What might it be like to live in the highest mountain range in the Americas? We had an opportunity to learn and serve in the Andes during an extended visit and will share our experiences in a series of posts over the next few days. Our adventure began with…
We headed east to Cieneguilla to volunteer at Corazones en Accion (Hearts in Action), an organization that works to prevent child abuse in the eastern cone of Lima. The next day we hiked at Lomos de Lucumo, an area that is unusually green due to the marine layer that…
Nestor Vergara is a psychologist and resident of Lima’s eastern cone. He works for the government ministry that provides services to women and children who suffer from domestic violence or sexual abuse. Mr. Vergara gave an eloquent and informative description of the social problems faced by those living in…
During their first week the students have learned a lot about life near the center of Lima. They have toured downtown, taken part in lectures and language classes and, most of all, interacted with their host families. At week’s end we extended our reach to the outskirts of Lima,…
Learning is fun — especially when it is relevant to life in contemporary Peru. The week began with a lecture by James Plunkett on national politics and current events. Mr. Plunkett moved to Lima in the 1960s. He engaged us by telling the story of his life while simultaneously…
Lima is the capital of Peru in many ways: politically, financially, culturally. Named “City of the Kings” by its founder, the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, the city is teaming with history from the colonial, republican and modern periods. During our visit we explored the main Cathedral on the Plaza de…
Two days have passed quickly — sharing, learning, sampling — singing, praying, preparing — and now it’s time for each student to enter the life of a Peruvian host family. They waited anxiously, expectantly, glancing at their papers to learn all the names and leaning into each other for…
They were easy to spot with their smiling faces and eager looks. We were easy to find with our six-foot, hand-lettered sign that read “Goshen College”. A few minutes later we left the airport and headed for Home Peru where the students will spend their first night. We’ll devote…
Our family is delighted to return to Peru to lead the Fall Study Service Term. We directed the program for four semesters in 2009-10 and are thrilled to have an opportunity to live and work in this magnificent country. We have lots planned: Something old, something new. Something borrowed,…
The summer Peru Study-Service Term concluded this morning with a pre-dawn bus ride to Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport for 13 students. The remaining three are heading on to further travel in South and Central America before returning home. For the Gary family, this is the end…
