Living Heart Peru

My first visit to a Highland community

Mary — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 21:24:26 +0000

As a new volunteer with Living Heart I was excited about my first visit to one of the communities served by the organization. I accompanied Rita, our Quechua speaking nurse, who provides therapy to Jose Antonio for a neurological disability. We were warmly greeted by Crisologo, the father of Jose Antonio [...]

The Abuela

Annette Cini — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:03:19 +0000

Nanna. Grandma. Nan. Granny. These are all words that ring clear, and for most of us, bring us the warm, familiar, childhood memories of our grandmothers … Rosy cheeks, thick-lens glasses, and outstretched arms eager to engulf our little bodies in a bosom-smothering embrace, with fingers-at-the-ready to pinch our chubby cheeks.

However, for the Living [...]

One Family’s Sacrifice

Annette Cini — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:05:30 +0000

As our combi rattled to a stop, we were greeted by the warm, open smile of Paola. Jose-Antonio, snuggled tightly into the colourful woven sling on her back, also greeted us with a toothy grin.

We made our way into Paola’s home, and Rita (our Living Heart nurse) immediately began therapy with Jose-Antonio consisting [...]

Anyone for a Cuppa?

Annette Cini — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:22:22 +0000

Hot chocolate. It would have to be listed as one of the all-time, favourite drinks amongst most kids. But for many Peruvian children in the remote parts of the Sacred Valley, many have not even experienced the pleasure of tasting it.

Every Christmas, Living Heart launches a program that takes us to the rural communities [...]

Are You Green?

Annette Cini — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:31:56 +0000

The kids were lining up at school when we arrived at the highland community above Ollantaytambo. They stood in a neat line, bright-eyed and big-smiled, and gave us a sing-song ‘buenos dias’, as we made our way through the village.

The hospitality we received from the locals was warm and open during our entire 2-day [...]

A New Year for Living Heart

Jess — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 21:08:35 +0000

The day in the Sacred Valley of Cusco starts bright and early for most of its inhabitants. The hot sun at this altitude rises early when most people are already well on their way to work, school or the fields. But it does little to warm your bones when the air is as cold as [...]