The students finished their six-week stay in Lima with a visit to artist Victor Delfin’s studio in Barranco. Then we prepared for the culminating event of the first half of Peru SST — the Despedida — a farewell party / talent show to thank our host families, language instructors and coordinators for all the time, energy and love they have shared with us these past weeks.
The students sang several songs in Spanish and English, acted out a drama called “El Sueño de San Martin” (The Dream of San Martin), performed a traditional dance from Lake Titicaca, beat seven cajon drums in time with master percussionist Camilo Ballumbrosio and, one by one, stood before the crowd of family members and supporters and said Thank You’s that were both eloquent and heart-felt.
The next day we met one last time as a group to ready ourselves for service, saying teary goodbyes and sharing our blessings. Then early the following morning we witnessed the departure of three students to Chimbote, a port city north of Lima, three more to Cusco and 5 others to Huaraz, both located high in the Andes, and 10 more to La Merced, capital of the central region of the Peruvian rain forest.
Our study coordinator, Celia, introduces our students to BarrancoAtop the Bridge of SighsEntering the home and studio of artist Victor DelfinA self-portrait greets the studentsA fight between bull and condorHorsesOverlooking the Pacific OceanFishEntering the artist’s studio belowDescending the stairway WomanWood carvingVictor Delfin at workTalking with the masterEnjoying the variety of subjects and mediaThanking our cooks, Esperanza (middle left) and Mervi (middle right)Opening song at the Despedida (Farewell Party)A dance from PunoA spectacle of color and motionDancing while wearing a torta (cake) costumePosing with grandmother AliciaAlicia’s turn — A surprise performance from HuancayoDrama: The Dream of San MartinA legend tells that the color of Peru’s flag was inspired by these birdsApplause for the crowd-pleasing piece…… and a bowMagic for the children (and children at heart)The cajon players with their instructor, Camilo BallumbrosioRhythmThe final song: “Es Tiempo” (It’s Time)Students with Camilo, the cajon masterGoodbye to her Lima brother, honored guest and motherFarewell to the San Borja clanGoodbye to our jewelry-making instructors, Ricardo, Eliana and familyThank you to the language instructors: Bivi, Irene and MoisesGathering on the roof of the Mennonite church for a final service orientation
