6.3 on the Richter scale!

At times, the stories I read in the media about natural disasters seem sensationalised, motivated by sales and profit.  Having volunteered in Haiti last year, I believe that even if this is true, no story can ever capture the anguish and devastating effects of the 2010 earthquake.

Well, in the early hours this morning, I experienced an earthquake, here in Ica.  I sat on my bed as the ground shook violently, it was as though a train had crashed through my window at full speed. It couldn't have been for more than 30 seconds but during that time a lot of things raced through my mind - that's for sure!  Strangely I felt a sense of calm, but it was mostly unnerving and unsettling.  My mind and body wobbled for ages after like jelly. I can not imagine what the people of Haiti and Peru (and around the world) have gone through and continue to experience.  According to reports the earthquake measured 6.3 on the Richter scale.  Waking up after a very intense and sleepless night, I could only think about those who were living in poorly structured homes and hoped that no one was hurt.  I can't help but put on my psychologist hat; I wonder what were the psychological effects of the 2007 earthquake on Peruvians.  I also think about how each new tremor agitates an already fragile state of mind. These issues are important to probe in Haiti too, and around the word for that matter!  What must it feel like to know that an earthquake could happen at any time and that it is completely out of your control?  Are people living in a constant state of fear?  What can be done to empower people living in earthquake prone areas, especially those from socio-economically deprived backgrounds?  How can we help those who face this reality, particularly in developing countries?  I hope to begin to answer some of these questions whilst I am here... one thing I do know is that this experience has certified in my mind that there is most certainly a higher power out there.  I stumbled upon the American Psychological Association (APA) natural disasters webpage last year whilst in Haiti.  Unsurprisingly, I am compelled to unearth this resource today and re-familiarise myself with its content.

My volunteer work over the past few years has reinforced just how passionate I am about development on a local, national and international scale.  And the importance of engaging in work that enables me to make a meaningful and positive contribution to society. If you can be happy at work and love what you do, then I believe that you have found true success!

Wow! Life is really precious and as a one of my best friends recently said "what a gift it is to be alive, and to know it".

Settling in...

I am slowly settling in to life in Ica, living in the desert has its highs and lows! The weather is hotttttt as you would expect and the humidity just knocks me out!  The kinda heat that makes you feel lethargic, yet you know that you have lots of work to do. I guess that's why they have siestas here, but to be honest that isn't working for me at all! Thankfully, the pace of life here is laid back and its probably a good thing that I'm getting the chance to slow down a little. I'm quite lucky to leave my house and be faced with sand dunes, not everyone can say that right?! However, when the dust and sand blows, and it does frequently, I sigh! Living in the desert is nothing like that Sex and the City 2 movie - let me tell you! I also have the pleasure of living on the Pan-Americana - the only road that links the North and South of Peru. You can imagine the noise!!! It's like being in my own epic car racing/lorry driving movie- the special effects are intense!

 Life is simple here, yet complicated. I've enjoyed learning about the Peruvian culture, history and politics during my orientation in Lima, and now experiencing it for myself in Ica. Forget the red London buses and grimey tube, I'm riding in tiny mototaxis back and forth on the bumpy roads of Ica now! I must admit, I definitely experienced a culture shock in Ica, more so than in Lima. Lima felt familiar, like I was in a European city, whereas Ica feels totally new and exciting but also overwhelming. It's interesting because Haiti was probably the most shocking reality that I have ever been faced with - the juxtaposition of the lush landscape, marvellous people and devastation of the earthquake on infrastructure and peoples lives. I instantly felt an affinity to Haiti. Whereas, it has taken me much longer to adapt to living in Peru, which is a surprise as I do adore Latin American culture. A learning experience nonetheless, and I have come to understand just how resilient and flexible I can be. I have definitely had my moments though i.e. w'hat the hell am I doing here?' But overall I am so thankful to be here and to work with Progressio and the local organisation, Casas de la Salud de Ica. I am slowly starting to find my feet and am very happy here. I look forward to the new experiences that await me...A dream has come true: to engage in meaningful work in South America! Yeehaa!!! I really have to step up my game and learn more Latin American Spanish - what a beautiful language! My understanding is improving, and I need to work on my delivery. I'm quite confident in interacting with the locals and more than happy to make a fool of myself in the process, and if all else fails hand gestures can be very useful!

