Nick, Manisha, Mariane and Erin are living and serving in Arequipa, the second-most populous city in Perú. The city of Arequipa is located in southwestern Perú, between the coastal desert and the Western Andes. It is surrounded by three volcanoes and is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful natural scenery as well as its many colonial structures made of white volcanic stone called sillar.
Nick and Manisha are working at Colegio San Francisco Rojas, a private, bilingual Christian school. Nick is assisting in the office and helping with the school’s website, and Manisha is assisting in English classes for primary students. Mariane is working at Policlínico Vásquez, a private clinic offering services in general medicine, gynecology, gastroenterology, pulmonology and other specialities. Erin is tutoring children at Albergue Chaves de la Rosa, a residential center run by the Public Beneficence Society of Arequipa that is home to around 70 children.
In addition to 1st, 2nd and 4th grade, Manisha works with three sections of Kindergarten.Nick is currently re-working the website for Francisco Rojas School.Nick stands with office colleague Celina.It’s color day for the 2nd grade English class.Manisha assists a student with his colors in English.Manisha poses with her cooperating teacher, Miss Ana María.Manisha stands on the roof of her home with brother Jose, dad Gianfranco, mom Milagros, little sister, Aidana (and the famous volcano Misti in the background).Nick poses with his host parents, Guillermo and Grimaldina.Mariane takes a patient’s blood pressure.Mariane stands with her colleagues at Policlínico Vásquez, Armando and Ivonne.Mariane’s lively dog, Otto, does his best to hold still for the photo. Mariane poses with host mom Nellia.Selfie time at Mariane’s house.Erin stands at the entrance to her workplace — the Chaves de la Rosa orphanage.Erin poses with her students at Chaves de la Rosa. Erin leads an impromptu volleyball game.Erin hangs out with brother Joaquin, sister Valentina, and host mom Dolly.The Arequipa contingent gathers for a group meal at the famous pizzeria, Las Gringas.As a bonus, we get to witness a large gathering commemorating International Woman’s Day in front of the cathedral.
