Teachers (Havn't) Got Talent

For all of your enjoyment!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsN5mta0UL4&feature=youtu.be

School

Today was my first day back at school and it was a blur. I wanted so badly to go in just to see friends, and catch up with what I've missed. However, I realised even as I stepped through the gates that it wouldn't be the same. That the slightest moan would agitate me and I was right. It's difficult trying to fit back into a society that is unappreciative, but you have to cope, because they haven't seen what you have. 

The food isn't as nice either!!

Lunch break on the other hand, was very different. Those who visited Peru met in Hops' room, and we spoke about our feelings and what has changed for us. It was interesting to hear what some people had changed about themselves, as well as how they had changed. It was revitalising to be with people who understood how you felt.

For me, this journey was life changing, and I now aspire to be all I can be, and live my life to the full. 

Although the journey within Peru is over, the journey within our hearts is still on going. Project Peru 2013. Never forget 

Back to School

After two long days of travel I am sitting at my desk reflecting on what has been a life changing trip. It has been a journey of discovery.

We have seen  people living in  conditions we couldn't  imagine......

...... and have been overwhelmed by the positive and joyful way that they face such challenging conditions.

We have travelled on a bone shaking bus.....

 .

 

                                                          

Went to work on a boat and bounced up the Amazon..............

 

 

 We hugged children.....

 

 
And animals hugged us....

 

We met a wonderful women who gave love and security to many children.......

and who has the most amazing laugh........

It was an amazing journey of discovery and the greatest part was the journey deep inside as every one of us discovered more about ourselves. Not only did we discover the simple joy of caring, playing and comforting young children, we also experienced the blanket of care and comfort we give to each other as well as endless laughter.

In our nightly reflections we supported each other in dealing with the emotional challenge of the day and the big questions we were asking ourselves.

I had a truly remakable journey and was acompanied by truly remarkable people. I want to thank them all for giving themselves so fully. I want particularly thank Jo Hopper for her elephant........

 .............. and for caring for all of us.

Finally, on behalf of Project Peru 2013, I would like to thank the members of our community, families, staff, students and Governors who made a journey of a life-time possible. Because, as it says on our art work...........

......We did live life to the full!

God Bless

Gerard Moran
 

 

 

 

Final night💖

I'd just like to say a big thank you for tonight. Although we weren't working, playing or praying, tonight really made this amazing journey unforgettable. Those who surrounded me, made my time here surreal. Thank you everyone! 

Also, thank you for the awards and the amazing gifts from the angels, especially mine, it was perfect! SHOUT OUT TO BATESON!! 

Might take up rock smashing now, oh and I may become a dance instructor, need Willis blush more at how bad he was tonight? 

Hops hops hops 

Over and out amigo's, for the very last night in Iquitos, you will be missed Mitch 💞

The final countdown!! Mitch takes over take 2

We have just finished an amazing experience in Iquitos. This morning was kicked off with a trip around a local market. Each individual on the trip was given a mission at the start of the Peruvian adventure to look after a selected person on the journey. The markets gave us all the perfect excuse to spend some soles on the person we were to look after...... It's amazing how people can link various jungle items to memories they've shared with people in the group!

We then walked a few blocks to a local Chinese. The air con was beautiful - imagine sweating for 16 days solid before walking into a freezer and you're almost there!!! We were all treated to a wonderful feast thanks to an anonymous donation from a generous member of staff at St. John's. Inca cola and sweet and sour chicken was devoured by all!

As we all headed back to the hotel (loaded with Asian cuisine) we took time to write small notes / affirmations about each person we'd travelled with. It's amazing how quickly you realise How beautiful, gifted and unique every single person is when you are given time to think about those you'd have shared the past few weeks with.

Tonight was also the AMAZING EVENING OF PERU HAS GOT TALENT! Each group was given the task of creating a song or dance reflecting their time here. Needless to say it was yet another opportunity to witness how incredible each and every individual at St. John's is. It's safe to say there are some sights I can never unsee......

