As I have been here for a few months and gotten to know some of the folks in the community and patients in the clinic I have become a bit involved in there stories…visiting them at home and arranging doctors visits, formula, nail clippers or medicines. Whatever it is that they need help with. I have found the balance of trying to help but also maintaining a healthy distance difficult. For example, today I was asked to be the madrina (godmother) of a baby from Clementina that is going to be baptized Sunday (her picture is below). As much as it is an honor to be asked to take on a responsibility like that it one also has to think about consequences and motives for entering a relationship like that (on both sides). It is a big deal here. In this case I do know the family and am involved, but honestly don’t feel like I would be able to fulfill that role (or pay for the fiesta!!). Oh to be a gringa….

Speaking of being white, I have been painfully aware of my skin color, nationality and socio-economic status the past week or two. Perhaps it was highlighted by the team being here and all the attention we got out in the communities. The differences are pretty stark. I try not to be to cynical, and I realize that our countries are continents apart but I cant help but feel frustrated by the lack of educational opportunities/medicine or you name it. An example is Ana (see picture below). She has a number of serious medical problems (almost every one were preventable, and probably wound not have happened stateside) and because she doesn’t have insurance her case has fallen through the cracks. She has gotten lost in the system and shuffled about from one person to another. From the day of her birth until now a series of unfortunate circumstances and coincidences has led to her current situation…and red tape, time and money stands between her and a cure. Thankfully many Peruvians have stepped in and volunteered to get involved in her case! Private (and w/o insurance EXPENSIVE) pediatricians, an orthopedic specialist, and a physical therapist have waived their fees and seen her. But others aren’t so lucky…I wait for the day when we will be equal, all things will be new and the color of my skin wont get me any favors.

Here are a few that have been on my mind lately...

Ana
Señor Leon
Valeria Antoneli
Señor Jose
The thought of leaving in May saddens me because I am just really getting into peoples lives here and can actually talk to them and get to know them and now I am about to leave. But I am also excited to get back to the states and move to Birmingham and start school. I have so much to learn! I feel so blessed with all that I have been given and I hope that I am being a good steward of what has been given to me. I have been feeling for some of these folks lately. There are no magic fix-it buttons here in Peru...things take time and money and patience. BUT THE LORD has put so many people (peruvian and american) in our paths that are willing to help these folks. Together we are making progress with each one of them!

Salmo 9:9-10
9 El Señor será refugio de los oprimidos,
refugio para el tiempo de angustia.

10 En ti confiarán los que conocen tu Nombre,
por cuanto tú, oh Señor, no desamparas a los
que te buscan.