Here, then, is a list from Ben Rosen, who’s currently at The Aishworya Children’s Home in Baluwatar, Kathmandu. He’s got a lively and informative blog! We invite you to check it out. And then to apply to travel with UP for yourself!

Here, then, “Ben Rosen’s Top 10 Items to Have While Traveling Abroad!!”

10. DEODORANT: At the bottom of the heap is one gem that I have found to be essential — Deodorant! The reason it’s at the bottom is because I would hope this will be obvious to all.

Wake up in the morning and don’t have a shower or other means of bathing thyself? DEODORANT! Emerge from the jungle a sweaty mess, but want to grab a bite before hitting the showers? DEODORANT! Meet a pretty French girl? DEODORANT? Just don’t feel like showering for a week? You guessed it, DEODORANT, A traveler’s best friend.

9. Winding LED Flashlight: This device could save your life…or at least your feet. If you are traveling in third world countries, you will find that most places only have electricity for a certain amount per day (if at all).

This kind of flashlight may be a bit pricier than your standard torch, but you will be thanking yourself later when you aren’t spending a fortune on batteries and have the power to light up a room at any given moment!

8. Benadryl: Here is something I did not bring, but in retrospect definitely should have! One never knows what they will encounter while trotting the globe. Weird plants, animals and bugs (just to name a few). Benadryl is one of those “cure-all” kind of medicines. Whether it’s bedbug bites, outdoor allergies you never knew you had or a reaction to some food you probably shouldn’t have eaten, Benadryl will be like a good parent; pick you up off your face, give you a pat on the back and put you to sleep.

Benadryl, don’t leave home without it. (In the same vein, an antihistamine cream is also very helpful)

7. Earplugs: These sweet babies are an absolute godsend to the world of travel! You never know what your sleeping situation will be abroad. Will you be sharing a room with a snorer, snoozing in a city that never sleeps, or just have a stupid dog THAT WILL NOT SHUT UP?! One never knows. In any case, earplugs will be your best friend! They are also great to have when using noisy public transportation. (Plus, they are kind of fun to play with.)

6. Odor Resistant Socks: Let’s face it, if you are abroad for more than a month you WILL end up wearing the same pair of socks two, three and sometimes four days in a row. It’s just a fact of life out on the road. You simply cannot pack more than a couple weeks worth of socks and sometimes a place to do your laundry (either by hand or machine) is just plain not available.

If I had not bought a pack of odor-resistant socks (which I did completely by mistake), people would probably be dead right now. I have been around some people who just have normal socks and after a few days you want to run for the hills! So, do your friends and neighbors a favor. Get your self some O-R socks (I got mine at Target!).

5. Plastic Flip Flops/Sandals: Anyone who has gone to summer camp knows that touching a public shower’s floor with your bare feet is a baaad idea. Same goes for overseas, but even more so. There really isn’t much more to say on this topic, just be smart, use protection.

4. Swiss Army Knife: This is one of the big things that I constantly regret not bringing. I have found myself in many a situation where a knife/scissors/nail file/magnifying glass/screw driver, ect. would have been just the thing. OK, maybe not all of those are necessary, but you get the point. Oh, just don’t try and bring it through airport security. You will probably be detained…missing your flight might be the least of your worries then.

3. A Reliable Backpack: I’m not talking about the big ol’ trekker’s backpacks that one sees all over Nepal. I’m speaking of a reliable, sturdy school backpack (North Face is great for these). On the plane, or just traveling around, this bag will hold things that could save your life. (Ok, that’s being a bit dramatic, but still.) It’s nearly impossible to transport everything you might need with you on any given day solely in your pockets. Water bottle, sunblock, guidebook, camera, Excedrin, sunglasses, raincoat, ect. All will fit in a regular sized backpack and I promise you, you will not be sorry that you have these things with you!

On a side note, it’s also a good idea to always have all of these travel basics pre-packed. It will save you the stress of making sure you have everything while packing for a day trip.

2. Walking/Hiking Shoes: These will save your feet from utter obliteration. Most travelers will do a fair amount of walking during their time abroad. Hiking and sightseeing, unless you have feet of steel, will take a toll on your best mode of transportation. Do yourself a HUGE favor. Go out and spare no expense on a pair of shoes or boots. Unfortunately, unlike most apparel, higher price really does mean higher quality, so be prepared to shell out some dough.

