“Yes, Teacher!” says one of my students, in English, as I give him a pop quiz. “Why are you so happy?” I ask, surprised. “Because I want to know cuanto he aprendido,” he replies. He wants to know how much he has learned. He wants to know if he is doing well in his English … Continue reading Cuando Pienses en Volver/ Homecoming
Just keep walking !
One year ago I was living the dream in Arequipa surrounded by a family of HOOPsters, never ending sunshine, and stunning volcanoes. I would do anything to have a taste of HOOP life again, so back in April I decided to take on the famed UK ‘3 Peaks Challenge’ with a team of seven other … Continue reading Just keep walking !
From dreaming to doing
The day before my flight to South America, I found an old notebook where I’d created a bucket list. I opened it and read: ‘One day I would like to live in South America.’ I can’t remember writing it, but it made me smile, because there I was, beside my already-packed backpack and my boarding … Continue reading From dreaming to doing
Building trust from the heart of the community
As I am welcomed into the home of Señora Maria Teresa to complete the yearly social work survey, sounds and smells assault me. A dog barking in one corner of the courtyard, a chicken wandering, and little Josue running around with a small kitten yelling “Teacher, Teacher, Teacher”. Working with HOOP Peru as the social work … Continue reading Building trust from the heart of the community
From fear to fulfilment : the story of my internship
As a self-confessed nervous character, I wasn’t sure if going to a new continent was the right move for me after finishing my masters. I could barely locate Peru on the map, I had never heard of Arequipa, and I was only dimly aware of South America. I couldn’t tell you what impulse had driven … Continue reading From fear to fulfilment : the story of my internship
Building a Life in a new Country
I’ve become enough of a regular at the tienda nearest my home to have developed a nickname: “the sandia girl.” In fact, not only do I have a nickname, but the ladies at the tienda now go for the juiciest watermelon they have available when I enter the store. Now, what does this have to … Continue reading Building a Life in a new Country