Strong Sense of Community

We´ve spent a week among the beautiful people of Ica and experienced the generosity of the poor. It is amazing how the people live in such difficult situations yet share everything. There are communal kitchens where the government gives small stipends to responsible residents (mostly women) to cook for those in need of food. The concept is that everyone contributes something, even if some can contribute only their hunger. From what we´ve seen in Ica, no one is hungry.

Several days ago when walking through the neighborhood where the first house was constructed, a woman met us to ask for help for an elderly couple next door. The woman was in a wheelchair and her husband had difficulty walking. The only family was a daughter who worked outside the house and they did not welcome visitors. Another neighbor also expressed concern for this couple as their house was destroyed and they are living in rubble. The sense of community caring is deep, and yesterday we returned to visit the couple and offer prayers. We learned that the government doctor was scheduled to visit today. Pepe, our guide and invaluable translator, will be monitoring this family´s situation carefully and helping as much as possible. Also, as we were able to enter their home, so now the woman who runs the community kitchen will be able to visit, monitor and help this family.

The people of this growing agricultural community are poor, mostly immigrants from elsewhere in Peru, but warm and generous. The children are beautiful and loving. I will always remember the sense of community and selflessness inherent to the culture of the people in Ica, Peru, and also the sense of community of the Lakeside team. This has been a truly wonderful experience and for this we are blessed.

We return to Lima today, and to our loved ones in California tomorrow.

Ciao,
Stephanie