...ah... I was up quite late last night because I was preparing a presentation for today. My leaving it to the last minute, but still getting it done, will be no surprise to those of you knew me throughout high school and uni! :-) Some things never change...

On my first day of school, back in September, I was introduced to the art teacher Mariano. I mentioned to him that I enjoyed studying art history in my senior year and then at university for two years. He asked me then to give a short presentation to some of his secondary students on a topic of art history that I really enjoyed. Inwardly I was thinking, 'Oh dear oh dear oh dear,' but I just smiled and said, 'Si!'

A few weeks ago he mentioned it to me again, and we fixed today as the date. I spent about 6 hours in the past few nights preparing a 30-minute talk with a PowerPoint of photos. My subject was cathedral arquitecture during the transitional period between Romanesque and Gothic, with my two main examples being Durham Cathedral and St Denis. It's an area on which I've written more than a couple of essays and done extra reading and research, and I also find it really interesting. I love visiting cathedrals and ancient churches.

The main problem with giving this presentation was that I had to do it in Spanish!!! I wrote out a complete script for myself because I was scared to go up and then go blank! All the technical terms of arquitecture were difficult to translate, but I got through it in the end.

What was discouraging was the pupils' lack of attention and rude behaviour. They whispered and laughed among themselves during my entire presentation, although they were old enough to know to stop that. I found that very difficult to deal with and felt that from a teaching point of view my spending 6 hours in preparation had been a waste of time. Some of their behaviour is cultural, but I don't know how to distinguish between the talkative cultural part and plain disrespect. To me, it all seems like disrespect. Needless to say, I was rather discouraged by the end of my presentation.

However, there are some positive sides to it, of which some of my fellow Scottish volunteers were kind enough to remind me: I got great practice for my Spanish in preparing a long oral presentation, I got to review a subject that interests me, and the art teacher appreciated it. Also, he gave me a thank you card with a painting he had done himself on the front. It's wonderful! I've attached a photo below. It's called 'Mujer Mochica' ('Mochica Woman'; apparently, Mochica is an ancient Peruvian civilisation), and I'm thrilled to have it. Mariano is a lovely older man (he's been at the school longer than any other teacher...40-something years!), and I'm glad that I got to do something for him even if the students weren't so cultured in their appreciation for art and history... ;-)

'Mujer Mochica' by Mariano Lint

DISASTER at the school function

Last night gave me sufficient material for a dramatic blog post! Every year the parents of San Andres students give a gift to the school, and this year it was a stage for use on the patio outside. It was a grand looking stage, all decorated in blue and white, and a programme of choir performances had been planned for yesterday evening. Our own school choirs and a few other choirs from schools and groups in Lima were invited to sing on the new stage as it was gifted to the school. I was there to help direct the other choirs to their rooms, etc.

At 5 o'clock, an hour before the programme was due to start (although it's always doubtful that Peruvian things will start on time), we were getting our San Andres children ready for a rehearsal on the stage. They climbed up onto the new stage and were standing on the risers for the next 45 minutes or so. As they started to descend, just before 6, to get properly lined up inside, a large section of this brand-new stage collapsed, taking children and risers with it. It was a rather panicked time, as people ran to get the children out and stop other instruments and large speakers from falling into the hole too.

Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt. A few of the little ones were very upset, understandably, but no one had more than grazes and bruises.

So much for the wonderful new school stage.

The whole thing had to be swiftly moved indoors to the auditorium. The school janitors and security men worked so well at extricating the risers and fallen drums and moving everything else to the much safer stage inside. It was mayhem for a while, and the concert started almost an hour late. But everyone was just so thankful that no one was badly injured and that it had happened during a rehearsal and not during the actual concert.

The programme went smoothly after that, and all the groups sang well. I was trying to keep a group of 2nd graders quiet at the back of the hall - not easy! They'd had a long day and were just simply not interested in the choirs... I was trying to encourage one little girl to listen to the music because it was really good, but she said, 'But Miss, there isn't any music; they're just singing.' Ummm...haha... I was really tired when I got in last night, after all that stress and a busy week. Hooray for the weekend!



