YouTube video

Check out the YouTube video of our trip to Peru. 

Young Adult Global Encounter - Peru 2013

DIACONIA visit - May 20, 2013

Went to the DIACONIA office today.  The office is in one of the poorest areas. Carmella said it was nice that the office in this area because these are the people that are most helped by DIACONIA. 

It was interesting to find out how DIACONIA works. It was first developed in Yancast in 1974. DIACONIA is part of Lutheran World Federation and is involved in national development. DIACONIA is also a part of ACT Alliance. 

DIACONIA has many diverse projects. Currently, there are 9 areas that they work on:

1. Micro finance

2. Children's health

3. Nutrition 

4. Environment protection

5. Domestic violence

6. Creating local markets in the Andy's

7. Reforestation 

8. Farming

9. Political climate change (working with ACT Alliance on this

DIACONIA is also working with United Nations Climate change inc. 

Financial support comes from:

- Lutheran church of Sweden

- Belgium government

- CLWR

- Local donations

- and a few more

DIACONIA needs to find other funding, as there currently isn't enough money to go around.  

To support a project, it's approx. $100,000 (American). The CLWR funded project in Casma empowers 300 farmers and costs approx. $50,000/year. 

Projects take approx. 1-1/2years to develop, therefore, they are currently developing projects for 2015. 

2013-2014 projects include: 

-climate change

-reforestation

-seed protection

-preventing water contamination

As new projects start and new ones are developed, current projects continue. CLWR is involved in the projects in Casma only. 

In Casma, promotors help at the farms with education. Recruiting for promotors happens thru Robert going to small towns and having meetings to explain the education offered. He works with farmers who have the least (poverty); 1/2-2 hectares of land. Farmers also have agree to certain "rules":

1. Teared land

2. Soil preservation

3. Avoid soil erosion by diversification 

4. The use of NO chemicals 

DIACONIA is interested in working with mining companies directly, to develop regulations. Today, there are 82 different mining companies in Peru, that have multiple mines each. They are large corporations that have more "power" and $$$, therefore they are able to bypass the Governments and don't have to pay taxes on signed contracts or follow Canadian regulation. 

These mining companies do not employ locals because you need to be educated to work there; the workers are from the big cities and only make $2000/month. These companies also have outlandish requests; example: one mine wants to move an entire lake to another location in Peru because there is Gold under the water. 

Due to this interest, Carmella will be contacting Canadian churches to talk about Social Reform and relations with small businesses. 

Harper in Peru - what the media didn't tell you

Here is an interesting article. 

http://m.thetyee.ca/Opinion/2013/05/30/Stephen-Harper-Peru/

Leaving on a jet plane

4:56 and waiting to board shuttle to airport. Wrote on the wall, to let people know we were here!! We will never forget. Thanks all for the great trip. Thanks Peru for the hospitality. 

Last full day in Peru

Went and visited the DIACONIA offices in Lima this morning. It was very interesting. I will post more on it in a different Blog post. 

We gave our extra snacks to Carmella, plus toilet paper and tide sink soap for laundry. It was great to see her smile and enjoy our "gifts". 

After the visit, we went to old Lima and toured the catacombs, which were super cool. All the bones were heads, pelvis' and femors. I wanted to know where the rest of the bones were. Grandma wouldn't of liked it because it was all under ground, in short but rather expansive rooms. 

In one on the chapel rooms, there was a cross with Jesus hanging on it. The Jesus was completely white; that is because it is made from three elephant tusks put together. It was so cool. 

I missed the upper floor because I had to visit the bano. So it's a good thing we are sharing pictures. After, I sat and people watched, while waiting for the bus. The courtyard for the cathedral was full of pigeons. It was crazy. I didn't realize there were so many different types and colours. 

Time off this afternoon. Megan and I walked to the ocean and got Starbucks. It was so beautiful. There is a mall built into the side of a mountain, on the ocean. WOW! WOW! WOW!

Walking back from the ocean and we almost got pick pocketed. There was a woman asking for money beside us and another woman on a cellphone in front of us with a child. They tried to box us in between them and the wall. We caught on, because we are educated, so we sped up our walking and got out of there right away. I have to say that that was the first time I felt unsafe or taken advantage of here. 

We had our final debrief in the meeting room. It was nice to talk about what we expect and hope for the future.

After our discussion, we left messages in our books to each other. Wes took it one step further and said it to us personally as well. It was nice. I'm going to save mine for the flight home. 