A few brands that are good to look at are Merrell (the shoes I have), Timberland and Columbia. Side Note: If purchasing Hiking Boots you MUST wear them in before you leave. A pair of stiff Hiking Boots are worse for your feet than wearing a pair of All-Stars!

1. Pants: We here at www.insearchofwisemind.com did not have to think very hard about our number one pick. A good pair of pants (with lots ‘o pockets) is an absolute must have. The main thing with pants is versatility. Winter, spring, summer or fall, pants are a good choice. Not only will they keep you warmer than shorts (obviously), but they will also keep your legs rash, sunburn and bug bite free (for the most part).

I have yet to wear a pair of shorts since the first couple of days in Kathmandu. Now, those shorts that I thought would be so great are now taking up space in my bag. At least I got them on sale…

Another recommendation, as to leg apparel, is nylon pants. They are light weight, easy to clean and most importantly fast drying! Great for those surprise rain showers! These can be found at any store that has an outdoors section. (Eddie Bauer and Dick’s Sporting Goods to name a couple.)

So there you have it folks, my first and probably last VH1 style countdown. Hope the info was helpful or at the least, interesting. Til next time.

I recently returned from Sarajevo.  During my stay, I had the privilege to visit the war museum and I found this poem which gives a glimpse into the realities of the war.  It also reminds us of how important the work is that we do at United Planet to encourage mutual understanding, lend support to one another, and preserve peace.

Listen
To the breathing of
Planet Sarajevo

Listen
to the Girl crying:
“Death, don’t take me along.”

How many times have we
Uttered
with tears
our ardent prayers for peace?

Death cares not for the girl’s tears,
Death cares not for human prayers

Listen
To the breathing
of Planet Sarajevo

See how full of bloom
Planet Sarajevo is!

Can’t you hear
the blood
pulsating through its veins?

People go-
to have their teeth filled

People go-
to take children for a haircut

People go-
to buy newspapers
the one over there
breeds pigeons.

This one, see,
cannot live
without crossword puzzles

See
how people go
carried away with work!

See how all of them
have aged overnight!
What has made them, all at once
so- beautiful?

On Planet Sarajevo
I saw a man-
he was smoking a pipe- and rushing
by!

On Planet Sarajevo
I saw a man-
eating- and weeping

I saw a little girl,
on Planet Sarajevo,
in the park which was not there
picking up flowers that were not
there!

Death is a thorough reaper,
in vain the girl’s tears,
in vain every prayer for peace!
In the universe-
its name is Bosnia-
a little girl,
with the hand which she has not,
picks up flowers which are not!

This is not war
-in war, there are flowers
everywhere-
this is the struggle from the
Beginning of Time!

In it two principles are fighting
-from the Beginning of Time
to the Day of Judgement-
the principle of Good
and the principle of Evil!

Let there never be an end
to the struggle between Good and
Evil!

Should Good
disappear from the World?

Should the Girl
kiss the hand
of Death the Reaper?
Don’t you hear her crying:
“Death, don’t take me along?”

Don’t cry, little girl
Don’t cry, daughter!

Never, never
will the end come

to the struggle between Good and Evil.

-Abdulah Sidran Sarajevo, February 1, 1994

Hello once again,

The rematch took place on July 27th, unexpectedly, but eagerly anticipated by all.  It was the final week of term and the morning break had provided the opportunity for the students and teachers to collude.  Before I knew it, teams had been formed, students organized, and another soccer match was scheduled in front of the orphanage on a beautiful and clear day.  My team in the last game was narrowly victorious, 10-9, and although I had different team members this time I was confident of yet another victory.  How quickly that balloon of confidence was deflated!  Two of my teammates, whom I called Bob the Builder and Tim the Tool Man, decided a wall was the best measure of defense and occupied themselves at the start of the match to constructing a wall of mud with the aid of a plastic bottle of water.  The two girls in my team whom I dubbed Houdini and Copperfield did wonderfully to provide the illusion of intending to kick the ball but rarely ever touching it.  My other team mates (all under ten years of age) could certainly kick the ball, but their sense of navigation seemed distorted, appearing more keen on sending the ball careening into the ditches filled with polluted water and mud rather than scoring a goal.  It wasn’t all bad though, I had another teacher in support and I also had the best player on the field, Quacky, who happened to also be a duck.  Although Quacky had a tendency to want to rummage in a large rubbish pile in one corner of the yard, he occasionally would grace us all with his presence in the middle of the field, quacking loudly and fluttering his wings, always allowing my team to regain the advantage of play.  So what was the final score?  Well, the game started well and after a 3-1 start I decided it was best to be the goalkeeper and allow my other teammates to score.  Whether due to my poor keeping (in an effort to avoid a ball covered in grime and filthy mud) or poor attacking (for reasons explained above) the score soon became 3-7 and in order to prevent a humiliating loss I decided to rotate myself out of goal keeping to help the offense.  We caught up quickly and soon the score was 9-9, once again the game had come to a nail biting finish!  Tension mounted, students on the sidelines were enveloped by a frenzy of noise, all players were shouting instructions simultaneously…but there would be no winner this time.  The bell had sounded, lunch was over, it was time to go back to class.

