First impressions of Peru

It all began with the traffic jam.  The airport was modern, bustling with people eagerly searching for family, echoing with crisp vowel sounds of the native Spanish tongue. Outside, diesel fuel from the sea of jitneys filled the air. It was 10:30 pm at night, but the amount of vehicles on the road were reminiscent of 5:00 pm rush hour back in The States. The traffic jam was already symbolic of a cancer survivor’s life of trying to be a normal wife, mother, employee and friend, all fighting for position, merging into a one-lane street.

I soaked-up the sights, sounds, and fragrances, tucking them away as breadcrumbs on my path to have others share along this journey. Void of any expectations, I was diving in to immerse myself into this once in a lifetime volunteer experience, selflessly serving others and helping preserve their strengths within. Not only was it a chance to volunteer, but it was also a unique opportunity to connect with other survivors and caregivers who have experienced the earthquakes and tremors from cancer. Peru is located on the San Andreas Fault. They are accustomed to earthquakes and the fortitude it takes to rebuild. Perhaps, the land itself had something to teach us. After an earthquake, everyone involved reinforces their foundation so they can continue to build.

Volunteer placements

I volunteered at a Manuel Scorza, a preschool up in the hills of San Juan. The center served 90 children ages 3-5 and had 4 teachers. There was limited support for the teachers, and the kids craved attention. Although they spoke little English, our smiles spoke a language of their own. The children were warmly affectionate and richly appreciative of the interest I showed in their work and play. I taught the kids the vowels in English and paralleled it with a song in Spanish. It’s the little things that are etched in my heart: the hugs and warm greetings I received each morning from the kids, the single merry-go-round and the pride of the staff to provide the children with an encouraging day, although it was desolate one step outside their front door. These things will be etched in my mind.

I also had the opportunity to volunteer at Amate, an incredible breast cancer advocacy organization. It taught me just how fortunate we are to have healthcare which supports early detection and screening. Over 60% of the women in Peru are diagnosed with Stage III and Stage IV breast cancer. The women were courageous, resilient and refused to be defined by what they had overcome. It was a privilege to share ideas, identify resources and connect them with breast cancer advocates in the States.

Lasting impressions

I expected to be moved; I did not expect to be transformed. There was no compartment to store the visions of poverty that the people in Peru faced. Children and the elderly, alongside dogs looking through dumps for food. Despite their immediate surroundings, they still seemed to find an unwavering drive and a boundless inner peace. I was honored to be able to contribute to the hope that each child was important and encourage them through teaching.

My experiences were life-changing, and my scope has been extended beyond what I ever imagined. I’m grateful for the incredible journey that introduced me to a whole new world.

Tamara Atkins travelled to Peru in October 2016. She volunteered through Eli Lilly and Company’s Connecting Hearts Abroad program, which partnered with A Fresh Chapter.