Dinner was at a nice restaurant that we walked to. Lina and I split our dinners; calzone and grilled sirloin sandwich. I had a strawberry daceri that was really good but ended up on my lap. Ha! Ha! Oh well!!

Packing now. Have to be down for the bus at 4:45am. Little sleep again. I'll sleep well tomorrow night. 

Sad to be leaving peru and this amazing experience but looking forward to sharing my stories once I get home.  I look forward to my new puppy at home. Then off to Geneva on the 27th. 

Night!! See you soon. I'll keep you posted on follow up that is done for Peru. 

Pisco sour

• Pisco sour
• 1/4 cup (2 oz.) pisco (see notes)
• 1 tablespoon sugar $
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon pasteurized egg whites

1. Preparation 
2. In a blender, whirl 3 ice cubes, pisco, sugar, fresh lime juice, and egg whites. Whirl until smooth (you'll no longer hear the ice cracking against the side of the blender) and serve straight up in a martini glass with a dash of aromatic bitters and a wedge of lime.
3. Peruvian Pantry: Pisco. A brandy distilled from several different grape varieties grown in South America, it is the national drink of Peru and comes in many styles--from smooth and sippable to rough and fiery. (Chile also produces pisco, although Peru contends that the Chilean version is not real pisco but a Chilean brandy that needs its own name.) Pisco became popular in California during the Gold Rush, when Peruvian miners there extolled its virtues to fellow fortune-seekers.

My review: It was actually good. Very strong. Pisco itself tastes like rubbing alcohol!!

Always on the move (late entry)

This has been an amazing trip but it always feels like we are moving. On and off the bus; on and off the train; on and off the plane. Today was no different. We went to market in Cuzco. It was fun. More shopping!!

Met back at the hotel for 9:30 to board the bus for the airport to board a plane back to Lima, to then board another bus to go to Crystal Ray to have dinner at Carmella's. 

Dinner was fun. Carmella lives on the third floor of the church (the attic) and we had supper on the roof. We had a scavenger hunt for parts of dinner. We were given money and sent out into the community to buy one part of supper and use our Spanish. It was interesting communicating with the locals. Body language is used a lot in communication when you don't share the same language. Dinner was successfully bought and prepared. The sweet potato casserole and the salad were my favourites. 

Vino blancho and vino tinto were shared, along with mojito's. Everything was delicious. 

We had our debrief on the roof after supper. We talked about CLWR and its work (I'll share more in another Blog). Carmella also shared her most recent Blog entry.  She has a very descriptive writing style. It was nice to listen too. 

Once dinner and the discussion was over, we went downstairs to wait for the bus. We met a group of men from multi denominations, who were meeting to discuss homosexuality and the church. I didn't have much opportunity to talk to them but some of the group did and it sounded interesting. Even though homosexuality isn't really talked about in the communities, Peru seems to be more advanced and the Lutheran church's more excepting; even having openly homosexual pastors. 

On that note, I'll sign off. Feels nice that we have three nights to sleep in the same place and have all our belongings. 

Night from Lima, Peru. 

Canadian in a foreign land - Part 2

I brought up my conserns and guilt about being "Canadian in a foreign land". It sparked really good conversation. We need to approach this on a macro level; meaning, people need to make a living. Therefore, action needs to be taken on a corporate level. There are organizations throughout Canada that work towards better mining control and improving regulations in foreign countries.

Ways that we can make a difference:

- Writing to our MPs and actually sharing pictures of the people affected by the mining might help. 

-Kirous has been working on an action plan on this regard. 

-see websites www.rightsaction.org and

 www.miningwatch.ca for more information on mining in other countries. 

I came away from this discussion feeling more empowered and with less reservations. It felt good to talk about my concerns and have them recognized and shared. 

Sunday - May 19

Walked 1-1/2 hrs to church this morning. Along the walk, came across a marathon. 43km run around Lima, Peru. It was for all of central and South America. So cool!! Street music and lots of people. 

Church was cool. Joanna did a prayer in English; Jenny did a prayer in French. If I haven't said it, Lutheran liturgy is neat because even if its in Spanish, we could follow along. 

The sermon was interesting as well; because the pastor was so animated, we could sort of follow along. He was talking about how people battle but they all believe in God. 

We shared communion and at the end of us being served, we all held hands and the pastor said a prayer in both English and Spanish. 

The sending song was "this is the day". The congregation sang it in Spanish and we sang it in English. It was so nice to hear it. After the service, we sang happy birthday to Joanna in Spanish. She turned 23 today. 

