I am very pleased to say that the children have benefited remarkably by the efforts of William and his English classes. Eva, Jacky, and the students of Choco's San Pedro University's psychology class whose time and dedication has turned children around into new directions and out of some very negative situations. Our foreign volunteers, Rebecca, Sylvia, Lindsey from Vermont, U.S., Sarah, from England, Amanda and her son Edward from Toronto Canada, Dakota and Marlie also from Canada who brought us materials that helped us leap ahead in our progress immensely. Visits from our 'borrowed' volunteers from Teach Huaraz Peru and the kindness of Luis Delgado to partner with us in such a generous fashion. All of these people, 'dedicated' volunteers whose time and efforts, ideas and the way they approached challenges has helped me adjust, adapt and re-evaluate how the project moves forward. The South American Explorers Club, The Omprakash Foundation and Expatperu.com I am a better person and leader as a result of their input and I say thank you to each of you.
Some folks were not able to come to Peru to volunteer but found a way to participate right from their own homes. Using their talents, creativity, and time people like Scott, Angie, Dahlia and Paulina put together a donation event from Arlington Hills, Texas in the U.S. The skills of Karl Buesching, my old friend, has made this website possible. Donations from Mark, Amanda, Sonya, Westley, when they were needed the most as so many more promised that are enroute, are helping us to move ahead. Donations of clothing as well as other non-cash donations have kept the children warm in the cold Andean nights. The sponsors in August 2010 who stepped up to make the First Annual Huaraz Benefit Chess Tournament a tremendous success. Mi Chef Kristof and Cafe Andino donated their cafes to hold the tournament. Many local businesses supported the tournament which enabled us to buy the materials needed to feed, clothe, and school supplies.
Did it all happen "just like in the movies"? I would have to emphatetically say, no. I could write volumes of what should have happened, but didn't. I could lament over the disappointments that causes me to use quotes when using the word 'dedicated' when referring to volunteers. I see it all as part of the adventure. In spite of every negative that seems now, no more than a nuisance, we have succeeded, developed, and grown. The children, each 'dedicated' volunteer, and myself have all seen 2010 as an experience that has taken an idea, a dream, a vision and watched it grown from literally nothing into the solid project helping almost 100 children to date, with no end in sight.
Will their be an orphanage in our future? We hope so, it's in our plans. Will we grow to the 500 children with many more groups in and around Huaraz? We hope so, it's in our plans. Will we be able to benefit from 'dedicated' volunteers who will share the plight of the poor and disadvantaged children while they are here and return to their home countries as "ambassadors" to share what they have experienced and seen here, raising awareness ? We hope so, it's in our plans. As 2010 passes, perhaps you were not part of Changes for New Hope. As 2011 rolls in, join us, come to Peru as an active part of what we are doing here, or volunteer from home by raising awareness through social websites, raising funds, making a donation yourself, encouraging others to do so or shipping the children much needed shoes, school supplies, clothing, personal hygiene items or just a letter to show your support. Everyone have a safe, happy and prosperous new year in 2011. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Peace.- Jim Killon