Today on the blog, we’re spotlighting Wanda Lucas and her perspective(s) while in Peru. Wanda is a Washington, DC based, 10-year survivor of breast cancer who believes that there are no coincidences in life. Believing that things happen as they are meant to, she also acknowledges that we have the power to choose how we will respond. She is grateful for the opportunities that the choice can bring. 

It is surprising how much I yearn to be back in Peru, now that I have returned home. I miss the young girls from my volunteer assignment as much as I miss my fellow tribe members. “My girls”, as I refer to them, reside in a group home since being rescued from exploitation. Our role was to show them kindness and offer them friendship with the goal of fostering their ability to trust again and yet, I was the one who was ultimately changed. They taught me that while being vulnerable was scary, the reward was worth it. I learned that true communication is much more than speaking the same language. So much can be said through a hug, a laugh and the desire to become friends. As the days went on, my girls hugged me longer and tighter and reinforced my belief in the true connections we had made. I think about them every hour of every day.

We arrived in Peru and embarked on a new adventure together becoming a tribe; a tightly knit group of individuals brought together because of similar experiences. Our tribe operated as if we had known each other for years. I have connected with a group of strangers before, but this time it was different. What was true for all of us was that we had “stuff”, we had pain and we wanted something different for ourselves. This amazing tribe taught me what holding space for another truly means. They did not just speak idle words; they allowed their actions to forge the bonds that were made. They held confidences, provided honesty, listened and shared making everyone feel as though they truly mattered. I learned that connections can be made quickly and certain connections are simply unbreakable. A true tribe shows up for you and they do not let you quit. They are your cheerleaders in person and in spirit. They bring light to your life in ways you do not expect and often cannot describe. That is what I have in my life as a result of the Peru Odyssey – a true tribe.

Since I have been home, someone questioned why I am continuing my Spanish lessons. My answer is simple. My lessons allow me to maintain a connection to Peru. It makes me feel as though I can still talk to my girls, despite being thousands of miles away from them. It makes my experience in Peru with my tribe a reality.

To read Wanda’s other posts, click here: Spotlight from Peru: Wanda Lucas on Unbecoming and Peru Odyssey Spotlight: Removing the Mask by Wanda Lucas.

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