9-26-11

Last Sunday Alison and I had our first chance to see Manos Amigas and meet Yaninna who is head of the organization and her husband Mario.  We called Yannina Saturday after some unsuccessful attempts to reach her by email.  Even though they were busy preparing to host a training session led by SERRV, they made time for us on Sunday morning. 

We were conscious of not wanting to take too much of their time and they were being conscious about wanting to give us a warm greeting despite feeling under pressure to get things done.  After chatting for a few minutes and basic introductions, we said, “is there anything we can do to help get ready”.  They gladly accepted our offer.

I got more of a tour of the organization as I carried crates from one area to another.  Alison and Simon met Yaninna and Mario’s 11 year old daughter (Digwi – not sure about the spelling) as they cleaned dishes and filled salt shakers.  Digwi and Simon hit it off famously which we were both glad to see.

Up until our visit to Manos Amigas, I had been feeling a bit directionless in Lima.  My main focus has been on studying and learning Spanish and helping to take care of Simon.  Perhaps I have felt this way because we are currently staying with a family and haven’t moved into our own place yet and because our volunteer work hasn’t begun.  At any rate, it was nice to have a task at hand and feel like we were contributing during our initial visit to Manos Amigas.