Huancayo

The Christmas season is here and exciting things are happening! My husband's company has a project in the mountains here (hence the reason we moved to Lima). Part of their project is community relations where the company is commited to improving lives of people living in rural mountain communities, including those people who have disabilities. Being married to someone involved with this exciting and rewarding work certainly has it's perks! This Christmas, the company my husbands works with decided to purchase gifts for 600 children with disabilities who live in the mountains where the company has their mining exploration project. I was lucky enough to help with the purchase of these gifts which was the funnest shopping adventures I have had! I had an absolute field day in China town, chosing toys for various needs and abilities. Purchasing puzzles, games, stuffed animals, beads, balls etc by the dozen. I wish I took photos of the absolute mayhem of the market. The toys were transported to Huancayo where the events took place. Lucky for me, I also had the pleasure of assisting my husband and his colleagues in distributing the presents. A party was organized for the kids including a live band, presents for everyone and dancing. My Mum also got to join in the festivites because she happened to be visiting for Christmas, so it was sort of a family affair. For these kids, this was an opportunity that they wouldn't normally get, as presents are somewhat of a novelty. Below are some pictures of the event. A great way to share the Christmas spririt, and an unforgettable experience!

La Alegria en el Senor: The Facility and The Kids

I have finally put some photos up of the facility, it is one of the nicest facilities I have ever seen. Here are some photos of the rooms for physiotherapy, hydrotherpay and the pool:






Here are some shots of the children's christmas party, the most exciting time of the year! Santa and his elves came as well as Mr. and Mrs. Frosty. Each child received a gift that was provided and organized by the volunteers of the school. Everything detail is so organized and well planned and I am constantly amazed at the dedication of the staff and volunteers.

A Different Kind of Rehab.....

I have missed the last week of working in the two centers because I have been busy with some new arrivals in our home....5 puppies who were abondoned and were going to be put down if they didn't find a home arrived on our doorstep last week. They were found in a garbage pile in a shanty town in the south of Lima where I used to work and where we rescued our current dog from. These babies needed a lot of love and to find new homes as well as some vet assistance as some of them were quite ill. With the help of some very wonderful people, all the dogs, (with the exception of one who is still sick), have recuperated and are in their new homes. The mistreatment of animals and the lack of knowledge around spaying and neutering pets is abundant here, resulting in a serious problem with street dogs and dogs being abandoned. I guess they didn't have Bob Barker explaining the importance of spaying and nuetering here....The experience has been very emotional, but I am thankful that all has turned out well and I can get back to working and sleeping!!