Patrick in Peru

'It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men'~ Frederick Douglass

(Karen) Being out here I'm yet again reminded that I've been unbelievably and undeservedly blessed with my parents and childhood. Childhood is an unknown concept for many children around the world who simply don't have the luxury to spend time playing, exploring and laughing, and who are expected to take on adult roles long before they're ready. Huaraz seems to be a mix of both worlds - better off families with children enjoying their childhoods and those in the majority, whose children know more of work than playtime, daytrips or outings. Of course there are some great families here but many parents don't seem to appreciate the value of spending time with their children, encouraging them and letting them know they're loved. Often these children grow up starved of affection and as a result, look for others to provide it from a young age. Situations like this across Huaraz mean teenage pregnancy is very common. In essence, children are parenting children without much knowledge or experience behind them and so, the cycle continues.

These have been common experiences among the children we see everyday whether in the feeding programme, on the streets or in the Casa Hogar. We're not so naive to think we can dramatically change their lives and sadly we know that in the future many are likely to experience this brokeness that the above quote refers to; however, in the short time we're here we're trying to offer something different while praying that the God who can do more than we hope or imagine will work in their lives.

SO...on to the Casa Hogar and the amazing kiddies who live there. When we arrived there were 20 kids living in the C. H., now there are 16 - 2 baby boys were adopted before Christmas and a 15 year-old and her baby daughter decided to return to the family who had previously abandoned them (we've not heard from them since). The decision was made in January to separate the boys and girls into 2 different homes - 6 boys live in the boys home and 10 girls in the original C.H. Due to a lack of finances, they're unable to accept anymore children at this time.

From the start we've wanted to help give these children a bit more of a childhood, while also considering their physical, emotional, educational and spiritual development - giving attention and hugs, having fun, helping with homework, teaching music, playing games and sport, running art activities and organising special events that they can look back on and smile.

After the fun and drama of the Casma trip how could we resist the opportunity for another Robinson special?! As March arrived we realised there was really only one idea worth pursuing - St Patrick's Day! And so, the madness began. After hours of planning, shopping, preparing, baking and dividing up party bags, a simple party soon become an extravaganza! Since Peru's a Catholic country we called it the 'Day of Ireland' party so they didn't think we were encouraging saint worship. We were tired before the party even began!

But what a party!! 2 gringos, 20 kids and 4 tias (staff) in the rural Andean mountains of Peru celebrating a little island on the other side of the sea that many of them had barely heard of. Firstly we had the NI party game favourites - pass the parcel, musical chairs, messy games, chubby bunnies and of course the well known game of 'Pin the Leprechaun on the Pot of Gold'! These were followed by the party food classics - top hats, cornflake buns, chocolate truffles, jelly, ice-cream and fizzy drinks - which proved a big hit. Then we had the compulsory cultural elements - traditional music, photos of the homeland, clips of Riverdance, a Shamrock competition, a quiz game we created called 'The Game of Ireland' (original) and green balloons everywhere. As that part drew to a close we took the opportunity to talk to the kids about our faith and what it has meant and does mean in our lives. They listened really well and perhaps more miraculously, I managed it all in Spanish, result!

Of course, no proper Peruvian fiesta would have been complete without a few of its own essential ingredients - a huge cake with more cream than cake, Inka Kola, and the pinata. The pinata took the form of Ben Ten who we renamed Patrick and who the kids took great pleasure in beating to smithereens. When Patrick exploded out burst sweets and toys and the whole place went mad as all the kids and tias dove to the floor to grab what they could - we just stood back and laughed! All chaos then broke loose as they began throwing around all the leftover sweets, bursting balloons, screaming and jumping on us or the furniture - well, we figured if you can't beat them, join them! That night we went to bed totally exhausted but with big smiles on our faces.

Later in March we took advantage of the Easter holidays for some more fun and games. 3 tias, the kids and I went to some nearby ruins for a picnic where the mud, river and wildflowers seemed to provide hours of entertainment. Then, just as my mum still does for us each year(!), we organised an easter egg hunt in the C.H. with mini chocolate footballs, followed by egg painting and an egg race down the hill. This again led to a lot of hyper kids - the tias must love us!

Thanks to all those who've been praying for these kids and our events. It really is such a privilege to be part of their lives for this short time.