I couldn’t have thought of a more fitting end for that game, or a better account of my experience here in Uganda.  An experience where I feel I have made headway (scored goals) and encountered frustrations (conceded goals), with the understanding that I have at least helped to shape the game, and possibly created the environment necessary for that winning goal to be finally scored (delivering permanent and significant change).

It is my last week on the project here, and I am now making preparations to head back to the US.  When I think about what I have accomplished, it is easy to get lost in the details and fail to see the bigger picture, that elusive lasting change, just as one gets lost in the pixels of a TV once too close to the screen.  But at the least I am taking away a better understanding of this continent, of the entire blue and green globe and of humanity, all which may help me one day to make that large scale difference I seem to be looking for.

At the Institute we have finally launched our website (www.ialuganda.ac.ug).  I have contacted about 70 organizations in the hope that one may donate some books or computers, despite a counter intuitive ban on the importation of used computers currently in Uganda.   The institute management software I programmed is being populated with all the school financial and academic data and has been holding up well.  The student yearbook has been published and is finally on sale.  I helped develop the first annual report, strategic plan and marketing plan (including the first detailed competitor analysis) for the Institute, now all published.  I published the first academic program (90 pages in all!), introduced new courses, recruited new staff members (with the aid of a formal interview process and aptitude test), and changed the fee structure to introduce more transparency and consistency.  Over a number of months and staff meetings there is now a wider acceptance of accountability towards the students, and for every one of our subjects offered the lecturers are in the process of developing course outlines (a number have already been completed!)  People do things here now that for many would seem obvious, like taking minutes of meetings, seeking feedback, sharing their opinions, setting goals and trying to exert efforts beyond their responsibilities.  All being said, there are still many areas for improvement, but at least there is more responsibility, direction and positivity now.

I only teach half a day each week at the orphanage, and I don’t feel I have had as much of an impact there with regards to affecting change.  Pieces of foam from an old couch are still used to clean the blackboards, there are giant craters in the floors, pieces of wood flake off constantly from the ceiling and walls, tables continue to break down and be piled in a heap, smoke from people burning rubbish outside regularly wafts into the classrooms, there are never enough pencils, or paper, or erasers, time has dissolved any remnants of the staples and glue that used to hold the text books together…Teachers though certainly know I don’t approve of caning or hitting students, and at least while I am around that doesn’t happen.  I sometimes honestly wish I could find an eraser and clear from the minds of these children some of the bad approaches and techniques they have learnt.  But these children have no other options, so some education is better than none at all, and you have to remind yourself that they really have done so well to get so far.  At 7 in the morning I sometimes run into some of my students, selling maize piled in a pot on top of their heads to help support their families, which always ends in me buying maize that I never feel like eating.  On a personal front I have learnt once more how much I hate the sound and feel of chalk on a blackboard.

I wanted to thank everyone for all their donations, which totaled close to $900 after deducting the wire transfer and exchange rate fees.  I am directing $250 and adding $250 of my own money to go to the orphanage towards books and stationery.  The remaining $650 I am providing to the Institute to support the acquisition of more books and computers.  I am also contributing another $250 to the Institute but this money I am directing towards supporting certain business initiatives I have been helping to start.  Like a wild west outlaw I have been constantly shooting ideas of ways to make money here, so I hope some of the ideas will help people to make an easier living.  My ideas won’t create another Google or Microsoft, but by involving teachers and students at this Institute in new business ventures I am hoping to create new employment opportunities and focus on the practical application of business skills in real life.

Well, this is where I must end, for me one more chapter is complete, though I am yet to figure out how I will write my next one.  There is always as much of a need for financial support as for human capital here, if you have an interest to help more.  Thanks for walking along with me on this journey.  Its time for me to step out of the tropical jungle of Uganda, and onto the fast treadmill of life back in the United States.