I maybe biased but..... St. John's prides itself on being a school guided by gospel values and this trip just shows it a million times over. If you a parent, sibling, friend, wife, husband, boyfriend. girlfriend or teacher of any young person here please be proud of their achievements in Peru. I know you haven't seen them work here first hand but they truly have blossomed into beautiful, insightful, gorgeous, witty, insightful youngsters (and oldsters!) who I am so proud to call amigos after this journey.

Finally I would just like to say a HUGE thank you to Jo Hopper. She has been a modern day Karl Kennedy here in Iquitos. As a group we called upon her to be a friend, teacher, counsellor, medic, comedian, musician and general saint. She'll probably die a little inside reading this but as I'm doing the blog tonight I can say what I want! HOPS WE LOVE YOU.

Adios amigos see you at Newcastle airport!

Mitch xxxx

Queens of $a$$ - lyrics

Wake up in the morning and we've got the shits, 

Grab my glasses I'm at the site we're gonna paint this city, 

Before I leave brush my teeth with a bottle of agua,

When we leave the jungle, we ain't going back. 

I'm talking pedicures on our toes toes,

Wearing all our work clothes, 

No wifi on our phones phones.

Hop skipping, eating our favourite ice cream, 

Running up to the rooftop, 

Tryna get a little bit tipsy.

Chorus: Don't stop lovin' hops,

Going walkies to the shops,

Tonight got a fright when we got a mozzie bite,

Tik Tok 6 o'clock then the working don't stop, 

Ohh... x2 

So many cares in the world and we're shedding a tear, 

Got my soles in my pocket and G-Dawgg's ready for beer,

Now the dudes are lining up because we're European,

But we kick em to the curb because Joe Plumb told us to.

I'm talking everybody moving junk junk,

Cruising in the jeep trunk,

Bed bugs in our bunk bunk. 

Now now we work till we burn out out,

Saturday went down town town,

Rocking it with Hannah Brown Brown Brown.

Chorus x2

We build walls up,

We break rocks up,

The hammer pounds,

The heat got me now.

With my paintbrush,

We got this now,

Lisa got that cloud,

Yeah she got it.

We build walls up, 

We break rocks down,

The hammer pounds,

The heat got me now.

With my shovel,

Fill your barrow,

Fill your bucket.

Now the party don't start 'til Stampy walks in.

Chorus x2 

Futbol (England v Peru)

Hola bonitas! 

Today has been proper class! it was much needed and then it was the big game. In a game filled with controversy we ended up losing by two goals but we put in some hard tackles (diddzy) and left some Peruvians crying on the floor, so all in all it was a success. Now we're getting ready to session (approved by G-Dawgg) tonight and go salsa dancing! 

But in gen thanks everyone for a wonderful experience, had a brilliant fortnight, I loved the jungle and the animals and really I've loved every part, from the plane (even though I missed the end of Silver Linings because there were ox-bow lakes tempting me to look out of the window) to playing futbol every day.  Daniella was a class footballer and it upset me the most that she'd known me so little time and cried when I left, it saddens me that she won't get the same opportunities I've had in life. 

I've loved the various sing songs we've had, big shout out to Hops who has released plenty of tricks from her sleeve. I didn't realise how class she was until I came here and she's properly inspired me in my time here! (Her name was Deborah, Deborah). Most importantly though, I've loved every single bit of food here except the coleslaw, can't wait for another round of plane food (mmm tomato juice). 

Although I don't want to leave here, I'm ready for home now, I'll take loads from this experience and I know I'll look back with sadness but inspiration and moments of laughter (cheese). Not gonna  lie though can't wait for a good chicken balti pie and I've really missed rice. My time on my fave continent and on my fave river has been one I'll not forget. 

Watch room 1s space in the talent show!!!!!!!!!

Crooksey x 

Football craic

Last day in the children's centre

Megan loving her ice cream

Bus time

Crew

Children's centre

Day 12 - me vas a hacer falta amigos

By the title of my blog I'm sure you are now aware my Spanish is now at excellent levels and also miss Hopper is always around at the most convenient times.  

 Today started on a high, instead of having breakfast at 6:30 we had it at 8:00 so from the get go we were happy! I was made even happier as I won the prestigious place of window seat on the bus, things were going good. 

