The children of Esperanza

We have been with the children of Peru Luz de Esperanza for 2 weeks and have been so busy with them, that time has just flown by.
Robert and Dennis have been organising the renovation of the old Alanya School and Community Centre. With the donations we have received from the many clubs in Victoria ie. Lions, Rotary, Probus etc. and the personal donations from family and friends, we have started building a toilet block for this community along with new windows, flooring, ceilings etc. in the old classrooms. Rob and Dennis met with the local Presidento of this community and with the help of another volunteer, Max, a Columbian born American who speaks fluent Spanish and English, they were able to make a deal and settle on a plan for this renovation. The locals were so excited that they held a party and much food and drink was consumed. By food I mean, potatoes, corn, rice etc.
The children remembered Teachers Robert and Dennis from last year and there was excitement when they entered the room. Gayle and I spent most of our time teaching the children in the kindergarten to grade 6. This has been an experience for Gayle, who has not been to Peru before. The children greet you each day with many hugs and kisses and at the end of the lesson they are usually hanging onto your arms or legs and they do not want you to leave. Two days ago, two Austalian girls arrived at Peru luz de Esperanza and we have thoroughly loved the time spent with our Peruvian family and the other 3 volunteers.
Unfortunately, Gayle and Dennis have had to leave Peru and head back to Australia due to family health reasons and it was very sad to say goodbye to them last night. They did go out in style, as we celebrated with many Pisco Sours and a sore head in the morning.
We are now in Lima and will start heading south on Monday. We have two weeks before we leave from Santiago to New Zealand.
Hope you are all enjoying our travels. Will keep you posted next week. Love to you all.