Carmella took us to a local market for lunch. We had ceviche (raw fish "cooked" in lemon and lime juice) and chicaranose (deep fried pork). It was amazing!!

Spent the afternoon at market shopping and trying to barter (unsuccessfully). It was fun anyways. 

I don't think I have walked as much as I have on this trip. It's been a true cultural experience!!

This evening was a different pace. Went to an upper class buffet restaurant and watched a cultural dance show. Turns out it was interactive and three of us (not me!!) got pulled up on stage to dance as well. With dinner, we had a local drink called a pisco sour. It was very strong. 

Once we got back to the hotel, we had a surprise 23 birthday "party" for Joanna. She was happy. It's hard being away from family at special occasions, so it was good that we could make her day special. 

Can't believe that we only have one full day left. 

Night from Lima, Peru!!

Montu Picchu

WOW! WOW! WOW!

We took a 1-1/2 hr bus ride to get to the train station. Then another 1-1/2  hr train ride and we were at Montu Picchu. 

Our tour guide started the tour and we were off. Montu Picchu is in the valley of mountains. We had to pass through a market on our way to the ruins. Rows and rows of the same things, just in different colors and patterns. 

Once we started, felt like we walked up-hill both ways. I brought up the rear and it was amazing! My group is so supportive and encouraging; it was nice. 

As I have said many times this trip, this is a trip of discovery. I can do it!!!

I have to say, I cried all through the mountain but they were "good" and "healing" tears. God is amazing and we have to be patent, while he speaks to us. I think I heard him up there. It was wonderful.  

At the end of the tour, we got our pass ports stamped and got a free map. 

We started to line up to go down the mountain again and I got separated from the group and put on a different bus. We were ending up at the same place, so the tour guide/ translator came with me. After we met the other bus, we went to a hotel there for a buffet lunch. It was wonderful. 

On the train home, one of the girls was a part of a fashion show of Alpaca.  

Historical tour of Cuzco

Spent the morning at the market. Bought new shoes, gifts and earrings. 

After lunch, we took a four hour tour today of Cuzco. It was so cool!! We saw a temple that was half Inca and half Roman. Second, we toured Cuzco's cathedral and the church of the society of Jesus. It was so pretty! We couldn't take pictures, so I bought postcards. My favourite story was of the Black Christ. He's black because not only did people leave flowers as offering, they also lit candles. The smoke from the candles look the paint off the statue and turned Him black. He is wearing a skirt because His loin cloth disintegrated and fell off, leaving His groin exposed and completely white!!

Second best story: the last supper was painted by a Peruvian man and the meal in the middle was changed to guinea pig, white corn, apples, potatoes and a Peruvian drink. The man in the front on the right is painted darker because its Judas; but the painter also modelled him after a not so liked leader at the time of the painting. 

After we finished at the cathedral, we walked in the rain to our bus and got on. We went to four look out points that were amazing: Capital Arqueologica De Sudamerica; Q'enqo; Pukapukara; and Tambomachay. They were beautiful and we took lots of pictures. 

The bus dropped us off at the town square and we met a ELCA missionary from Minnesota, who is stationed in Peru for 6 years, with her family (I'll write about her work in another Blog). 

She took us to supper at a local restaurant. I had ravioli bolagnase. It was really good!!

Had the best shower of the whole trip and off to bed. Busy day tomorrow. Montu Picchu!!

Canadian in a Foreign land

In discussion with our Peruvian leaders, being Canadian in Peru is not something to be proud of.

 "I am Canadian. Don't hold it against me", was her comment. I was very surprised about this.

 "Why?" was the biggest question I had; I am always so proud to be from Canada. 

This remark was do to the mines in Peru that are run by Canadian companies.  They are not regulated and don't follow Canadian standards in Peru because of this.

One mine by the potato farmer, has destroyed the ground water by the chemicals they use. They have made people sick, caused crop sizes to decrease and have taken jobs from locals. The mine that is run in that town, is run by another town and they can't protest because no one would listen anyways. 

I am very saddened by this and I don't know what to do about this. I feel that I need to do more reading and then maybe I'll understand a bit more. 

I am still proud to be Canadian. I wear the flag proudly. What I feel I can do is come back to Canada and educate people on how mining, pollution and agriculture are affected in Peru.

I think I might bring this up at our next debrief. 

Travel to Cuzco

We are on the plane to Cuzco. 6:24am. Good thing we have the morning off to explore and acclimatize. We are all getting along though, and it's nice to see the bonds forming. I sometimes wish I wasn't so quiet. Maybe this trip will help. 