My quest to Santiago, Chile was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. That statement may seem over the top, but with a lot of thought and reflection, I find it to be unquestionably true. In the short 23 years of my life, I have been fortunate enough to travel to many countries in Europe as well as China, Australia and New Zealand. I have seen and experienced most of the United States and yet none of these travels can compare with the Quest to Chile. I sit here totally perplexed as to how a two-week volunteer trip could possibly impact me to this degree, and so I ruminate. Maybe it was Santiago’s terrain; a city of architectural treasures, sprouting with palm trees and flowers, yet still nestled between the majestic, snowcapped Andes. Or was it the food, the fresh produce on every street corner, grape vines in my host mom’s backyard, or the pomegranate tree, ripe and flourishing, outside my bedroom window? My eyes were spoiled for two weeks and so were my taste buds, but I am certain that the people of Chile left the imprint on my heart.

Every person I came into contact with made me feel more than welcome and was eager to talk to me, regardless of the obvious language barrier between us. I came to Chile knowing just basic Spanish from high school and the crash course I gave myself prior to my departure. The Chilean people did not get frustrated with me, in fact, they embraced the language barrier and taught me many Spanish words and phrases. I found myself being invited to lunch with my coworkers and their families, playing games with the children at my work site, and staying up until 1 or 2 in the morning talking and laughing with my host mom Maggie, a strong and loving, Chilean woman. My conversations seemed more meaningful because they took hard work, not to mention some hand motions and acting as well. I learned from every person I talked to in Chile, whether it was a sopapilla street vendor helping me with the currency, a child with cerebral palsy teaching me Spanish vocabulary, or my host mother explaining the history of Chile and the culture of the indigenous people, the Mapuches.

I volunteered at a Teleton, a rehabilitation clinic for kids and teens. During my workdays, I was helping the children with puzzles and cognitive activities before their doctors appointments. Although they were appreciative of me for traveling such a far distance to help them, I left everyday thinking how grateful I was to be learning from their unchanging high spirits and kindness.

Chile is a spectacular place and I have met lifelong friends there. It is dripping with culture and beauty, from the Andes, to the Pacific Ocean, to my street, Simon Bolivar. The Chilean people are bursting with life and their warmth and smiles are contagious. They have an unwavering strong nature, even in the face of the devastating earthquake in Concepcion. I can only hope to strive for that sort of strength and persistent good spirit. My only regret about my Quest to Chile is that it wasn’t forever. I could not have dreamed up a more perfect experience.

I have been here for a little less than a week and have already seen/heard things I never imagined I would.

Where is ‘here’? I am at a Rifugio Re Carlo Aberto located by the village of Luserna San Giovanni. This village is about an hour south of Turin, Italy. It’s beautiful here. This the view from my balcony. It was amazing as I walked into my room and saw this view.

The rifugio is a place for elderly people with Alzheimer’s. It’s amazing how many different ways the staff and management tries to make sure that their patients are “happy”. I help with the physiotherapy side of the Rifugio and its really interesting how we take small things our body can do for granted. On Tuesday mornings, we have a “Gimnastico” session. We do small activities such as: Can you join your hands in a “prayer” position and then twist your wrists left and right? I am sure most of you can. But in many cases here, the elderly have a really hard time with that. Also, I noticed that they don’t remember my name. The incredible thing is that they remember me but my name is not registered in their memory.

The best thing about Italy is their life style. Everyone is very calm, laid back, and they don’t get angry at small things. Oh, and of course another great thing in Italy is their GELATO!!! And it’s simply beautiful here. Here is a picture of the view about 5 minutes walk from the rifugio.

Last weekend, I visited the lovely Puerto Viejo. We caught the bus at five on Saturday morning and, because there were no seats left, we sat on the floor for five hours. It was hot, it was crowded, and it was early. It sucked, but it was worth it.

We finally got there at around 11am and met up with our friends for lunch and to plan the day and so on. They then led me to Rocking J’s, a hostel, roughly 15 minutes away from the main beach by foot. The whole place was open air with roofed patios covered completely in tiles of every color put together in giant mosaics. If it wasn’t covered in tile, then it was covered in paintings or ridiculous things that had washed up on the beach. I wish I’d had a camera. The patios sheltered the front desk, a restaurant and then the places to sleep. You could rent a cabin, a tent or a hammock all of which came with a locker. The hammock was the cheapest option (7 dollars), so my friends and I all paid, got situated, locked stuff up and went straight to the beach.

