placement and home base

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Permalink Reply by Martha Dudenhoeffer on March 18, 2009 at 12:35am

Hey Emily! I think one of the best placements is in the prison working with the women. only thing, you should be fairly versed in Spanish. I've been three times and I love it. I'll see if I can upload some photos.

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Permalink Reply by Martha Dudenhoeffer on March 18, 2009 at 12:37am

Of course, I'm sure if you spoke with people who volunteered in the orphanage, that would be their preference, etc. It sort of depends on what you're into, you know?

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Permalink Reply by Emily Harrison on March 18, 2009 at 6:29pm

oh defiantly. thanks a ton for the response, the photos would be nice to browse through.

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Permalink Reply by Jacci Schlegel on March 29, 2009 at 6:32pm

I did not like the prison one bit.

I did like the orphanage, the best. The "Wawa Wasi" (day care ctr) was (of course) kinda dirty and very sparse, but I felt I added a lot there to some very needy kids. The nursing home was good too, mostly b/c we put music on and danced w/the ladies who seemed to really enjoy. Otherwise they just sit there all day.

I also enjoyed the "Center for the Street Children". the kids there don't always have homes/parents and seemed starved for attention and affection.

I also would highly recommend studying Spanish as much as possible. Andrea told me most spoke only Quechan, which was just not true. she also said don't worry about not speaking Spanish which I think was very bad advice. I wish I'd studied more. Almost NO ONE knew English. However, some volunteers knew no Spanish at all and they got by, so its not impossible. But its easy enough to learn at least some basic words. Try that 123 teachme website that CCS gives us.

Home base was fabulous, clean, safe. The 3 meals/day were very good. The staff were great! A bit noisy sometimes as we had 15 young people (all very interesting, well traveled, and from all over the world). Ear plugs helped, and I'd consider them a MUST. There are barking dogs right outside that bark all night.

All this being said, I was able to just "buck up" and remember the reason I was there.

would be glad to talk more if you like - was there 2/14/09. Oh yea - Ayacucho is not a "mountain town". Its actually a huge city - just so you know. Also Machu Picchu is the most beautiful scenic place I've ever been blessed to see - and I have been a lot of places around the world. Can send pics if you like. jaccischlegel@yahoo.com

Jacci

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Permalink Reply by Emily Harrison on March 30, 2009 at 1:28am

what a wonderful reply! thank you so much Jacci that really helps

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