Can't wait to see the mountains and ruins tomorrow!!

God talk- Las Aldose

Today we hiked through the sand doons to see ancient ruins. It was amazing; I was almost brought to tears! I did it! I didn't fall; didn't loose my breath (yes, I was short of breath but I was able to do it without my puffers!!!). I was the slowest but I made it to the top and back. I saw the ruins, the coast line and took my pictures. I'm very proud of myself!! I believe this trip to be very healing (even though I have more bug bites than I know what to do with). 

God talk- Casma

Driving on the double decker bus in luxury, looking out over Peru. Takes my breath away. Gods amazing creations. Busy, busy city to mountains on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, to desert, to green farming in the middle of a desert, surrounded by mountains, on the coast of the ocean. 

Reminds me of last September, driving the Oregon coast. 

This trip!! I needed it! It's renewing my faith and reminding me of the awesome power of God!!

Group #2- farm day 2

The second day, we traded vans and exchanged members because there was a large, long hike. The hike was one hour down and two hours back. Group members were hit with altitude sickness. Two ladies had to be helped down by mules. 

The second group went to a farm that had developed their own sprinkler system. They said it was really cool and the man was very proud. It was a straight bar that looked like bike handle bars. On the ends of the bars, are bottle caps. There are holes punched in it and a sandbag to hold it down, which also increases water pressure. The man was so proud!! 

Kim stated, "the man grabbed my face a looked into my eyes and told me he hoped I had a good impression of his town and to go with God. Try to come back and remember our hospitality". As they were leaving, the man opened a bin and pulled out approx 6 potatoes to give to the group. They tried to refuse but how do you refuse such an honest gift?! So they took them and one of our Peru leaders is going to cook them for us on Saturday. 

This group had an adventure in the red van as well; there was a rock slide that they got stuck behind for two hours. We, in the white van, passed this slide as it had first started. Because they were so delayed, we had dinner at 8:00pm; Julie and I went to bed. Group #2 got home around 11:00pm.

Group #2- farm day 1

Group 2 (Heidi, Steph, Kim, Stephen, Sarah, Brooklyn, Allison, Wes, Julie, Scott, Tyler, Carmell) went to a farm and learned about organic composting. The husband and wife were very proud of their work. They served them whole fried fish. 

The compost was rabbit poop and organic vegetation that is put in a square box to decompose, then it was stirred to a second square box and watered. It was stirred a third time, into worm soil and a plastic tube was put down into the compost. The compost was ready when the worms moved on and steam came out of the plastic tube. This compost was used in their fields. 

Group #1- Farm day 2

The second day, we got to take the modern white van. We had beef and veggie stir-fry with rice at a small "cafe" in the middle of a small Peruvian town. It was good!

We were getting higher in elevation as we drove up the mountain. Altitude sickness started to affect some of us. But we pushed on. We had to see the farm. About 1/2hr after breakfast, we pulled over on the side of the highway and we were at the farm. 

We met the farmer and his family. His wife and daughters work the pastures with the sheep (plus 2-4 day old sheep), pigs and donkeys; while he and one of his workers work the compost. 

The compost was sheep and donkey poop and white straw that is put into a pile to decompose, then it was stirred to a second pile and watered. It was stirred a third time, into worm soil and two sticks were put down into the compost. The compost was ready when the worms moved on to another compost pile. This compost was used in their fields. This man also made his own fertilizer, insecticide and fungicide. It was cool because it was all environmentally friendly; there were chilli peppers floating in it! 

This farm also had guinea pigs. The translator told us that the guinea pigs were in jail (cages). It was really cute. It was weird to be holding and cuddling someone's dinner. 

After we were done, we took the two male farmers to a lookout point to see the black mountains. It was beautiful!! Very cold and very high!

Travel to Casma

Travel to Casma

We drove 5 hrs+ to Casma. Lots of different landscapes. Busy, busy city; mountains with costal cliffs; mining desert; finally Casma. 

Snacks were a hit. Thanks grandma!! Travelling in luxury; double decker bus, with lots of leg room and big, comfy, leather bucket seats. '90s music for the first hour, then two movies (guilt trip and clash of the titans). 

We were told we would be getting lunch on the bus; chicken and potatoes. How are they going to manage that?

They have like an airplane style kitchenette on the bus!! We got chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes with seasoned white rice. Carmel fruit cake for dessert. Inca cola to drink (like a flat cream soda). It was great. 

