Ciao Cusco

Today was another early day; Clara asked us to be at Huch 'uy Runa by 10:00 because they had something special planned for our last day. We arrived at 10:00 and by 10:15 we were starting our workshops. Today's workshops were identical to yesterday's and Friday's except with 5th and 6th graders. They picked up everything a lot faster. In our station with the recorders we were actually able to not only teach them basics and how to clean the recorder, but a little scale too. Below are some pictures from today's workshops.

Once again, we had them meet all together at the end for some big group singing and motions.

Look at Lorna's video here: http://youtu.be/lMvrD5_VEKQ

After our music workshops we went down to meet with Clara before the surprise the kids had planned for us. She had this super weird fruit called a "granadilla" and started peeling them for us all to try. They were soooooo good. It was similar to a pomegranate but smaller and it grows all over the place in Peru. First, you take off the hard shell, then you use a spoon to scoop the seeds out from the inside.

After our fruitful adventure (get it) we were in for the surprise of our lifetimes. We all sat down in a row and the kids all lined up in the courtyard. 

The kids and teachers had put together an entire program and each grade had a special part. They wanted to thank us for the work we had done there. First, the littlest kids came forward and sang a song in their cute costumes.

Next, each grade had one kid come up and give us their completed forms and pictures. There were conveniently six grades and six of us! We each got a packet of their forms and a hug. 

Next the 3rd graders came forward and performed a traditional Peruvian dance. You can see the video here: http://youtu.be/loqvzLM-uB0

After the dancing the teachers explained how each workshop made each one of us a special gift so that we would remember our brothers and sisters in Peru at Huch 'uy Runa. Then, the children came forward and gave us the gifts.

Then Clara stood up and said some words thanking us for all of our hard work and presented Dale with a poster. After that, Dale stood up with Ofelia as his tranlslator and told the kids how grateful we were for them and that they truly are the kingdom of God.

Now, it was time for the kids to go to lunch, so while they were getting ready Clara showed us the dormitories, the doctors office, and the dentist office. They only have 30 beds at Huch 'uy Runa and they are mainly for emergency. 

Then, we joined the kids and all of the staff for lunch. The teachers served every single one of the kids and they all waited for everyone to be served before eating.

During our meal Clara leaned over to Annie and I and told us that the kids have a hearty lunch, because some of them go home after school, and are not fed until they return the next morning to Huch 'uy Runa. She also told us that when the younger kids first start there, that they are hesitant to eat because they have never had food available to them, therefore they are required to stay inside and sit down until they finish all their food. 

One girl today didn't like her beets.

Today provided us with such an insight into how amazing the teachers truly are at a Huch 'uy Runa. After the kids finished with their lunch they all left and it was our group with the staff. The amount of dedication each teacher gives to the school and the children is unbelievable. From the way that they selflessly serve everyday in the classroom to literally serving the children their meals, they are all amazing people. After lunch each teacher had words for us of praise, thanks, and assurance. When we were all together we asked them how we did, and reminded them that our main objective was to enable them to continue teaching music everyday in their classrooms. They all expressed how pleased they were with our work. They looked at us and promised they would practice and continue to build on our teachings. 

We then had the staff congregate for a final photo.

Pictured above are teachers Edwin, Susana (principal), Jacqueline, Walter, Maria Luisa, Clara (director), Edgar, Nilda and Boni

After a very lengthy goodbye or "Ciao" in Spanish, we left Huch 'uy Runa until next time...

After leaving Huch 'uy Runa it was hard to get the children off our minds. We spent the afternoon in the sun again in the main square because it was too nice outside to be in our hotel. We waited until 4:30 when we knew the children from Huch 'uy Runa would walk through the square on their way home. As they passed us we waved hello and they ran over to us and gave us hugs. They asked if they would see us tomorrow. It was painful to tell them that we left for Lima at 7:00am. After the final kids left the square, we decided to go to the chocolate museum to clear our minds.

We had a sampling of chocolate, coffee, and a brownie! It was all delicious!

To close the day we all spent some time packing and went out for a final dinner in Cusco at our favorite restaurant below our hotel. 

With a 4:00am wake up call tomorrow, Ben Beyond the Bubble better get some sleep!

P.S. The carpet fumes are back. Again, if we don't make it to morning, send help!