This meant walking through the forest and along the edge of the Caribbean for a while. It was like stepping into a postcard, or someone’s honeymoon photos. Finally we got to the beach, but it was cloudy and the waves were rough so we only stayed for two hours before we went back and took naps.

That evening, we checked out the nightlife, which included fire jugglers and we had a blast. Finally, we returned to our hammocks and went to sleep. If you have never slept in a hammock I very seriously recommend it, it was ridiculously comfortable.

In the morning we had breakfast in the hostel (which was delicious) and went straight to the beach. Unlike the day before, Sunday was beautiful, sunny and hotter than hell itself. The waves were still really rough, but because of the heat a bunch of us decided to risk it. The riptide was really strong, but there was one part of the beach where it wasn’t as bad as everywhere else. Exhausted, we went back to our towels and laid in the sun until it was time to get our stuff and catch our bus back.

Other than that, everything is pretty much the same as it was. My Spanish is gradually getting better. My work is sometimes fun, sometimes boring, sometimes really sad. Some of the elderly are so lonely. My host family is great and includes me in their lives while still giving me some space. I even played paintball with my host sister, it was a riot!

I miss my family, my dogs, and my friends. I miss silly things like my television programs, tuna melts, wireless internet, baked ziti and Thai food. But I can definitely make it five more months. I really love this place, so being here definitely makes up for the things (trivial and important) that I have to do without.

You can check out how Sage is doing by visiting her blog: http://skippyjack.blogspot.com/

Lightning forks across the skyline, illuminating an array of fine eggshell cracks in the dark clouds above.  Thunder follows, wind stirs, the rain commences its sudden downpour, and underneath it all you find me, without an umbrella.  I have found myself in this situation a number of times the past few months, trying to make as much sense of the surroundings as of the situation.

Lightning, bright light, an explosion of fireworks underneath my eyelids.  I open my eyes and find myself ankle deep in a large puddle, rubbish floating on the surface, a soccer ball at my feet.  I am playing football with the teachers and pupils of a local orphanage where I teach half a day each week.  There is rubbish everywhere, the scattered loose stones have grazed my hands and knees thanks to the wires and tires strewn across the small makeshift pitch.  We are playing in front of the four classrooms that make up the orphanage, constructed of wood likely salvaged from the Titanic, the array of holes and gaps providing the primary source of ventilation and lighting for the students.  This is an orphanage where students use razor blades to sharpen their pencils, where writing materials consists of rationed half pieces of paper and a text book must be shared by an entire class.  It is raining so heavily the ball can’t be kicked, instead feet drag the ball feebly through the puddles.  But all this doesn’t matter, the score is 9-8, my team is losing.  An interception and goal levels the score, then a cross from me to a ten-year old teammate results in the winning goal.  Momentary elation!  My lingering thought, how could children learn in this environment?

Lightning, white flash, a vision of a red sea appears through my eyelids.  I open my eyes and find myself on a muddy slope, a brown calf loudly baying at me.  The calf does not like the rain, it is however tied to a stump and unable to get adequate shelter under the neighboring tree.  I am on an extended weekend break, visiting a work mate’s family in a village outside of Kampala.  The family is very warm and welcoming, arranging for their rooster to be killed for our dinner, even though meat is a rarity enjoyed but once a month for them.  The home consists of a few small buildings, parts still with dirt floor, although now with glass windows thanks to our delivered gift!  There is no electricity or running water, a generator is at hand though to power a small television.  The surrounding land is very lush and beautiful, and you only need to take a few steps to collect a diverse range of fruits and vegetables from the large garden.  Quite a picturesque and peaceful site.  As I left the village I could only wonder, how do people live without so many of the advancements of the last hundred years projected on televisions, newspapers and magazines each day?

Lightning, a thousand glittering diamonds, birthday sparklers burning under my eyelids.  I open my eyes and find myself in front of Murchison Bay Prison, one of the largest and oldest correctional facilities in Uganda.  Murchison Bay Prison contains the main referral hospital for the entire Ugandan prison system and we are about to conduct a needs assessment as part of a five year HIV/AIDS counseling and management training proposal.  We are ushered inside a prison with approximately one thousand inmates all dressed in yellow and black stripes, a hive of worker bees busily making honey in atonement for their past.  On the whole, and excluding the toilets, I had to admit that the prison looked well maintained and the prisoners in good condition.  It was only thirty years ago after all that the Ugandan prisons were heavily overcrowded, run down and used as a political tool to imprison government dissenters.  We conduct two focus groups for sixty inmates where I help to dispel fears and raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, while in turn devising the best long term educational program for them.  Our five year training proposal has been submitted to the relevant Ugandan Prison Authorities and is currently awaiting authorization.  The question though that still resonates in my mind, what had each inmate done to be in there?