Bus driver is amazing!! There are lines on the road but no one follows them. Few traffic lights. Skinny roads and lots of cars. I thought we would get into so many accidents. 

Cabs in Lima are these motor bikes with tents on the back! Really neat. 

Mothers day is really important in Peru. Families send their moms out for brunch; while they are gone, the family decorates to house and once the moms return, there is a big celebration. Because of this, balloons are sold on street corners; along with roses.

The view was amazing!!! Drove down the coast. 

Group #1- Farm day 1

I was in group #1 with Melissa, Meagan, Lina, Jenny, Gerlinde, Annalese, Demitri, Joanna, Candace, Marta, and Amy. The rest were group #2. 

We left in the red van (about 100 years old and more rust then red). We drove and drove; beautiful scenery; good company. We were driving up a mountain, with rock walls on one side and cliffs on the other. 

We had the first adventure in the red van, 'cause at one point (about 20 minutes from the farm), a man on a motorbike stopped us and said the road was washed out up ahead. We pulled over to investigate and sure enough, the water off the mountain had knocked the mud and rocks loose and it caused a small mudslide and covered the road. We were stuck at the side of the road for 1 to 1-1/2 hours, as they cleared the road. It was interesting getting to know my group. Very different personalities and life experiences. 

Once the bob cat came to help clear the road, We were then back on the road. Approx. 20 min later, we were at the farm and met Rosa, Carlos and Oscar, plus Rosa, family. 

We were supposed to help them prepare lunch but because we were late, they had it cooking already; it was cooked in the ground. They dug a hole and put hot rocks in it. Then they put in Lima beans, corn on the cob, potatoes, taro root, sweet potatoes and meat (we think beef). The then put banana leaves over top and covered it tight with cloth; then covered it with sand. We were to work, while it cooked. 

We learned, watched and helped plant cilantro seeds and onion seeds. It was really interesting to watch these farmers, who weren't really young people, work and teach us their techniques. They have about 3/4 hectors of land that is on the side of a mountain, with a slope. It was interesting to see. I felt kind of lost and a little overwhelmed because I don't know anything about farming. Maybe I should of done more research before I left. 

After this, we were asked to sit around the table and we were served first. It was delicious!

While we ate, Rosa, Carlos and Oscar talked about their life on the farm....

Rosa stated, "I do the work of both man and woman". She seemed very proud. She was appreciative on the help DIACONIA and CLWR has provided. She wished more people in the area would accept help. As Oscar stated, "people won't come to the meeting because there isn't any immediate financial gain"; meaning, the government provides them with $100 to attend meetings, to learn about farming but DIACONIA doesn't have that, therefore farmers have the attitude, "why should I". It is hard to explain to them that there would be better long term gain from joining DIACONIA. 

After lunch, we got a tour of the upper farm. I am very proud of myself, as I walked up and came down a mountain, without falling!! We saw beans, orange trees, and apple trees, and got to take home an apple and an orange. 

On the farm, Rosa also has rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks and a pig. We also played with a puppy; it was so cute!!

We are back!!!

We are back from Casma. Yahoo!! Wi-Fi for 24hrs. 

Youth group/church visit

Lost Wi-Fi last night, couldn't post. Might not have it again until May 15, when we get back from Casma. 

Spent yesterday with a local church youth group and then participated in their Mother's Day celebration and service. 

The church has been in that location for 30+ years and 6 years ago renovated.  

The youth group was 25 youth (boys and girls), ranging between 8-15 years old. They meet every Saturday for a lesson, then games. 

We talked about building you house on the rocks vs the sand. It was cool that even though we speak different languages, the video we watched was understanded by all. 

We then played a name game and learned a local dance. 

We then divided into three groups, soccer, volley ball or crafts. Of course, I went to crafts. Maria, Josie, and neille, taught use to croshie purses. 

We were going to leave then but everyone wanted us to stay for the celebration, so they cooked us dinner. Chicken, pork and "the other meat" mixed with beans and peanut gravy. It was served over dry potato wedges. It was interesting and tasty. 

The service was cool. Again, how we can understand what's going on because even though the language is different, the order is the same. We were able to sing some songs in English, that they sang in Spanish. Tyler, helped with communion and Sarah read the second lesson. 

The hospitality was amazing!! They give so much and have so little. I wish there was something more we could do. But as they said, "God provides".

