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We started today early this morning with our typical breakfast of bread, butter, eggs, cheese, assorted teas and papaya juice. After helping to clean up we returned to our room to finish packing up our bags. Once the bags were packed we headed to the Museo Historico Regional where we got to see illustrations of…
For those parents who are a bit worried about their babies being away in a foreign country, fear not, we are thriving in the glorious mountains of Peru in the little village of Munaychay. As we feasted upon a hearty breakfast of rolls with jam and butter and oatmeal with lots of milk, we struck…
We began the afternoon by collecting bundles of wild sage, which was later used in a cleansing ceremony for Lakota youth who had suffered from trauma. After the children were cleansed, and the older men finished their inipi (the rite of purification), we entered the inipi for our own experience. The Unci (elder grandmother) opened…
Yesterday we built tipis for a Lakota children’s camp. We built the first few tipis, and it was fairly simple after understanding the ways to construct one. The tipis have so much symbolism for the Lakota people. The tripod (the foundation of the tipi) represents the morning, evening, and north stars. The remaining seven poles…
On the second day of the horse festival I began to play with the kids from the orphanage. I would run up and down the side of the hill, chasing the children to try to tickle them. After only ten minutes it seemed like we had known each other for quite some time. They would…
“Life is not the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away.” Whether the breath taking moments are in a good way or in a more physical way (like heavy panting from carrying many heavy things down very slippery hills), that is what life is all about. This quotation seems…
Throughout this one day, I feel like the group has accomplished its entire mission here as Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder. We have all creating lasting bonds with the people here, halfway across the world, despite the language barrier, and despite our very different backgrounds. I think I’ve really learned what it means to connect with someone with…
We started the day planning our lens presentations with our partners, but that was not the true highlight of the day. I know, you can barely believe that, but it’s true. The truly great part of the day came when we headed down to Playa Amarilla to meet up with the Jovenes for our final…
The last couple days have been jam packed with different activities centered around creating bonds with the “jovenes”, or youths, of the community. We started by teaching an English lesson for the kids. We put together lesson plans a few days prior and then our two groups taught colors and sports. It’s nice to be…
As I sit on this balcony overlooking the picturesque Lake Titicaca and a setting sun on the horizon, I begin to reflect on this life-changing experience I have had the privilege to partake in. Isla del Sol is jaw-dropping, and today, the group hiked around the island heading towards the north for 3 hours. We…
A long time ago (perhaps a week), in a country far, far away, a group of students was settling into life at Munaychay Children’s Village outside of Urubamba, Peru. Teens and instructors alike were getting used to early mornings, local soups and dishes, and glacial showers. The children of Munaychay and students from the Northern…
As our course winds down on the breathtaking island of Isla del Sol, we have begun reflecting on our experience both as a group and individuals. After our delicious breakfast of eggs and warm, fresh bread (what a treat), the group took a small hike up to the peak of the mountainous island. Here, as…
Around three o’clock this afternoon, we got back to Kangding and had finished more than 80% of our Tibet course. Up until the moment that we left our guide’s family’s home, I hadn’t really realized that it’s almost time to start heading home. But when we came back to the hotel where we stayed in…
This week was different and I met a lot of awesome people on this trip. I wish that I had more time in New Orleans to help rebuild the wetlands and have more time with the amazing people that were on this trip. This trip has taught me that life is not easy and that…
Day one: Logistics Day! Our arrival day was relaxed and exciting as we met our peers and instructors. Through name games and a day of meetings, we grew comfortable with one another. Our first day, we were also introduced to Ethleen Iron Coud Two Dogs, one of the leaders of the Knife Chief Buffalo Nation….
All of the SStS girls and I would agree that the relationships that we have formed with the Hope Girls over the past fourteen days have really taken us by surprise. Fourteen days does not sound like a long time, but when we had our closing ceremony yesterday there was not a dry eye in…
Today we went to Cusco to see Inti Raymi, which is the winter solstice festival. Although chaotic, It was beautiful. Watching the dances and all the people in their beautiful outfits made everyone take a step back. Everything about the festival was so rich with history and culture. Everything we had learned about during the…
Over the past five days or so, we’ve been working at the Himalayan Hope Home; lugging bricks up four flights of stairs, shoveling sand to make concrete, and getting to know the amazing girls who live there. These girls are orphans, mostly from Solukhumbu, and range in age from five to fifteen years old. We’ve…
As we look at the current progress we have made so far on the guesthouse, it is truly inspiring seeing how one action can have a ripple effect. Working side-by-side, “shoulder to shoulder” with our fellow Kenyans has made my eyes open to the limitless possibilities when people of all backgrounds come together. No task…
We have been living in the home stays for 3 days now, and the experience is a once in a life time opportunity! The first night was very interesting and a small challenge to say the least. The whole family, including some of the extended family, came to the house to meet us. It was…
Although the weather was very hot and humid, our group was excited about the outcome of our work. The first job was transferring potted trees onto a new surface in order to avoid sprouting weeds. Later in the week, we will be planting the trees from the nursery in the wetlands. For the second task,…
Tibet. We have only been here for about six days and I feel as though I never left home. The streets of Tagong and the homes that we are staying in are so inviting and comfortable. I can hardly articulate how stunning and tranquil it is here. Everything oozes with beauty; the people especially. Everywhere…
Friday was our first day in Meru, and the warm sunshine and lush landscape were a nice change from bustling Nairobi. After a nice breakfast of oranges, bananas, pineapple, pancakes, and eggs, our group met with Dr. K to discuss how IPI began and why she decided to run her program the way she runs…
Today couldn’t have started and ended any better than it did. From potting plants at dawn to dining until 8 o’clock, we enjoyed ourselves. The day began with waking up early to complete some work as usual. Teamwork would be the keyword to use to describe this morning. The hot sun could not stop our…
In only two weeks we have had to say many goodbyes. Some of the people we met were only in our lives for a few days, or a few hours, and most we will never see again, yet each one has left an impact on us. Having to say goodbye made me focus on what…
Tashidale everyone! That’s Sherpa for greetings! I am so glad I have another opportunity to post a blog today. I want to share with everyone how much progress we have made and what we have been doing for the community here in Salleri. We are building the first women’s hostel here in the Everest region…
We woke up today to the sound of rain falling on the metal rooftop of the Amani Community Home. Still jet-lagged and somewhat exhausted from our extensive travels, the zombie-like group woke up slowly to cups of chai, toast, and sandwiches. We then spent an hour or so going over some Kiswahili phrases and words….