Unfortunately for me the sun decided to come out it's brightest today, whilst the majority enjoyed this, me and my ginger skin were not amused. 

Our project only needed the finishing touches today so for once there seemed to be too many people! Me and Zand were having none of this and became recluses from the sun in the pink room where we painted all morning. Even just painting a cooking pot on a wall gave me such a sense of satisfaction as my soundtrack was the children's laughter from the nursery and I know that they will love our end product. 

Lunch was the usual; chicken leg, potato and lettuce but today we had peas and carrots in our rice so we were all very excited for that. After lunch I rang home which was such a pick me up as being so far away from every one is definitely taking its toll. However once my 21 month old nephew was giving the phone he was quick to hang up on me, accidental or not, thanks Noah. 

We then headed to the children's home for the very last time. I was terrified of saying goodbye to these children who I'd formed such bonds with. Particularly a little girl called Johanna, although only knowing her a week, not being able to speak the same language and having an age gap of  8 years I found a friendship in her similar to the one I share with my sister. I will never forget her, I will never forget any of them but especially her. I even gave her one of my hats and if you know me then you know that I would have parted with an organ easier. I honestly fell in love with the place, I will always remember little Osilia's laughor the girl's faces when watching a video of themselves on my iPod before shouting 'TV! TV!' ingrained in my mind. These girls thanked us before we left but really it's us who's thankful, they've taught us more about ourselves and the world than we could have imagined knowing and they also allowed us all to act like big kids again which is always good.

Tonight was mine and Katie's reflection, our subject was resurrection. We wanted the group to think about how Peru had allowed us to resurrect ourselves, how we have change into better people than we were before hand. I personally believe that this experience has made me a much better person with a realistic yet still optimistic view for the future of the world and I'm very thankful for that. 

 Anyway, I apologise or the length of this blog but blame Willis for asking me! I must go to bed now as Hopps has warned us of a late night tomorrow. Seshhlaaa. 

Oh and I forgot, to any teacher reading this, our air con is leaking and we don't know what to do. Please help!

Thanks amigos, 

Hutch xo

*Spell checked by Zand*

Day 10 - Beaten but not Broken

Evening All

Due to circumstance Jo Hoppers contribution to the blog will now be on Sunday! Please don't stop reading! 

The routine and environment are starting to take their toll, poor Jonathan had to spend today in the clinic with pretty serious dehydration, he is ok now and upstairs resting but joins the long list of bruises and scrapes the group is accumulating! 

For the penultimate time we did our split day and spent this morning down the site and the afternoon at the children's centre! 

This mornings session at the site was my most rewarding, we finished laying a concrete floor which means all this classroom needs is a lick of paint and we can over a great working environment! We have finished a mural, whitewashed another wall in preparation and are giving another some personal touches and it's done! 

Some students went on the burrio walk and found it hard going! It really is a tough environment outside of the church compound and is unimaginable being submerged in the conditions; sanitation, infrastructure and a hand to mouth existence are alien to us all but we are lifted by the presence of Diego, he comes to help us build his classroom everyday, whenever we drive in he is waving at us and his enthusiasm is infectious! Whenever we are low are realise what we are building isn't bricks as mortar, it's a step on the ladder for him and many others to get a better life for them and their family 

The afternoons session was also tough as it was a goodbye to the older girls in the children's centre we are teaching in, it overall was another good day with plenty of laughs 

Overall it was an emotional day, with many students questioning a belief they have that allows such poverty, but an excellent reflection encouraged our students to question the questions, and we are currently sitting having some excellent discussions about our trip, and feeling renewed, refreshed, refocused and reenergised as a result! 

Thanks for reading

Lee

Day 9 - Tropic Thunder : A Stampy Blog

Hello all, unlike the other bloggers mine won't be as swag, but it will all be good in da hood.

The morning started very early leaving the hotel at 7, traveling on our own private bus with every journey the widescreen crack getting larger. After a short journey passing  though the town and barrio. We arrived at the building site full of energy and enthusiasm to start mixing and moving the cement into our developing classroom as well as designing and painting a classroom last years Peru team built and painted outside the nursery. 