Food is a big thing over here and life is centred around meal times. I have to say it will take me a lil time to get accustomed to some of the local dishes, but I have most definitely developed a penchant for Chicha Morada - juice made from purple corn, that is native to the Peruvian Andes, mixed with fruit and spices. Yum! The ceviche and chicharron de mariscos (think seafood tempura but nicer) is simply delicious too. On the other hand, my non carnivorous ways really are NOT understood here! The amount of times I've ordered a vegetarian dish - topped with swine of all things (gross)- is just hilarious. Moreover, people will look at you straight faced and claim that there is no meat in the dish lol! Oh well, keep on smiling...I'm in Peru!!!

Food aside, I'm here to facilitate a research project on child development with Casas de la Salud de Ica.  Situated in Acomayo, the local area is not the most joyous place to be, but once you step inside the premises it's like being in a little oasis. There is such a positive and warm vibe at Casas and the staff are very welcoming. I came to Peru with few expectations and am happy to have found out that I am able to engage in a project that I am truly passion about - y'all no research and helping others is my thing! And to learn from others and share my skills too. The project is about the effectiveness of the Wawa Wasis (early education/childcare) programme for children aged 3 and under, in terms of physical health and psycho social development. Wawa Wasis, is a government initiative that is driven by local people, and enables children from low income families to experience a nurturing and stimulating environment during the day, whilst the parents are out at work. We hope to share our findings with the local community to raise awareness of the outcomes that can be achieved and to encourage more families to involve their children with the Wawa Wasis programme. I am working in a small team at the moment and we are currently reviewing the literature and designing the study. I feel that I am finally able to put all of my research training, enthusiasm, and voluntary experience into a tangible and well thought out project. I hope to make a difference here, no matter how small.

All pics courtesy of Google images. Don't worry, I'll share my own pics soon... :)

2 + 2 + 12 = finally in Peru!

I finally arrived in Lima, Peru after 16 hours of flights (2 hours to Madrid, 2 hour layover & 12 hours to Peru) and 2 sleepless nights. We made our way to our current home at night, and despite the darkness, the new and old colonial buildings of Barranco immediately stood out! I have come to Peru to volunteer with the charity Progressio as Group Leader and will help carry out a research project in a province south of Lima called Ica. I am soooooooo excited to start! Other vounteers will be working in different projects in Villa El Salvador too. But before we dive into our projects, we are having an orientation to learn more about Peruvian culture and to improve our Spanish skills - I hope to be fluent someday! Lima is a bustling city full of life and energy, which in many ways reminds me of the hardworking and lively Haitian people! I have already been able to draw a few comparisons between the two countries, yet they are very much distinct! What first springs to mind is the devastating effects of the earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010 and my time in Leogane- the epicentre of the quake. Similarly, I will be living in Ica, which was hugely affected by an earthquake that occurred in 2007. Like Leogane, Ica is an extremely poor town where little has been done in terms of reconstruction despite large sums of money being raised to support a disaster relief effort. It will be very interesting to see, first-hand, what condition Ica is in and to experience the Peruvian way of life, so to speak. I like to think of myself as a realist idealist, and sincerely hope that things will improve both in Ica and Haiti. My research also tells me that Ica has a large African Peruvian population and I am extremely curious to find out more about them, as well as Peruvian culture and history in general.

I am also struck by the strong sense of faith in Peru, which again reminds me of Haiti. I visited the local square a few days ago and was lucky enough to view the beautiful big church that stands proudly in the centre. Catholicism is the main religion here, so it is fitting that I am volunteering for Progressio. I am volunteering as part of the new International Citizen Service (ICS), which enables young people, like me, to engage in international development through working on small projects in developing countries. I am specifically working for the COAST (Community Organisation and Social Transformation) programme. What I particulary like about this great opportunity is that I will be able to experience fieldwork overseas, which is often hard to come by. Moreover, I share the vision and values of working alongside grassroot organisations in projects that are very much driven by local people, rather than enforcing ideas upon communities!