I think it is due time that I get out of the rain, or at least start carrying an umbrella.  Fortunately today is a bright and warm day, no threatening storm in site.  I am writing this to you on what should be my last day in Uganda.  Time has flown and six months have concluded.  My intention from here was to travel for a little bit across Africa before heading back to America to start my masters program.  Instead I have found myself losing all interest in traveling for leisure and have decided my time would be better spent helping people here for as long as I could.  So until the end of August, when my academic year starts, I have arranged to stay in Kampala, still on a volunteer basis, with the hope that a little more time will make the difference.

I have enjoyed seeing the positive changes transform people here.  I have led a number of proposals and in the last few weeks we won and delivered on one of them.  Three of the four classrooms have now been fully constructed, although they are still without glass windows.  Yesterday the welding and cutting business operating in the giant red freight crate in the school yard was finally evicted!  Also, today a new edition of our educational program brochures were published and we shortly will be launching our website.  But these are small steps and there is still so much that is needed.

Many of you have asked how you could help support the project here.  The following is a link to allow you to make a tax deductible contribution: https://www.unitedplanet.org/donate.  Please detail my name in the donor section so that your contributions could be directed to my project.  There is honestly so much we could use the funding for, such as to finish the classroom construction, provide more text books, improve the computer resources, get a better printer, the list is long…but any contribution, no matter the size, would be valued.  If you know of friends that could help contribute, please share this with them.

When the sunrise over the snow-capped Andes welcomed me to Chile, I knew I was in for a truly humbling and life-changing experience.  I was not disappointed.

As it had rained the night before my arrival, the normally smog-filled skies of Santiago were crystal clear.  I was able to capture photographs showcasing the natural beauty of the sprawling metropolis.  With each picture that I took, I was reminded that I was far from the flat plains of Indiana.

In Santiago during the first week of my quest, I traveled to my English-teaching assignment with my host sister, Elizabeth.  Every morning she would guide me to the “colectivo” station (shared taxi) which we would take to her school.  At her school, I worked with two English teachers who were responsible for teaching English to pre-kindergarten students through seniors in high school.  As a teacher in the United States, I observed that these teachers have a heavy teaching workload.  In addition to preparing for several different classes, these teachers also moved from room to room, carrying their teaching materials with them.  This is very different than the middle/high schools in the United States where the students usually change rooms. Also, my assigned school had only female students, thus giving me a different perspective on classroom dynamics.

The children I worked with were wonderful.  Some were very hesitant to speak English to me while others wanted to practice as much as possible.  I was fortunate to help some high school students with an oral presentation about their future careers.  The drive and motivation of these girls really impressed me.

For the second week of my quest, I traveled to Valparaíso.  I gave CAP presentations to students at a technical college who were studying English.  As I spoke, many students smiled and nodded.  I could tell they were learning something, which as an educator made me feel like I was making a difference.

During my two weeks in Chile, I was fortunate to live with two remarkable families.  Both of my host families opened their homes, hearts, and cultures to me.  They were so patient, really trying to slow down their pace of spoken Spanish so I could understand them.  I will always be grateful to them for their kindness and compassion.

My host families introduced me to Chilean foods and customs.  I grew fond of having “almuerzo” (a large lunch) and then later in the evening having “once” (a small meal).  They introduced me to “completos” (hot dogs topped with avocados, tomatoes, and mayonnaise), “sopaipillas” (fried bread but different from the Mexican version), and eating avocados on toast for breakfast.   Being that it was late fall in Chile, I learned that in order stay warm, wearing layers of clothing, including several pairs of socks, worked the best, as most Chilean homes and schools do not have central heating.

Throughout my quest, the generosity of the Chileans and the pride they have for their country instilled a sense of awe in me.  Whenever I needed help, such as getting the right seat on a bus or finding my way back home, someone was always there to help me.  Whenever I was introduced to someone new, he or she always spoke lovingly about his or her city and welcomed me to it.  I was lucky to be in Chile as they prepared for the World Cup soccer competition.  From commercials on television to merchandise being sold on the street, it was evident that Chileans are proud of their “fútbolistas.”