The painting was lead by Lisa our professional artist, who had designed a play school theme though out the school, from swings to cartoon children. The students enjoyed expressing themselves though this creative project until the sky's open with buckets of water falling down on us. After fighting through, it was too much and all work was on hold. However, this did not dampen anyone's spirit and as soon as it stopped everyone was in 5th gear to get the work done.

We arrived back to the hotel for a nice break and a hearty meal of chicken and vegetables. Then we ventured off to the local all girls school run by nuns, where staff and students became children once again. With a range of activities being carried out such as face painting, hair band making and sport activities.  I have never  seen anyone so happy just by playing pass the balloon backwards and forwards. The laughs and smiles from the children made a huge impact on me. How something so small can bring so much joy and this put my life in perspective, on living in the moment and being happy and positive, as it could always be worse. The time spent at the school flies by and it is a struggle for us and the pupils at the school to say goodbye.

We arrived back at the hotel for our tea, which was a hamburger and chips (it wasn't as good as a McDonalds, but it sure beats rice and potatoes each day). 

We finished the day with a reflection from Jo on Justice, the reflection moved all of us when Jo talked about her work at and history of El Salvador. This allowed us to reflect on how we are helping to provide justice to the local community by providing the essentials (a warm inviting classroom)  needed to educate the community.

That's all folks,

Stampy

Around Iquitos

Everyone loves a comedy Willis injury

Another great day in the children's centre

Sing along time

Bonita

Day 8 - Bateson Blogs!

Hola amigos!  So then......... It's my turn to write today's blog. So to start with I'm loving the breakfasts. You can't beat some crusty bread and real butter and the scrambled eggs are gorgeous. I'm not seeing the problem with that really.  Someone had asked for something different to scrambled eggs and it was quite exciting to see boiled eggs out as well ha ha.  

The bus rides to the barrio project are great fun.  Full of silly games like 'Celebrity' and 'snaps'.  I love being at the project.  I'm thinking its my favourite part of the trip.  Our first job today was to empty all the classroom furniture from the top classroom into the old church hall.  Every single one of us worked up a right sweat in minutes.  It was hard work but so good to be doing physical labour.  I love it. After that we all separated to different jobs.  Some moving rubble, some sanding and painting the classroom scenes and others went for their walk round the barrio. 

I went outside into the barrio to paint the outside wall of the nursery.  This was my first go at painting here and it was fun.  Within minutes I had a blue face and was just generally multicoloured.  My first challenge was to identify with Lucy the colours of the rainbow.  I never realised the nursery school version I've stuck to all my life isn't real! Who knew indigo and violet were actually important colours! Painting there in the community with locals walking past going about their daily business was touching. I feel comfortable here and contented and as usual I didn't want to leave to go back for lunch.

Lunch was FISH.  Those of you that know me will understand my ultimate sadness and this was shared by the majority of students.  It was made better at tea time though with fried chicken and chips,I've  never seen kids eat so fast!  The major problem with today is the mosquito bites everyone has.  Some people have been munched more than others and they are sore and itchy not to mention totally awful to look at.  Oh well ...........

The children's centre isn't what I expected at all.  It's like an oasis of innocence, wonder and safety.  No matter how tired, hungry, sticky or homesick you're feeling, two minutes in the company of these children is an instant remedy. They just want to join in and play.  Playing is such a simple treasure that I rarely see now in the UK and to see our students just playing without a care in the world for anyone or anything is amazing.  The enjoyment, satisfaction and instant fulfilment they get from teaching them crafts, playing football, smiling for a photo or just drawing with a crayon is touching.  Not to mention exhausting.  Honest, Our students on the trip are amazing!  Every parent, teacher, friend and relative should know they would be so proud to see them giving love, laughter and comfort in this little haven.

So as I sit here writing my first ever blog as the rest of the group sing 'let it be' I'm thinking WOWSA.  This is special.  This group of staff and students are sharing a truly magical, memorable and unique experience that will stay with each and everyone of us for a lifetime.  It's truly been a privilege to spend time with this group of students. To sum up my time in Peru so far; BEAUTIFUL! 

Over and out amigos xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Our first afternoon in the children's centre

Just a few pics as the connection is awful!