HELLO FROM PERU

Hola, We have been very busy every day learning the culture of Peru. The people are warm and welcoming. We started out at Lilia and Jorge's house in Arequipa and met up with some HBI folks who have taken us under their wings during this experience. We visited San Jose Benito de Cottelengo where the nuns attend to abused mothers and disabled children. We visited the oldest hospital called Goyeneche and then a hospital being constructed called Paz Holandesa which will focus on Personalized Care! We have met up with Father Alex at the Volunteer House where we had the opportunity to go the clinic and participate in all aspects from admission to pharmacy to triage to patient exams. There were also food deliveries to the poor and home visits with a social worker named Maria. There is a child care center where we got to have some fun with the children! They each have a workbook where they learn about language, math, and communications within the family and community. It has been an eye opening experience, heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. There is such tremendous need and the role Affinity is playing has been well received by all.

Adios, Barb, Vicki, Judy, Jennie, Heather, Nancy, and Steve.