Saturday, June 14, 2014

Friday's post from Ellie and Julia

On Friday we completed our service project. We finished painting the benches and fences surrounding the garden in addition to painting the rocks we assembled around each tree. The students were excited to help paint the benches and were thrilled to lend a hand. In addition to the garden work, we found ancient Incan rocks that we assembled in the center of the garden for the kids to play. The rocks formed a miniature water way with which the children loved to play. Subsequent to finishing the garden we completed painting the mural. The mural consisted of three walls outside the kitchen to promote healthy eating and good hygiene to the kids. The first wall encouraged the washing of hands. The middle wall showed the food pyramid to advocate for a balanced diet. The third and final wall is a contribution from all the kids; it was a wall covered in their handprints. They could hardly wait their turn and their smiles never faded. We loved interacting with the children and getting them involved with the work we did. They were all enthusiastic and had huge smiles on their faces. Seeing how our work affected the children in such a positive way motivated us to work harder and made the work not seem like labor. 

Collectively as leaders, this experience changed our perspective on volunteer work and education systems outside of the United States. It has made us appreciate the opportunities presented to us and change what we consider a norm and a necessity. Although it may seem ironic, we found ourselves envious of the Peruvian students-- the mountains surrounding the school and the ancient Incan rocks laying around had us in awe but was considered normal for the students. The leadership opportunity presented to us incredible and like no other.

- Ellie and Julia :) 

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