Dear Bruce and Ana Tere,
First I must thank you both for all you did to make our stay in Peru wonderful.
All your personal attention is greatly appreciated.
I have been waiting to recover from a cold before writing so I could say how much I appreciate all you did for us.
In the meantime Tom recieved your email and I can only say that at least your life is never dull!
Thanks so much for the update on all the activities, for I hold Bruce Peru close to my heart.
For me Bruce Peru was one of the most emotionally satisfying experiences of my life.
It started with you on your journey to find poor and underpriviledged children in Las Delicias
and Torres de San Borja, who would benefit from your program.
I remember meeting with the mothers who wanted their children to come to school
and then planning with Dianna how we would start our program in the classroom at the municipal offices.
With the addition of Rosa, our porgram seemed complete and we started our school
bringing the niños the opportunity to learn and a meal each day.
How can I describe the joy of arriving each day at school to be greeted by the niños
rushing up to kiss my cheek and say, "Buenas Dias, Senorita Barbara."?
To be able to see the niños progress in their learning; some from learning to write their names,
to cooperating in the outside games was sheer delight and in some ways one of the most enriching
experiences, despite my over 30 years of teaching.
Then finally to see the graduation ceremony where the niños received their certificates, uniforms,
notebooks, and their lovely mochillas made me feel as if I really had contributed something to their progress.
And to think all this happened despite the unforseen problems of working in a poor country and in a different culture.
The work you do is truly amazing. Thanks again so much everything.
I can only hope and assume that the organization will continue to do all the great work you do so well.
Please keep us informed when you have the time and know that you both remain in our thoughts,
Barbara (and Tom)