A note from the field

As part of my personal experience, I should say that my life has changed after having the opportunity to live in Urubamba. I was able to work closely with people from the Andes that don’t have the same comforts as we do, but who give us their hearts in a very special and unforgettable way; to know more about my culture; to live in the Andes where all the richness of our culture is located, but also where most of the poorest communities live; and last but not least, to form relationships with special people that I will always keep in my mind and my heart.

A month ago, I was assigned to go with an amazing group of volunteers from the Alternative Spring Break Program of the University of Western Ontario (UWO) and it was fantastic. Every day we woke up at the ‘Gingerbread house’ around 7 a.m., went to work at the Escuela Virgen del Carmen in Yanahuara for almost 8 or 9 hours a day, and then walked home through the woods by a path that had become so familiar: the hole on the right, the hole on the left, the barking dog and then the ‘Gingerbread House’. All of this made for an unbelievable trip.

Every experience in life impacts us in some way, but this kind of experience impacts us much more powerfully. We are left with strong memories and hearts full of joy and gratitude.

Trying to work for development and human rights is something that I, personally, enjoy a great deal. I understand that for some people, the pain of the poor and the lack of resources in countries like Peru or Zimbabwe might not let us enjoy the job. Is this true? At the end of the day, especially during all my trips to Urubamba, I feel thankful for everything, including the problems we have to face to decide: Which project we are going to develop first? Who should be the coordinator of this project? Why aren’t Peruvians following the National Campaign against unpunctuality? Why does it seem like everything is the same?

However, at the same time, I remember new changes appearing in the political and social arena. New kinds of news outlets, like blogs, show us that some changes are starting to happen. We see big problems like racism and discrimination becoming a part of the agendas of NGOs and of some local governments like that of Urubamba, whose mayor is committed to enacting a law against discriminatory practices in his town. We also see Peruvians doing a big effort to remember the victims from the period of political violence by proposing a real and virtual museum, and encouraging the government to implement it. It seems changes are coming from civil society; from Peruvians themselves. Is this a big change? I think it is!

After my last experience in Urubamba, I’ve been asking myself: Should I help or serve? Let me share a short passage of a letter written by Rachel Naomi Remen, one of our friends from UWO, left in a letter that is displayed on one of our :

In recent years, the question ‘how can I help’ has become meaningful to many people. But perhaps there is a deeper question we might consider. Perhaps the real question is not how can I help, but how can I serve?

Helping incurs debt. When you help someone, they owe you one. But serving, like healing, is mutual. There is no debt. I am as served as the person I am serving.

When I help, I have a feeling of satisfaction. When I serve, I have a feeling of gratitude. These are very different things.

Nexos Voluntarios started its work in Urubamba last May, thanks to Jenn, Moira, Anne and Sammi in the Reproductive Heath Campaign, Christy and Angie in PeruVerde, Pierre in EcoValles, and Alicia, Memmi, Katherin and Anita teaching English. This year, we’re also going to serve in the following projects:
- Community Development with Media Luna.
- Campaign against discrimination with the support of the Municipality and of Wilfredo Ardito (APRODEH).
- Strengthening the micro - business of the artisans of the Asociacion de artesanos ‘Valle Sagrado’.
- Strengthening the organization and development of EcoValles.

There are always a lot of things to do and any contribution will be well received. We have learned that there are no boundaries for development, as long as all our activities are made to promote the rights of everyone, the equality of opportunities, a mutual respect and a life with dignity.

I’m ready to continue my journey through the road of development and human rights, and to become more human being every day, as I’ve learned from different people in every detail I see, thank you all!