Children climbing onto the stage for the rehearsal, just a little while before it collapsed



One of the 1st grade teachers, Silvana, and me

The San Andres Choir in its new performance location

Pachacamac School Trip

Last night Diana mentioned that Daniel was going on a school trip today, and as there was space for another chaperone, I went along to the Pachacamac Archeological Site with the second years. It is to the south of Lima, at the coast. It looks very desert-like and it's hot! Unlike other ancient sites like Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, we couldn't walk in the most of the sites themselves - only in the roads beside them. Not all of them are Inca ruins; other groups of people who lived before the Incas built some temples and cities. The Templo del Sol is the highest part and is Inca; it faces the sea (where the sunset can be seen) and the large rocks just off the coast (which are significant in an Inca legend). There isn't as much to see there as there is in the other places I've visited recently, but it was an interesting trip. I was glad to have this last-minute opportunity to see another ancient Peruvian site.

Templo del Sol in the background and my group of San Andres students in the foreground

Interesting ancient pyramid (trapezoidal)

From the Templo del Sol, looking out into the Pacific Ocean

On the way down back into the desert!

A beautiful collection of exotic plants

Recent Events

Many of you probably heard of the earthquake that happened in Peru last week. It was felt in Lima, but there wasn't any damage done here. In fact, I didn't even feel it!! Jodie and I were leaving a class at the time, and suddenly the alarm bell went off and everyone was running towards the playground. They take it all very seriously here, but there wasn't anything to worry about, thankfully.

On Saturday morning I went to the opera in the Museo de la Nacion. One of the school music teachers, Jorge, sings with the National Choir, and they were performing an opera of Hansel and Gretel. Jorge gave me two free tickets - brilliant! Ruth Bailey came with me, and we really enjoyed it. It was aimed at a younger audience, so there were lots of children in attendance. Hansel was a mezzosoprano and the witch was a man, but apart from these 'oddities' and the fact that all the singing was in Spanish, I thought it was super. After the opera, the Baileys took me to the Jockey Plaza, a big shopping centre, where we ate at the American restaurant Chili's! One of my favourite restaurants! And, being a creature of habit, I chose the same thing from the menu that I would have chosen in Carlisle! Yummm...

On Monday night I was at another theatre performance, but this time it was a school production. As a kind of counter-Halloween, the school put on an evangelistic play/musical, Celebrando a Jesus. The play and the music was mostly written by the school's own staff, and both students and teachers took part. That was really nice, and its uniqueness made it all the more worth seeing. It was an enjoyable evening at school, and the gospel was presented clearly to many parents and friends who might not necessarily be believers.

Tuesday was a day off school! I can't remember why there was a holiday, but it was great to get a day off. I spent the day relaxing and meeting up with Rachel and Jodie.

Today has been English Day at school. It was a morning of English-teaching activities with an animal theme for the Kinder and 1st grade students. We have spent quite a lot of time this week preparing for it. I was with two Kinder classes first thing in the morning, and we were learning the names of a lion and a parrot. I had made animal masks for them to colour in and wear, and they really enjoyed that. Later in the morning I was working with one of the 1st grade classes, and we made puppets on lollipop sticks and then a mini book with the pictures of mother and baby animals - duck and duckling, dog and puppy, cat and kitten, horse and foal. The kids are adorable; it's great fun interacting with them and getting all those hugs and kisses! :-)

I can't believe it's November already. I arrived here 6 weeks today, and it's just about that amount of time until I return to the States for Christmas. Overall, I am happy to be here in Peru. The difficulties of a culture change are to be expected, and I'm still figuring out many things and getting used to the lifestyle. You can pray that I will be given the strength and grace to overlook the small inconveniences and to remain positive in all the challenges that I face, linguistically and culturally. No one ever said that Lima would be just like Aberdeen or Darlington or Carlisle, so why should I expect it to be like them?!