Survived overnight flight

Survived overnight flight from Toronto to Lima, Peru. Funny that I can't escape turbulence. Train trip in Cameroon was so dumpy, that we had a hard time sleeping. This plane ride was no different. We had turbulence and air pockets and were bumped around the entire time. It was an experience. 

We are now here, in Lima, Peru. Hour ride from the airport to the hotel. Strange to see an expensive car dealership, surrounded by run down apartments.  Descent room in the hotel. Toilet has a seat, where the airport didn't. Got to work my leg muscles!! Old sewer system, therefore can't flush paper. 

Waiting for lunch, then visiting a church and spending the afternoon with the congregation and youth group. 

Night flight

Last post before Lima, Peru. Goodbye Toronto. 

Met everyone. Nice people. I believe I'm the second oldest for participants. I'm number 14 in roll call. Roomin' with Julie on the trip. Sitting in the middle, middle seat with Tyler and Stephen. Signing off. 

Goodnight!!

Flight #1

Arrived in Toronto safely. Turbulance on landing but over all a great flight. 

Slowly getting to know everyone. 

Leave Toronto at 2245. Getting more and more excited. 

"Why mission"

Someone asked me "why are you going?". That is a great question.....
I have always had a passion Mission work and always felt a call. I am a home body, so I determined that short term mission work would be better for me.
I am now financially able to do this and my work is accommodating to holidays. I hope that Mission work will always be a part of my life.
Going to Peru, for CLWR, is very exciting. We are going to learn what CLWR does in Peru and meet the people that they help. We will learn of other ways help is needed and how we/CLWR can provide this help.
We are committed to return and inform Canadian Lutherans of the help needed in Peru. We will share stories, pictures and possibly video.
We will be on our way to Toronto in 24 hours. Meeting everyone before we board for Lima, Peru.

Objective of the Trip

* *
In terms of an 'objective' of this trip, the best way to describe what we'll be doing is participating in a journey of discovery.
At this point, we are relying heavily on arrangements that our partner organization - Diaconia (in Peru)- is making on our behalf. We will visit project-sites, but I'm not clear on the exact kind of farming we'll be witnessing - it may be livestock (eg. raising guinea pigs; yes, they raise and eat guinea pigs) (if I'm served it, I will eat it) or crop (eg. fruit trees or grasses).
As the Global Encounter tour participants and leaders, we will have opportunity to visit with Peruvians (we'll converse with the farmers through translators) and get a first-hand sense of the work and impact of CLWR in South America. In this journey of discovery, the intent is that we connect with people in different circumstances, find out the needs they have, and how those needs are being addressed, and to convey their stories (and, of course, our experiences of them) to fellow Canadians upon our return.
We will have opportunity to connect with a worshipping community (maybe more than one) as well, and I imagine that to be something that will be unique about this trip - being able to worship in another language, using different music and customs, and perhaps finding a way to incorporate some of that learning into worship-life back in one's home congregation upon return.
I expect a large amount of learning will be personal for each participant, as well - realizing things about one's-self and one's culture, and perhaps finding ways to live differently upon return (as well as much to reflect on over time).

Packing for Peru

Peru packing
5- Tank tops •
3- Skirts •
4- Shorts •
2- Capris •
2- Pants •
3- T-shirts •
4- Tops •
2- Hoodies •
2- PJs •
1- Bathing suit •
Socks •
14- Underwear •
2- Hats •
2- Bandana •
1- Flip flops •
1- Walking sandals •
1- Runners •
Towel •
Toothbrush •
Tooth paste •
3-step face wash •
Face pads •
Face sunscreen •
Body sunscreen •
Bug spray •
Aloe gel •
Body wash •
Shampoo •
Conditioner •
Deodorant •
Pads •
Tampons •
Liners •
Razor •
Comb •
Body lotion •
Lip gloss •
Hand sanitizer •
First aide kit •
Tide •
Tide-to-go •
Mouthwash•
Q-tips•
Toilet paper•
Camera with charger•
Camera with batteries •
iPhone with charger•
Converter plug
Imodium•
Tylenol •
Naproxen •
Gravel •
Antihistamine •
Pepto •
Tums •
Stool softeners •

I can't believe it all fit

We Care bags

Grace confirmation class packed "We care" kits at the CLWR warehouse in Winnipeg.

5 days and counting...

We leave for Peru in 5 days. Friday at 1415(ish), I will be boarding a plane for Toronto, to meet up with 19 other Young Adults from across Canada, to start an exciting 2 week journey to Lima, Casma and Cuzco, Peru.