Soccer Field

 

A couple years ago we played soccer with the kids at the orphanage on an uneven, dusty field.  Today, thanks to the generosity of one of the other Canadian teams that visits annually, this is a look at the soccer field.  The players are very proud of the new field and work hard to keep it watered and in good condition.  Many of the children are huge soccer fans and enjoy playing the game. 

New Soccer Shirts

 

We purchased new soccer shirts for the NPH Peru teams to share.  Here are a few of the boys showing us how they look with the new shirts.

Along the way I posted a few pictures of people adding a hand print to a project.  Here is the finished project.  The project began in Canada where people started adding a decorated hand print.  This activity raised money which was donated to the orphanage.  In Peru the children, Peru Crew, and people who worked at the orphanage all added a hand print.  The middle of the wall hanging was done by a young woman at the orphanage.  The wall hanging will be displayed in the new dining hall.

Home

We are home from our 2014 Peru Crew adventure.  It was again a wonderful experience.  We left Lima around 3:00 am Tuesday morning and arrived in Toronto around 11:00 am.  We are all tired but know we have shared a very special experience.  I met many new friends along the way and had a wonderful opportunity to visit many interesting places.  As I review my pictures I will share a few more before I sign off on this year's blog.

At the top

We stopped for a while here at the highest point of our journey...just over 4900 meters above sea level.

A condor

Waiting for the condors

We were able to see a few condors...they are hard to photograph but I got one or two.

Colca Canyon

It is a long way down...be careful.

Colca Canyon

It is peaceful at the top.

Enjoying the view at the Colca Canyon.

The Colca Canyon

Our guide showing us the Colca Canyon.

Penguins

We saw many penguins on our boat trip.

Swimming with sea lions

We were in the Ariquepa airport at 5:30 this morning and flew to Lima. In Lima we got on a boat and saw many birds etc. Some of us swam with the sea lions. They needed someone to take pictures so I volunteered.

Ekeko

Our group poses for a picture with Ekeko, an Incan god of good luck.

Mass

Attended 7:30 mass in Arequipa. Incredible Spanish style church run by Franciscans.
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Picnic lunch

We stopped for a picnic lunch along the way and were joined by numerous animals. This little lamb along with its mother were just two of the multitude that came to see what we were doing and to try and join the picnic.
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Coca tea

At this altitude we make many stops for Coca tea and also water to make sure we are hydrated. Check out the new hat bought in the last little town we visited. It is cold in the mountains but we have enjoyed lots of sun. It is the rainy season here but so far we have not had any rain.
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Colca River

Enjoying the sights and sounds of the Colca River.
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Colca Lodge

Here is a look at the Colca Lodge far down in the valley. We stayed here 2 nights. It was a wonderful place to stay. We spent time in the thermal hot springs and walked around the grounds.

In the mountains

Just back to Arequipa from the Colca Canyon. The reception in the mountains was not good so I will have to add a few pictures from our experiences when we were there. Here is a look from high in the mountains. We went up to 4970 meters. Breathing was a bit difficult and we moved slowly but for the most part we all survived.

Lunahana

Standing on a suspension bridge in Lunahana while the crew went white water rafting.

Arequipa

In Arequipa we visited Monasterio de Santa Catalina. Here we are with the Chichani volcano in the background.
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Oops, sorry about that

In Canada we are use to kids playing hockey on the street so we watch when we are driving but we were surprised by a volleyball net hung across the street. The players were on a short break and we drove right through the net. We stopped and helped put it back up and we were invited to stay and play.
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The Magician

On the last night the children entertained us with song, dance and a magic show. Here I m being amazed by Rafael "the great".
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Tractor Street

The Canadians named this street in Canete Tractor Street for obvious reasons. It is where we turn to get back to the orphanage. I'm not sure what we would do if anyone one ever moved the tractors...we would be lost.
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Planting a very special tree

One of our 2012 Peru Crew members passed away last year and we are planting a tree in his memory.
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Entertaining the kids

Playing the fiddle for the kids.
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Spending some time with the kids

The little ones are always interested in looking at the pictures on our iphones and ipads.
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Everybody getting involved in hand painting

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Play day

Friday afternoon we organized a play day for the kids. It was a huge success with water balloons, egg throwing, three legged races etc.
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Hand painting with the little one

The youngest kids put their hand prints on the wall hanging today. Most seemed to like getting their hand painted.
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An afternoon at the ocean

Wednesday we spent the afternoon at the beach with the littlest children. We played at the edge of the water and then ended the day with an ice cream treat for all. A great day.
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Working on an art project

We are making a wall hanging with the children. When it is finished it will contain hand prints of all the kids in NPH and all the volunteers in our group. They will be hanging it in the new dining hall.
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Up on the roof of the new dining hall

Moving bricks to complete the roof. Incredible view of the site.
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Setting up camp

Went from Lima to Canete today. We arrived at the orphanage around 2:00 pm. We ate lunch and set up our tents. After lunch the kids were waiting to welcome us. Then we spent some time with a walking tour of the area. Work starts tomorrow so I am off to bed.
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Delay in Toronto

Our flight is delayed until 5:15 which will get us to Lima at 1:30. We are just waiting in the airport.
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A look at the site in Peru.

Donations for Peru

Thanks to all who donated clothes, items and money for the kids at the orphanage. They are all packed and ready to go. This year Air Canada is not charging us for the extra bags.
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