In short, every day in Chile was an experience I will never forget.  I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to travel there.  I am honored to have learned so much from so many wonderful, loving people.  A sunrise welcomed me to Chile, and a magnificent purple sunset over the Andes bid me farewell as I entered the airport for my journey back to the United States. Even though my quest is over, part of my heart will always remain in Chile.

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My taxi arrives at the orphanage. It is near the Plaza San Sebastian across from the Collegio de Virgen de Fatima. Some of the older kids who we have not met yet go to Collegio and do not arrive home until later. Immediately there are Holas and hugs and smiling faces. Everyone is downstairs eating lunch at a proper table this time. Jon is already there and holding baby Jessica. At 21 this young student of Micro Biology is one of several impressive fellow volunteers. As soon as you meet him you sense his compassion and good heartedness. The kids are amazed at him because he is blonde and about 6,3 in height. He asks me to teach him about babies since he has not worked with them, and since he plans to be a pediatric doctor he wants to gain more firsthand experience. I assure him I would be happy to help, and my concern with Jessica is she is at about a 6 month developmental stage. In fact my friend’s baby, Keir is more interactive at 3 months then she is at one year. I take baby Jessica into my arms, and I am happy to say she has a clean diaper and has been fed. I really want to work with her to make eye contact, smile, make sounds, and try to walk. Ironically the kids break out this drink that is like a Pepsi with vitamins. It is their after lunch treat, and little Jessica comes alive….

The older girls start asking me if I like babies, if I want to have another, etc. They then tell me that Freseney, who is at the Collegio, is turning 13 today. They ask if we would buy her and the others something sweet so they could have a fiesta. You see nothing as far as I can tell has been planned. I tell them I will confer with Jon. After Jessica finishes her cola I bring out the ball. She really likes it!! She hits it with her hands, and I roll it to her and she sort of rolls it to me. I tickle her and I get a smile. My day is already a thousand times better than yesterday; yet unbelievably, it continues to improve.

I go upstairs with baby Jessica to join Jon in the play room, and the kids have ripped into the paper and pencils. They are drawing and making pinwheels. The boys help the girls make their pinwheels that they then hold out of the window in order to watch them spin in the cool mountain air. I am drawing hearts on cards that the girls are making and everyone is having fun. Jon and I decide indeed we will go get a cake for Freseney’s birthday, and I also determine that I will get milk, a bottle, and some baby food for Jessica….

When we get back to the orphanage there is excitement in the air. The director’s husband who just came into town helps us set up. We fix up a table with a table cloth, set benches enough for everyone around the perimeter of the room, and put out the cake. The husband fixes the stereo so there will be music, baby Jessica has been redressed in pink and now everyone is wanting to hold her, and Jon replaces the burnt out lightbulbs. The mood was contagiously exciting!!

The older kids get home from Collegio and immediately begin to ask Jon and I questions. The directors are in the kitchen making popcorn and some kind of chocolate drink, and Freseney is excited because she is going to have a great party! Unfortunately for Juan (as we call Jon) and I we have to leave for our cooking lesson. We keep pushing the time limit though, helping the girls with their English homework and playing with the kids. Finally at seven we have to leave because we are already late. We say good evening and leave feeling hopeful and even helpful after a much improved day.

Our cooking lesson was a short taxi ride from San Blas, and was held in the home of another host family. Dina a woman in her 50s was not only exceptionally beautiful and kind but an amazing cook. We made a dish that takes mashed potato which you stuff like a giant ostrich egg with sauteed chicken, onion, bell pepper, and spices. Roll it in flour and then fry it until golden. Serve with a side of steamed broccoli and a vegetable medley of beets, green beans, carrots, mixed in mayonnaise. Add a little cocoa tea (not addictive but helps with altitude sickness) and Coca Cola to drink it was a delicious home cooked meal.…

As we said our goodbyes and headed to catch our respective taxis home I began to think how much this is a place of extremes (at least from my perspective). Sometimes the only way to cope with them is through half a measure of common sense followed with hard work, and half a measure of humor and laughter. However, upon further reflection, I find that all this seems to be the case at home as well, now doesn’t it?

To read more about Shannon’s time abroad, visit her blog! Want to plan your own Quest to Peru? Visit our website and start planning your own journey.