So today we had some strong emotions as we had to say our final goodbyes to our home stay families in Piscacucho. We arrived at the school at 9:00am with all of our stuff packed and ready to go. Then we did our routine "circle up" and group activity which involved us building a Utopian (perfect) society. It was really interesting to see the different personalities expressed in each group. After this we watched the kids perform some traditional and crazy farewell dances for us. The funniest had to be the six guys that were "hip hopping it up" for the entire song. It was tasteful. We then got the pleasure to join in their dancing and that created even stronger ties with the community before we had to leave. While waiting for the celebration we got to play soccer and have great bonding time with our home stay kids and the local kids as well. Pachamanca, meaning food from the earth, was the name of the celebration we had at the end of our stay. We experienced a man digging up a large sack of potatoes, peruvian sweet potatoes, and various meats that had been cooking under the ground. We then learned that the food had been cooked with hot coals and the sun and had been roasting under ground for a period of time. We ate a ton and had a blast. It was surprising how much food was set out for us to eat such as guinea pig, a whole chicken thigh, and pork. It was the best chicken I have ever tasted (sorry Dad). Leaving the celebration brought about various emotions from each of the students and their families. It was heartbreaking to see poor Franco (Blaire's brother) bawling and Florenciana (Carol's Mom) tearing up. The moment was very bitter sweet as the bus drove away and we all waved farewell. The rest of the day was spent in Ollantaytambo shopping, eating, and resting (well kinda). We are psyched to go rafting this morning!!!!!!!!!! Until next time Tennessee!
P.S.
We are all missing our families right now and we can't wait to see all of your beautiful faces when we get back on Sunday. We have plenty of gifts from Peru that we hope you all like! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!
And no more letting Bailey write on my walls..... Much appreciated.
Love Always~ Carol Allen and Blaire Smith:)
Thursday, July 7, 2011
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3 comments:
What a blessing it is to hear that all of you are making such a powerful impact on the lives of your host families. I can hardly wait to hear the stories and see the pictures. Enjoy the remainder of your stay. We love you too!
PS, That kind of hurt about the chicken (Blaire) but I'll forgive you on that one and we plan to put your new found carpentry and painting skills to work covering Bailey's masterpiece.....:-)
See you Sunday
So nice to hear from you all! We are so proud of you and know that you are having an experience which will shape who you are for the rest of your lives. Be thankful and try to relish each moment. Things here are not the same without you. I texted you today Carol knowing you couldn't read it, but I missed you so much I had to feel close to you. xxooooxxxxoooo
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