On Friday morning, we left for Kawai, a retreat center two hours south of Lima. We had time to share our stories, reflect on what we have experienced, and to prepare for our return home. Students also presented the interview-based research projects that they completed on service. We heard about migration to Lima from rural areas, a local population’s thoughts on government, how the natural world shapes religious practice, cultural colonization, opinions on climate change, and many other topics. In between the presentations and group sessions, we had plenty of time for playing soccer and volleyball, walking on the beach, playing cards and enjoying our last days together as a group. On Sunday afternoon, we returned to Lima, where we repacked our suitcases yet again, ate pollos a la brasa one last time, and then headed for the airport at 10 p.m. The return flight left Lima at 2:30 a.m., and by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, the group was back in Goshen.
As the Summer 2019 unit ends, we want to thank each of you for following our journey in Perú. And as the 37th and final Perú SST unit, we feel an immense amount of gratitude for all the love, support and education we have received from our Peruvian colleagues, from our wonderful host families and from the many educators and experts who took time to share their knowledge and their country with us over the last 14 years. On behalf of the over 600 students and 24 directors who have been the recipients of your wisdom, hospitality and generosity, we say mil gracias Perú y hasta la próxima.
Evan demonstrates his expertise in testing urine samples. Yejin presents her findings on Asian influence in Perú. In her presentation on anemia in Perú, Jen shows us some tasty alternatives to liver.Matthew has the group up and dancing in his presentation on the importance of music and dance in Andean culture. Ming shows a plaque she created for her presentation on the ways that foreign visitors affect community in the town of Quinua. Christian shares his findings on recreation in Perú. Bobby shows us how to prepare a patient for an electrocardiogram. Sharada gives her take on how gender roles affect marriage in Perú. Jehan proctors an entrance exam for his fellow SSTers during his presentation about university admissions in Perú. Joe rolls the dice in Nick’s board game about inflation in the late 80s and early 90s. Amazingly, he manages to stay alive and win!The Ayacucho group demonstrates the proper way to shop in a small town store. Ben and Gabe show us food and beverage etiquette in El Carmen. The Cusco crew (aka Crewsco) shows the group the proper way to eat potatoes that have been cooked in the ground — which would be without the peel. The students from Arequipa show us how to survive and thrive in the world of children. SSTers make a list of things they want to shed and things they want to take with them from their SST experience. Good food is enjoyed by all. Alicia and her husband, Oswaldo, catch up with Ben about his service experience. Bobby does some journaling. Jen and Sharada reflect on their highs and lows. Jehan does his journaling oceanside. Time for some backyard volleyball!Amazingly, and against their better judgement, students take a dip in the pool. Being as it is winter in Perú, it is a short-lived endeavor. ¡Feliz cumpleaños to Christian, Bryce and Joe!Students enjoy a little fireside time. And some s’mores too!Celia keeps the caffeine coming. Alicia and Oswaldo take a break after a round of coaching Leah and Aaron in the sport of top-spinning. Aaron and Leah perfect their top-spinning skills. Bobby and Joe show their list of skills gained on SST. Nick and Evan talk about the ‘gifts’ that SST gave them. . On behalf of the group, Yejin thanks Alicia for all her affection and, of course, for her amazing cooking. SSTers enjoy the last few minutes on the back porch.
