I was traveling around Peru a few weeks ago, finding myself being tired of continuously living out of a backpack. I wanted to spend my last weeks of this long trip differently, doing something useful. I wanted to find a project to get involved in and though I had volunteered before in Cusco working in a youth prison, I wanted to work with my hands now. I had heard about a devastating earthquake one year and a half ago in Pisco, a city south of Lima, shaking and flooding it’s streets and houses, destroying 80 % of the buildings and leaving 600 dead. A quick search on the internet taught me that several foreign NGO’s had helped the traumatized community and I was happy to find a Peruvian one that excepted anybody who wanted to get their hands dirty for any period they wanted.
About two weeks ago I arrived in dusty Pisco at the headquarters of PSF, the three housedogs greeting me gently and escorted me from my mototaxi to the front door. After a quick call, Jen (project manager) and Harold (big, serious boss) came over, gave me a tour of the house and guided me to one of the free bunk beds. An hour after my arrival I was working with the rest of the volunteers in a soon-to-be school close to the center of Pisco, sifting sand and sweating in the harsh afternoon sun. The contact with the rest of the cheerful group was relaxed and spontaneous, it didn’t take me long to feel at home in the lively house at Pisco Playa. The lovely cook Carolina would drag you into the common areas and her charming personality did not only cheer up her exquisite cooking style…
Today I find myself writing this blog, realizing how fast the two past weeks have passed by, how few times I mailed my friends at home and how intense the hours and days here have been. The work has been hard once in a while, but the reactions of the people always rewarding. Monday we were pouring a concrete floor, joking and laughing with the father of the family and his friends, though very few of us spoke their language. Yesterday we had to demolish a little wall next to a house in the morning and in the afternoon we were dragging down some dangerous iron constructions in the Ebenezer school, where we had been working when I arrived. The principal always welcomes us with a smile, showing her gratitude every time we drop by.
Though we work five full days a week and a half day on Saturday, it’s not all work that occupies us. At night we drink a beer, have a chat, a conversation and a laugh, supported by the occasional bonfire and guitar. Last weekend about six new volunteers arrived, followed by three more on Monday and Tuesday, making our group a record of 25 for diner that night. The Irish couple Karl and Niamh provided an Irish breakfast that morning, continuing their celebration of Saint Patrick’s day after diner with a modest shot of Baileys and Tia Maria, some river dancing and lots of Irish music. The little party afterwards gave Saint Paddy all the respect he deserved. The next morning was slightly more difficult, but, dedicated as always, everybody was present at the morning meeting.
On Sunday I’ll have to say goodbye to Pisco, but the most difficult part will be my departure from our house in Pisco Playa. The rewarding work, fun and friendship I found there made for the most beautiful ending of my six months here in Peru and the warm heart I dedicate to this place has nothing to do with the burning desert sun.
Thomas (Leuven, Belgium).
